Anticoagulants

[Hammerboy]

Slightly off topic but I'd appreciate some feedback if possible

18 months post ablation, things going well and a telephone review with the arrhythmia nurse last week. Much fewer episodes, months apart and relatively mild Advice given to go on the list for an RF touch-up which could take a while so relax and enjoy your life

I'm happy with that so onwards and upwards .GP called to book a routine blood test which came back normal. During our chat I mentioned a change in bowel habit (looser) and he said because of my age (66) it would be wise to have a FIT test .I picked up the kit and handed back the test next day .2 days later I was called by the hospital to come in for a colonoscopy under the 2 week referral system .Nothing from the GP regarding results so looked on my patient access app to find a note saying 'suspected lower GI cancer .

It has shaken me a bit so called the surgery to be told there were invisible traces of blood in my stool sample .I ask questions of course but they just kept saying we don't have answers so wait for the procedure next week.

I had a sigmoidoscopy in October due to a small fissure that has healed well and the result was one tiny polyp that was removed and a few small internal hemorrhoids that rarely bleed .

My query is really , can taking anticoagulants such as my daily dose of 60mg Edoxaban cause any digestive bleeding .The surgery couldn't answer

I'm fit and well , no weight loss, good appetite ,using the gym and exercising regularly .It a bit of a kick in the teeth after learning to live a better life with AF

[BobD Volunteer]

Nothing is impossible but the risk/ benefit equation is still firmly tilted in favour of taking anticoagulation. Anticoagaulants do not cause bleeding but they may enable such to last longer due to slower clotting. You still need an injury of some kind to start bleeding.

My understanding is that most bleeding if it happens is the result of acid erosion in the stomach or oesphagus rather than lower intestines but like always we are not medics.

I fear you will have to hang in there till you get the full results .

[Hammerboy in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob , at least I don't have to wait too long .The joys of getting old eh

[CDreamer]

I’m no expert but my husband went through very similar experience. My understanding is no, anticoagulants will not cause bleeds but they will exacerbate them but that in the case of intestinal bleeds - this may be of benefit as they will be picked up & investigated so much more easily and quickly.

There was a thread about this a few months ago, can’t remember who but if they see this post they may jump in.

Hope that helps.

[Hammerboy in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks , I appreciate the reply 🙂

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear about this Hammerboy, let’s hope you get some good news eh! I’m not able to advise you on whether or not you should continue to take your anticoagulant but I’m happy to share my thoughts. From what we hear, anticoagulants do not cause a bleed but it is likely they will make any bleeding look worse than it otherwise might be. Perhaps you should also talk to your Arrhythmia Nurse as she might discuss it with your EP. It will be interesting to hear what others say…..every best wish…..

[Hammerboy in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks

[rosyG]

Could well be another polyp but any blood in stool is checked Re cancer Hope your results are ok

[Hammerboy in reply to rosyG]

Many thanks for your thoughts 🙂

[jeanjeannie50]

I think any blood coming from the bowel is labelled 'suspected cancer' so that tests can be authorised and deemed necessary. Hone in on that word 'suspected', they don't have any results from your pending colonoscopy yet. Is that happening soon?

Best wishes and please let us know how you get on.

Jean

[Hammerboy in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean , yes my procedure is booked for the 30th so not long to wait 🙂

[Frances123]

Sorry to hear this Hammerboy and can understand it being a worrying time for you. Thank goodness you mentioned looser stool to GP and everyone is on the ball to get it sorted. As Jean has said it’s only suspected so keep remembering that. As many will tell you, GPs, nurses, consultants etc because it’s a 2 week referral it doesn’t mean cancer and can be other things but they want to find out quickly what it is and treat it. Please let us know how you get on. x

[Hammerboy in reply to Frances123]

Many thanks for your kind thoughts and of course I'll update you on my results as soon as I can 🙂

[Countrydweller2]

According to Google gastrointestinal bleeding is frequently found in such patients in emergency rooms.I haven't felt well enough to live my life since starting them, but having already had a few strokes each getting worse I am afraid to stop them.

[Hammerboy in reply to Countrydweller2]

The lesser of two evils I’m afraid