AF and AMD - effect of anticoagulant

[Engineer46]

Has anyone else with AF and wet AMD experienced a sub-retinal bleed?

I was diagnosed with persistent/permanent AF six months ago at age 75. No physical symptoms other than irregular and raised (just over 100) heartbeat. Taking 1.25mg Bisoprolol and 2x 5mg Apixaban since diagnosis. No other treatment offered, due to having no symptoms. I have normal BP, weight etc. I have higher than average cholesterol, but have declined statins.

I have had wet AMD for over ten years, treated with injections of Lucentis that have stopped the condition getting worse - so I can still drive.

This Tuesday I detected a sub-retinal bleed in my best eye. I decided not to take the Apixaban that evening, nor the next day. I went to A&E at the Western Eye Hospital on Wednesday, where this was confirmed and an urgent treatment appointment was made for this week.

I called my GP to ask about the Apixaban and he agreed that I should stop taking it and re-evaluate the situation when my eye had been treated. He noted that my AF stroke risk is low and purely down to my age, so stopping the Apixaban was not a problem.

[Lovetheoutdoors]

Hopefully you will get the professional advice you need. I'm 73 and been taking apikaban since diagnosed with AF. Not had a problem with it. However I'm on holiday, tripped over and badly bashed my knee. We went to local hospital but because I'm on apikaban I couldn't be treated and was sent to the main hospital for head scan etc!! Left after 5 hours with 2 stitches in my knee which obviously poured with blood, due to apikaban. So not a good start and now can't believe how painful and swollen my knee is. Sorry I've rambled!! I also take statins and no problem with them.

Hope you get sorted v soon.