Stopping anticoagulant for procedure.

[Frances123]

I am having a procedure under light sedation on Monday and have been told to stop apixaban 3 days prior to this. Since last Tuesday I have been going through a phase of increased ectopics either singles or runs of a few several times a day. No Afib or rise in HR but wonder if I am more at risk during those 3 days? Thanks.

[Jalia]

I had ( and still do have) quite alot of ectopics prior to op earlier in year but cardiologist was not concerned. (Warfarin stopped...)

[Frances123 in reply to Jalia]

Thank you for that. Only had to stop for 48 hours previously and didn’t suffer many ectopics then. It was just a thought that popped into my head. x

[37Polly]

I have done both, had a procedure where I stopped taking Eliquis and a procedure where I refused and had a less invasive procedure and stayed on my Eliquis. I did that because I was having frequent bouts of Afib at the time and weighed the risks. It’s a judgement call but most often you are fine stopping for a short time. Best of luck.P

[Frances123 in reply to 37Polly]

Thanks Polly. Agree it’s a judgement call and to be honest I wouldn’t have even given it a thought if my ectopics hadn’t decided to have a rock festival! x

[DawnTX]

it may be that you were just stressed about the procedure. I’ve never had a problem stopping it however my last two procedures wanted me to stay on it. I think they are still learning what works and doesn’t work with many of us. We are not the only ones learning new things so are the doctors.

last Monday I met my new cardiologist for the first time. We spoke about the cardioversion he was wasting no time. While I was in the office with him I lost my voice and started hyperventilating and wheezing. I couldn’t tell you the last time I had that happen and up until Friday I was on the verge of tears physically and mentally. You could hear it in my voice. The reality had set in and I was really afraid. If you knew me you would know I’m a little crazy and I’m not afraid of much. I worked law enforcement and you really can’t be afraid or you couldn’t do your job.

just remember you are going to be fine. I was and I am so glad that I got to have the cardioversion. We are warriors facing what we do every day with this thing

[Frances123 in reply to DawnTX]

Thanks Dawn. Cant say I was feeling stressed as I have had this procedure (non heart related) done several times before and never given stopping apixaban a thought. As I replied to Polly, I wouldn’t have done so either this time if the ectopics hadn’t decided to have a rock festival! Sorry you had such a rough time in your cardiologists office but at least you were in the right place to receive help. Hope you are better now. x

[DawnTX in reply to Frances123]

The cardiologist I had problems with is no longer my cardiologist and I found a wonderful one just 15 minutes from home instead of 2+ hours. It was obvious his entire team adores him and I got special treatment because of that I think. My new doctor wasted no time. I met him last Monday on Friday I was scheduled for an echo and ended up with my cardioversion. I went from 158 heart rate since April to 82 I think it was on the monitor. I am excited to see as of today Wednesday I was 79 this morning. Things happen for a reason and I am very very happy to have my new doctor. The staff was lovely I wanted to adopt them all. It was like having family they even brought me warm blankets to put around me while we were waiting for things to get rolling. I have my follow up on the 31st. Thank you for your kind words and I understand. The ablations did not worry me but I was terrified of having a cardioversion. I ended up getting a surprise Friday when the doctor decided to do both procedures that day. It was good because I didn’t have time to dwell on it.