Concern

[TheGrinch2]

I've just been diagnosed with Afib and prescribed anticoagulant, I'm worried about the risk of bleeding

[BobD Volunteer]

First and obvious question is why?

I'm guessing the oft missused term "blood thinner" makes you think that you may bleed spontaneously? You won't !

Anticoagulants slow down the clotting process meaning than any injury may take a little longer to stop bleeding. I have been taking warfarin for about 17 years now with zero problems . OK a savage attack by some brambles in my "garden" might leave a bit of a mess but no serious injury. About the only thing to worry about is head injuries so avoid contact sports and don't try flying without an aeroplane.

I have been involved with motorsport on the engineering side most of my life and still build engines at 77 and never even think about antcioagulation other than it is helping me avoid a stroke.

[TheGrinch2 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob for that.l was more worried about the horror stories about bleeds on the brain or stroke being caused by Edoxaban I have been prescribed

[Hidden in reply to TheGrinch2]

Totally agree with BobD. I've been on Warfarin for 13 years ...no problems. As for risks, I'm now 78 and still drive buses, only just gone from full time 11 hour shift driving to part time. Plenty of traffic accident risks. Have had 3 surgical procedures without problems, CT Scan, 2 Cataract surgeries and a right knee replacement. No problems either with procedures or with Warfarin.

John

[TheGrinch2 in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou John much appreciated

[mhoam]

Take some care , probably not a good idea to do any contact sports😀. Normal cuts and bruises will probably bleed for a bit longer but clotting still happens, just more slowly.

If you have a fall or bump your head some other way then take yourself to A&E promptly and make sure they give you a scan of your head. Otherwise just get on with your life.

[TheGrinch2 in reply to mhoam]

Will do thanks

[mrgwair567]

Hi The Grinch, I’ve been taking Apixaban for 7 years with no problems! During that time I have had several procedures i.e tooth extraction, 2 cataract surgeries, and endoscopies. I do agree with the others , in relation to a head injury you should go to A &E immediately, otherwise no worries! Hope this helps.

Regards Lynne

[TheGrinch2 in reply to mrgwair567]

Thankyou Lynne

[Bagrat]

I'm 78 have taken anticoagulants for 9 years along with a pill I won't name which, when I searched less than mainstream sites( not sensible ones like BNF and drugs.com) listed as a side effect as "sudden death". It has been brilliant. Agree with all the above comments.

[TheGrinch2 in reply to Bagrat]

Thanks a lot for input

[secondtry]

After diagnosis it takes a while (or it did me) to accept that all treatments are a compromise with downside as well as upside. Anticoagulants are a perfect example. You are left with your own subjective decision but unless you have compelling reasons, I suspect you will be better off taking them.

[TheGrinch2 in reply to secondtry]

Much appreciated