I tripped this afternoon and fell on my hand and hit my cheekbone on the pavement. I came to A & E and they are checking me with a CT scan because the apixaban. Has anyone here fell and hit their face? Obviously I am worried and didn't expect this. I nearly didn't come as I got up straight away and felt ok
Fell and hit cheekbone : I tripped this... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Fell and hit cheekbone
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Karendeena
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It's always difficult to know what to do for the best isn't it! I guess it's better to be checked out though, to be safe rather than sorry.
I once lifted a very heavy door into my garage and had a really sharp head pain. Later when I looked in the mirror there was a deep line by the side of my mouth downwards. I was convinced I'd had a stroke. Ambulance came and took me to hospital, paramedics saw nothing wrong with my face and my daughter dashed to see me. She couldn't see any line by my mouth either. Had loads of tests and then was sent home next day and given the ok. I felt foolish for making a fuss about nothing. The line by my mouth must have been there all the time and was probably just the way I caught it in the mirror. I met up with a friend who was a nurse and when I told her about it she said she had done the very same thing (saw a line by her mouth in the mirror and thought she'd had a stroke). I felt relieved.
Hope all is found to be well for you.
Jean
unfortunately falling seems to have become my new hobby the past three years. I will say I’m thankful and no serious damages except for my face.
that was actually my first blackout from a fib I fell on my concrete floor. It wasn’t pretty. I wasn’t yet on blood thinner, but I did manage to break many front teeth as well as push the top ones up where they don’t belong, including the roof of my mouth. That was a long and painful recovery believe it or not. They did a battery of Nero test and found no problem. We didn’t know. I had a fib yet, but my primary was the first one to do an EKG and suspected right off about my heart, although not the a fib yet.
in the beginning, you could see the bruising under the skin. I have fallen down and somewhat broke a but the palms of my hands immediately turned black I hurt, but I was OK. I tripped over one of those cement barriers in the parking lot. I didn’t think I really hurt myself. I tried to break my fall with cars on both sides of me but later that night I had the bruise from my shin travel to my thigh. I will tell you in the past three years the bruising has become minimal. I don’t know how or why I have knocked myself in the head. I don’t go to the doctor usually I’ve never been to the ER. my first blackout, I blacked out twice that night and hit every part of my body front and back and just a month ago. I lost my balance outside and went flat back in my driveway, hitting the back of my head and again every part of my body getting up as a problem because my knees are not good luckily my was right near me I crawled thankfully the door was unlocked and I used my car to get up
I don’t know what they tell us to do. Maybe Bob can say I just fell the other night. Usually the worst part is getting up most of the time in the house. I tend to fall on something soft like a dog bed what happened the other night my right that side of my head hurt, but my fall was broken. it’s hard to know when to go to the hospital. I waited three days after my first a fib blackout wow did I get yelled at by everyone that knew what happened in the hospital? The fact that I even woke up the next day was a miracle they said. The first time I thought I was in my bed. It turned out. I didn’t really crawl there, but I thought I did the second time I did and I went to sleep until the next day. The doctor had nothing open so instead of telling her what happened I just said OK I’ll take tomorrow. Not a smart move.
most of my are balance, and most of them are because of my back and hip not my heart or head, but you are right with the anticoagulant what is the right thing to do if you can’t see under the skin how do you know as I said, I used to bruise terribly now even if I cut I do not bleed that much. I am no longer a bleeder like I my last I think they said I only lost teaspoon. You made me be a question for my doctor. It sounds like my bleeding is normal and should not go on longer even with the anticoagulant.
I hope everything turned out OK let us know and let us know what they send you away. Did they tell you you come? I’m asking for I know when it comes to a fib. My EP said it’s usually a waste of time they will strictly stabilize me and reach out to him. There’s nothing they can really do if it’s only a fib or flutter. Especially with my pacemaker now as long as it’s working OK and I am monitored 24 seven so they know all I can really do is wait it out like everyone else. There is no magic wand for a fib flutter so unless it’s a heart attack or something else, most of us are learning, we just have to deal with it.
I used to see people with huge black bruises on their arms I guess now I know why I didn’t know what the time but they’re probably on blood thinners also. One thing I have noticed is a scar easily now even from a cat scratch. The neurologist actually asked me what happened to my arms. I told him a litter of kittens, lol I made it through childhood with barely a scar now I am 72 and a mess mostly my front arms.
best of luck I’m glad you told us about this. Let us know how you are doing.
Oh dear Jean, that's strange! I have just got in. Scan of head and face showed no interceanial bleeds thank goodness but going to have one hec of a bruise on my face. My hand is painful but they think it's just bruised, the X ray showed no broken bones. Think I was lucky
Thank goodness no clots or breaks. What a nuisance it all is though. Feel sorry for you, these accidents can happen so easily. Years ago I broke a bone in my foot when hanging out washing. Just twisted my ankle on a patio. Can't remember too much about it now. Hope your bruises heal quickly. Jean
It's good to hear everything is ok 👍. You did the right thing in getting checked, it saves you worrying.
Thank you ❤️Not the place I wanted to be all afternoon sitting with the walking wounded but glad I did
Yes, fell heavily on my face but as I also landed on other parts of my body they were at a bit of a loss to decide what to scan, x rayed my face and said it was ok but later I was found to have fractured ribs! They definitely should have done a head ct scan but just sent me home with a ‘head injury’ leaflet. Later when a heavy garage door hit my head (long story) I did have a scan, luckily no bleed. You did the right thing and they are doing the right thing, hope all is ok.t
In..cold months my husband and I have to remind each other about opening car boot. Last year I forgot and it came down on my head with such force it brought tears This year was his turn and head was banged but the thick wooly hat lessened the blow!
I have done that as well. I felt like those cartoons where the character suddenly has stars in birds over his head and I had a lump immediately raise on the top of my head. I remember talking on the phone to my daughter. she thought I had been drinking. I was slurring and I couldn’t stay awake within a day or so later I suddenly fell forward into the wall, banging my head that is when I started these falls. It’s almost like my head is too heavy. I cannot regain my balance if forward. My doctor at the time said it’s very common for someone with a concussion to get a second one I can verify that because I’ve done it since
I waited two days to go to the doctor when I was sent to the hospital. They had the same situation with face was a mess. I actually pushed my top teeth to where they do not belong on top of breaking many I still have not been able to have correcting dental work because trying to get cardiac clearance, they have to weigh the benefits versus the risk because of bleeding. I am going to need everything removed. As far as teeth. I was probably one of the few that liked the mask during Covid because you couldn’t see me.
I went through a neurologist and all kinds of testing with those plugs all over the top of my head, etc. they told me they didn’t find anything. I still try to have a sense of humor. I I was afraid you were gonna tell me that you mean, there’s nothing in there lol they sure can be group. The worst was the headache. I had it for months I had had a head injury many years ago also when I was hit by an 18 wheel truck while I was stopped at a red light for whatever reason I am so blessed just the other day I fell off the stepstool while trying to put up a drape I actually had fallen less than a week prior to that usually I fall for a reason the problem is if I start, I cannot regain my balance and I fall down
the other day I realized I need to accept my age of 72 now I have always said I’m 35 in my head. I guess my body is reminding me that I am really not 35. I don’t know when that happened lol
it sounds like you also when you think how much worse it could’ve been
Hello Dawn, that sounds horrific especially the part about the dental work that you really need but may not be able to have. Unless one has a deep savings pot you have to wait months for a cardiologist to see you. When I was about 8 I can remember playing on a swing in a friend's barn. There were a few of us there of different ages up to 12yrs. Suddenly someone is yelling to me watch out. I got hit on the head by the swing with person on it. Someone rushed me over the road to my mum. I had blood streaming down my face. Was rushed across to Mrs Court who administered first aid with anti septic stuff on cut and head bandage. No hospital nor doctor. I'm still here at 80 trying to steer clear of boot doors. I don't think think you should be standing on a step stool trying to fix a drape!! Thanks for your reply
you may be right about the stepstool and drape lol it was a freak thing but again I need to remember my age now not that falling is ever a good thing. I was using attention and just about headed to where it needed to be when it popped out and threw me off balance. I am just so used to doing everything on my own and have done it so many times before. We are expecting a serious storm tonight in Texas so I had decided to put up heavy insulated drapes to try to keep things warmer inside in the event that we lose heat. I change the drapes a few times a year normally.
the dental part is frustrating. Because it will consist of full anesthesia and so much more with the removal of all of the teeth that is the concern. I didn’t have the most beautiful teeth in the world, but I had a smile and now I am very unhappy and embarrassed with it.
yes I am very lucky knowing I could call and depending on what is going on even possibly see the doctor the same day. The first time I met him I was scheduled cardioversion three days later complete with anesthesiologist, etc. it actually worked the first time it was so wonderful but only for 3 1/2 weeks
as I said before, I have been blessed with amazing doctors and their teams both in Florida and now here in Texas. I had one horrible experience, but it almost killed me however I prefer to push that aside because of all the good stuff I have had before and since. I just make sure if I know anyone intending to go to that doctor that they hear my story because it could’ve happened to anyone. I was no one to him no reason to have what happened occur. Things can go wrong in surgery that part I could’ve dealt with but being abandoned unable to get so much as a phone call when I was in the serious shape I was in from a doctor that is supposed to be a rockstar world for unknown. Well that’s pretty unforgivable and I will make sure anyone I know never deals with it. At least they will know the rest is up to them.
Bangs on heads can be serious if on anticoagulants.
Been checked out and had CT scan all ok thank goodness
I wouldn’t have gone to A&E but if I was unwell the next day I would have gone to the GP.
Suppose I was extra nervous as my dad fell and banged his head causing a cerebral haemorrhage, he was on warfarin, unfortunately he passed away as a result of the fall albeit 36 years ago
You did absolutely the right thing.
They call me Calamity Dawn ! Accident City...
I would bet you'll be OK. Its really the massive bangs they worry about,as in car crashes or skiing(!)Always best to check out though to be on safe side.
Best wishes and hope wait isn't too long xxx
CT and face scan all ok thank goodness. Feeling sorry for myself this morning as I hurt all over 😢
Take it steady today x
Thank you, will do. The most I am doing is making a cake I think! Should have been going to lunch with a friend but it would have been an 80 mile round trip so abandoned that one! Feeling a bit bored and sorry for myself 🤕
Enjoy your cake,spoil yourself with a film/book/nice bath or shower!
Crying at the moment feel so low 😭 Nothing seems to be going rightThank you ❤️
Be positive. You will bounce back. I think everybody with AF has low periods when when everything seems to be going badly. You will be up and happy again. Cheeeeeeeers
Thank you. I look out of the window again this morning and it's the grey sky's, think it's January blues. I am struggling and worrying about my mum and brother too, mum is almost 97 and brother has Parkinson's and lost some of his vision from a stroke. They live together. I used to live with mum and it's mine and her house but her behaviour towards me is not nice anymore 🥺
Hi there, hope you're feeling calmer, health anxiety is awful, its such a worry when your BP goes up, I just wondered how the Amlodipine affected you that made you stop taking it??, my 42 year old son had it and it made him very dizzy, he works at heights so it was too dangerous for him to keep taking it.Just a tip, but we heard that's it's good to eat beetroot every day, supposed to help lower BP.
All the best anyway. I hope you're having a better day today.
K.
Hi there, I think your post is for sixtychick I don't have high BP mine is the opposite
Ooops sorry Karendeena,
I hope your bruises are healing after your fall.
K.
No probs ❤️
Glad you are OK. You can request the CT scan images are sent to you and I also understand they are stored in the NHS system for some time.
I recently was blue lighted to A & E & CT scanned for stomach cramps/abdominal pain, which was only constipation brought on I believe by anxiety over other matters.
However, the good news is that the CT scan images reviewed by the radiologist picked up something else, which was then followed by another consultant appointment and hopefully the matter will be fixed by a simple pill - another one! I have also asked my cardiologist to review it for an appointment next week, as I believe the images are also available of the heart and carotid arteries.
The moral of the story being, if you do have to have a scan with the dye (your kidneys need to be in good condition to filter it out afterwards), make full use of it.
Thank you. I have a forthcoming MRI in February (abdominal) for a rare genetic condition in the family. Done with contrast, I get panicky every year but it's something I feel I need to do as the condition puts me at an increased risk of kidney cancer
Always best to get checked out, good luck x
hi Karendeena , sorry you fell , not nice . Yes last year walking dog Telecom people had left a taut wire and I tripped and landed on my cheekbone. It was onto grass verge though rather than pavement . Just called my husband to pick me up . Didn’t go to hospital as I felt ok . Nothing developed
You are doing the right thing getting checked . Hope you are ok
Had CT head and face scan, X ray on hand, feeling sorry for myself but otherwise all ok x
Very glad to hear it and thanks for letting us know. It’s a big shock falling over like that and banging your head. I hope you can take it easy over the weekend and rest up . I had a little bruise on my cheekbone but obviously falling on to pavement much worse . You take care of yourself x
I was told any bump to the head to go straight in for a check I am prescribed Apixaban
I am on apixaban that was the concern. Apparently it's a red flag for the hospital and they always do a CT scan
now I am worried! I am also on Apixaban for PAF and back in October I hit my cheekbone very hard on a thermostat (don’t ask!). It was very sore and did bruise for a while, but I never got it checked out and I did nothing. I was on holiday at the time and didn’t consider going to the hospital.
Should I be worried? It seems fine now.
No I don't think you should worry now, something would have happened earlier if it was going to. The biggest concern with any head injury is the risk of interceanial bleeds, hospitals tend to scan to make sure all is ok
Thanks for that reply, that is really helpful. 👍
Oh sorry to hear that Karendeena.. Glad to hear everything is ok. You are told on the instructions on my Edoxaban,you should seek urgent medical treatment if you bang your head.
How bad was Leicester Royal A&E dept. ? I’m assuming that was where you went.. They keep saying the emergency depts in hospitals are very busy at the moment, full of people with these viruses. Hope it wasn’t too bad there.
Thank you ❤️The walk in wounded at A & E Leicester Royal was very busy, in fact they were taking people's BP and vitals in the waiting area!
It wasn't too bad once I got to injuries, quite quick for CT scan and results. It's weird how you have to follow coloured lines on the floor to get to various departments, not sure if you've experienced this? Very strange. I thought the hospital could do with a bit of a clean up too.
I wore a mask at all times, didn't want to pick anything up 🤞
When I came out it was about 6.30pm and the ambulances were queuing up outside!!
Been there several times with my AFib and then with that high blood pressure problem. (BP ok now I’m back on the 40 mg of Sotalol. I’d never try and stop the Sotalol again,) Glenfield is the same with the coloured lines on the floor. Don’t blame you wearing a mask. I thought everyone had to wear masks in hospitals at the moment. Glad everything is ok. I worry about banging my head. There is no antidote for Edoxaban apparently. There is for all the others. You’d think they’d do something about that, as it’s prescribed the most.
Why don't you ask for apixaban? I am told it carries the least bleed risk and there's a reversal. The doctors tried to change mum once from apixaban to edoxaban and I stopped them, when I asked why they said it was cheaper!
I was on that, but when I moved to another Gp practise, they changed it to Edoxaban, I doubt they’d change it back. BP has gone up again this afternoon and my heart kept going fast for a few mins, then back to normal. Never had that happen before. I’m a bit worried about that as well. I don’t want to take another BP tablet. I think I have a health anxiety, I’ve been worrying about it all day.If only I hadn’t tried to stop the Sotalol, non of this would have happened.
I would ask your consultant about apixaban, if they instruct it the doctors have to comply. I said this when mum was changed and they agreed to let her stay on apixaban.My heart rate speeds up at times especially in the evening. I know I have short runs of tachycardia but my consultant doesn't seem concerned. I also suffer with anxiety, you are not alone ❤️
Thanks. It’s my blood pressure that is my concern. It has been very high since yesterday afternoon and still is this morning and I know they’ll put me on another BP tablet and after the bad experience of that awful amlodipine, I’m scared of what side effects any other BP medicine will have.I will have to ring up 111 this morning and see what they say.
What do you consider high. Mine was 139/89 would you consider that high?
Wish mine was that. Just took mine it’s 149/86. That is stage 1 hypertension. . I am having BP problems at the moment due to coming off the nasty Amlodipine. I’m scared of taking another BP drug, but probably will have no choice. Just hope the side effects aren’t as bad as with that one.
Let me know how you get on ❤️
It is quite shocking they still prescribe Edoxaban…when there is no reversal agent. A cardiologist told me it is the first line of treatment recommended by the NHS for AFib! They do not take into consideration that we all have different health issues and take many drugs. They use this drug as though it is safe for anyone. Having just been diagnosed with AFib, my GP prescribed Edoxaban. I sent her an email, refusing to take it and requested a ‘safer’ anticoagulant, Apixaban. Also have beta blocker… Not sure how I will cope with these drugs and many other drugs. I feel scared.
I know what you mean. I don’t think any of us like taking drugs. I had a really bad time on the Amlodipine for my high blood pressure. I wish I’d never had it, but now I’ve stopped , my blood pressure is high and am now worried that the GP will put me on another tablet for it.I keep a list on my phone, which you can get from the NICE website. It lists all the drugs that your medication won’t mix with and I always check it if I am prescribed new medication.
Hope your blood pressure will be controlled again soon although it means taking another tablet.
So do I, but like you, I feel scared. I don’t want to be put on another drug like amlodipine.
I totally understand but best preventing a stroke or a heart attack.
My BP went very high last night and I went to A&E. I couldn’t believe it, but they sent me home with no treatment. Going to my GP this morning
Sorry to hear that. Clearly you need to have an adequate treatment to control your BP.
I went to the GP this morning. He wouldn’t give me anything else. Just said to stay on the 60 mg of Sotalol twice a day and said my BP was high because of my anxiety. He suggested I don’t take my BP for 2 days, then he said if your BP stays over 180 for more than a day, then to ring him. I didn’t find him very helpfull this time.
Incredible! I do not know what to suggest. Perhaps you could make an appointment to see another GP at your surgery. Try to relax as much as possible, try to forget about your BP because it will become more stressful for you. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, not tea nor coffee unless they are decaffeinated, you know that I am sure. Do not eat salty foods… Try to do some calming breathing exercises (Google if you have not done so before) and listen to some calming music.
Of course phone this GP if you feel much worse. Sorry, running out of ideas.
Thanks. I can’t believe no-one would do anything to help me.I was thinking of getting a second opinion.
That's awful. I know my brother has issues with high BP (higher than yours) and all they tell him to do is take readings over a few days and send them to the surgery. They didn't medicated him at the time but do now as he has AF too. Unfortunately he didn't know and therefore had a stroke, very tragic as this could have been avoided
It is awful, I wondering if I should get second opinion.
That’s what I worry about. Heart attacks and stroke run in both sides of my family.
Yes, same here, my dad had heart problems and we believe AF and was offered a bypass over 36 years ago, which we think he declined (he was a very private man). He passed away aged just 60 after a cerebral haemorrhage. My mum also had AF but only developed this in her 80s so it's in both sides of our family. Mum had TIA too
Ditto. My Dad died aged 69, from a brain haemorrhage, caused by Wafarin. He had a DVT in his leg. His Mum, my Gran, also died from one, aged 83. My Mum had AFib, but I never knew about it, till she had a minor stroke. She wouldn’t take Warfarin because of what happened to my Dad.She was 93 when she died, so did well.
Goodness, I take it that was A & E at LRI? How long did you wait for that response? I never saw a doctor there , seems to be run by nurse practitioners. Have you been to the doctor? What was your BP? Maybe anxiety is getting the better of you 🤔❤️
Yes. LRI.See my reply to JGBH. We were seen quite quickly, as my BP went over 200.We got home at 4.30 am. Really shattered this morning.Can’t believe they won’t do anything. Anxiety is awful.
Please try and relax a bit. Have you spoken to your consultant at Glenfield? Prof Ng is always my first port of call with my heart/cardiovascular system, I simply don't trust anyone else. I think you are under Dr Sandilands, could you contact his secretary? Julie is very helpful and emails the Prof for me then gets back to me
He’s signed me off to the care of the GP now.
That's interesting, when did you have your ablation? I am still being monitored every 4 months but maybe because I see him privately, always have done since my employer used to cover the costs. Unfortunately I am retired now so I have to pay myself if I want to see him 😔
In Sept2023. We used to have private medicine. I missed it when my husband retired. We had it for many years, when my husband worked
How long were you monitored for,?
I had 3 follow up appointments, after my ablation.If that’s what you mean The last one, was when Dr Sandilands told me to start t to come off the sotalol.Wish I’d never done it, 5hen this wouldn't have happened
Homeopathic arnica cream is good for bruising.
Thank you! Yes I have some
yes I’ve fallen over twice on my head and face. Each time went to hospital and one of the times no problem even though I felt bad with the crash. However the second time they found a subarachnoid haemorrhage for which they gave me the reversal drug and to stop apixaban for a couple of weeks and ok. I was a bit concerned I never had to go back ever for a check up, but they said not necessary
All the best and try not to worry
Pat x
Thanks Pat. I understand that there is a reversal now for apixaban. When my father had a haemorrhage on warfarin 36 years ago there was nothing they could do and he passed away aged just 60. It's always at the back of my mind
I’m sorry you lost your dad like that, but things are so different now. Please try not to worry too much especially now the tests snd scans have all proved ok. X
❤️❤️
The advice is when taking anticoagulants like Apixaban is to go to A&E for a head scan as there is a risk of internal bleeding in the brain.
Not read the whole thread here, and no doubt others have said, but it's standard A&E protocol that anyone on an anti-coagulant who hits their head must be CT'd. I hit the back of mine a couple of years ago, falling, and they CT'd me pdq.
I had a bad fall on pavement. On Apixaban. Massive purple bruising on face. Went to A&E, they put me through the scanner. All was ok. They just said “What does the other guy look like!” They wouldn’t let me go home on my own so had to ask son-in-law to come and get me. They take such bruising seriously.
I fell off a steep ramp while still in my wheelchair. I landed on concrete with the back of my head coming off worst. I had a huge swelling on my head. I had an hour and a half wait for an ambulance. I was taken to hospital and had a c.t. scan. They couldn't find anything 😄. I was and still am on Riveroxaban.
Yes I did that a couple of months ago. I tripped over a piece of wood in the garage and hit my chin and lip on the concrete floor. Poured with blood for ages, then a friend took me to A&E, where I discovered I had a broken wrist too. I waited for 4 hours to be seen, but no one checked me because I was on Edoxaban, just sent me away with a strapped up wrist. No ill effects tho 👍
I think you're brave to go to hospital , we have ridiculous waiting times and corridor care , calling an ambulance is a 12 hour wait , and 2 of my friends with cancer came back home with covid , glad you're ok
Oh dear that's awful. It wasn't the best experience and I was pleased to get out
hi that is exactly what happened to me last year , tripped over a display stand in a supermarket being on apixaban I had to go to A and E a very long night I had as it was crammed . However had brain scan and scan of face all was fine . My face was bruised but all ok. Have to admit I was bit anxious but all ok . Hope you’re feeling ok .
Thank you. My face is a bit yellow with bruising as is my hand but other than that ok
When my cardiologist took me off aspirin for rivaroxaban he stressed the importance of reporting falls and unexplained bruising. I daresay it's a precaution because although you felt fine afterwards, if there is any internal bleeding it won't be helped by taking an anti-coagulant. Sounds like the hospital were doing a thorough job. Three cheers for the NHS.
Yes, although it was a long wait they were very thorough. I was impressed! My father fell and hit his head and had a cerebral haemorrhage as he was on warfarin, They couldn't save him, it was 36 years ago and I don't think they had the knowledge or the medication/procedures to deal with it in those days 😢He was only 60
I’ve banged my head three times quite hard since I’ve been on Apixaban. It didn’t seem too bad but each time I had a headache next day so went to the ED and had a CT scan. They have been ok. Latest time I said to the registrar I was reluctant to bother them but she said always come in because of the apixaban. No point in going to the GP as need a CT scan done. Glad yours was ok too.
Cheers, yes the hospital said any knock on the head and it's standard for a CT scan
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