Sciatica injection and afib

[boatdog]

Before I had a first ever afib--three weeks ago--I have had some old-age back issues. To fix those, I've had injections and even a nerve ablation in the back for a pesky nerve. Now that I am on Eliquis and Cardizem, I am faced again with a pain-in-the-back (and hip and glute muscle). Any advice for me when I consult with my cardiologist and back doctor? I really need relief from this back pain, and I need to skillfully manage my new forever-hobby of afib.

[quanglewangle]

The drugs that you mention have similar characteristics and can interact. A lot will depend on your specialists knowledge of pain control and whether your AF brings brachycardia or tachycardia. Strictly speaking NSAIDS are a no-no but we are all different and I continue to take Diclofenac twice daily with the blessing of my cardiologist for my lower back pain - unfortunately it is not helping with the latest arrival - sciatica so I am concentrating on exercise and stretches. Any feedback on the sciatica would be appreciated!

[boatdog in reply to quanglewangle]

I'm curious about Eliquis as anti-coagulant. Will docs pause this drug long enough to have a needle to the facet joint? I don't want to leak blood! This shouldn't last any longer than dental work, so I'm hoping to get this procedure for the pain. Then go back on Eliquis. ??

[Auriculaire]

Your pain could be being made worse by the Apixaban. I have this side effect.

[FancyPants54 in reply to Auriculaire]

Really?! What sort of pain? Is there an alternative anticoagulant that doesn't do it? My legs are aching and painful and heavy all the time. Picking my feet up is hard.

[Auriculaire in reply to FancyPants54]

Mostly very bad lower back and hip pain. After I had been on Apixaban for 9 months I went to my doctor as I had pain in my upper right thigh. I thought it was tendinitis as floxing has left me with a lot of that as FQs bugger up the cells that generate collagen in the tendons. He suspected hip arthritis and sent me for xrays. He was right. What with the pandemic starting 3 months later and delays I did not get to see the surgeon till six months later and the first hip op was scheduled for a year after I had had the xrays. All that time the pain got worse and worse and also started in the lefthip. The anaesthetist I saw took me off the Apixaban for 8 days before the op (I think she muddled it up with Warfarin) and amazingly I had an enormous improvement in my pain levels. Altogether I was off for about 10 days and then gradually pain came back when I restarted - though not in the new hip. The penny did not drop straight away but gradually I started to suspect the Apixaban and it was giving me digestive issues as well so I started tinkering with the dose. I had to come off subsequently for the other hip to be replaced and for a colonoscopy. Same story. I still get pain in my hip area but the doctor says it's coming from my back.

[Leaney]

Try to find a really good physiotherapist to work with you on your back pain. They are worth their weight in gold but you do have to follow their instructions! Both my husband and I have seen great benefits from going to one and then joining the rehab class that are run at their clinic.

[nominingue]

This is a side issue to the original question I guess. Am I reading that two of you have leg issues/sciatic pain down leg that you believe is linked to taking apixaban? I am bothered more by this nearly every night now, usually starts in hip, runs down outside of leg, always starts around 12.30am, keeps me awake until i can relieve with a variety of topicals, or heating pad or bath. But getting harder to assuage. Is Apixaban the culprit? I've ben on it for 4 years.

[DawnTX]

make a quick call to your EP or nurse just to make sure and make sure that the doctor treating you is aware of your condition and what you are on if they have good doctors, they should have a list of what you take, etc.

I just had treatment in my hip and I also had treatment in my wrist. Oh what a horrible shot that was for the sheath. I had no bad side effects other than the pain from the darn needle

as long as your doctor has your information there should be no problem always make sure they know what is in your system. If you’re getting any type of steroids, it may throw your body off with sugar, etc. My A1c used to go up quite a bit, however this time, no problem. It is staying 6.1. I also had prednisone that tends to raise it so for some reason, my body is behaving with steroids.

just dot your i and cross your t

I even have a card when I need certain things for the doctor treating me to pay attention to that includes my doctor and phone number of the clinic for my pacemaker. These things are important.