I have only had one blood test , that was April 11th . They said I had DVT and PE Mass . They said carry on for 6 months on blood thinners, Apixaban . Not sure what is going on. They said I have to get on with life. Also I am lucky to be alive . I am of course feel if I’m in the dark.
Blood Tests: I have only had one blood... - Anticoagulation S...
Blood Tests
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See if you can make an appointment with your GP, if only on the phone, to ask what is going on and what you should/shouldn't be doing/expect/not expect, etc. Make a list of questions before you have the appointment, so that you know what you want to find out. Your GP should know whether you are under the care of a haematologist, and if so, who.
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Hi Thank You . My Doctor who I have never seen said I need not see a Haematologist to after I finish the Apixaban.
It's when you feel in the dark is when you feel terrified.
After I had my clot in December I was terrified as I didn't know what was going to happen which I feel makes things worse than they need to be and when you don't know your mind races to the worst possible outcomes.
They gave me the medication when I left the hospital but not a lot was explained in terms of aftercare and what to expect.
I have complained about the poor communication though but I don't think anything will change with that.
How's things now?
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Hi yes that’s what happened to me . Went in as emergency . Box of injections,, which I could do. Then they said my own GP will take over . Just wait and see after the 6 months of taking apixaban . Thank you
I finished my 6 month course last month but I asked if I can stay on rivaroxaban for a bit longer as I am frightened of having another clot so my gp wrote me out 3 months worth of prescriptions for them and said we will review how I am doing in 3 months time which was a fair deal.
Unfortunately it seems that there is very little support with conditions like this in comparison with other illnesses or health problems.
Hi Motorbike
Your experience is, unfortunately, all too common. However, your clotting episodes are significant and potentially life threatening.
Apixaban is one of the family of NOACS (Non Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants) that is regarded by the majority of Haematologists as being the best, and safest on the market.
The others are Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban and Endoxaban.
I am on lifelong Anticoagulation and taking Apixaban, with no side affects at all. I can advise that, post an episode higher dose of 5mg twice a day, the therapeutic dose is 2.5 mg twice a day.
You will need liver function tests twice a year.
The very best of luck to you!
Thank you . My Mum died age 37, her sister41 they both died of blood clots .Nights are the worse . My leg goes down, and I think that’s good . However I walk, and up it comes again . I thought exercise would be good . However I’ll carry on taking the Apixaban. Thank you so much
You NEED to see a Hematologist. Especially if you have a family history! One of your doctors should order a genetic blood screening after you discontinue blood thinners.... many of the tests are inconclusive while taking blood thinners. With my first clot, I had the same treatment---lovenox injections (I was pregnant, so they assumed it was related to my pregnancy) and once off the injections (after 6 additional months), my doctor ordered all of the testing to rule out genetic blood clotting issues (Protein S, Protein C, Factor V Laden, etc.).
I agree with the other responses here---you should definitely contact your doctor-- be a squeaky wheel!! You have to demand response, unfortunately, otherwise they assume you are satisfied with what little info you have (which is very distressing, I know).
I hope that you get the support you need! It is very stressful and scary, and often times there are no answers. I have had every test currently available and they have no reason for my secondary DVT (13 years later). I do have a genetic reason, but it hasn't been identified by the medical profession to date--- and so I'm a "blood thinners-lifer" now-- at a younger age, unfortunately, and with no real answers.
Stay strong--- sending you my best wishes for healing!
Make sure you do see a doctor you cant just quit after 6 months and hope for the best so make sure you see a dr, even if one said you don't need to you really do.
Yes I will . I thought they just wouldn’t , just give you 3 months of Apixaban . That’s it . I will in September ask again . Thank you for reply