Medication Phobia

[Spangle14]

I'm being a bit of a 67-year-old baby and feeling a bit sorry for myself. I had my first AF episode in April, this year. Who knows, I may have had others that hadn't been so obvious, but this 'first' one let me know by banging away in my chest with a HR of 182. Long story short, I ended up in A&E and after an hour or so, it settled back to sinus rhythm with no intervention and I was sent on my merry little way with no meds. I was happy and just thought it was a one-off thing that just happened, but of course it wasn't. More recently, in November, it kicked off again and again I ended up in A&E. This time it didn't revert to sinus rhythm without medication and I was in A&E all night. I was discharged on the morning with Apaxiban.

I have never been good at taking any medication and I have had a couple of issues around bleeding (another very long story) so was very reluctant to take blood thinners and decided that I would wait until I could speak to an arrhythmia cardiologist before taking the plunge. Since then, I have spoken to two - one on the NHS and one privately (which I couldn't really afford but did it as a Christmas present to myself). Of course, they have both told me that, to lower my stroke risk, I should take the meds. I am now trying desperately to psych myself up to taking them. Please forgive the long post, I am feeling a bit pathetic but I just wondered if there is anyone else on here with the same fears around taking medication, or anyone who can give any give any advice to help me on my AF journey. Thank you for listening!

[Love101cats]

I've had a stroke 20 years ago and wouldn't want another! I still have the after effects of the stroke. I think fewpeople ever recover 100%. Now I have heart failure and though it is progressive its livable with. I am 79 and enjoying whatever energy ive got left. So I have to take 13 tablets a day now for a range of ailments including kidneys and thyroid. I take Apaxiban twice a day and am happy to do so. I would never want to suffer again all the months of being so ill and helpless post stroke. So just weigh up the two possible outcomes and follow professional advice.

[Spangle14 in reply to Love101cats]

Thank you Love101cats and sorry to hear about your stroke and heart failure. I think I know what I have to do, it is this bloomin' phobia thing - I know it's not rational. Do you know if was Afib that caused your stroke? I'm glad you are still able to find enjoyment and wish you a happy Christmas

[Love100cats in reply to Spangle14]

No it wasn't AFib related. It was a brain stem blood clot which is why I take clotting issues so seriously. Just talk to the tablets and thank them for being there and get to see them as friends not foes! Fear is difficult to deal with. Its a challenge. You will feel better if you deal with it and put it behind you.

[Spangle14 in reply to Love100cats]

Yes, I did warn you that I was being a bit of a baby around this issue and I know that I have to face this challenge and be able to move forward. Good advice about seeing the meds as friends and I will certainly bear that in mind. Thank you

[Peony4575]

Lol trust me I am quaking along side you x

[Pollypuss]

I cannot take anything but aspirin because it upsets my stomach. But if you can tolerate the medication without problems then that is half term battle