Dabigatran and retinal bleeding

[Pacific]

I have AF. 5 years ago I was prescribed Dabigatran after having a stroke, plus Fleicanide and Bisoprolol.

My annual eye test show retinal bleeding and the optician advised me to ask the GP for a diabetes check BP check. Well, I have normal BP and definitely do not have diabetes. My husband has Type 1 diabetes and he verified this by testing my blood glucose level with a thumb prick, etc. We also have a BP monitor and we took it 3 times, and it averaged 110/70.

I also have glaucoma and my ophthalmologist appointment is much delayed due to COVID. The GP agreed with me regarding the BP and diabetes: no need to check. The surgery will repeat my blood tests next month, when they are due anyway.

I suggested that perhaps the retinal bleeding could be a vascular problem as I have genetically high cholesterol and have been taking a statin for 15 years. The GP said that anticoagulants can cause retinal bleeding.

I would like to ask a cardiologist to reduce my Dabigatran dose to 140 mg, but I was discharged from cardiology 4 years ago, as my AF is stable a d the electrophysiologist had retired.

I could pay to see an ophthalmologist but all of my eye records and test results are at the hospital, where my cardiology p notes should be on the computer- hopefully.

Can anyone advise me on the best course of action for me to take for this problem please ?

[Pacific]

My conversation with the GP was a telephone consultation. I am worried about taking Dabigatran on the current dose as the bleeding might increase and could affect my vision and have other vascular issues; a worse type of stroke.

[Lure2]

Hi Pacific,

I now wonder if you are diagnosed with Antiphospholipidsyndrome? We all have that autoimmun illness here and we are no Doctors just try to help eachother with our thick blood and anticoagulation.

[Louloubug]

Hello, I had my 1st stroke in 2008, and I had bleeding behind my eyes.I did lose my vision, Temporay. It felt like I was wearing someone elses glasses.

I am sorry to say, the "blood thinner" you are on, may not be the best of choices.

As for your memory issues the more brain damage will equal cognitive problems.

However, "with this amazing disease, we have" Take a deep breath", APS can cause dementia.

[Pacific]

I do not have any of the symptoms for APS, thank goodness.

[Lure2]

You say you have got AF. Could you please tell me what that means. When you say you do not have the symptoms for APS I guess you mean that you are not diagnosed with APS. Warfarin is said to be the best anticoagulation drug for APS.

[Pacific]

No doctor has ever mentioned or diagnosed me as having APS !