Anticoagulants

[Castella]

Anyone had experience with being offered anticoagulants? With me for atrial fibrillation. I'm worried about the bleeding risk of course.

[Midgebite21]

AF increases your risk of CVA’s (strokes) your prescriber obviously feels you are at risk. You will be monitored regularly if you take warfarin and always be on the lowest does required. I’m a podiatrist by trade and deal with may clients on anticoagulants daily with no issue. If there is a haemorrhage then the application of pressure is usually enough to stop it but it may take longer than usual to stop. Small nicks and abrasions are not something to concern yourself with. You’re 80 I believe so assuming you don’t work in a high risk profession like a lumberjack 😀. I’d say the risk of stroke far outweighs any concerns of bleeding to death.

[Redwine53 in reply to Midgebite21]

My good friend has AF and happily went on an anticoagulant because of the stroke risk as midgebite21 said. She now has a pacemaker and still remains on anticoagulants.

[Ciaran34]

I take 20 mg of Xarelto for two unexplained blood clots - no issues even when I get my teeth cleaned

[Bkart]

Hi Castella,

I’ve been taking Warfarin for over 12 years now for both AF (paroxysmal) and a congenital hole in the heart. I’m now in my early 70’s so I can understand your concern, however I’ve had no real problems with Warfarin and to be honest I feel much safer taking it than not due to the risks of stroke etc.

I am monitored at the anticoagulant clinic on a regular basis, just a pin prick in a finger for bloods is all that’s needed (much like a diabetic). With warfarin you do need to remember to take your dose daily but not onerous. Warfarin can be affected by various foods, steer clear of anything too rich in vitamin K as that is the antidote for Wafarin and can obviously affect levels of your INR (how long your blood takes to clot etc). All this will be carefully monitored by your anticoagulant team so don’t worry. I’ve had two catheter ablations but my AF has come back hence the necessity to stay on Warfarin. There are also several newer anticoagulant drugs which can if suitable be prescribed, with these you don’t have to be monitored. I decided to stay on Warfarin as it suits me but also the newer drugs don’t have an antidote for the very rare case if you did have a bleed which would mean you could bleed longer. Your Doctor will prescribe whichever is most suitable for you.

Please don’t worry too much about the possibility of bleeding it is a rare occurrence and as midgebite21 said taking anticoagulants far outweighs the risk of bleeds against a stroke. The only problem you may find is that you can bruise more easily if you knock yourself but again as long as it’s not excessive then nothing to worry about and your team will closely monitor you for this as well. Good luck and hope you can now feel with all the advice that others have given as well, that you can take your anticoagulation meds with confidence. Take care.