Blood thinners how has it changed your life

I also have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and went on Apixaban about two years ago. I decided, reluctantly, that it was better than the significantly increased risk of stroke. I’m not on any other medication, and generally hate taking anything, and felt trapped by the evidence that if you come off anticoagulants, your stroke risk is higher than when you went on them.
I was also concerned about the (admittedly uncommon) side effect of hair loss. Three months after starting on it, I did start to lose hair and have continued to do so. I found this very distressing. Apparently if you are sensitive in this way, all the other newer anticoagulants will have the same effect.
The other, less distressing effect was that I started to fall asleep almost as soon as I settled down at night, rather than spend my usual 20-30 minutes tossing and turning. So I’m not complaining about that. Nor am I complaining about the reduction in stroke risk overall. On balance I prefer to be on them.

I take Edoxoban, I do bruise quite easily and bleed quite freely but nothing I can't deal with. My biggest issue is that I ride but having weighed up the risks against what it adds to my life I intend to continue until I just can't physically do it anymore. I do ensure that friends know that if I have a head injury it could be more serious because of the edoxoban as could a broken bone etc. I think that life is to be lived and feel fortunate that generally I feel very well for someone in their 70's.

I have Paroxysmal Atrial fibrillation and have been taking Apixaban since September. Had no problems. Just have to be very careful using my knives and I bruise easier which I take it as a sign the tablets are doing their job. Would rather take than the tablets rather than risk a stroke.

I take apixaban and have done for a few years - side effects - absolutely zippo.

My DH has been on Apixoban for AF and two DVTs for about five years now. He started when he was 55. He does bleed slightly more when he cuts himself shaving but not in anyway seriously. The major difference for him is that I bully him into wearing a helmet when he plays cricket, personally I think he was daft not to before he went onto blood thinners as he's a wicket keeper but what did I know.

Meant to say I take warfarin.

If mine is stable (ie INR is between 2 and 3 ) I am generally tested about every 3 months. If it is outside those limits it is every fortnight with a change in dosage and even when it is of an acceptable level I have to go fairly frequently until the reading has been acceptable for about 3 visits

I take apixaban . It was prescribed after I had covid 19 the delta virus. Whilst in hospital being treated they said I was at risk of blood clots, apparently the delta virus caused blood clots in my lungs. I am thankful for successful treatment. I also take bisoprol for rapid heartbeat after having covid. So far no side effects.

Sorry, Clopidogrel.

I was taking Clopigogrel for some years but recently cut my finger chopping carrots and it bled profusely for a day and a half. Frightened the life out of me as it wouldn't stop. I told the doctor I was scared in case I ever had a more serious accident and she put me on aspirin instead.

Rivaroxaban for many years due to AF. No problems, except my piles bleed slightly more than before. I have a medic alert bracelet.

My OH was a doctor and was clear that the benefits outweighed the risks.

I've been on Apixipan due to intermittent AF. Like others, I carry a card. I do bleed a bit more from cuts and scratches, though I try to be careful. Also bruise more easily.
I actually feel more relaxed when I get episodes of AF as I know the blood thinner reduces the risk of stroke.

My 32 year old son has to take warfarin for a replacement valve. It is still early days and he is still having fairly frequent blood tests. This bothers him but hopefully these will get less in the future. Apart from that he is ok.

Can anyone tell me how often the bloods have to be taken once things have settled down?

DH has been on warfarin for nearly 20 with no problems, he does his own testing and adjusts his dosages accordingly.

Greenfinch and dustyangel certainly feeling a lot better than I did! They think about 6 weeks to get back to normal.

Thank you for all your comments they have been a great help I spoke to a doctor today @Not Spaghetti he said to weight up the pros and con most definitely blood thinners do save lives feeling less anxious now hope every one enjoys their weekend

Nearly killed my friend as unknown to her she has been bleeding from her stomach for a few years

I take Clopidogrel, as I have unstable angina. Other meds are not suitable for me, including beta blockers. I have a history of drug allergies, but surprisingly this one is OK.
I have no complaints or worries....so far.
I always weigh up the positives and negatives of new meds, before agreeing to take them.

I have been taking mine only a month and it has altered my sense of taste. I was told to report it via the online yellow card system and invited to discuss options with the clinical pharmacist at my surgery.

Mine isn't technically a "thinner" it's an anticoagulant. Edoxaban. I am grateful that I I don't need all the monitoring needed with warfarin. One of my sons take Rivaroxaban with no ill effects.
Sometimes a body takes a few weeks to adjust.

I'd call your surgery and ask if they have a clinical pharmacist you can talk to. Ours was really helpful.

I've been taking Clopidogrel for over three years since having a mini-stroke. And I have moderate AF. So far no problems, I have not overly bled or anything. But I do try to be a bit careful, just in case.
I do feel the cold more than the average person though.

My husband has been on a blood thinner for about three years. He was asked if he wanted to go on Warfarin or Rivaroxaban. Since he had bad things about Warfarin he chose the latter but last year his podiatrist told him there is no antidote for it, if he had been told that he may have opted for Warfarin. He does find he gets cold, particularly his hands and feet and he does get a sore nose but this may be because of the Beta Blocker he takes for his tachycardia.

Crossed posts Greenfinch ?

Sorry to hear you’ve been in hospital Deedaa.

Sorry to hear you have been in hospital Deedaa .I do hope you are on the mend now.

I have just been put on anti coagulents after 9 days in hospital with a pulmonary embolism. I've got a clinic appointment in a couple of weeks to discuss it. My husband was on them for a long time because of his AF and had no problems at all apart from the time he forgot to remind a phlebotomist he was taking them!