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Alternative to coumadin

Post a new topicby panculture on Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:24 am


I have paroxysmal intermittant self-terminating a-fib I experience approx 8-12 episodes a YEAR
lasting approx 6-12 hours each(I've never needed cardioversion). I've tolerated these episodes exceptionally well as I am in good health and am physically active -plus my heart rate while in afib was in the 80's-90's range. I always know when afib starts and have always checked my pulse approx 3x a day anyway just to be sure.

I was self-monitering my condition and have NOT been seeing an MD or taken any meds for the afib until last week when I had an unique episode with a rate of approx 135-145 requiring an ER visit and hospitalization. Rate was controlled after 2 hours of a drip and it self-terminated 13 hours after onset.

I have now acquired a cardiologist She put me on betablockers for rate control and Coumadin. I don't mind betablockers, but I don't understand being anticoagulated 365 days a year when my afib presents on only 8-12 days a year and lasts less than 16 hours.

Given my situation why couldn't I self-inject Lovenox at the onset of an afib episode and repeat in 12 hours if not terminated. Onset and duration of Lovenox should be adequate shouldn't it? I had no problems self-injecting it at home for one week while the Coumadin levels stabilized. She was unclear why this therapy wasn't an option for me.

I play sports...I love dark veggies...I love cranberry juice
I hate my Coumadin lifestyle

Any thoughts???

panculture
 
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