Gotta laugh while you learn.

Jack Torrance quote (from "The Shining"):

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.


OK, enough creative writing for today. :-)

I went to the drs today and he set me up for free pradaxa script starting next month on a special program they have set up at the Clinic . He agreed that the surgery very well could have caused me to go into Afib and said my heart sounded great today. Soo....Im wondering is this a one time occurance? Will I ever know? Or once diagnosed....lifetime problem? Thanks again for all the responces and the warm welcome...I really appreciate it!.....Vinny

Wow, Petey, what a great recap!! I'm on Pradaxa, so really liked your summary!!

The deal breaker with Pradaxa (Dabigatran) for me is that there are no effective reversal agents to neutralize the drug. The only way the medical community can attempt to reverse Pradaxa in the event of a traumatic hemorrhage is through dialysis. That "might" remove 35 to 60 percent of Pradaxa from the bloodstream in two to four hours.

The reason the deaths to this point are nearly all elderly is because balance problems and falls are common among this population. As the drug becomes more common place, you're going to see a big spike in deaths in all areas of the population.

Consider the following:
http://fortworth.injuryboard.com/fda-and-prescription-drugs/pradaxa-brain-hemorrhage-risks-.aspx?googleid=298912

There is currently no effective antidote to reverse the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran in the event of an emergency, the researchers wrote. Dabigatran is only the first of several direct thrombin inhibitors that may enter clinical use and these agents will likely have similar risks for catastrophic progression of traumatic injuries.

According to a report released by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices in January 2012, more instances of Pradaxa hemorrhages were reported to the FDAs Adverse Event Reporting System during the first quarter of 2011 than were reported in association with any other drug monitored by the group. At least 505 instances involving Pradaxa bleeding events were reported, compared to 176 cases reported with warfarin/Coumadin, which was second on the list.

A number of individuals throughout the United States are now considering a Pradaxa lawsuit against the drug maker for failing to adequately research the medication or warning about the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening health risks of Pradaxa."

Welcome to the group! Sorry that you have been dx with afib. Regarding your lack of insurance, some private physicians offer what is called Charity Care. Also check with the Health Dept in your area, they may be able to treat you there or give you information. Wal-Mart has a $4.00 drug list, you should be able to pull it up on line and see if any prescriptions that you have are on the list. Take care and best wishes!!
Cheryl

I'm with you Island Lover. I'm sticking with Warfarin and testing at home. I don't trust Pradaxa, and if Petey does more power to him. I sometimes wonder who he is trying to convince that it's better then warfarin. It actually causes very serious bleeding for which there is no antidote...not for me. In any case, I believe because of the law suits it will be pulled. Petey you read too much on Melanie True Hills forum and then quote it here. It doesn't make it the truth.

I have excellent insurance thank goodness. I have Medicare and a supplement of AARP. Spendy, but nothing costs me a penny. I also have great prescription insurance, and could easily get Pradaxa, but I want no part of it. More power to you guinea pigs. I'm not going to be one of them.

BTW, welcome Vinny to the forum. The quotes are often from another forum or the net. I try not to pay attention to them unless they are blatently wrong. There are no doctors here, and there are no experts on A-Fib...just people all fighting the same battle, so make your decisions carefully and listen to your EP.

Welcome Vinny!

We are all in the same boat here so jump right in whenever you need to. Lots of support and information being shared.