Abnormal bowel screening test

Colonoscopy

by Gemita - 2022-11-01 10:45:07

Loonylil (and I am sure you are not loony),

I also take Lixiana for Atrial Fibrillation.  I am also in the UK.  The only way to be sure that you are not suffering from bowel disease is to directly look at the colon and a colonoscopy (unfortunately) is the gold standard investigation.  If something is found, like a polyp, it can be removed at the same time.  It is better to be safe than sorry.

Yes of course it is possible that Lixiana may cause gastric bleeding, but only a colonoscopy can confirm what is happening, or rule out anything serious.  

The preparation is the worst part.  Make sure you have someone go with you to the hospital since bowel preparation and arrhythmias may not mix.  Also, drink lots of water to prevent dehydration.  I wish you lots of luck and a clean bill of health.

As a footnote, both my husband and I take 30 mg, once daily Edoxaban (Lixiana).  My husband is over 80 and has kidney disease.  I am under 60 kg in weight.  We both therefore qualify for a lower dose which is still apparently protective against an AF related stroke.  At this dose, we have not experienced any problems.  The colonoscopy will give your doctors a lot of information if any blood loss is due to Lixiana

Prove that you're not a Loony, Lil.........

by IAN MC - 2022-11-01 11:39:20

........ and have that colonoscopy a.s.a.p.

Most rectal bleeding has a relatively simple cause such as constipation or hemorrhoids but it can be the first indication of a serious underlying medical  condition.

Edoxaban would certainly worsen the symptom , and could even cause it.

Best of luck

Ian ( also in the UK )

Thank you both for the helpful response

by Loonylil - 2022-11-01 12:12:46

Thanks for the comments, I am interested in Gemmita's dose of Edoxaban, as I weigh 55 kg and take 60gm of the medication.

I have wondered if it's too high?
I will go for the colonoscopy and keep your info in mind to ask questions !

Thank you for being there

Edoxaban, Low body weight - below 60 kg, recommendation is 30 mg

by Gemita - 2022-11-01 12:42:21

Loonylil, Yes I was under an anticoagulation clinic team at the time Edoxaban was prescribed.  I switched from Apixaban twice daily dosing, to once daily dose of Edoxaban 30 mg because of low body weight.  I have been on Edoxaban for over 4 years (same for my husband) with no problems at all and more importantly, no strokes.  There may be a reason why you are on 60 mg Edoxaban, but it is worth asking your doctors if you would qualify for the lower dose?  It would certainly be better tolerated and less likely to cause a bleed. 

Edoxaban

by Loonylil - 2022-11-01 14:06:58

Hi Gemmita

many thanks for your comments. I have wondered for a while about the dosage, I was originally prescribed Warfarin but couldn't keep the inr level so GP changed it.

I think it definitely needs exploring! Best wishes

Marybird

by Gemita - 2022-11-01 16:53:16

Thank you Mary for sharing this with us all.  The outcome could have been so very different without early detection.  I hope your experience will help other members to get that all important colonoscopy if it is indicated.

Your triumph over your cancer has been truly inspiring and I hope you will continue to do well in the future xx

Thanks to all

by Loonylil - 2022-11-02 07:28:40

With so many thanks to all. Reading all your responses helps a lot, I was certainly really shocked when I originally had the letter from the hospital, but I am beginning to put it into perspective now!

Will keep in touch and let you know what happens

love to all ❤️