British Heart Foundation

From one of our nurses:

"Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is one of a new class of drugs called direct thrombin inhibitors. It works by blocking the enzyme thrombin, which is central to the clotting process. This drug, like warfarin, can reduce the risk of blood clots.

It's considered a good alternative to warfarin and may one day replace warfarin. The advantage of dabigatran over warfarin is that it can be given as a fixed dose without the need for frequent blood tests. ... See More

It's also thought that dabigatran is less likely to interact with other medications.

Dabigatran is currently only recommended as treatment to help reduce the risk of blood clots for adults who have surgery to replace their hip or knee joint.

More research is needed on Dabigatran for long term use and also for other conditions such heart valve problems and people who have had a replacement valve.

However it's hoped that this medicine will eventually be prescribed to people who have a heart condition."

Hope that's helpful!

My Mother is on Warfarin ( a long story to get the dose checked)
3 mgs a day following a removal of a pacemaker op at Bart's 19/2/09.Bart's still thinks she has pacemaker even so they removed it on the above date but they fitted it on the 7th February ! Whipps Cross thought she hadn't been in hospital since 16/10/08 when they transferred her on a ... See Moreweekend( more than one Hospital number !) Can you please advise the best route to complain about the NHS as my mother spent 8 and half months following the failed op.
We was told two days !
Thanking you

Hi George,

Sorry to hear that you feel your mother has unsatisfactory care. If you're not happy with her care or treatment received, you do have the right to complain.

Click on the link below for information on how to complain:... See More
http://www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/complaints/Pages/NHScomplaints.aspx

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can help support you during the complaints procedure. They offer confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters to patients, their families and their carers. To find your nearest PALS, contact your local hospital, clinic, GP surgery or health centre. Or phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

What a great story , wishing you and your little princess a truely magical Christmas , praying you will draw strength from this and continue to stay positive xxxx

Hope you all enjoy a fun and laughter filled xmas with little Lannah and have a less stressful 2010.xx

my little boy had his first two stages done at birmingham they are amazing, my little boy is 16 months now and has another operation due in the future but it really does make you realise how precious they are and makes occasions like christmas even more special

Stay positive you and your daughter sound like fighters , love to you both xxxx

Keep posting your experiences on here and any questions u may hav. Someone will come along with an answer and words of encouragement.xx

Like Peter said go for the cardiac rehab you will be surprised what you can do. I am on my last week of rehab and feel fitter than I have for years.

I went to Cardiac rehab after my heart attack 2 years ago. After the initial 8 weeks we have an extended 20 week course. We have combined this with an over 50's exercise class. So we have been training together through rehab and beyond. Some of the members have been going for 5 years.
It's a great way to keep fit and keep in touch. And keep contact with people who have shared your experience. Make the effort you won't regret it.