I Was Diagnosed With A-Fib A Year Ago. I Am

Posted on Mon, 22 Oct 2018

Question: I was diagnosed with A-Fib a year ago. I am taking a blood thinner (Eliquis) and blood pressure meds (Lotrel 5/40) twice a day. Now I have Severe Carpal tunnel. The EMG of my right hand resulted in a diagnose of "Severe acute-on-chronic carpal tunnel syndrome. I have seen a hand surgeon and surgery is schedule for Oct 25th. I was prescribed Indomethacin 50 mg three times a day to help with the pain and inflammation. I have noticed several side effects of the Indomethacin...mainly increased blood pressure, some dizziness and diarrhea. I am concerned about the side effects as well as having to wait so long to get the surgery. Is there a better medication for treat the inflammation and should I request a earlier surgery given the A-fib and the effects of the inflammation medication?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on Ask a Doctor service!

I passed carefully through your question and would agree with you on the fact that indomethacine has a lot of adverse effects.

For this reason, I would recommend taking ibuprofen instead of indomethacine against inflammation.

Another treatment option would be naproxene.

These two painkillers do not affect blood pressure values so much compared to indomethacine and have good anti-inflammatory and painkiller properties.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (12 minutes later)

Thank your for the prompt answer!:) What about asking for a earlier surgery to eliminate the issue as soon as possible.

Sincerly,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

This is just a minor surgery, with low risk of bleeding or infection and high rate of success.

I would encourage you to ask for earlier surgery, because it is well known that in this type of nerve compression, if surgical decompression is done at the right time (early) there are good chances of recovery and complete rehabilitation of the nerve.

In the meantime, you can continue with the above mentioned drugs for the pain and inflammation.

A hand brace can also help improve the pain and tingling sensation, especially during the night.

Hope to have been helpful!

Wishing good health,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (4 hours later)

Thank you for your prompt reply!

Sincerely,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

I am glad to have been helpful to you!

If you have any other questions in the future, please don't hesitate to ask me again directly at any time!

Wishing good health,

Dr.Iliri

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy