I've had two ablations for paroxysmal AFib, 5 months apart in 2025, with a Watchman installed on May 1, 2025. It was a difficult recovery each time, despite the fact that I am very fit, and when they say the "blanking period" while your heart may be reactive is about three months, for some it is six months. And that's how it was for me.

My EP wanted me to stay on Eliquis for six months after the Watchman which was November. I took myself off Eliquis on my own in September, because I was having bad side effects -- fatigue, muscle and joint pain. Feeling better since I got off it. And I've had no AFib since August, which is about four months. So I feel it all is working, and I am overjoyed!!

I am 76 years old and now able to resume hiking at high elevation, usually 3 miles, but a few times 5 miles. I feel that getting off the meds and getting outdoors to do the things I love have made all the difference in the world.

It will be 2 years on December 23 since I had my first AFib event. It happened after a 5 mile hike and I thought it was just electrolyte imbalance from not drinking enough water. But it recurred and episodes became more frequent, putting me in the ER multiple times. And that's why I had the two ablations and the Watchman. PS: I did that 5 mile hike two days ago just to prove I could do it with no ill effects. And I did!

All my best to you, Susan (attached see my AFib history from the Apple Watch, from this past summer to the present day, along with a photo from a recent 5 mile hike to 11,100 ft. elevation.

If you're determined, you can do it! Stay positive!