I never had a problem with any blood thinner except for Plavix. I did everything while on Eliquis you can exercise and continue your active lifestyle, I just get annoyed when people scare patients considering blood thinners. I had my Watchman put in last March but had nothing to do with blood thinners, I had stroke running in my immediate family and my cardiologist suggested it. I'm still in AFIB and will always have this condition but once I came off Plavix after Watchman put in I feel no different different on or off Eliquis.