Watchman devise

@gloaming -- Hi there.

I'm on the same page as you regarding. I've had no issues at all while on apixaban for years.

With the several known risks associated with the Watchman -- at the time of placement AND after -- I'm very comfortable with my decison to not go forward with the procedure at this time.

Will keep an eye out for new experiences / reported data, and re-evaluate the situation in the future. BUT yet another factor to consider: As we wait, we're also aging... as are all our "parts." Making us and our parts (heart, veins, arteries, other tissues, etc) more fragile.

So we'll just have to see how things go, and review EVERYTHING involved before getting the procedure. Of course, this should include a consult with my -- down-to-earth and very practical -- EP, which I trust.

All the best!

/LarryG

@ginnyjm Did you take a rate controller too? I take Flecainide and Pradaxa and would just love to get off of both

@bohaiboy No, I didn’t take either of them, never heard of them!

Flecanide is a rate control medicine. My original afib would get to 180 bpm. Now when I get it, 90 bpm would be high. Pradaxa is a blood thinner. Been on it for 10-15 years with no such issues as is reported with Eloquis.

Yes, I have and highly recommend it! Bob

@larryg333 & @gloaming - I have had the ‘Watchman’ implant installed, in my heart! I agree with @gloaming, in respect to what condition the patient is in, as a prerequisite, to consider. One’s medical condition’s and basic health of one’s heart is a primary concern, for the electrophysiologist, says my Dr. My electrophysiologist told me that I was the ideal candidate, for the ‘Watchman’ implant! My ultrasound revealed that my basic healthy heart was strong, and my Dr. remarked that his impression was that my heart was as healthy, as a much younger man! So, I was doing well for a man my age. Then, because I have Parkinson’s and have had numerous falls over the last 5 or so years, it would be good if I could get off blood thinners! Of course, my diagnosis of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation prompted the use of blood thinners!! What clinched my decision of going ahead with the ‘Watchman’, was when a recent ordered MRI showed that I had had 2 lacunar strokes! Perhaps a clot from my heart, could have caused one or both of my ischemic strokes, I reasoned. So, the electrophysiologist also said that the rt. appendage was a ‘chicken’ type, meaning that it would probably make a good fit for installation of the ‘Watchman’ device. The Dr. and I discussed risk percentages, etc. and I decided to go ahead with the implant, when I discussed pros and cons, with him, at my pre-implant information meeting! I was on Eliquis for three months, and the implant procedure, under general anesthesia , went well! Afterward, the electrophysiologist told me that the ‘Watchman’ sizing that they inserted fit perfectly! I had no discomfort and no complications, after the surgical implant procedure, and, in my follow up trans esophageal procedure, where I went under light anesthesia, the ‘Watchman’ implant was well secured, with NO LEAKS, and NO BLOOD CLOTS! So, the Dr. was most pleased at my progress, of healing. I was then put on plavix and a baby aspirin, one each day. When my first year anniversary comes up, next March, I will have to undergo one more trans esophageal procedure, to ensure no leakage and no blood clots could occur in my heart, thus preventing a stroke from a blood clot, that might come from my heart! I feel more secure that I have some stroke prevention plan in place, and I will have some peace. of mind, going forward! I would recommend going for the ‘Watchman’ device procedure, for anyone who has approval and support from their cardiologist/electrophysiologist!

Excellent post, Foundry! Well-written and certainly convincing.

All the various factors pertinent in your medical status indicated the Watchman was the ideal way to go. Also LOVED hearing that your EP has an ongoing interest and plan for checking that the WM holds up over time, and provides the stroke protection that'll keep you safe.

All the best!

/LarryG