Thank you, I had thought that I was on Xarelto because it was newer and didn't have to be monitored as closely. Didn't know there was a down side. I will have a discussion with my cardiologist about why he put me on this vs. Warfarin. I'm new to all of this.

Today I reached the one-month mark since I had the Watchman implanted. My first follow-up appointment with the electrophysiologist is on the 17th and I pray all is okay. I'm feeling well but look forward to getting off the Eliquis as it does scare me that there is no reversal in case of bleeding. The next step is another TEE (on Oct. 30) to look at the implant from the esophagus.

Will keep you updated as I progress.

Mary

Hi Mary! Glad to see things are working with your Watchman so far!! I know you're anxious for Oct 30 to come. You mentioned that there is no reversal to stop bleeding when you're on Eliquis, and I've seen others mention it as well. But when I went to the ER last month with a life- threatening gastric bleed, they were able to give me something that reversed the Eliquis. And the bleeding stopped immediately. Of course by then I had already lost a lot of blood and had to have two blood transfusions that week. But whatever they gave me worked very well. I've been on Eliquis for a couple of years and had no problems with it. My bleeding was caused from an ulcer that broke open, and of course, as with any blood thinner, it was down hill from there!! I'm on my long path now to get approved for the Watchman. My Electrophysiologist has already said I was a candidate - I just have to get approval from my cardiologist and my gastric doctor. Ugh!!! I hate the waiting.

I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that all will continue to go well for you.

Billie

Hi Billie,

Thanks for sharing the information about the reversal for Eliquis....that's really good to know. If all goes well, I can discontinue the Eliquis in a few weeks.

My process was: cardiologist - initial TEE - electrophysiologist - GI doctor - colonoscopy and EGD - two weeks of warfarin - implant.
That took 15 weeks total, however the time went fast and before I knew it I was checking in the hospital. I will pray that your approvals and wait time move along seamlessly. Also, while on the Watchman website, I requested additional information and was contacted by an advisor that answered questions, mailed out additional information, gave me her contact number and stayed in touch with me throughout my journey.

Know that I will cheerlead for you and keep you in my prayers. If you have any questions, please post or private email me. I am interested in your progress as you travel through the process.

Regards,
Mary

Welcome to the Heart & Blood Health group on Connect, @kibwezi. We have some really informative discussions regarding pros and cons Xarelto that might interest you too:

– Pros and cons of Xarelto https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pros-and-cons-of-xarelto/?utm_campaign=search
– Xarelto https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/xarelto/?pg=3#comment-64158

@kibwezi, could you share a few more details about yourself? When were you diagnosed? Are you taking Xarelto for atrial fibrillation?

Hi Billie,

I saw the electrophysiologist on the 17th and we mainly went over the procedure, recovery and what is down the road. The next TEE is scheduled for 10/30. At that time, if all looks well, I will discontinue the Eliquis and aspirin and instead go on Plavix for about 6 months.
After the 6 months of Plavix, I will forever be on low dose aspirin.

How are you doing? Have you made any progress with securing approvals for your implant?

Mary

WHAT IS TEE?

Welcome to Connect, @bjme,

TEE stands for transesophageal echo which is a type of echo where a flexible tube containing a transducer is guided down your throat and into your esophagus, which connects your mouth to your stomach. From there, the transducer can be positioned to obtain more-detailed images of your heart. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/echocardiogram/about/pac-20393856

What brings you to Connect, @bjme?

I have AFIB but contrary to what my cardiologist wants I am just taking a full aspirin daily.I don't have symptoms - fast heartbeat - pulse almost always in the 70's unless exercising. I'm widowed living alone and worry everyday of my condition or complications with taking a blood thinner. Also, because I enjoy doing yard work, shoveling snow and just being very independent I do have accidents and have slipped on ice or trip over something and tumble down more than a couple of times. I think I would have to make life changes to be on a blood thinner. I'm in my mid seventies and otherwise healthy - on no Rx just OTC vitamins and of course the aspirin. It is a worry and that is why if there is something i can do to protect myself and not take blood thinners I'm interested.and curious

GOOD MORNING!
I AM A BIT CONFUSED. YOU ARE TAKING ASPRIN AND BLOOD THINNERS? ARE YOU TAKING AN ADULT OR BABY ASPRIN?
I AM ALL FOR BEING OUR OWN ADVOCATE, BUT IF YOU ARE NOT PLEASED WITH THE WAY YOUR DOC IS CARING FOR YOUR AFIB, WHY NOT FIND ONE YOU LIKE? IF YOU REMAIN WITH THIS DOC, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT HE/SHE KNOWS YOU ARE TAKING ASPRIN SINCE IT MIGHT HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE MEDS YOU ARE GIVEN AND THE WAY YOUR TREATMENT PLAN WILL GO.
IF YOU FEAR FOR YOUR SAFETY, WHY NOT GET ONE OF THOSE 'I CAN'T GET UP' EMERGENCY NECKLACE? I HAVE ONE AND WEAR IT WHEN I AM ALONE IN MY HOUSE. I AM 63 BUT I AM AT RISK TO FALL. I CERTAINLY FEEL SAFER WITH IT.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)