I was on Warfarin for 14 years, with no problems. Honestly, I would still be on it had I not experienced several bleeds resulting in 8 transfusions and a stay in ICU. My body just could no longer tolerate the blood thinners. The following 3 years I took nothing for the A-Fib. Yes, very risky and extremely scary worrying about a possible stroke.

Three years after the ICU incident I saw the Watchman ad on television stating it was for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem (me) and could not tolerate blood thinners (me, again). I discussed this with my cardiologist, had a TEE to insure that I was a good candidate and was referred to an electrophysiologist for evaluation and confirmation.

As for Eliquis, the only time I took it was after the implantation. I took it for 6 months only, followed by a low-dose aspirin daily for life. From the Watchman website you will learn that this is the the protocol for the device.

This is my A-Fib story and the implant is working for me so far. I'm also living with other heart ailments, sleep apnea, arthritis and cancer. If you are interested in the Watchman do your due diligence and talk to your cardiologist and/or medical team. I don't know your medical history nor am qualified to suggest that this what you need or would work for you.

Tresjur