Does anyone with AFIB NOT take blood thinners?

Able to get off blood thinners due to watchman implant

Thanks @1943! Neat to learn of new technology like this! My case is fresh restart of A-fib for some reason so too early for a major decision like this cool device...

I Spent the day at ER; came away with two new prescripts: 240mg Cardizem (diltiazem) & 20mg Xarelto... The intervenious shot of Cardizem slowed my constant 142 BPM rate on arrival to 75-ish, & Xarelto was because I complained of the $450/mo cost of the Elequis I had after my operation. HA! Xarelto is $ 350! At least I was able to talk them out of their desire to keep me in the hospital! I certainly can drive myself back again if BPM go up above 120 or so. We all know the A-fib is not a reason by itself to go to ER, but the doc said 'any constant >100 BPM warrants a visit to the ER.

My question remains: Does anyone knowingly have A-fib and is NOT on a blood thinner? Thanks.

I have had AFIB for years. I pop in and out often. I do not take any blood thinners at this time because of internal bleeding issues. Had a major internal bleeding episode in the fall of 2017. They gave me two units of blood in the ER and a 4 day hospital stay. Cause and location of the bleeding is still unknown as of today. Talked to my new heart doctor yesterday (2/14/2019) and she is recommending the Watchman device.
Most of the time I do not know I am in AFIB. I have had 2 ER documented AFIB episodes around 15 yrs ago. Was on blood thinners for a few years and then got off. I do not want to be on blood thinners due to the side affects. I live 30 miles from my hospital so that is one of the reasons I do not want blood thinners. Making the decision to do the Watchman is difficult. I am a 72 yr old male. No history of stoke or heart attacks.

Hello 1943...
I am considering getting the Watchman due to frequent AFIB. Any advice will be very much appreciated. There is no information out there that comes from a patient, only people pushing the device. Thanks

Had two major bleeds while on eliquis. One gastro and one brain. Ended up with a clot in the brain and in patient in hosp. went to. mayo clinic in mn.And procedure (watchman) was implemented. I am 75 years old and have permanent afib. It will be 6 months in two weeks since the procedure and I will be getting off plavix and will remain on a baby aspirin only.
So glad to be able to get off blood thinners. Placement of the watchman went well.

I’m new to the terminology. What is the Watchman, please???

The Watchman is a device they put in your heart to stop clots forming IN THE HEART. The watchman will not stop or prevent clots forming in other areas. Do internet search for the Watchman. Sorry, I am not allowed to post a link here.

Thanks for the info on Watchman. My biggest frustration with Afib is that doctors have so many similar yet different approaches to a solution. I really don’t like “Lets try this and see what happens”.

I like it when I can get 2 out of 3 doctors on the same page. Do as much research on-line as you can. I would love to sit down with a patient who has had the watchman put in so I can ask questions. Mostly what I am finding is company information which is slanted. I trust my current heart doc and her information is very helpful. She tells me in the end, it is my decision and she will respect whatever I decide. She is not pushing the watchman, just advising me that in her opinion it is my best option. We can't get tool much information.....good luck with your situation.

I had my first afib incident May 2018. Pulse was 200 and the IV drugs got it under control after an overnight in the hospital. I was sent home with just metoprolol. I couldn't get in to a cardiologist for almost 2 months. When I saw her she explained to me that at this point she didn't see the need for a blood thinner other than baby aspirin once a day. That made me very happy. I haven't had another bout since then.