Anyone with occasional Afib NOT on a blood thinner?

I've been on Xarelto for three months, can't ID any side effects but I've got a med cocktail which may mask it? My internist told me when prescribing that I can't stay on blood thinners forever? I've posted elsewhere about what my electrophysiologist calls "early beats" (2+ mos post fib/flutter ablation) which are day long escalated heart rates that are debilitating. I suspect that may be a default diagnosis?

I believe the term is "Watchman Device". I have it and suggest others in need consider having the devise. Blood thinners have certainly played a role in cardiology but it certainly makes life easier without them.

Yes, it is Watchman, lol! How long have you had it? Has it given you any problems?

I have had the device for about 2-3 years without any problems and no more blood thinners. When I first read about the device I was very interested in it because I was on a blood thinner which will have a bearing on what you can or should do as far as to other medications. My Gastro Dr jokingly stated that blood thinners prescribed by cardiologists were paying for his kid's education. My general cardiologist, a specialist from his own group had prescribed the blood thinner, was pleased to see me get on the Watchman and off the blood thinner.
However, please understand that blood thinners have been used for a very long time in cardiology and should be continued to be used unless a Watchman is appropriate can be implemented instead of a blood thinner.

I have afib about once a year- since 2015. When it happens it is dramatic and my pulse goes up over 180, I get very short of breath, chest pain and so on. I end up in an ambulance. My blood pressure is very low normally and diltiazem lowers it further, so I end up in observation in the ICU. I usually convert in 2-7 hours.

They did an echo the last time to make sure I had no clots in my heart.

I declined blood thinners in 2015. After a few years my cardiologist said I was probably right and they were "overmedicating" people. The criteria changed for females (I am over 65) so not I meet the guidelines for no blood thinners.

There are natural blood thinners. Nattokinase? Eating natto is one way. But no way to measure so I would never try it. Eventually I will need blood thinners and will only consider one that has an easy antidote.

So yes, I have afib and am not on a blood thinner.

What is nattokinaise?

From Sloan Kettering: · Nattokinase is an extracelluar enzyme secreted by the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, used to ferment boiled or steamed soybeans resulting in a preparation called nattō. Nattō has been consumed as food in Japan for several centuries. Nattokinase is also available as a supplement and is most known for its effects on prevention and treatment of clots and to improve blood circulation.

From WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1084/nattokinase
Please note that any supplement or substance that operates to thin blood should be discussed with your provider before use, especially if you take ANY medications or have any heart, blood or circulatory issues.
Sue

absolutely use with caution and check with doc, but natto is a part of Japanese diet

Yes, it is part of the long term Japanese diet, but as with any other food or supplement, their body's are adapted to it. If new to you, your body is not, and must be monitored for response.
Sue