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Being your own Advocate
Please share this info with others although it occurred in Wilmington, it could happen anywhere. My cardiologist had highly recommended the Watchman implant due to 24+ continuous hours of AFib. I needed to get clearance from Pulmo, Gastro, and Primary physicians. I have done that. On 7/14/22 I had appointment in the Device Clinic for Pacemaker check. I asked the Tech to let me view the rhythm strip of the 23+ hours of nonstop AFib. THERE WAS A MISTAKE! It was 23 minutes and not 23 hours and 39 minutes as stated on the report. The Cardiolotist in Wilmington has corrected that on the report in Epic. This is scary!! I was nervous about the Watchman because of bronchiectasis and the need for rigorous airway clearance.
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Excellent! Your sharing highlights a very importantly common mistake so many patients/persons make….”we take the instructions, words, directions, & comments of our providers….as absolute “. How wise of you to want to see the rhythm strip…most would not of. Doctors, technicians, and nurses should have no problem participating in full disclosure of all tests results….which belong to the patient. Bravo for you👏🏼👏🏼
Hope all goes well with the Watchman, stay well.
Regina
I am confused. Are you on an anticoagulation drug? Coumadin? Xarelto?Another? Have you had an afib caused stroke?
The Watchman closes off the left atrial appendage which is the part of the heart where most afib caused clots leading to stroke occur. While the Watchman has been shown to prevent stroke, it does nothing with respect to stopping afib.
Also, having afib all the time has been shown to cause less strokes than having it from time to time because there are less clots formed. The Watchman is recommended for afib patients who cannot take an anticoagulant or who have had a stroke while taking an anticoagulant.
Why are you a candidate for the Watchman?