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Any experiences with Watchman Implant for A-Fib?

Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Mar 8 8:52am | Replies (261)
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@oldandintheway

On blood thinners since 2005 with atrial fib, 3 stents, several ablations and cardioconversions. On Eliquis and Tikcosin for a long time. Afrer an extended battle with renal failure, I recovered and took several tests to determine my heart strength. I was implanted with a Watchman 13 September,2022 and so far so good.In 4 weeks I will srart a couple of tests to assure the implant is good - then at about 45 days I may be able to eliminate blood thinners and maybe see an improvenent to my atrial fib.I tnink it is worth the effort. I am 87....

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Replies to "On blood thinners since 2005 with atrial fib, 3 stents, several ablations and cardioconversions. On Eliquis..."
obdoc2001 | @obdoc2001 | Sep 16, 2022

Best wishes.

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realitytest | @realitytest | Sep 17, 2022

I myself am looking into having a Watchman procedure performed.

I certainly wish you all the best, but do be aware that the Watchman is not designed to eliminate AFIB but rather to allow you to avert strokes without taking blood thinners (after that initial healing period).

I decided to have a Watchman because blood thinners carry with them a special added risk to my wet macular degeneration (they add risk for the retinal bleeding which is what kills the macular cells and leads to blindness).

There are other significant advantages to avoiding blood thinners too:
if you have a hemorrhagic stroke, while taking them you are pretty much a goner as the reversal agents are few and far between (even if you were able to get to a hospital carrying them in time, the cost is $25K for the first dose, and another $25K if you need another. The cost is the main reason hospitals don't carry it).

Also, anything causing bleeding, is hard to control while taking blood thinners.

Many doctors advise against older people taking them , because of their greater fall risk (especially because they might cause cerebral bleeding).

So you will end up ahead no matter what even if you continue to have Afib.

Best of luck1

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