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Any experiences with Watchman Implant for A-Fib?
Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Mar 8 8:52am | Replies (261)Comment receiving replies
Has anyone with afib had the Watchman procedure that allows you to stop taking blood thinner meds? I recently was hospitalized for internal bleeding. The source of the bleed was never found. I had 3 blood transfusions and an iron infusion. I had been taking xarelto which was stopped. Doctor is recommending I consider Watchman procedure. Is this procedure safe?
Replies to "Has anyone with afib had the Watchman procedure that allows you to stop taking blood thinner..."
Welcome @obag, good questions about the Watchman implant. See this extensive discussion:
- Any experences with Watchman Implant for A-Fib? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/watchman-implant-for-a-fib/
You will read experiences about the Watchman device from many members like @kathe626 @elizabeth1941 @hopeful33250 @1943 @jimbotch @ronva2co @kidsincollege @odaleberg @phoenix1647 @fiddlinchuck and @debithejedi who can help answer your questions.
Your story sounds like mine. I had a severe drop in my hemoglobin requiring transfusions and infusions of iron. Bleeding source finally found many months later as I researched possible causes. My Dr suggested a Watchman implant to decrease the risk of clots forming because of my history of bleeding and needing to get off blood thinners. I agreed, it was done and I only take 81mg aspirin now. Had the procedure, went home next morning and I have my last appointment with my electrophysiologist next month. They follow you for 2 years after the implant. I've never had a problem with it. You will need to carry a card with the information about the device.
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I had the Watchman implanted 9/2021. I was able to come off Xarelto after 6 months and now on Aspirin 81mg daily. I had severe anemia requiring 4 units of packed red cells when my hemoglobin was 3.7. I spent a week in the hospital for testing (including a bone marrow biopsy) and they couldn't find where I was bleeding from. After many months and my hemoglobin dropping again I went to a
GI Dr who knew exactly what was wrong. I underwent a enteroscopy (not an endoscopy) where he found a few arteriovenous malformations in my small intestine and cauterized them. I have not had a decrease in my hemoglobin since. I have had iron infusions to resolve my iron deficiency, but no further bleeding. The Watchman was done as a safety factor regarding the history of bleeding. It was a simple procedure done under general anesthesia. I had an ablation done at the same time. I spent an overnight in the hospital and home the next morning with no lasting effects. Easy peasy!