After an ablation and no AFib can I stop my blood thinner Xarelto?

I had PF ablation in January, which was successful so far, and I would love to get off Xarelto, even though it doesn't bother me. My concern is experiencing a major bleed, which is a risk with anticoagulants. I lead an active life, cross-country skiing, bicycling, hiking, etc. I use power tools to build furniture: table saw, band saw, router, etc. And I do a lot of work on my property, sometimes felling trees with my chainsaw. When I discuss all this with my cardiologist, he feels the benefit still outweighs the risk. He also suggests that I might want to consider not using a chainsaw.

It doesn't seem common in my readings on this site, that AFIB patients have a discussion of doing a LAAC, along with, or after an ablation. Maybe such a discussion takes place more often than I realize. Also, I know that not everyone is a candidate for a LAAC, even though this appendage is an area of concern for blood clots. In my case, I was a good candidate and had the LAAC done at the time of my ablation. Shortly after that, I wore a heart monitor for 30 days and my cardiologist and I decided that it was okay for me to stop taking Eliquis. That was over 3 years ago. I don't take any medications except for four amoxicillin before I go to the dentist. Everyone is different of course, but that's my story. Hope it helps someone.
Regards,
Sagan

Yep, that is the big trade off of using DOAC meds. Similar lifestyle to your's and depending on activity level my forearms often look like someone took a bat to me. But you're right, after the cardio people give you all their facts it's still your decision which road to take. I actually have a "quick clot" pack in my car and work shop for a bleeding emergency. Those abalaltions don't come with a guarantee so you really won't know if they work forever. Hopefully you didn't tell the cardiologist that you juggle chainsaws 😊.
Those medical decisions are never easy, good luck.

Ha! No chainsaws! Yes, agree on all accounts. Too late to get rid of all the blue marks on the legs. I’ll continue to wait to hear what the verdict is re: Xarelto. Thanks!

I stayed on blood thinner for three months after ablation… always consult your doctor! Going on three years afib free!! Good luck to you!

I would be interested in knowing how many people still have AF after they have a Watchman implant?

Some. The Watchman has nothing to do with AF or with its modification, control, or its prevention. It's just a plug. A mesh inserted into the left atrial appendage to block off that shallow 'cave' or grotto. This is where the highest risk of stroke from AF lies, about 90% of all strokes related to AF happen in the LAA. The Watchman, if properly installed, and if it seals off with endothelial growth, will not allow blood to enter it. No blood, no clot.

Another advantage of the Watchman is that you don't need to take a prescribed blood thinner, and you substantially reduce the chance of bleeding to death in the event of a major accident. Yes, you will have to take a daily baby aspirin for the rest of your life instead of a daily Eliquis tablet (or similar).

Agreed. No blood can enter, no clot can form, so one doesn't need a DOAC for that particular risk. However, the patient may have other risks associated with age alone, lifestyle, comorbidities....and would be well-advised to continue on a DOAC. As always, this is considered after consulting a qualified medical professional.

The Zio report showed no Afib events however there were some abnormal heart beats, including some ectopics and 44 non-sustained supraventricular tachycardia runs, the longest of which lasted 19 seconds. According to my EP I can stop the Xarelto, even though my ChadsVasc score is 3.2, however he recommends a Kardia monitor used twice a day for the first month to confirm no Afib. This doesn't sound overly reassuring. I'll see what my cardiologist thinks.

PS - still got the chainsaw and I wear protective gear.