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Heart Rhythm Conditions – Welcome to the group
Welcome to the Heart Rhythm Conditions group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
Did you know that the average heart beats 100,000 times a day? Millions of people live with heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias) which occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate heartbeats don't work properly. Let's connect with each other; we can share stories and learn about coping with the challenges, and living well with abnormal heart rhythms. I invite you to follow the group. Simply click the +FOLLOW icon on the group landing page.
I'm Kanaaz (@kanaazpereira), and I'm the moderator of this group. When you post to this group, chances are you'll also be greeted by volunteer patient Mentors and fellow members. Learn more about Moderators and Mentors on Connect.
Let's chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?
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I was on Warfarin for 14 years, with no problems. Honestly, I would still be on it had I not experienced several bleeds resulting in 8 transfusions and a stay in ICU. My body just could no longer tolerate the blood thinners. The following 3 years I took nothing for the A-Fib. Yes, very risky and extremely scary worrying about a possible stroke.
Three years after the ICU incident I saw the Watchman ad on television stating it was for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem (me) and could not tolerate blood thinners (me, again). I discussed this with my cardiologist, had a TEE to insure that I was a good candidate and was referred to an electrophysiologist for evaluation and confirmation.
As for Eliquis, the only time I took it was after the implantation. I took it for 6 months only, followed by a low-dose aspirin daily for life. From the Watchman website you will learn that this is the the protocol for the device.
This is my A-Fib story and the implant is working for me so far. I'm also living with other heart ailments, sleep apnea, arthritis and cancer. If you are interested in the Watchman do your due diligence and talk to your cardiologist and/or medical team. I don't know your medical history nor am qualified to suggest that this what you need or would work for you.
Tresjur
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3 ReactionsI looked the devise up and wondered if it will ever get clogged by those clots it is designed to filter out.
Tresjur,
I went looking for information on the Watchman devise. It is basically a strainer. It did make me wonder if the clots it filters out have ever been known to clog up the strainer? That is a subject for another day.
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2 ReactionsEileena,
Actually my heart performs the way it should. The Watchman does not change the functionality of the heart. For clarity and a better understanding please visit watchman.com. I do not know what your struggles are due to A-Fib, but again the Watchman was an alternative treatment for me because I could no longer tolerate blood thinners.\
Tresjur
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2 ReactionsHi @eileena,
I though you might be interested in reading this discussion started by @tresjur, Watchman Implant for A-Fib https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/watchman-implant-for-a-fib/ where she and others have shared some incredible insights and experiences.
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1 ReactionI will need to go get info on this as I never heard of it. Sounds like part of your heart is not in use due to this devise.
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1 ReactionHello Eileena,
No, the implant is not an ICD. The Watchman does not affect the abnormal heart pumping, but rather acts as a dam to permanently close of the Left Atrial Appendage (LLA), Closing off the LLA can prevent a blood clot from blocking blood supply to the brain. I was on Warfarin for 14 years for A-Fib until my body could no longer tolerate it; the following 3 years on aspirin only and the Watchman implanted 14 months ago.
Tresjur
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3 ReactionsIs your implant an ICD?
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1 ReactionWelcome to the group. Mayo Clinic Connect is a great place to learn what others are going through, what treatments are available and how they work. Also it is a wonderful place to find support and bond with others with the same condition. I was diagnosed with A-Fib about 20 years ago and after a few ups and downs, treatment changes and lastly the Watchman implant, I'm doing well. What are your struggles and are you under a doctor's care?
Tresjur
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3 ReactionsGlad to meet you. There are things docs do that can help counteract AFIBs, but not all work.
Do what you can to stay healthy, walk a bit, rest a bit, eat only what you need to feel ok, try to figure out what is stressing you. But the big thing is , you have come to the right place for support.
Any heart condition is a struggle, but with guidance you can learn to live with it and even have a good support network here.
My problem is PVCs, pre-ventrical contractions. I track them using a little ECG monitor my cardiologist advised me to get so I could see if they are worse or about the same following the ablation I had to try to terminate them. Mayo clinic has finally realized they are far more dangerous than AFIBs, but so little studies have been done.
Wellcome to the chat.