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Any experiences with Watchman Implant for A-Fib?
I've been living with A-Fib for close to 20 years now. I took warfarin for 14 of those years and then switched to Pradaxa. After being on Pradaxa for 8 months, I started having GI bleeds and over the course of 14 months I had 8 blood transfusions. After ending up with a hemogloblin count of 5 and
an INR of 9, I ended up in ICU. After my release, and lengthy discussions with my cardiologist, we decided that my body could no longer tolerate the
blood thinners. For three years I went without any A-fib treatment and a year ago I started taking a full dose aspirin daily.
Early this summer I saw the TV ads for the Watchman, for people who cannot take blood thinners. It's an jellyfish looking implant that is inserted in the
left atrial appendage of the heart. After implantation, heart tissue will grow over the device and provide blockage of clots that could travel to the brain.
I had the implantation done on September 13th, which requires an overnight stay in the hospital, and will be on Eliquis and an aspirin for about 45 days, then I will just take an aspirin daily for the rest of my life.
From reading the pros and cons of this device, it is my understanding that it does not work any better than blood thinners, but is an option for those who
cannot take the thinners. My first visit with the electrophysiologist is 2 weeks from today and at the end of October, I will undergo another TEE to determine
if all is working well.
I lived the 3 plus years not being on blood thinners with the though of stroke in the back of my mind. Even though I realize that nothing is 100% guaranteed or successful, I do have some relief now that I am again under treatment.
I'm posting this experience and wondering if anyone else has undergone this procedure and may be further along in their journey. It has been only 22 days
since my implant. I'm doing well so far and have not had a problem with the Eliquis so far.
Regards,
Mary
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Had watchman implanted1 1/2 years ago. So glad no blood thinners other than baby aspirin. Short of breath but also smoked for 30 years. Think it's the atrial fib causing it.
I just had the device implanted the 14th of November so i'm a newbie with it. I go back January 2nd for the follow up (TEE). Only thing ive noticed is a slight increase in my shortness of breath. I had that long before the procedure inasmuch as i smoked for 50 years but after a series of Pulmonary tests just two months ago, there was no sign of COPD.
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1 ReactionI had a Watchman implant put in two weeks ago. The surgery was an easy surgery. There are a few restriction after surgery for a week or two but not bad ones. I researched and talked with as many people as possible to find out all I could from people with experience/who had Watchman Implants and did not have one person say anything negative about it. I had the surgery with no reservations. Good luck!
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1 ReactionI am considering getting the watchman implant. Any reason not to proceed?
I am in the same situation. I have the watchman but am considering the av node ablation with pacemaker has anyone experienced this?
I also have been on blood thinners, have had a number of cardioversions and had two ablations and have had bleeding problems. I am to have a Watchaman done next month. A cardiologist nurse told me of a procedure whereby a complete ablation is done (like eliminating all heart beats originating from the heart) this can't be reversed however) and going with a pace maker. She fell well short of recommending the procedure. I don't know the actual name of the procedure. Does anyone know anything about it?
I am waiting for AMPLATZER™ Amulet to get the FDA approval.
I have been in AFib since 2009 even with 3 ablations, numerous cardio versions and numerous drugs. I had 6 day hospital stay after stomach bleed in 2016. I was given 6 units of blood because I was on XARELTO at the time and they could not stop the bleed. I have had at least 2 DVT's both before the stomach bleed. I am on Warfarin since that time 2016 since it can be reversed. My EP implanted a Pacemaker in 2017 which helps with the symptoms but I remain in AFib or flutter almost constantly.
My LAA was not shaped correctly for the Watchman implant (chicken leg/wing) so that means Amulet is my only hope. From what I can find online it is a long way off. Anyone out there have any current info on Amulet.
Thank you
Hi I had the watchman implanted one year ago. I have had no problems since and am glad I no longer need blood thinners , other than a baby aspirin s day. This is a good feeling after suffering a gastro internal bleed and a brain bleed while on blood thinnrr.
Hi @trh5732 and welcome to Connect. I'd like to introduce you to fellow Connect members @kidsincollege @kathe626 and @elizabeth1941 as they have experience with the Watchman procedure and my be able to offer you support.
Back to you @trh5732 are you comfortable sharing your thoughts about the procedure? Did your cardiologist share any concerns about your bleeding problem and this procedure or did they think it would affect it?
My cardiologist referred me to another cardiologist as I have a-fib and also have a bleeding problem with blood thinners. My specialist recommended a watchman procedure. What do you think?