Planned Watchman procedure

[FootDr]

Just joined the group. Diagnosed with AFib and having internal bleeding with Eliquis. So, planning possible Watchman procedure. Any advice would be appreciated.

Bill

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Welcome to the Forum - I am sure all the members will welcome you and offer some advice based on their own personal experiences, if you would like further information on the procedure' Transcatheter Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage' please visit the For Patients Tab \ Patient Resources \ FactSheets heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

[FootDr in reply to TracyAdmin]

Thanks, appreciate the info and concern.

[Mpricelpc in reply to TracyAdmin]

Look into the Wolf Mini Maze before you fo the Watchman. There’s a Facebook group with lots of posts from patients.

[mav7]

Welcome to the Forum !

Sry, don't have Watchman info.

I have been on Eliquis for almost 1 year and always concerned about internal bleeding.

May I ask how your internal bleeding was diagnosed and the symptoms ?

Thanks for posting this important subject.

[FootDr in reply to mav7]

I went to the ER for a transfusion and the rectal blood test for Heme was positive. I had two transfusions one with I unit of red cells and one with two. Each time my BP went to 170 and the second time it got as high as 196 and I ended up in the ER. Still working on getting it down. Getting Iron infusions currently. Had two and will have five total.

[RoyMacDonald in reply to FootDr]

I don't understand how you can attribute the blood to the Apixaban though. The test cannot identify a source. From the Mayo clinic website. "If blood is detected through a fecal occult blood test, additional tests may be needed to determine the source of the bleeding. The fecal occult blood test can only detect the presence or absence of blood — it can't determine what's causing the bleeding."

In my mind you defiantly need to have further investigation.

All the best.

Roy

[FootDr in reply to RoyMacDonald]

I had an upper and lower scope. No bleeding found at the time, but I was off the Eliquis for the procedure.

[RoyMacDonald in reply to FootDr]

Can I ask how long for as it's a common misconception that stopping taking it for a day is enough to clear it from your system, when if fact it takes several days?

All the best.

Roy

[mav7]

Thanks for sharing !

Wishing you good health !

[MummyLuv]

Welcome!

I am considering having a left appendage exclusion in order to stop blood thinners as I have a history of internal bleeding. Perhaps worth researching LEA/LAA vs watchman.

[rosyG]

be aware that clots can form in other areas not just the LAA so do make sure it is the apixaban which is the cause- lots of us have taken apixaban for several years with no problem

[Jancam1]

Have the watchman since 2018 with no problems. .Had bleeding problems while on eliquis a relief to not worry about that . Take a baBy aspirin daily.