Life after watchman.

[Champwhite]

I was diagnosed with AFIB in January 2020. After taking eliquis for Two years I decided to have the watchman implant because of all the easy bruising and the expense of the eliquis. Am interested in knowing how others have done with the implant. It’s been four days since I got the watchman and today I went to the ER because of AFIB. Tomorrow I will see the doctor who did the procedure. I am wondering if others have experienced any problems after the implant.

[Hidden]

It’s quite a rare procedure here in the UK so you might not get much of response from us Brits! However, many will be interested in your replies. Best of luck, hope things settle soon…….

[BobD Volunteer]

I'm afraid that question is limited mainly to members in USA as watchman is seldom fitted in UK and Europe except in very rare circumstances. Of course it doesn't affect AF at all , merely limiting the chance of clots forming so is prophylactic against stroke.

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

I think the two procedures have been done at the same time in the USA so it’s possible they were done together. When he wakes up, Champwhite may clarify, but even if it was, AF could still occur………

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

FJ I see no mention of ablation?

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

Nor do I………

[CDreamer]

Hi & welcome. I am confused. Where you expecting Watchman to stop your AFib?

[mav7]

Welcome, your first post !

Not familiar with Watchman, but your doctor determined it appropriate for you. Like most procedures, I am sure there can be initial discomfort.

Good you are seeing your doctor tomorrow to discuss concerns and for an exam.

[Jafib]

I suspect that your heart gets a little “angry” as my doctor put it, whenever such procedures are done. Couple that with any anxiety you may have had or are having and I am not surprised at all that your a-fib is breaking through. I would think you will be in a much better place in a few days.

[Angie06]

Hi, I was put forward for a Watchman procedure here in the UK 4yrs ago as unable to take anticoagulants due to another condition. It's a left atrial appendage occlusion device and fitted to lessen the chance of a clot forming there and causing a stroke. Under anaesthetic they decided to use the Amplatzer amulet device (same thing) as it was a better fit for my heart. Recovery was quick and after a couple of weeks not overdoing things I was back to normal. Apart from ectopics my heart is very well behaved and the device, although not foolproof has given me some peace of mind regarding a stroke. Hope you're recovery goes well too.Angie

[Jancam1]

Had the watchman implanted four years sgo. Best thing I have ever done. Still have a fib but no longer have the problems associ ated with blood thinners.

[loudeanna]

Had a watchman placed about 3 years ago . No issues

[N400033]

Hi Champwhite,

I have not had any issues with the Watchman itself. But I did have some mild AFIB afterwards. It is my understanding that the Watchman can not stop AFIB. It just seals off the left atrial appendage so that if you do form a clot, it is captured and can not escape and cause a problem for you. But perhaps you can verify that with your EP.

When they checked my Watchman prio to my pacemaker, everything concerning the Watchman was fine. They then performed a cardioversion after which the EP told me that my normal sinus rythmn was restored on the first paddle of the cardioversion.

I had to have the Watchman after I could not take blood thinners anymore. But I still have to take a med to keep me from going into AFIB. But thus far seems good for me...I feel safer having it in case I do happen to go into AFIB and form a clot. I would recommend that you see your EP and discuss with him your specific situation.

Goid luck to you!!

[Sueellenn]

I had the watchman implanted 9/18. My AFIB with heart rates down to 40 makes me feel like I am dying. And, no one cares. This never happened previous to the implant.