WATCHMAN Inplant

[Debjimmay]

Has anyone had the WATCHMAN Inplant?

I’m 71, have Afib and I’m having problems taking 2.5 mg of Eliquis twice a day.. I’m wondering if there are risks involved with the procedure and if it’s worth it to have it done. Thanks.

[CoconutBob]

I am 83 and my cardiologist recommended Watchman a few years ago. I did some online research and there were a few cardiologists who strongly recommended NOT to have the procedure. Apparently, one out of six patients have problems afterwards and some must continue on blood thinners. My own cardiologist, after returning from a seminar in California given by the manufacturer, said I should do it only if I have falls. He had six patients do the procedure and in one there were problems. I decided not to have another implant because I already have a pacemaker. My doctor did not recommend either Eliquis or Xarelto due to side effects. I did eventually try both and I am now back on Warfarin. The newer drugs made me more fatigued, increased my insomnia and amplified all my aches and pains. I was having home testing for my INR but due to a change in insurance I will now go to a local drug store for testing when necessary. I hope this information will be useful to you.

[Debjimmay in reply to CoconutBob]

Hi! Thank you so much for your response. I’m sort of leaning on the side of not having it done so your message helped a lot. 😊

[JefferyW]

I had a Watchman fitted in November as part of a trial to come off anticoagulants. Procedure was straightforward and although done under general anaesthesic felt fine. Still in monitoring stage and have review scheduled for end of Feb. I was apprehensive but procedure was really straightforward. Just a bit of bruising around my groin area. Don’t feel any different after it was inserted

[Debjimmay in reply to JefferyW]

Hi Jeffrey. How many days ahead of the implant did you go off your blood thinner? I worry about bleeding having the Inplant done. I nicked my finger with the scissors the other day and started getting worried that I wasn’t going to be able to stop the bleeding. Very scary on these blood thinners. Can you please let me how your review goes in February? I would like to know how you are doing. Thanks

[RoyMacDonald]

You don't say what problems you are having. It would be useful to know.

Thanks

Roy MacDonald

[Debjimmay in reply to RoyMacDonald]

Hi Roy. I have Afib but I’m not sure which type it is. My Apple Watch Has been telling me for the last few months that I am in Afib 2% of the time. Actually, I learned by my Apple Watch that I had Afid two years ago.

[Silky57 in reply to Debjimmay]

Hi Debjimmay, just to let you know an Apple Watch reports your AFib history reading as 2% or less even if you’ve had 0% burden.

Here’s the relevant bit from Apple Support: Your AF History estimate appears as a percentage. A lower percentage means your heart was in AF less often, while a higher percentage means more often. Your AF History will never be displayed as 0%. Instead, it will be displayed as 2% or less.

[Debjimmay in reply to Silky57]

Hi Silky57. I never knew that about the Apple Watch Percentage readings. So if mine is at 2% all the time it’s likely that I’m not having any Afib issues at all. Thank you for sharing that bit of information. I appreciate you taking the time to send it.

[Silky57 in reply to Debjimmay]

Hi Debjimmay. It is perfectly possible you’re having no events at all. All you know for sure is your burden is somewhere between 0% and 2%. Remember also that your Apple Watch only checks for AFib periodically, not constantly, so your AFib History reading is very useful but not perfect.

[RoyMacDonald]

Sorry but I don't see how the relationship is an Eliquis problem? Also at your age you should be on 5mg twice a day for "full" protection unless you meet the criteria for 2.5 mg. Type of Afib is not a consideration for taking Eliquis. Trust me as speaking from experience of not taking it, I had a major stroke and you can never get back the piece of brain with all it's functions you lose in the event of a stroke. The biggest mistake of my life was not taking it when it was recommended.

All the best.

Roy

[Debjimmay in reply to RoyMacDonald]

Roy, I’m so sorry to hear about your stroke. My cardiologist didn’t want me to go on the 2.5 mg of Eliquis but I was having problems with nose, bleeds, falling, and just overall worry about taking a blood thinner in case I would cut myself or get in a car accident because I don’t think they have an antidote for Eliquis. I haven’t had an Afib attend since November 2021 so there are times I’m wondering if I even need to be on blood thinner. I know, some people will not agree with that at all. My doctor has talked to me s about the Watchman, but that may not always be the answer either. That is why I came on here to see how many have had the Watchman Inplant and what kind of results they’ve had from it. I’ve heard even with the Watchman Inplant some people still have to be on blood thinners. I’m just confused and unsure about it all but I definitely do not want to have a stroke. I have severe anxiety which doesn’t help matters either.

[RoyMacDonald in reply to Debjimmay]

Yes, there is an antidote for Eliquis in an emergency. I believe it is by injection. Eliquis is not a blood thinner but an anti coagulant by the way. Just slows down the clotting process by about 20 mins. Enough for the potential clot to pass through the brain without getting stuck in small arteries.

All the best.

Roy