watchman device

[Scrabblefiend]

anyone else here had the watchman implant to block off the left atrial appendage? I had this done 10 days ago and wondered if anyone has comments about the recovery from the procedure?

[Paulbounce]

Hi Scrabble.

I can't really help you with one. However, as you haven't had any replies yet I asked Chatty what he had to say. Below is a copy and paste of his reply. Please note he is not a doctor so the information is only something to discuss with your medic. I'm sure you will get some replies today from forum members who have had the procedure.

Paul

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.

The Watchman implant is a small device that is inserted into the left atrial appendage (LAA) of the heart to help prevent blood clots from forming. The LAA is a small pouch at the top of the left atrium, and it is a common source of blood clots for people with atrial fibrillation (AFib).

The Watchman implant procedure is minimally invasive, and it is typically performed in a hospital under sedation. The procedure involves making a small incision in the groin and inserting a catheter into a blood vessel that leads to the heart. The catheter is then guided to the LAA, where the Watchman device is deployed.

The Watchman implant procedure is generally well-tolerated, and most people can return home the same day. However, there are some risks associated with the procedure, including bleeding, infection, and stroke.

Here are some of the things you can expect during your recovery from a Watchman implant procedure:

You may experience some pain and discomfort at the insertion site for the first few days.

You may also experience bruising and swelling at the insertion site.

You will need to take blood thinners for several weeks after the procedure to help prevent blood clots from forming.

You will need to avoid strenuous activity for at least a few weeks after the procedure.

Most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks after the procedure. However, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and to attend all of your follow-up appointments.

[Scrabblefiend in reply to Paulbounce]

Thanks for that - as ever subtly different info on all sites! I was told normal activities after a week, this one has ‘a few weeks’… well at 10 days I wouldn’t say I’m doing normal activities yet!

For info, I had this procedure because I have an ‘unclassified bleeding disorder’ (family thing, sufficiently significant that I am under the local Haemophilia centre though it isn’t Haemophilia) and therefore was considered ineligible for warfarin or anything like that. The Watchman is intended to have a similar effect in reducing stroke risk with the AFib, but of course it isn’t a cure for AFib itself so I’m on bisoprolol and ramipril. But it would be good to find some other patients who’ve had the Watchman!

[Paulbounce in reply to Scrabblefiend]

Hi Scrabblefiend.

Personally, I would play safe and stick to two weeks. I might even play safer and go for three weeks.

Good luck.

Paul

PS. You would beat me at Scrabble but I bet I would wipe the floor with you at chess🤣🤣🤣

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Lovely bouncy Paul has done an excellent job of relaying his message. Perfect.

I don't know of anyone who has had this done.

Thanx Paul for educating us all. Sounds better that an ablation of the aC Node.

Perhaps our NZ friend could have that done - Alphakiwi.

cherio JOY. 75. (NZ)

[Rusty-36]

Yes, I have the watchman implant. I had no problem with recovery. It took 60 days to completely seal over. I was able to stop blood thinners.

[Scrabblefiend]

thanks that is good to hear - May I ask why you had the procedure rather than thinners, and also what drugs you are on for the AFib?

[SweetMelody2]

Like Rusty-36, I had a Watchman implant and recovered without incident. I’ve had it for 10 months. I’m off all blood thinners. I fell and hit my head hard on a wood floor a month ago. Accidents happen. Having the Watchman might well have saved me from a brain bleed or hemorrhagic stroke. The Watchman gives me peace of mind—especially given my stroke-prone family history and my increasing imbalance as I age. I’m 83 and in good health. I also have a pacemaker, so the afib circus has left town. With a Watchman and a pacemaker, I’m good to go. Congratulations on your Watchman!