clixpix Loc: Surprise, Arizona

Hi All:

I was told by my cardiologist that for my Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) I would be better off not taking blood thinners but instead having a device called an Amulet implanted in my left atrial appendage of the heart. This is a device like the Watchman that is popular now. Have any of you had such a procedure and what do you think of it. Any positive or negative issues, any recovery issues, changes of lifestyle after the procedure, etc. If you have the Watchman, same questions.

You can also send a private e-mail.

Any information you all can provide to me would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards----Joe

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I was offered a choice of getting a pacemaker or ablation. I chose the pacemaker as the less invasive alternative. The Watchman was mentioned but not strongly recommended. I was initially prescribed Xarelto for a blood thinner. No problem until one day I cut myself slightly while shaving. It bled for 12 hours (I have a history of bleeding stopping within minutes of small cuts and scrapes). I switched to Elequis. Been on it for 2 years now and although I'm still a klutz and get cuts and scrapes they don't bleed excessively.

My cardiologist said that at 80 I was at the upper age edge for invasive treatments like ablation or watchmen. Now that I'm a couple years past that he would be resistant to doing something more, although I'm in good shape overall. (My heart rate was generally low, unlike many Afib patients, so the pacemaker was a good choice).

JRiepe Loc: Southern Illinois

I have a-fib and for years had heart palpitations and irregular heart beat until I found out quite by accident that my magnesium intake was responsible for it. I stay away or have cut down on foods or supplements with high magnesium and it has made a world of difference. And more recently had to cut way back on my caffeine as it was affecting my heart, chest pains and rapid beating after any small amount of activity. My cardiologist and primary care physician tell me I have a strong heart. I'm glad I didn't take the advice of another cardiologist years ago who suggested a pacemaker.

Geosailor Loc: Rockport, Maine

After 10 years of progressively worsening a-fib, including taking Xarelto (which works too well, if you know what I mean), I opted for ablation in early April. Was outpatient procedure - and only “recovery” was watching the catheter sites in my groin area for a couple of days to make sure I didn’t spring a leak. And aside from removing countless electrode patches after the procedure, zero discomfort… Was back to normal exercise in a couple of weeks - with zero arrhythmia since the procedure. I’m in my mid-60s - and I do not remotely mean to imply that my experience would apply to everyone - but, at least in my case, it was much less disruptive than I worried it might be. And after 2 months, my cardiologist eliminated the Xarelto and Metoprolol. So for now, I’m declaring victory and will see what the future brings.

I know this wasn’t directly responsive to the question, but in the event that concern over the ablation procedure itself might be holding someone back from having it done to improve quality of life (including dumping those damn blood thinners for as long as possible), my experience was very positive - and should my a-fib return, I would do it again in a “heartbeat.”

DAN Phillips Loc: Graysville, GA

I am on my second pacemaker and take Entestro, Elequis, Farziga, Plavix and a baby aspirin; just to mention a few. WHOOPPEE!

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I have a lunch group and when I mentioned the options to the group one of them said he had had Afib for years and had ablation twice but it didn't work. He's at the point where he just has to put up with the Afib and an occasional zap to stop it.

I know a farmer who has had Afib for years but it only flares up every two or three years so he just lives with it.

As far as the blood thinners are concerned, I have had no problem with the Elequis. Medicare part D brings the cost to something like $30/month so it's not a big burden. The biggest problem I have had in taking pills is that after a couple decades taking a morning blood pressure pill, I now have to take the thinner twice a day and there are times I forget to take an evening pill if we go out to dinner. I don't notice any effect either way.

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

I just have to take "eliquis" tablets twice each day. I don't know how bad your condition is. I had a heart attack back in 2004 and had to have two stents installed in artery's. I remember when the Dr opened one of the stents, and I felt the blood rush through my artery. I asked the Dr what He just did, and He said I just opened your stent, why did you feel that. I almost cried when I told him it was the most miraculous thing I ever felt.

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

They took me off of plavix and aspirin when They put me on eliquis!

clixpix Loc: Surprise, Arizona

Thanks to all who responded to my heart question. Looks like no one is using the Amulete or the Watchman. Lots of good information however. I did have one try with ablation a couple of years ago but it did not work. I am seeing my cardiologist today and will discuss the options suggested in your replies, including another ablation try. I believe the Amulete and Watchman are only there to prevent clots from escaping from the left atrial appendage and getting to the brain. So far there does not seem to be a sure cure for AFIB, only for prevention of any blood clot migrating from the heart to the brain.

Thanks again for all the information you all provided. UHH comes through again!!!

Joe

14kphotog Loc: Marietta, Ohio

Had AFIB for several years and finally was told to get it fixed. Went and had tests done and was put on a drug called Sotalol, Fixed the problem for 8-1/2 years. Finally the drug stopped working and had a pacemaker put in, It worked for 2 DAYs and had to have the Ablation done. Been Afib free for 6 years. I feel that is the best way to fix Afib. They do a remote test on the pacemaker every 3 months and have remained Afib free. Pacemaker has 11-12 years of battery time left. I asked the Doctor if it will still work after I die? @ 80 years old it will outlive me. LOL.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

I had a Watchman procedure about two years ago. So far, no problems or issues.

I was diagnosed with afib about 20 years earlier. It was controlled with an ablation but after years and years on blood thinners, they started to cause bleeding in my knees due to also having arthritis and eventually having to have both knees replaced. To get away from the blood thinners, my doctors chose to try the Watchman procedure. I have been off the blood thinners for about a year and a half now but will be on baby aspirin for the rest of my life. My recovery from the Watchman was quick and uneventful. My recovery from the knee replacements is still going on and will so for another year or so.

polonois Loc: Lancaster County,PA.

polonois Loc: Lancaster County,PA.

Well this Morning between 8:30 and 10:30AM I had a Watchman installed in my heart. I had a little bleeding in my groin at 11:00 AM in the recovery room. Around 2:30 PM I was released from the hospital and am at home now. Everything went well I feel great, no problems. Hopefully there are no complications down the road. I will need Eliquis for 6 months. Then no blood thinners at all forever. I was previously on Eliquis and Plavics both for four years till my 2 strokes in Jan this year. The doctor told me a watchman was the best choice.

JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

I’m currently 75 but in Feb 2017 I passed out and hit a brick stucco wall during waxing my car in Fl. A trip to to hospital via ambulance showed I had a low heart rate of 30 bpm which necessitated a pacemaker in March after monitoring. After this I then developed Afib of >200bpm for significant periods of time which necessitated cryo ablation surgery in May to hopefully correct the Afib… it did not. In September of that year I had another ablation surgery where they scarred certain areas of the heart electrically. I’ve not had any further serious Afib issues since that date …increased atorvastatin medication was described after that surgery
Now last week I had a a heart cath in which 2 blockages were discovered. They’re not serious enough ( 40% and 70%) so nothing was done. I’m now taking Imdur, metoprolol and a baby aspirin.
Watchman, the paddles, a defib pacemaker and another technique was not recommended by any cardiologist for my Afib….. only surgery followed by medication. By the way I did have a second opinion each time.
Hopefully this helps you out and remember each case is different so seek out s second opinion from a reputable physician

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

I had an ablation done. It took about 1 1/2 hours in the catherization lab with no problems and I seen a sign of Afib since. It's been over 2 years now.

Ed