Hi Liza,
My Story:
AFib caused by mitral valve (2013)
1. Mitral valve repaired
2. MAZE procedure for AFib
3. Left Atrial appendage sealed off
All well for about 2 years until AFib returns
1. Put on Eliquis blood thinner
2. Amiodarone for heart rhythm
3. Had several Cardioversions
3 years later Afib returns and is more persistent.
1. Catheter Ablation stops AFib for 8 months
2. Second Ablation is working for about 2 years now.
Since I had the left Atrial appendage sealed and I am not in AFib, I was taken off Eliquis 8 months ago.
The left Atrial appendage is the most likely place for blood clots to form. If AFib reoccurs, a clot could form there resulting in a stroke.
This appendage can also be sealed off using a fairly common catheter procedure and installing a "Watchman".
(Cardiologists do have differing opinions about staying on thinners. One I had conversation with would have kept me on Eliquis where mine changed me to a children's aspirin per day.)
Marv Norman
CHAPTER 350
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