Finding Peace of Mind – How the WATCHMAN Device Helped Karen
Living an active and fulfilling life is important to Karen, a 75-year-old Biloxi resident and proud Ole Miss alumna. Whether she’s out on the golf course, singing in her church choir, or ringing bells in the Bell Choir, she loves staying busy. But living with atrial fibrillation (AF) meant that she constantly carried a heightened risk of stroke. Then, she learned about the WATCHMAN device.
A New Hope for Stroke Prevention
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a condition that causes an irregular heartbeat, increasing the risk of stroke fivefold. To reduce that risk, many patients have to take blood thinners for life. But for Karen, blood thinners came with their own challenges.
“If I just looked at my skin, I would get a big old bruise,” she said. “It was a pain to think about taking Plavix every day for the rest of my life.”
That’s when her doctor, Dr. Umair Malik, recommended the WATCHMAN FLX, a small device designed to close off the left atrial appendage (LAA), where harmful blood clots can form and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. By sealing off this area, the WATCHMAN device can reduce stroke risk and, over time, eliminate the need for blood thinners.
A Simple, Life-Changing Procedure
For Karen, the decision was easy. She underwent the procedure and was relieved at how simple it was. “It was an outpatient thing, so it wasn’t any big deal,” she shared. “I had to go in early, but I was home by noon.”
The recovery was smooth as well. “I didn’t feel great the second day, but that was just from the anesthesia. Other than that, I was fine.”
Knowing that her risk of stroke is significantly lower has given Karen the freedom to focus on the things she loves.
Life After WATCHMAN
“I still have flare-ups where I have a really bad AFib episode, but I don’t have to worry about having a stroke,” Karen said. “That’s the important thing to me. Even though it’s uncomfortable, I know I’m safe.”
Karen is also grateful for the care she received at Memorial. “Everyone was so gracious and kind,” she said. “Dr. Malik is an excellent cardiologist. I see him every three months.”
Encouraging Others to Take the Next Step
For anyone hesitant about the procedure, Karen has a simple message: “Don’t even fool with blood thinners if you don’t have to. The WATCHMAN gives you quality of life and peace of mind. If you’re on the fence, don’t worry—it’s a simple procedure that makes a big difference.”
Thanks to the WATCHMAN device, Karen is back to doing what she loves, without the constant worry of stroke hanging over her. Her story is a testament to the life-changing power of medical advancements and compassionate care.
Learn more about the heart care services at Memorial by clicking the button below.