A Watchman was not on Sue’s Christmas list
October 2, 2024Categories: Patient Testimonials
Tags: Heart
On Christmas Eve morning, Sue M. knew something was off. After experiencing a low heart rate and fatigue, she sought emergency care at St. Mary Medical Center. The diagnosis—atrial fibrillation—was surprising; but after much research and consulting with her cardiologist, Sue decided the Watchman procedure was her best treatment option.
“I didn’t know what was happening, but I knew I needed help,” says Sue, reflecting on her sudden admission to St. Mary Medical Center. After being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, (AFib, an irregular heart rhythm), her medical team provided several treatment options. Blood thinners, a typical approach to preventing strokes in AFib patients, were considered, but Sue’s inability to tolerate them led her to explore alternatives. “I was doing some research,” she explained, “and I came across [information about] the Watchman device on St. Mary’s website.”
Syed Hussain, MD, Sue’s interventional cardiologist, agreed the Watchman was a great solution. The Watchman device has been available as a treatment option at St. Mary for a while and offers a safer solution for patients, like Sue, who cannot tolerate blood thinners. According to Dr. Hussain, the Watchman was the best option for her and would protect her from strokes without the side effects of prolonged medication use.
Sue made an informed decision to move forward with the procedure as a result of her research and consultation with Dr. Hussain. “I trusted him completely,” she says, mentioning the strong rapport she had developed with her doctor. Her trust in his expertise and the availability of the procedure at a local hospital made the decision easier. “I didn’t have to travel far, and I felt confident in the care I was receiving,” Sue emphasizes.
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“I trusted him completely ... I didn’t have to travel far, and I felt confident in the care I was receiving.” – Sue M.
Ultimately, Sue had a successful procedure and continues to thrive post-surgery. She feels grateful for the comprehensive care she received at St. Mary Medical Center and hopes that her experience will encourage other patients to explore options like the Watchman device. “I feel so much better now, and I’m glad I made the decision,” she says.