Watchman

Left St Davids Friday morning after having a Watchman implanted on Thursday and returned home. Feel great. Natale told us that he also ablated a "couple of spots" on the right side of the atrium. I will return in 8 weeks to have a TEE to confirm that the Watchman is properly inplanted.

My dosage of Xerelto was reduced 50 percent, and if all goes as planned, will be able to stop entirely.

Interestingly, we stayed at the Drury Inn on I-35 north and US 290 Wednesday night. They have a special rate for St David's and have a happy hour with food and drink. During happy hour met a couple from Ft Worth......he was in Austin for a TEE on Thursday morning, having had a Watchman implanted by Natale two months previous. Small world!!

Again.....what an impressive operation at the TCA!!! From Natale to all the other people involved in the procedure.....incredible. Greatly appreciate the phenomenal care.


Steve
Klein, Tx

Great News~!!!! Glad it went well.

Eight weeks. I should be there right around that time too~!!! I'm guessing you won't have to stay overnight this time unless travel issues or super early or super late appt time.

We're thinking of the Drury Inn too. Husband would like to do Air B&B but I think that is just too much as I want calm & easy, no trying to cook or anything even IF he does the cooking as he is far too messy in the kitchen~! I want less stress.

Wow Happy Hour. I don't think I best be participating in that but husband can.

He found nearby, both a Pappadeaux's and Pappasito's~!!!! Haven't ate at either since our last trip, that I hope to never return, in DFW several years ago. And I lived there many, many years, both Arlington & Fort Worth. Heck I'd be happy to eat there night or two before and the 3 extra nights. I don't know IF there are any dietary restriction immediately before or after yet.

I haven't received my email package of hotel etc etc information from the Scheduler yet.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/24/2025 01:09PM by Qwackertoo.

Highly recommend the Drury.....have stayed there when in Austin for over 30 years. All suites and with a reasonable rate. Very convenient to St Davids.......only a couple of miles from the hotel to the parking garage.

Steve

Yes, phenomenal care! And thanks for your recommendation of the Drury Inn—what is their nightly rate with the St. David’s discount? I have always stayed at the Holiday Inn Midtown in the past. When I went back for my first TEE they served me a great breakfast afterward! I have just graduated from the need for post watchmen scans, and am free! I always was able to hook up with other forum members for my visits to Saint David’s and that was really great. We laughed a lot!

I just got my hotel information and they didn’t have Drury listed. Is there a discount code for them or is around 150 sound about right per online rates?

Thanks~!

VACAY is a good code online for Drury IF anyone is going to Austin between now & Aug 28th.

Opted for upper floor 2 room suite with 2 Queens plus the sofa sleeper.

2 nights before, 1 night while I'm in hospital and 3 nights after. I want to arrive an extra day early to have entire day before procedure to just relax, be calm, check out getting to & from.

Plus with August and return to Campus with UT wanted to book asap.

I did a google search. With an advance senior discount purchase, it’s around $89.99 for a double Queen room.

Follow up.....

Since I was not having any symptoms of arrhythmia, I was interested in why Natale ablated " a couple of spots" on the right side of my atrium. Posed the question to my nurse navigator, and Natale explained that when they do a Watchman procedure they do a search for any sites that may have the potential for future issues. First the left side of the atrium and if no potential sites.....search the right side.


Steve