Watchman procedure preparation

SECTION 6

When to call for help

Most patients recover without major problems. Knowing which changes to report helps you get care quickly.

Call 911 immediately for:

• Stroke symptoms: facial drooping, arm weakness, difficulty speaking, sudden loss of vision, or sudden trouble with balance—even if they go away.
• Severe or persistent chest pain.
• Sudden or severe shortness of breath.
• Fainting or loss of consciousness.
• Heavy or persistent groin bleeding, or rapidly expanding swelling.
• Vomiting blood, or bleeding accompanied by weakness, dizziness, or fainting.

Do not drive yourself. For possible stroke symptoms, note when they began or when you were last feeling normal.

Contact your care team promptly for:

• Increasing groin pain, redness, warmth, drainage, or fever.
• New or worsening swelling in a leg.
• Blood in the urine, black or bloody stools, or other unusual bleeding.
• New palpitations, worsening breathlessness, or symptoms that are not improving.
• Missed medicine doses, side effects, or difficulty obtaining your prescriptions.

Before you leave the facility

Make sure you know which medicines to take, how to care for your groin, when your follow-up visit and imaging are scheduled, and whom to call during office hours or after hours.

The Watchman reduces stroke risk but does not eliminate it. Continue to take stroke symptoms seriously and keep all follow-up appointments.