Hi Dr. Topol,

 I am an ex- cardiac nurse {Night Superintendent at Morningside Clinic.Johannesburg}.

 Hop[e you don`t mind me asking but I have been in A/F for over 2yrs. and have recently been R.F Cathetr ablated by Dr. Richard Schilling at St. Barts.

 I have been on Warfarin for over 2yrs. without any problems although I did warn the cardiologist at Castle Hill in the UK that I had a quiescent stomal ulcer.

 Recently I have noticed that I was pale and suffering with abdominal distension with loose and dark malaena smelling stool.

 I collapsed in the street and was taken to the local hospital by my wife also an RGN and I had endoscopy where it was discovered that my stomal ulcer had become active and was bleeding freely . My Warfarin has had to be stopped naturally and a PP!I Omeprazole instituted. My Hb was 9.5 but is increasing almost daily now that I have stopped bleeding and I feel so much better with an increased exercise tolerance and no abdominal distension.

 I am 78yrs.old this year but was working as a nurse until last year and am normally very active.

 I am in a catch 22 situation - take warfarin and bleed - don`t take it and have a stroke.

 Could you please advise if the Watchman device would be suitable for me and is available in this country?

 I would be most grateful for some advice.

 Yours most sincerely.

 Cliff Charlesworth. RGN. RMN. RNMH.