Husband and wife turned to Kyle Hornsby, MD, for heart challenges

Jerry and Linda Hawkins, married for over six years, have both faced heart challenges throughout most of that time.

“We’ve both had several issues with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). Sometimes, it felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest,” says Jerry.

When Linda was recommended for a Watchman procedure, she found comfort in knowing her husband had successfully undergone the same procedure nearly two years earlier.

This suggestion happened after kidney stones resulted in heavy bleeding that lasted over three weeks in July 2025.

Having been on blood thinners for several years, the bleeding significantly affected her quality of life.

“I was worn out constantly. I didn't feel like hardly even doing dishes, it was that bad,” says Linda.

On top of that, she experienced AFib nearly every day.

When she was told she was a good candidate for a Watchman implant, she immediately knew it was the solution for her.

Laura found the process very smooth and had a wonderful experience with Kyle Hornsby, MD, and his team. Just one month after the procedure, Linda is feeling great and looking forward to getting off her blood thinners in the coming weeks.

“I'm hoping Linda has as much success with hers as I have mine,” Jerry shares. “I feel great knowing she’s in the hands of Dr. Hornsby and this team.”

Jerry received his Watchman in March of 2023, also under Hornsby’s care.

Since then, he has only had one AFib episode and has overall had a very positive experience with the implant. “It feels like it's always been there,” Jerry says.

The Hawkinses are extremely grateful for the heart care they’ve received at IU Health and the benefits they’ve experienced because of the Watchman implant.