Having had atrial fibrillation initially which became flutter, a few months later, it was suggested at a consultation that after ablation I continue on flecainide for the fibrillation. I have been told on discharge to discontinue flecainide. Now, I am not sure which advice to follow. After the ablation, one week ago today, I have had 2 episodes of palpitations but understand that after the treatment this is relatively normal. Should I wait until the 6 week check to ask? Could continuing on the flecainide in the short term do any harm?
Is there a downside to not stopping f... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Is there a downside to not stopping flecainide immediately after ablation ...
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I think it's normal to continue medication for a while after an ablation. I would ring the consultants secretary, your arrhythmia nurse, or ward and ask.
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Nobody here should give advice about medication as we are not medically trained but Jean has a good idea. Ring the hospital and ask. Tell them you are worried. I continued on medication for some time after my ablations and yes you will get strange things happening for at least three months.
Bob
After my last ablation the cardio came in to see me and put me on Bisoprolol. An hour later the EP came in and said "I wouldn't take that if I were you". I went with the EP and he was right. Like Jean said, I'd ask again and try and get it from the EP, not his "junior".
Koll
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Thanks for your answers. I will contact the Consultant's office and ask for clarification.
Just got my letter from my EP I'm stopping my flecanide 1 month after ablation...the reason why I'm still on it as Dr G said its for any post ablation inflammatory arrythmias. In one month I stop it dead and don't take it again.
That's very timely and interesting. I have written to my Consultant but in the meantime decided to take the flecainide as a precaution, so your information sheds light on this issue which had me in a real dilemma! Good luck.
Just to update - the Consultant's office didn't get back to me but I decided to take the flecainide I had left. It didn't stop me having another episode though. I have run out now so will see what happens next!