I am usually really grateful to have drugs like flecanide to quiet my A.F. but this last 2 weeks i have begun to wonder how wise it is to take them.
I went for a routine bloodtest which showed that i had a reduced number of white bloodcells which on further annalysis showed me to be neutropenic which means i am more likely to get bacterial and fungal infections. I am only mildly neutropenic thank goodness as it can be serious. I am in the process of investigations as to what could be the cause but one strong possibility is a reaction to flecanide. I have done a bit of my own research and although it is not common, flecanide has been shown to affect the bone marrow.
This is scarey stuff but ive decided not to panic until after the heamatologist has finished with me.
I have a second ablation coming up and if it is successful,great. There wont be a problem. If not i will have to seriously consider what to do. I am unable to take large ammounts of bisoprolol because of 1st degree heart block , low heart rate and lowish blood pressure so we shall see. Whatch this space!
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dedeottie
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I told doctor when I take bisoprolol I feel drowsy and have to be in bed for two hrs. he also give me flecanide.
For your info all the drugs have side effect for flecanide if you goggle can affect the liver and kidney.
When I take bisoprolol I have gastric reflex. While in hospital I was caught by virus and blood platelet drop quite Low.
Doctor ask me to drink a lot of water and he give me antibiotic. But fever went down but blood platelet only very slight improve.
I have a christian Friend visit me urge me to take papaya leaf juice. And I did for about 7 days you be surprise the blood platelet become normal and even better.
Those who have dengue I advice take papaya leaf juice. Two tea spoon before meals 3 time a day. By few days you will see the result.
Currently I choose to go on changing my life style what I eat. Also on supplement Advice by my Nutritionist. Radio frequency will be my last option.
As for me I also trusted Lord Jesus to heal me complete and pray everyday.
Dear Deodottie - please PM Kodaska ASAP! He has been searching for people who have had a similar experience and collecting evidence.
Flecainide is known to have an immunosuppressant effect, especially if the nervous system, it was used to treat MS as it can penetrate the nervous system.
It is also known to exacerbate Mg, which I believe happened in my case.
The neutropenia will reverse as soon as you stop taking Flec. I am on immune suppression therapy now, probably for life, and it is a balancing act.
Most cardiologists are not aware of this effect as it seems to be quite a rare side effect, I am sure Kodaska can give you more information,
Thanks. I had forgotten about his posts and yours too! I will definately message him. If the white blood cells havnt come up by end of this week i will have to have bone marrow test which should show up any immunosupresant problems. Im teally glad you reminded me. X
Sorry to hear this dedeottie. Sorry too that you are still waiting.
As you know I think the less flecainide one takes, the better and haven't you've been on 300mgs a day (as I was) for a while?
When I first saw my current EP he said he thought I'd be having AF every day if I wasn't on flecainide. Thus I do feel that although I regret taking so much of it and for so long (I let too much time go by between my first ablation and the second) there were benefits from taking it.
I feel EPs long waiting lists have quite a bit to answer for and would urge anyone to push forward towards an ablation if appropriate. If it is offered, get in the queue at once. You can (if you want to) say no when you are towards the top of the list - if your circumstances then really make you think it's not for you.
Thanks Dedeottie, please keep us advised of your results. I am taking 200mg Flec per day and my cardiologist keeps assuring me there are no side effects but of course I don't believe him.
I am just preparing a list of tests to request from my GP (after 2 years on Flec) and hoping to go down to 100mg per day soon, if that doesn't hold it, then an ablation.
Thank you Ricky, Looks very interesting indeed. I am very open to Chinese medicine and would trust it. Have you tried it? Or do you know anyone who has? And which brand is it advisable to get?
Hi Ricky, Thank you for your reply. Yes I find I need to keep away from too much sugar alcohol and chocolate. I take high doses of magnesium. I have a friend who is studying TCM in London and have asked her to make some enquiries about Wenxi Keli.
Thank you Ricky. I didn't realise that soaking feet in epsom salts is good for High BP. It is something that I like to do and always sleep well after it!
I posted recently on the fear of exercise, which I think is a fear that can extend to many things that AF people can suffer from, and ultimately on to understandably depression. A kind lady posted reminded me of Monash and the free course they are running on mindfulness , which I quickly whizzed on to, and apart from activating the lonely brain cell, it has begun to touch a chord. Have a look on their site, it may not be for you, but it could be a string to your bow. The very best of luck, you have huge support from us all - I think many of us have been there!
My blood test came back showing raised liver enzymes so waiting for repeat results seem to think it's Apixiban causing it so I would hope they change it to one that doesn't affect liver feel at min everything that they have put me on has diff side effect so far have had uti oral thrush sleep problems trapped wind but no real prob with a fib beginning to think I was better off before these meds
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