I've been in what I suspect is now persistent AF/SVT for a week, and am feeling rotten and extremely symptomatic. My GP phoned and spoke to one of the cardiologists at the local hospital on Thursday but they haven't suggested I'm admitted so am now taking just Diltiazem instead of Bisoprolol, as recommended by the EP I saw in Bristol recently.
As it's now the weekend contact with anyone medical is limited so am unable to ask questions such as 'can I take Flecainide as well as the Diltiazem?' (I realise I should have asked this before but brain fog from the AF is limiting my ability to think properly it seems).
I was cardioverted twice recently, once at the beginning of September and then again in October, so although I'm pretty sure that a DCCV would do the trick it's obviously not on the cards again, so going to A&E is not an option really as there's little more they can do for me that I'm not doing already.
I'm just reaching out to you on this forum as I'm almost at the end of my tether, and knowing your support is there helps a great deal.
Fingers crossed this episode will pass and I'll be back in NSR soon.
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mrsg46
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I took Propafenone, which is also an antiarrhythmic, as well as Diltiazem on my cardiologists orders and I am sure I have often seen mention of Flecainide taken with Diltiazem. I know that doesn't mean it applies to you but if you are already taking Flecainide my assumption would be that Diltiazem is plus not instead of? Also I think the Diltiazem would be the more important medication as it slows the HR and Flecainide, if you are taking it, doesn't seem to be working. Hope that helps.
If your rate is ok then i guess it is just waiting or considering flecainide or other antiarhythmic before further dc shock or ablation . I trust you are on an anticoagulant.
Hi, if it helps, I have been taking diltiazem and flecainide together for around 9 months as prescribed by my cardiologist and the EP who did my ablation ask me to stay on this combination until my review in January. I'm not medically trained, but it is my understanding that you should only take flecainide daily if you also take either a betablocker such as Bisoprolol or a calcium channel blocker like Diltiazem....hope you feel better soon......John
(((mrsg))). When we feel bad the weekend always seems to be a hurdle and I have often cursed Saturday and Sunday, especially when I had toothache which loved to start on Fridays around 7pm.
You need to be good to yourself for 36 hours until you can check on medication and ask questions. For me, that would be bed, book, comfort, TV?? (maybe not!!), pampering in the form of edible goodies and worrying thoughts pushed out the door - almost literally.
I've not taken Diltiazem, so cannot comment unfortunately but it can be a question for Monday. A friend or relative is a good backup against the brain fog - don't we all suffer from it. The number of times I've kicked myself for missing the obvious question because I was flummoxed by something else a doctor said.
In the meantime, look after yourself, put yourself first and I join you in wishing for NSR to return. xxx
Thank you Vony. Many, many years ago I had a distressing and painful but 'minor' condition which recurred until I was at screaming point and felt like a complaining hypochondriac. I finally saw a specialist who said 'Oh, my dear, I had that too and it was dreadful, so I know how you feel'. I nearly hugged her - comfort does so much when we need it.
You don't say what your pulse rate is and what the symptoms are but I think it might be best to go to A and E. they can check out what is happening even if they don't change your treatment. Better to be safe than sorry- SVT rates can be very high and shouldn't be left for too long Hope things improve soon
Thank you to all of you for your wonderful support and suggestions, I'm so grateful that you took the time to respond to my post. I knew I could count on you to help me get through the next 36 or so hours til Monday, when I can get in touch with the medical world again.
We're hoping to have a visit from our newest grandchild tomorrow (he's one month old), which will certainly take my mind off things for a while. In the meantime I'm watching lots of really cheesy Christmas movies on TV and as much comedy as I can find, as laughter is truly often the best medicine when all else fails, right.
Well done to you for trying to be positive, I know it's hard when you are worried!! Hope you got some answers Monday. Onwards and upwards eh. kind thoughts being sent to you. Carol
Hope you had a lovely day with your new grandchild, are you back into NSR yet, hope so. I know how you feel with having been there last week for two days but got wonderful help from this Forum, let us know how you got on and best wishes, Heather
If you are worried and not feeling well especially at weekends go to a and e every time I ended up in resuscitation I was told not to get myself there but to call ambulance and get there asap. The doctor and sister in ae were very firm about it. I have been driven twice by my partner and on another occasion my son. When then happens is you go through the normal assessment system which takes some time. I don't call 999 unless I really needed it but the paramedics have carted me of with blues and twos if you don't need to go they certainly wouldn't take you it is their call. Take care of yourself. Regards chris
I do hope that things start to settle down for you. Take it easy and don't let it spoil the precious time with your new grandchild. My best wishes Kath
I know exactly how you feel, have been in AF since midnight and had no sleep at all have been put on Amioderone but it doesn't seem to be working for me. I took flecainide with diltiazem a couple of years ago so don't think they are contraindicated. Hope all settles for you soon and they get you sorted.
Brenda🐝
Sorry I can't help you. I really feel for you and hope you will be back in NSR soon. Also I send you a big sincere hug. ((((( )))))
As far as I'm concerned, the only answer for AF is an ablation!!...If you're an active person, that's the only way to go!...I had one two months ago and so far, I'm back to my old self! Who wants to worry with all those medications, and I've heard the cardio version hardly ever works for any length of time.
hi iam in persistent AF/ its been 4moths now . I was cardioversion , but worked only 2 moths / iam in sotalol/ still waiting for other ardia / so just be normal and don't think about it , we are all in some boat / as my self I keep kooking haha/ so I can forget the heart going bon bon , all the best . AND A DIG HELLO TO EVERY ONE IN THIS FORUM
I have no great advice Kate but just wanted to send you a cyber hug. many of us here can empathise with how you feel. I hope you got sorted today. I do agree that out of hours, if feeling lousy, heart rate high and arrythmia relentless, go to A and E. I have always found A and E staff so understanding and they are pretty quick at getting cardiologists to review you even out of hours. I sincerely hope you are feeling better. Didn't we take a NSR for granted when we knew nothing else?? xxxx
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