Just before Christmas I had a cryoblation for AF, the EP was very optimistic that it was successful. A month later I had 3 weeks of radiotherapy for breast cancer. I would get the odd 5mins of AF which I was told to expect, these episode gradually got longer and would turn into tachycardia (180bpm) this resulted in 2 hospital admissions and a return to 100mgs of Flecainide twice a day. Following instructions I has started to reduce the Flecainide. At the end of March I had an episode which lasted several day, during which time I saw the EP, who was surprised that it had returned and put my name on the waiting list for another ablation. Two days after that visit my heart returned to NSR where it has remained. Since then my energy has returned and I feel better than I have for a few years. After much reflection and just wondering if the radiotherapy had impacted on my heart healing I called the AF nurse, to see if it was worth trying to reduce the Flecainide again. Much to my surprise she agreed!!!!!!!!. Stating that it sometimes took 6 months after an ablation for it to heal, that I must choose a non stressful time to try it and make sure I drank at least 2 litres of water a day. I am left feeling both excited and scared. I don't want another visit to A and E or another ablation but dare I be optimistic? Anyone had a similar experience?
Thanks for reading.
Written by
Mo-ararat
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She is quite right Mo as I keep telling people. Three to six months is the absolute minimum for full recovery and good hydration is vital for good heart function. Go for it!
Agree with Bob, give it a go or you'll never know! I'm going to be doing the same thing as soon as summer's over and reducing my 2 x 100mg Flec very gradually. I tried earlier in the year and like you went back into AF which lasted continuously for about a month. I will be interested to hear how you get on.
I used to take flecainide and dropped it after an ablation. I am still getting AF and have been using flecainide as a pill in the pocket but actually I've all but stopped doing that and seem none the worse for it. If you constantly take a drug it is hard to know if it is helping or if you would be OK without it. Why not ask your EP or the nurse for guidance about what to do about taking pill in the pocket flecainide if you do get a session of AF.
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