Post Ablation - Made it 9 months.

[RiderontheStorm]

Hi Roomies. 9 months post ablation and while lying back watching TV last night I felt that old stirring and knew I was back in AF. Confirmed by BP machine that notes irregular beats. I hoped it would go away overnight once relaxed but it did not. 9 AM I took 3 100mg of Flecanide I had on hand right and called the Cardio Dr's nurse for further directions. Less than 2 hours later I was back in NSR. So happy about that. Hope it stays. I am sure this was brought on by stress. I was able to induce a pharmacological cardioverson.

[irene75359]

That must have been disappointing, but good that the flecainide kicked in and brought you back to NSR. Do hope it is a one-off - stress is a known trigger for some. Wish you well.

[RiderontheStorm in reply to irene75359]

Thanks Irene. Yes It was very disappointing. Well, I will work even harder on on reducing my personal stressors along with caffeine and alcohol intake.

[jennydog]

I had an ablation 3 years ago and now have some occasional mild AF. A 2nd ablation will not be possible due to fibrosis which was probably caused by radiotherapy on my shoulder area.

I had recent advice from my highly rated EP about using flecainide as a pill-in-the-pocket. He said to wait for 20mins to check that the AF is established then take 100 flecainide. If it doesn't work within 3 hours then take another 100.

Maximum daily intake of flecainide is 300. There seem to be differing opinions about using it as a pip. I would not dare to take 300 in one go without medical supervision but I'm glad it worked for you and I hope that this episode proves to be a one-off.

Best wishes.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to jennydog]

Things may well have changed but when I was on flec many years ago as PIP it was 300 in one go and no more for 24 hours.

[dmac4646 in reply to BobD]

Bob, that’s what I was told as well - something to do with the time it takes to get into the system - it needs that sort of dose to convert to NSR.

[RiderontheStorm in reply to BobD]

Yup, that it still is. Take 300 and wait.

[RiderontheStorm in reply to jennydog]

Thanks Jenny. The pip is well known and quite a bit of analysis there in the UK as to it's success rate which is very high. **So glad it worked.

[JaneFinn]

Aw Rider I'm so sorry It must be gutting to have felt that familiar dreaded sensation...

Very glad it converted though. Hope this is just a one off blip. Wishing you well x

[RiderontheStorm in reply to JaneFinn]

Thanks Jane . :^) Posting this so it helps others just in case. I am so relieved that it worked. I'm doubling down on dedicated effort with regards to diet and stress elimination.

[Lofty77]

What meds were you on Rider after your Ablation.

[RiderontheStorm in reply to Lofty77]

Was on blood thinners for 90 days after ablation and also due to ablation procedure causing a major Pulmonary Embolism (blood clot in my lung) a few days after. No medications needed after the initial 90 days!

[jeanjeannie50]

Good to hear that Flec sent you back into sinus rhythm. Did you take you take a beta blocker with your 3 x 100mg?

Jean

[RiderontheStorm in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi Jean, Nope. Nurse called back with Q's when I left urgent msg of what to do about AF, but by then I had already returned back to NSR. She asked about taking a thinner too, but never heard back from her.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to RiderontheStorm]

That's strange because it was stressed to me that I must take a small dose of beta blocker with my Flec every time I took it. I thought if you didn't it could cause something quite dangerous to happen. Perhaps someone else on here will know the answer to this.

[RiderontheStorm in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Yes. I wonder? I have Dilitizem and Pradaxa left over from pre ablation days. Along with a little Ativan just in case.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to RiderontheStorm]

What brand is your Flec? It sounds good to have got you back into sinus in less than two hours. I guess you only take it as a pill in the pocket?

[RiderontheStorm in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Have no Idea. "Tambacor". Probably generic! Don't take it or any other meds daily.