Flecainide 2 X's Daily v. PIP

[Dixiegurl]

I see where many people take Flecainide as a PIP. I had ablation 5 1/2 months ago and I had the worst case of AFib 3 days later and was hospitalized. The AFib left on its own and I was sent home with a new medication added, Diltiazem. I have never had another episode of AFib but I have been constantly plagued with all kinds of irregular heartbeats every single day. They feel almost as bad as the AFib. My life was literally put on hold. When I went back to the EP for 3 months check, he put me on Flecainide 2 X's daily and that finally stopped all the Ectopics?PACS. So I am on Metropolol 12.5 twice daily, Diltiazem and 2 X's daily and now Flecainide 50 mg 2 X's daily and that seems to be working as my heart has finally calmed down. I am wondering if anyone else is on so much medication? I have an issue with this, especially the Flecainide because I had a heart attack 8 years ago and had a stent placed. I just today read that I should not be taking Flecainide with the Plavix because it will cause the Plavix not to work. So I have some things to discuss with my doctor when I see him again. Still, wondering if anyone is taking so much medication after ablation and if anyone taking Flecainide on a daily basis versus a PIP?

[Bob56]

Hi, I don't have an identical case, but certainly some similarities. I had an ablation nearly 3 years ago and came off Flecainide and Bisoprolol ( I still take blood pressure tablets and statins and warfarin). During the recovery period I had several AF episodes and lots of ectopics ( PACs), and although the frequency declined my EP decided to put me back on both Flecainide and Bisoprolol at my pre ablation levels, so back where I started! However, I am AF free and largely, ectopic free, so its a price I am willing to pay. I certainly don't like popping all these pills, but I would prefer to deter the AF, especially with the Flecainide, rather than let the AF hit me and then tackle it. It's very much a personal thing, but I'm obviously doing what my doctor suggests anyway, and I suspect his recommendations are partly based on my medical prognosis, and partly what he thinks I am ok with. In other words if it isn't broke, don't try to fix it. I do have some side effects with all the meds I'm on, but by playing around with when I take certain pills , splitting doses etc, I am reasonably stable. I have never had a heart attack, so can't comment on that part of your post, but hope this helps. Good luck!

[Dixiegurl in reply to Bob56]

Thank you so much for the reply, Bob. I don't like taking the pills either but I'll take the way I feel now any day over the way I felt previously. It's great just to feel normal. Although I don't seem to have much energy and I suppose that could be from medications.