Dose increase

Was diagnosed with Af several years ago, but apart from being dished out tablets, the Surgery left me to get on with it! Even after a trip to A&E! Luckily a locum really looked at my records and made an appointment for me to see a cardiologist who sent me to an EP.

My tablets now include Flecainide which EP started as PIP, then increased to 50 morning and evening and 100 as PIP but yesterday after phone call home to arrhythmia nurse increased again to 100 twice a day plus PIP. They have told me to continue with my holiday and given me an appointment for a tape as soon as I get home, but as all this has happened over the last couple of months what can I look forward to next?

Episodes coming every other day for several hours but heart rate rarely exceeding 80

Di

[wilsond]

I wonder if your EP might be considering surgery intervention ? If drugs don't work effectively,think that's the next step.The tape recording may be for him/ her to make their mind up in offer ing this or not?

Flecanaide has helped stabilise me,but too a lot of getting used to and dose adjustment.

Best wishes x

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to wilsond]

Echo, 24hour "tape" ECG or maybe even a "spiderflash" which is a week long ECG are all options. Also might suggest ablation/electrical study to see how you're "wired up"

[Hidden in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Had a 4 day tape and echocardiogram when I first saw him. All fine it is only since then episodes have really got up to speed. Seem to have really strong ectopic beats, bit like sonic boom and it can then go either way.

Di

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I also get strong ectopic (“skipped”) beats from time to time, and they are sometimes a prelude to an atfib episode (I got two just now as I type this) Yet when I asked at the hospital about this, they said that ectopic beats are quite distinct from atrial fibrillation and are essentially harmless. Well, I am not convinced.

[BobD Volunteer]

Make sure that you do NOT exceed 300mg flecianide in any 24 hour period.

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

Will do. Just worried what will be next. 75 this year and not yet ready for lace cap and crocheted blanket!!

[endoman]

Have had afib since 2006, Had about 5-6 episodes per year. In October 2015, changed med to Flecainide. Started out 50mg twice/day. Had another episode couple of weeks later and they upped the Flec to 100mg twice/day. Have not had a single afib episode since then. No ablation done. Very pleased with current dosage.

[Hidden in reply to endoman]

Thank you so much for putting my mind at rest. Do hope I follow your example.

Di

[Hidden]

Yes, the hospital where I went for an ECG and an echocardiogram provided only basic information and there wasn’t the opportunity to ask more in-depth questions. I got to see a specialist nurse rather than a cardiologist- she was knowledgeable, but wasn’t able to

answer some of my questions. My GP didn’t strike me as being an expert in this area. It does make you wonder just how safe you are with Atfib.