Feeling low

[Canariesfan]

Having over exerted myself last Wed with that long walk, had terrible bout of AF. Worst I’ve had since Ablation at the end of April. Following day I was advised by my go to start taking Diltiazem( my cardiologist had previously given me this) She said it might help. As I was on the road to stop taking my Flecainide before a return visit to see cardiologist I decided to only take one a day, not the two prescribed. By day 3 I was not in a good place. Dizzy, nausea, spots before my eyes and almost passed out. Stopped straightaway, since AF been bad,so increased my Flecainide right up to 30mgs to try and stop. Each episode been quite long but eventually back in NSR. I’m now feeling a lot better, back to 50mgs bd. However still feeling spaced out and dizzy. Is this the result of taking such a higher dose. Maybe bit of a shock to my body?

Anyone else suffering with this dosage. Sorry to go on, just been feeling so down and anxious, almost holding my heart all the time,just waiting, and plenty of pulse taking.

Thanks all in anticipation of replies💕

[Canariesfan]

Re above, just seen my typo errors. Meant GP (not go) and 300 msg, not 30

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Canariesfan]

Don't forget if you see an error in your post you can always go back and correct it by clicking on More which is right underneath your post and then going to Edit. Then change mistake as you wish.

Jean

[Hidden]

You probably know, but you must not exceed 300mgs Flecainide within any 24 hour period......

[Canariesfan in reply to Hidden]

Yes, thank you for that.

[BobD Volunteer]

For me diltiezem was the devils spawn. One pill and I WANTED to die! Never again.

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

I agree Bob! I recall cardiologist being surprised when I told him I couldn't take it anymore !

[meadfoot]

It might be wise to ring your EP for his/her input. Does your EP have an arrhythmia nurse as they can be a really useful resource. I know it's scary, been there myself and it really knocks your confidence when you have had a nasty flare up. Heres hoping things settle for you very soon but if you are struggling seek advice to get you back on track and put your mind at rest. Best wishes.

[jeanjeannie50]

Sorry to hear all you have been through. Unfortunately, I think it's trial and error as to which pills will help and which will make you feel worse. Digoxin was my devil pill.

I think you are probably feeling a little spaced out both from having had a nasty bout of AF and also the pills you took. Bad AF attacks where my heart rate would shoot up high used to make me feel dreadful for days afterwards,. My GP made me see clearly why this happened he said you have to think of it like you've been physically running for hours/days with your heart at it's highest peak. He said in the gym he could probably get his pulse to 150, but he could only keep it there for seconds.

Be kind to yourself and take life slowly until you feel better. No more long walks just yet, next time start with a short walk and build up gradually.

Best wishes

Jean

[secondtry]

My thoughts just short walks for 6 months and postpone coming off the Flecainide for 6 months - to discuss with your cardio. I suggest it is a priority to get stable again and err on the safe side with the Flecainide as several episodes are likely to bring on more. I know you feel like you could do more but it is the long game that counts! Good luck!

[Canariesfan]

Heard from Cardiologist this afternoon. He is arranging a 3 day heart monitor and prescribed bisoprolol. I have tried other beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, all I’ve been not able to tolerate. Is anyone out there on these two? Or is anyone just taking Flec on it’s own?

As all this is fairly new to me I’m so interested in what others are doing. Obviously, I do realise we are all different.

[Hidden in reply to Canariesfan]

I take 50 mg flecainde and 1.25 bisoprolol been on that for 6 months no AF and no major side effects . Was going to have an ablation but at the moment no AF so going to wait and see. Introduced diet changes as well and stress management will see how it goes !

[Maril1]

I could not take beta blockers as they reduced my HR from 42 to as low as 23 and could not do anything . I then tried under hospital conditions on number of times( this was to test any reaction to the dose) a massive amount of flecanide not sure how much this was back in 2008 ,this worked within a couple of hours. I then took it as a pip and felt same as you spaced out plus but that only lasted up to 24hrs after. I found going for a walk reverted me back to sinus rhythm after 15min to 1hr instead of staying in AF 6 to 24 hrs( like fireworks going of in my chest on a roller coaster)and if I could not go for a walk couple of pints of lager did the trick and no side effects but I did tend to have few extra beers in celebration! I know it all sounds very quacky but I did clear the walking with my EP who said it was fine as I had no other condition the beer one I kept to myself but they worked everytime. I must say again I had no underlying condition in case someone is so down they try this!