My names Paul and I was told I have a-fib last year. I`m lucky as it was picked up during a routine blood pressure check - the doc thought I had it for a few years. I would have been prime for a stroke if it hadn`t been detected.
I`m on the usual suspects - Bisoprolol / Dabigatran and just started on Flecainide. I`m having my third cardioversion in a month or so (hence the Flecainide to help me stay in sinus aferwards).
I`m in a-fib all the time until they 'spark' me again. Fingers crossed the next cardioversion lasts more than a few months.
I look forward reading all about your experiences and ideas on the forum.
Best,
Paul
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Paulbounce
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There is no guaranteed reliable natural anticoagulant as I am sure you must know so whilst I would not argue with stopping fecainide if you think it is casusing more problems than solved I do urge you to consider your fate re the anticoagulant. PIP use of such drugs is NOT recommended . I have never know anticoagulation to cause festering of wounds either so suspect either coincidence or secondary infection.
@Mike - Dabigatran (brand Pradaxa) is an anticoagulant which I have been on for many months. The next step is another CV and continuing with Flecainide to try and stay in sinus. An ablation would be the next step if (when) this stops working. I live in the UK and want to hold tight for as long as I can - there is a new procedure called AcQMap which is likely to be available in a year or so over here. The chances of an ablation being successful with this are greatly increased IMO. Google it for info - worth a look.
@Bob - just started on Flecainide and no problems so far. I`m not sure I quite understand about the anticoagulant (I take Dabigatran). It seems to be fairly effective and, as Mike has said, it`s unlikely I would be given another CV without taking it. Any blood clot in the heart would be dislodged and be likely travel to the lung or brain - this of course could be life threatening.
Hi Paul...you are on an anticoagulant as you say,so have good protection against AF stroke. It's a bit of a shock to be diagnosed but we are the lucky ones..pity the poor sods who only find out after a stroke or worse ...
Ablation sounds a good option for you ,there are good info pages on here so you can inform yourself as to what's what. It seems many GPs are a little vague on AF and Aflutter matters but there is a lot of good advice on here ..not medical of course but a wealth of experiences good n bad.
@Wilsond - I agree ! Most GP`s aren`t really very knowledgeable about a-fib. It`s very important to undertake your own research. Ablation is certainly an option although in 5 - 10 years time there could be another (and better) treatment altogether - medical techniques are improving all the time. Ablation does seem to be a little hit and miss regarding the success rates. I`m young enough to still be around (hopefully) and to be able to benefit from any future procedures.
@Andy - AcQmap clinical trials are just finishing in the UK. AcQmap helps them to hit, more precisely, the part of the heart causing the problem - hence reducing the need for a second or third ablation. I think it could be available to all afibbers in the UK in a few years - depending on NICE`s recommendations and budget of course !
@Bob - No worries. My cat does the same - he`s on the computer more than me (warm I guess). He`ll have his own Facebook page next
Hi Paul
Would your left atrial size on echocardiogram be a factor in deciding whether to defer ablation?
Not really Andy - I`m taking a punt that rhythm control and another CV will be just as effective as an ablation - properly last as long too? My heart is in good nick overall, it`s just the a-fib that`s gone wrong. For me, one more CV and Flecainide seems a good option. After that I`ll be gunning for an ablation.
If (it`s a big if I know) I can get 12 - 18 months on the next `spark` being a-fib free - I`m game. The first time I went for one I was dead nervous (REALLY). I didn`t even blink for the second one - it`s a very easy procedure - I hope others read this, who are having their first CV, don`t worry to much. I promise you there`s no need.
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Having second thoughts
Permanent AF, decision to do nothing 
Flecainide: Worse AFib attack ever after being prescribed at a+e admission
Cardioversion. 
