Notes on post ablation/ post medication experiences

[Jafib]

Just a couple quick notes on my experiences after ablation (December 3, 2018) and after coming off flecainide (end of March) and metoprolol (end of April) after 10 years on both:

First, I was/am somewhat disappointed that coming off the meds didn’t seem to change my energy level or tiredness. I had repeatedly blamed the meds for those things in my life including the 85 pounds I had gained over the 10 years I was in the meds). The weight was supposed to just start coming down now that my heart rate is naturally faster, etc. That has not been my experience... Sucks to not have that excuse anymore!!

Second, when I first started exercising my heart would frequently act up and caused me to be very cautious, however, my steady persistence is paying off as my heart seems to be calm 98% of the time now and my performance is slowly improving - but it is absolutely improving! I actually measure the amount of time it takes me to bike to certain points on the mountain behind my house.

[Kaz747]

Glad to hear you’re doing well Jafib. It’s interesting that you were still feeling fatigued even off the drugs. I think my drugs are contributing to my tiredness but maybe not ....

[KMRobbo]

I had similar after coming off Diltiazem, it too 4 to 6 weeks to get rid of the side effect symptoms and I had only been on the pill 10 months!

Also when I first started running my hr went ballistic in 50 yards before i even got breathless. I found by stopping and starting it calmed down and then i could run 6 miles. 13 months on it can still go haywire very rarely . I spoke to my EP recently and showed a trace from my garmin, and he cannot really explain it , but as it corrects itself he is not concerned.