Hi all
Just after a bit of advice I was diagnosed with persistent AF back in August and after 4 weeks was given flecanaide which put me back in NSR. I have now dropped the flec and had my bisoprolol reduced to 2.5mg Apixiban is 5mg twice a day. I am still having some minor flutters but nothing sinister.
The Specialist indicated that he would like to get me off all of the tablets and see how it goes.
Is this normal?
Any words of wisdom gratefully received.
I don’t think anything about AF is normal but from a purely personal viewpoint I would not take these drugs unless I absolutely HAD to. Both have long term affects so I think you have a very wise doctor wanting to reduce your long term risk of developing affects.
For most people diagnosed with persistent AF, especially those with symptoms, there are attempts to return them to sinus rhythm. Normally this is done by Cardioversion which is a hospital day case procedure. With Covid, I guess the Flecainide alternative is used because this avoids a hospital visit. In terms of treatment this is normal because if persistent AF can be reverted, it opens the door to other treatments such as an ablation which I suspect is what your specialist is thinking.
I suggest you click on the link below where you will find more information that should help you to understand AF and the treatment options available.
That makes a change cardiologists are usually pushing tablets. I stopped flecainide and bisoprolol when they slowed my heart rate so low they thought it had stopped and gave me cpr. When I am in afib my heart rate stays at the same rate but goes out of sync. The only way for me to get back to sinus is to make my heart rate go above 120 for a while. So I either go on the treadmill or walk fast and it will go back. What is strange is, I am getting afib regularly every 12 to 14 days. I am usually safe between. Why, if I could find out maybe I can prevent it.
Kate
I was put on Bisoprorol when I was diagnosed with AF. It had been one of the medications which was prescribed for me when I was first diagnosed with high blood pressure but I had severe side effects so was taken off it. When it was then prescribed for AF I told the consultant about my previous experience with it ( I was living in a different part of the country by this time) but he brushed that off and said, in effect, I had no choice. The side effect I now have is muscle ache in my legs when I first start walking up an incline the ache eventually stops.
At no time has it ever been suggested to me that I could maybe stop taking the medications. I also take Moxonidine and Warfarin. I have been very interested to see how many people in the group have mentioned the possibility of being taken off medications.
I think you have a great specialist, good luck.
I was diagnosed with AF after my stroke 9 years ago. Initially I was put on 5mg Bisprolol a day. After another spell in hospital I was put on 10mg Bisoprolol a day. I have had no problems with it for several years.
Medication problems 
Anti arrhymic medication 
Coming off medication
Post ablation medication change.
Ablation or medication
