Cardi version and not Flecainide ?

[minchern]

Just recovered from bout on Pneumonia which unfortunately triggered an AF episode. Not had an attack for 5 years and have a PIP of flecainide for such occurrences but due to feeling unwell never took the flecainide. Saw the Cardiologist last week and he wants to go for Cardioversion instead of PIP treatment with Flecainide as he feels it wont work know as heart been in AF for over a week. Put me on Bioprisol and a blood thinning medication for now until I get my appointment. Anybody else had similar issues and why not to use flecainide ?

[Tapanac]

They normally prefer not to do a cardioversion (with me anyway) and I am on flecainide 50mgs twice a day. However the last cardioversion I had was done was a chemical cardioversion which apparently was with high dose of flecainide and I had been in AF/tachycardia high rate for nearly 3 weeks. Maybe it works quicker having that sort of cardioversion as perhaps the oral way might take too long as can only take so many at a time.

[minchern in reply to Tapanac]

Hello

Yes I first went on Flecainide as PIP 300mg and its worked twice for me albeit the second time it raced my HR to 200bpm so called the paramedics but after a few hours in hospital HR went down and normal rhythm was resumed. I just got the feeling they did not want me to take Flecainide which surprised me and I never really got an answer why. So for the moment I'm in AF awaiting Hospital appointment for cardioversion which I must admit scares the life out of me.

[Tapanac in reply to minchern]

I must admit I find flecainide my miracle drug. I’ve been taking it for a year now and touch wood……👍. However I have heard that sometimes it can cause other sorts of arrhythmia although more people seem to tolerate it than not.

Please try not to worry about the cardioversion. Really you won’t feel a thing and it is over so quickly and the bliss of waking and you’re back in normal rhythm is bliss.

Good luck

[minchern in reply to Tapanac]

Tks for the support, I'm a bit of a worrier as you probably guess

[Turquoise19 in reply to Tapanac]

Were you in persistent before Flecainide Tapanac ? I am trying to settle on this drug to support me after my next cardioversion to prevent me going back out.

Not sure if I was panicking over the w/e, as my HR went up higher than normal for me on the Flecainide, after looking like it was settling at first. Seems we all respond so differently to these drugs.

[Tapanac in reply to Turquoise19]

I just wrote a whole screed and thought I had pressed reply, but can’t see my answer. Maybe it will appear later. If not I will start again later.

[Tapanac]

Aren’t we all….plus when it concerns our hearts it’s even more scary. Cancer is scary too and our health is something almost out of our control isn’t it. I had brain tumour surgery 5 years ago and so I know how you feel. Truly though a cardioversion is one of those procedures where you will probably think why did I worry so much. All the best. Pat.

[minchern in reply to Tapanac]

Cheers Pat, I'm just one of those panickers and tks for the advise cheers Neil

[Turquoise19]

Yes I can concur that the cardioversion is OK. You don't feel a thing and they're so nice to you. My worry is more how to stay back in NSR, after 2 years of no AF I went back end of Sept. Cardioversion on 15th Oct that lasted 4xdays.

Now taking Flecainide but not sure about it as it seems to be kicking up my heart rate on the higher dose after initially looking like it was settling it. They think this may help prop it up after the cardioversion

Worst thing for me is when it bursts back through.

Are you on persistent AF now ?

[minchern in reply to Turquoise19]

Yes been in AF for 5 weeks now just waiting for cardio version. Put me on Bisoprolol 10mg and rivaroxaban 20mg for the moment so just in a holding pattern which is doing my mental health not much good

[Turquoise19]

Yes me too. Is this your first episode? What do you think may be behind it for you ?

[minchern in reply to Turquoise19]

No I was diagnosed with PAF in 2013 and only had a a few episodes and not one in last 5 years. I stopped drinking Wine especially Red and Spirits as I noticed a pattern in AF episodes. In October I came down with pneumonia and that put me into AF which I am still in unfortunately. I've seen a cardiologist who does not want me to take my PIP of flecainide and would rather I had cardioversion after my Echogram which is planned for 8th November.

[Turquoise19 in reply to minchern]

Mine is on the 16th!

[Turquoise19]

Do you know why the consultant is saying no to the PIP this time (they're giving it to me daily, not PIP).

[minchern in reply to Turquoise19]

No he never really answered my question all I will say is next time I'm in front of him and that is 8th I will ask him as for me now afterv5 weeks in AF taking Flecainide could have put me back into NSR

[Turquoise19]

I thought I might be back in NSR last night as pulse rate down. More rested over night, but this am it is feeling shaky again .

[minchern]

Yep after 5 weeks in AF after the pneumonia mine sometimes feels ok and then just does a wobble and back to square one. I think it maybe the Bisoprolol doing this any thoughts ?