An update on this pain-in-the-bum condition

[Slim2018]

So 2018 Flutter, ablation fixed it but triggered fibrillation. Cardioversion fixed that for about 10 months then Flecainide from September 2019 until cryo-ablation in October 2021. Stopped the post abalation meds ten days ago. Sinus fine and ecg fine last week when my cardiologist saw me. I have developed peripheral neuropathy it would seem as a result of the Flecainide over the last two years which may take 3-6 months to resolve, a bit like having cotton wool pads in the soles of my feet. I suppose I had hoped by the end of the three months I would feel fine and yet anxiety and weird sensations in my neck, shoulders and ribs are a constant distraction. Back to running 5k, cycling to and from work and rowing machine all fine. Just thought I would feel so much better once the medication stopped. AF really is the “gift” that won’t stop giving 😂

[BobD Volunteer]

Sounds like you re doing well Slim. As we say in our fact sheet many people are still improving at nine months or a year. Stay positive.

[Slim2018 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. One thing I have “learned” on this “journey” is only people who have Afib really understand it. Sorry to have a bleat but I would just love a tad of normality back sometimes.

[KMRobbo]

Did you take a rate control drug with the flecainide, that you have stopped at the same time?I ask as I had the same experience as you as did not feel better. I stopped my flecainide 3 weeks before my post ablation review, as my EP wanted to see that I did not go back to afib upon cessation before we had the meeting, so he could act upon that at the meeting.

However I stopped the diltiazem rate control only after the meeting and was very disappointed that I still felt bad. It took 4 to 6 weeks for the side effects to go. Which surprised me as dlitiazem has a fairly short half life.

[Slim2018]

No just Flecainide and Rivaroxaban. What is interesting is that the article on peripheral neuropathy. Takes 3-6 months for effects to hopefully resolve.

Article

[Slim2018]

And just when they thought it was all over….woke up just before midnight and out of NSR…bummer! 200 mg of Flecainide and back in by 4.00 am. So no wheat and no alcohol the two bloating triggers that historically have triggered AF, so what was the cause. I have been taking baby aspirin every day this week as a preventer for migraine aura…got to be the villain as it does irritate the stomach apparently and explains why stomach bloated last night and still uncomfortable this morning. Oh AF, the gift that keeps on giving 😂 I am told occasional AF after the ablation is not unusual, I suppose as I was a couple of days beyond the three months I relaxed too soon! What I don’t understand is if the ablation is successful why does one still get these episodes?