Almost a year of NSR

[Slidingdoors99]

Well, I nearly made a year.. Last night through, went back into AFib. Tried the things I’ve read to hopefully get out of it, but no good. Resting pulse of 159.

Ambulance and cardioversion, which I’m so pleased to say worked and I’m home now.

After my last electronic cardioversion I only stayed in NSR for three days. I didn’t rest up much on the second day I remember.

Can anyone suggest how long might be an idea to do very little, until my heart gets used to the right rhythm again?

I remember that Jean.Jeanie had some thoughts on this before?

(My second cardioversion was due to having amiodarone for several weeks) I t brought me back to NSR but I think that drug is awful, it did work for a year though. They won’t use it on me again because of the side effects…

I had to come off it, but it worked!

Thank you everyone.

[jeanjeannie50]

Yes, you may remember me saying that the day after a cardioversion I walked up a steep hill and immediately went back into AF. It's too late to be sorry then! Don't do anything strenuous for at least a week, if not longer. Certainly no alcohol, overeating , large meals, consuming too much sugar and nothing tight around your waist.

Fingers crossed you stay in sinus rhythm now. Good luck.

Jean

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Many thanks Jean. I didn’t expect you to answer so quickly! Bless you!

[secondtry]

Presume you have discussed Flecainide as an alternative with the medics. I think accepted as a more tried and tested drug and less side effects than Amiodarone.

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to secondtry]

No, no other prescriptions were given to me. When in AFib before (6 months) I did suggest flecainide at the hospital, but was told that that wouldn’t help!

[secondtry in reply to Slidingdoors99]

I know it is not easy but keep your own medical file. e.g. when they say Flec won't help ask why not and make a note who told you, why and when. I also ask for copies of all tests and take them with me to an appointment as you just can't rely on the medics reading your files as thoroughly as you the patient will.

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to secondtry]

Thank you. That’s really good advice.

[GrannyE in reply to secondtry]

Absolutely right. No doctor knows your history as well as yourself. They have too many patients to be able to read up/remember everything to do with you

[Singwell]

I'd second thst Flecainide is worth a shot. From others' posts although it doesn't suit everyone, it seems less toxic than Amidarone. Smaller doses on a daily basis perhaps?

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to Singwell]

Thank you Singwell, will suggest it again.

[irene75359]

I would agree that flecainide may be an alternative. I use flecainide as a PiP alongside bisoprolol, I have 3/4 episodes year. Always works within a couple of hours. The consultant prescribed it to be taken daily, however my own GP was supportive in me using it as a PiP, and I am forever grateful to him that instead of being on a powerful drug regularly I only use it very occasionally.

[Auriculaire in reply to irene75359]

Do you have to take the Bisoprolol all the time or use that as PIP too?

[irene75359 in reply to Auriculaire]

I take Bisoprolol all the time (under sufferance) but only in the last six months as I was suffering from daily episodes of tachycardia. Prior to that I only took it alongside Flecainide. (didn't answer you directly!)

[Auriculaire in reply to irene75359]

Thanks Irene. I have been thinking of asking my cardiologist about trying Flec as PIP as my episodes of afib are coming a bit more frequently. But I wouldn't if it meant taking Bisoprolol all the time! When not in afib my heart rate us between 60 and 72 bpm so I am ok with that.

[irene75359 in reply to Auriculaire]

I never had any of the associated side effects when taking Bisoprolol as a PiP, I hate taking it daily but after the initial upset last year my heart has settled back down again. I plan to come off daily Bisoprolol in April.

[GrannyE in reply to irene75359]

Good luck

[irene75359 in reply to GrannyE]

Than k you!

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to irene75359]

Thank you Irene. I don’t know why it hasn’t been given to me!

[Singwell in reply to irene75359]

Totally with you on this. Medics far too trigger haply with daily drug regimes. I was told to take daily pills after 1 episode, which immediately makes you dependent on them and also impacts on your mind set. I should've been advised how to use PiP right from the start.

[GrannyE in reply to irene75359]

Sounds like a good doctor

[irene75359 in reply to GrannyE]

He is absolutely first-class; totally engaged with his patients, always running behind as he never rushes anyone, gives full explanations on every aspect of treatment. All his patients love him.

[GrannyE in reply to irene75359]

How wonderful to have a doctor like that. They are like gold dust. Hopefully he is not about to retire.

[irene75359]

I take Bisoprolol all the time (under sufferance) but only in the last six months as I was suffering from daily episodes of tachycardia. Prior to that I only took it alongside Flecainide.

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to irene75359]

Thank you for that message too. I know that bisoprolol doesn’t agree with me!