6 Month Check Up

[tom0985]

Hi All, Had my 6month check up after been diagnosed with PAF in November last year. On Flecainide 100mg twice a day and small does of 1.25mg bisoprolol daily which initially kept short lived (1--2hr) episodes at bay for 2-3 weeks at a time. However have not had any episodes for 2 months and cardiologist happy to continue these doses for another 6 months again and if all being well will look to remove bisoprolol completely and just have Flecainide.

I'm thought i remember reading at the time that you can't/shouldn't have Flecainide without Beta Blocker as can cause other Arrhythmias? is that the case or am i over worrying and should be just be happy (fingers crossed) no more bisoprolol?

[Hidden]

I’m not medically trained but I think you are right Tom. Apparently it’s not a problem if you take Flecainide as a PiP, but very different if you take a regular daily dose. Probably more so in your case because 200mg a day is a hefty dose…….so it’s fingers crossed that he’s considering taking it as a pill in the pocket.

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to Hidden]

The cardiologist has suggested that I try Flecainide as a PIP, but said that I will need to take Bisoprolol with it, to avoid flutter. Waiting on results of echo before I can try it, and was willing myself to get through without an episode before then. Didn’t work that way, ended up getting daily Bisoprolol prescribed by A&E last weekend. I really prefer the idea of a PIP approach, so crossing fingers.

[Bagrat]

I have been taking regular flecainide since 2011 with no beta blocker or other support ( apart from anticoagulant). Have seen 3 cardiologists over the years none of whom seem concerned. Sometimes you have to believe that consultants with years of education and experience, know what is appropriate in your individual case.

Yes I had concerns too, but am still here to tell the tale!

[Frances123]

Same a Bagrat for me but with a few more years on top. Likewise I only take an anticoagulant.

[Angie06]

Same here, been on daily flecainide since 2007 with no other meds than a statin and still firing on all cylinders 🤞🤞

[secondtry]

8+ yrs on 200mgs Flec only, which is considered a medium dose. No problems but you will need annual checks for organ toxicity in case it is not being cleared out efficiently.

My layman understanding is that Flec on its own is not a significant risk when you are under 70, active and with no comorbidities. But do check with your trusted medic.

[tom0985 in reply to secondtry]

Thanks - how have you found it?

[secondtry in reply to tom0985]

Excellent, plenty of energy & no issues....but I expect the many Lifestyle changes I have made have contributed to the outcome.

[tom0985 in reply to secondtry]

Fantastic well done! I am trying to eat healthier and I already do quite a lot of exercise. (I’m 36). Do you have many AF episode and if so do they last long and trouble you?

[secondtry in reply to tom0985]

Just 2 twenty minute episodes in 8 years started by known triggers.

You are very young!! So I'm thinking your AF cause is genetic, too much exercise or more than one poor lifestyle choices.

Suggest lots of research on this Forum and read 'The Afib Cure' by John day & 'Breath" by James Nestor.

It is very difficult to pass on what has been successful as we are all very different in mind, body and lifestyle. All I can say is I was diagnosed in 2014 at 60yo with no comorbidities, needed 200mgs to stop it and have focussed on improving lifestyle every day; the latter includes a more spiritual focus, which in my case is Nature & God.

[secondtry in reply to tom0985]

I should have added spiritual focus is most relevant when you have vagally mediated AF ie the Vagus nerve that connects the stomach, heart and mind is over sensitive.

[tom0985]

Thanks that’s really useful to know. I used to play a lot of football and now not so much but my dad has AF so maybe genetic.

Thanks the book recommendations- I actually bought the aFib cure but reading the first couple of pages found it abit scary etc which wasn’t what I needed at the time. (Few weeks after diagnosed) maybe I’ll try it again.

Amazing on 2 tiny episodes over 8 years! Well done you