AF and VT

[sas179166]

After having an episode of AF and heading to A&E and having a sustained episode of VT for 30+ minutes and spending 4 days in hospital I am now allowed to go home.

My previous history is that a couple of years ago I suffered from palpitations and was began on 25mg of Metoprolol this worked for a few months but then I had a period of palpitations and racing heart and while I was in hospital my dose was raised to 200mg.

Now after the latest episode I have been diagnosed with AF and VT so now I am taking 50mg Flecainide twice a day with 100mg Metoprolol twice a day.

I think this post is just a way of getting it written down for me and looking for other people’s experiences as I’m 38 and this is all a lot to take in

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi sas19166

Are you really taking 100mg of Metoprolol twice daily, alongside your Flecainide, surely not?

How are you feeling?

Jean

[sas179166 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

yep everyone is always surprised when I tell them the dosage it was 200mg once in the morning and now they’ve split it to 100mg twice a day

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to sas179166]

Are you feeling unwell on that dose?

[sas179166 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

no I feel fine, no side effects at all. I’ve only just started the Flecainide, I was monitored in the hospital for 2 days on that and haven’t had any ill effects from that either so far

[jeanjeannie50]

Of course your AF is totally different to what I have, mine is atrial fibrillation and I know that ventricular is a lot more serious. The Flecainide you're taking is what I would call a medium dose. I was taking that dose alongside 12.5mg of Metoprolol. I'm very sensitive to Metoprolol and was once given a high dose in hospital (probably 100mg) and collapsed. I was told never to have that dose again as it could kill me, hence my concern for you taking that amount. Your cardiologist will have seen your ECG and know what to prescribe from those results. Are you in a constant abnormal ventricular/atrial rhythm, or does it come and go? Is there a plan for you to have any type of procedure carried out in the future?

[sas179166 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

it comes and goes I had minor episodes over the last 3 weeks and I could rest and after 5 minutes and would go back to normal, until last Monday when it started and didn’t subside so went to A&E and after sitting there for 8 hours was taken through and that’s when the VT started after about 30mins I had and ecg when they confirmed VT and I was taken to resus and attached to machines and they attached me to a drop of something to slow the heart down. It slowed down and I was then only in AF again which stopped that evening 26 hours after it started.

I have previously had the Catheter abalation but after 5 hours they couldn’t abalate because the location was too close to the main electrics and was too risky.

Sorry about the long explanations, I think it’s just saying everything out loud to get my head around it all

[CDreamer in reply to sas179166]

I found it helped to journal and this forum is so supportive so do hope it helps you.

A lot to take in and process for you.

[DawnTX in reply to sas179166]

Never apologize you have to get it out somewhere and if it bothers someone they can just skip over it. I have never had anyone criticize me for my long novels at times lol I am on 100 of metropolol now and 250 of digoxin. I was on half of that for the last two weeks but then it stopped working on me and my heart rate was back up to 150. I am sad for you because you are so young to have to deal with this. Your situation is serious as you know and they must get it under control ASAP. We are all so different. I am about to get a special pacemaker attached to my two lower so that they will beat and rhythm and slow down. My new doctor does not continue to repeat what has not worked. The meds are to try to give my heart a rest before the procedure. I know what you mean about wrapping your head around some thing I’m doing the same. One second I think I have it all under control and then I’m overwhelmed. We are human. 🙏🏻❤️

[DawnTX]

you came to the right place. If nothing else you will realize you are not alone dealing with this stuff. I have come to realize just how erratic a fib is and the only thing sure about it is there is nothing sure about it. I know that does not sound like a peptalk but is to let you know that it can be dealt with. Mentally and physically it is exhausting I am one of the ones I’m not quite there yet. You have people in various stages of it here with a variety of treatments and results. There are some great success stories on here you just have to realize there is no cure and it is about controlling it. Try to take a deep breath I know it’s not easy we all have a hard time doing it at times.

[Hilianna]

I hope that things settle down for you soon. I have atrium fibrillation so not as serious as yours. I am amazed at you being able to tolerate so much medication, but if it works keep monitoring it and stick with it. I trust your cardiology medics are liasing with you especially re your medication. I cannot cope with beta-blockers, and am waiting to try an ablation. This is a good site to get help - many very knowledgeable people on here.

[Rainfern]

Hi Sas. I just wanted to say my thoughts are with you. You're doing the right thing writing here, such a lovely group. I'm no medic, so what I'd say is don't let your condition become what you are, cos you're so much more than that - easily forgotten when things are tough! Relaxation and breathing techniques got me through rehab for serious heart surgery age 15 and counselling in my 20s even helped with the post-op palpitations. Right now, at 69 with newly diagnosed AF, my best bet is putting on some favourite music and dancing my my heart away (forgive the metaphor!) albeit more slowly than in my 20s! We all find our own way through. Take care and good luck.

[Sustainedvtach270]

Hi Sas. I also had Afib with sustained VT and went into cardiac arrest. I am 58. If I did not totally changed my diet thanks to this wonderful forum, I would be on more meds. I am curently taking 80g sotalol daily. A great book the Afib Cure by John Day. You got to increase your potassium and magnesium and work on your diaphragmatic breathing. Feel free to ask any question. Take care.