AF getting worse

[ian16527]

After 11 years of AF, up until last year it was couple of times a year, now since December has ramped up, until last week when I am getting them every 48 hours.

This is taking its toll physically and mentally.

I am on the waiting list for an ablation as we are not sure the Flecainide is working as it takes 3 to 4 hours to resolve an episode, sometimes 11 hours.

The EP did offer to try the Flec 50mg twice daily and I wonder whether it would be beneficial to try this until the ablation. I have asked my GP to ask him. I am on 2.5mg Bisoprolol as well (was 5mg but doesnt control the rate when in AF.

I am also suffering the after effects of very sore sternum(on movement worse) which happens after each episode

[etheral]

If you didn't have problems with flecinide in the past this would seem reasonable. ASK your EP about Tikosyn. It's kept me afib free for 4 years. Best etheral

[BobD Volunteer in reply to etheral]

Tikosyn not approved in UK

[etheral in reply to BobD]

Sry, misread yhe bio. Tjought..Thought hrs was in US..

[secondtry]

Discuss advisable dose levels of Flecainde with your cardiologist. I requested PIP Flecainide, declined and put on 100mgs/day, not enough as still got AF, so went up to 200mgs which stopped it. No complacency, then worked hard on better lifestyle choices. Success over the last 9+ years.

[Shyman]

Sorry to hear of your recent downturn. Two years into AFIB at 82, I wish I had broken my leg instead. At least after limping around a few months in plaster with all the inconvenience, you do eventually get back to as you were.

This problem comes and goes as it pleases, and brings anguish not previously experienced with other ailments.

With regards to beta blocker Bisoprolol. My previous resting pulse rate was around 50/min.

After starting (on diagnosis) with 5mg of the tablet, my pulse dropped into the mid 40's, I didnt feel right with it and requested reduction in dose, since when I have been on 2.5mgs and don't have any problems with it . I didn't like the idea of putting a brake on my heart, when it was already chugging away at a steady rate. I have not checked my pulse when the gloom of AFIB descends, consequently I don't worry about that aspect.

A learning curve for sure with this problem, most of us had never heard of it until it jumped on board.

I wish you and all fellow fibbers the best, this platform where we share information and experiences is a terrific support system.

[ian16527 in reply to Shyman]

I cant honestly remember what my HR was when I was put on the Bisoprolol in 2012

Well AF is now every other day, different times, last night 2.15 am, which started with very fast SVT's then rolled into AF.

Still waiting for an answer from my GP

[ian16527]

Well. In hospital todayFelt rough this lunchtime and as usual chest ache. So took myself to a&e

In sinus rhythm then want into af before seeing the doc.

Upshot is the cardiologist wanted to give me 300mg of fleccinide but last time i took 200mg felt worse.

So he is keeping me in tonight .and trying 100m g twice daily to see if tolerate this to try and stop the af attacks which are now daily.

Plus theres a strike tommorow.

Bit depressed today. Just want a bit of life back.

Anyine else on this dose?

He doesnt think he could get me ablated this week and my Ep is on holiday