YIKES-no Flecainide for 5 days

[Elizka]

My ablation is in 3 days and my EP had me stop taking Flecainide 5 days prior (but I'm to remain on

Eliquis until day of procedure.)

I must admit I've been nervous stopping the drug. I'm moving slower, doing deep breathing throughout the day, removing any stress. I have had 3 episodes of Afib since premier on December 1st last year, so I shouldn't be too worried, but of course, I am.

I wonder if you do go into AFIB and have to take a flecainide to stop it will they cancel the procedure? I know my EP said they want me to go into AFIB during ablation so they can pinpoint the rogue cells which means Flecainide has to be out of my body.

[CDreamer]

I rather think the opposite - they may be attempting to provoke AF so that they can ‘map’ and see the rogue pathways which may make ablation more accurate and ultimately successful.

Good luck. It’s the recovery after ablation that is so important so ensure you read the preparing for and recovering from ablation leaflets prepared by patients!

[jeanjeannie50]

I think stopping Flecainide before your ablation is a good idea. After my last ablation my EP came to see me right afterwards and said I could stop my Flec immediately, I did and next day went into fast AF/flutter. I had to stay in hospital and go back on my meds which I've continued to take ever since, that was 5 or 6 years ago.

Jean

[BobD Volunteer]

They will administer a drug during the procedure to put you into AF in order to find where the rogue signals are. This is why you Must Not take the flecainide. even if you do have an event.

[mjames1]

Follow your ep's instructions, because that's how they work. I would ask the ep, however, what they want you do do it you go into afib. Take more flecainide to convert? Just reduce the rate and show up in afib? My instructions were to continue with Flecainde and only hold off the morning of. Different ep's have different approaches. I kind of like your ep's approach, but I'm following what my ep said.

Jim