I had had bouts of Afib ranging on average of 12-18 hours a time for many years. I then had one of 55 hours 5 years ago. Then it was back to the usual pattern. Suddenly I’m into another long one? I have always self converted and never been to hospital, except twice in 18 years and that was with chest pain.
I’m now into the 51st hour, coping well, don’t need any help etc. I’m just a tad disappointed I’m suddenly having a long one and obviously wondering why, which is futile I know.
Has anyone else experienced similar with long ones as one offs and then go back to usual pattern? I’m fully aware af begets af but having had a one off long one 5 years ago I’m hoping this is a one off one now.
Had 2 failed ablations. Only on Flecainide 50mg bd since diagnosis and apixaban last 7 years. No known triggers. HR averages 85-110 in Afib. Late 50s early 60s in NSR.
Thank you friends.
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Frances123
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This could be the beginning of a new pattern as what happened with me, or it might revert to your old pattern. Anyone who can tell you which way it will go, doesn't understand afib
Meanwhile -- When I was on Flecainide 50bd, I was authorized to take "x" mg more at the start of an episode and then another "x"mg if I was still in afib in an hour. It's called Pill-in-Pocket (PIP) and it always converted me in 1-4 hours. If your doctor hasn't discussed this with you, I'd bring it up and hopefully get authorization. Beats waiting around for things to settle on their own.
Thank you. Should have said I’m fully aware of taking extra Flecainide and PIP but unfortunately I can’t tolerate more than one unless they are an hour or two apart.
Yes, especially with Flecainide, only take what you are authorized and can tolerate. The good news is that your rate in afib seems well controlled. Hope you convert soon.
The trouble with afib is there is no normal. My episodes last between 5 hours and 14 days and I so far have also self converted, mostly with exercise. I have gone 184 days last year without any episodes and just when I think I'm free, then bang, it's back. I'm unable to take flecainide so rely on Bisoprolol to keep rate down.
Thank you. I’m the opposite, can’t have Bisoprolol or any beta blockers as my HR is low..ish normal times. Can take Flecainide at the lowest dose but not to double up or as PIP if there hasn’t been a couple of hours between them.
I am in the minority here as I consider in most cases AF episodes do not crop up out of the blue....doesnt seem very logical to me. Instead, I work on AF being caused by a build up of various negative factors, so I suggest continually working on a broad spectrum of lifestyle choices.
In the meantime, I would contact your cardiologist.
Thank you. Lifestyle choices are good most of the time. Don’t drink, don’t smoke, good diet except maybe the odd treat on holiday and at Christmas etc.
Excuse the pun but I would second…second try. My AF started 30 years ago then once every 4 or 5 years. All caused by lifestyle issues, too much wine then exercise within 12 hours. Lots of caffeine could also flip me into AF. Self converted each time by exercising. This changed last August following covid vaccine followed by exercise the next morning. I was given Flec and metoprolol and my AF was very well controlled at around 70-75 HR. After 30 days I was Cardioverted. Then again December, too much sugar and rich food. Cardioverted in December and made big lifestyle choices, pretty much no alcohol only decaf coffees, a regime of good healthy food, fruits, Vegetables and only lean meat. I exercise daily and take coQ10, vitd3 and magnesium daily. So far so good.
I’ve listened and learnt from the good people on this forum, yes it will come back but I’m trying to be proactive to lengthen the AF free periods. Hopefully in the meantime more advances are made by the good doctors and AF can be resolved permanently
Thank you. My regime pretty much mirrors yours except I can drink coffee fine. I don’t have any triggers or at least none found. I also take Magnesium and Taurine. Tried Q10 a couple of times but not sure it agreed with me? Still have a truck load so may well try again.
I haven't experienced this, yet, but feel for you, Frances, and imagine the day will come. Have you spoken to your doctor about maybe increasing beta-blocker dosage or similar?
Atrial fibrillation causes heart disruption - therefore, concerns arise:- another way forward is to consider another option - as time catches up over time - as concern dominates the pros and cons.
"Should you rest or exercise with AFib?"
“And for people with AFib, regular exercise can help keep the condition in check,” Dr. Khan says. Researchers have found that among people who have atrial fibrillation, those who are most fit have the fewest AFib episodes. People with the lowest levels of fitness, by contrast, have more frequent episodes."
Pill is one conceivable option, however, there is, over time, the other way forward lends to debate...
What improves atrial fibrillation?
Exercise Regularly
"Exercise can help you lose weight and reduce high blood pressure. Taking a brisk 30-minute walk every day can improve your heart health and reduce the risk of triggering an arrhythmia. Your doctor determines the kind of physical activity that's right for you."
In the very early days, probably about seven years ago, I had an episode that lasted about three days before self-converting. I only had bisoprolol then and it did nothing except made me feel awful. I was then prescribed daily flecainide which, with my GP's help, I changed to using as a PiP and that is what I have done ever since. I take 200mg and it stops it in 1 - 2 hours, I did try 100mg but reverting to NSR took much longer. I know I have been very lucky in that the number of my episodes haven't increased at all, in fact last year I only had one.
All that said, I notice you wrote later that you are badly affected by the flecainide in a higher dose which is a pity, based on my (no medical training!) knowledge works and quickly. I do hope you find a solution.
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