Something funny

[Rosemarie61]

Hi everyone, I hope you have a wonderful day/night wherever you are :)A few weeks back I got really sick with tonsillitis. High fever, trouble swallowing, very sore throat. This triggered an AF episode where my pulse went up into the high 200s. I had a PiP (Flecainade) but haven't used it before and being very sick was hesitant to use it without supervision. We called our GP and he said to call an Ambulance. Ambulance came and after some assessment they decided to take me to hospital. On the stretcher I went and when I was about to be taken into the Ambulance I caught sight of my 3 year old grandson, his little face full of excitement, jumping up and down shouting " look Nana an Ambulance". Loving all sorts of Emergency vehicles he was beside himself having an Ambulance in his driveway. Made me smile and made my ride to the hospital a bit less gloomy.

[JaneFinn]

Ahh, bless him! That did make me smile too If only we could keep that simple joy in things, eh?!

But what a horrible time for you it must have been - how was your hospital visit? And I hope you’re feeling much better now? X

[Rosemarie61 in reply to JaneFinn]

Yes I am all good, thank you , only stayed in hospital for a couple of days. The AF was actually a blessing in disguise as by the time I got to the hospital the swelling from the tonsillitis was starting to affect my breathing, so they were able to deal with it straight away. My heartbeat got back into rhythm 15 minutes after i took the PiP in the Ambulance so that gives me some assurance for the future. All in all a good outcome and my grandson still talks about when the Ambulance came to his house hehe

[Singwell in reply to Rosemarie61]

Glad all is well. Must've been scary at the time. Even with that spark of joy from your grandson.

[meadfoot]

Bless him. Hope you are now recovered.

[jeanjeannie50]

So sweet and the innocence of childhood shone through.

How are you now?

Jean

[Tapanac]

Aaah bless him. Hope you’re all well now x

[Cha275rL]

Aww the innocence of children. It’s wonderful.

[Ellie-Ann]

children are so funny and they do cheer us all up with their antics now and then. Good luck. Hope you feel better soon.

[fibnum]

That is a cute way to look at having an ambulance come.

I have had 4-5 trips to the hospital by ambulance, but have had only curious neighbors to witness it.

My advice about ambulances, when one is going in with Afib, is to urinate before you go!

I had not thought about the increased urge that usually accompanies Afib, and once spent the most miserable time with Afib that I have had while strapped down in a gurney in the ambulance desperately (literally) needing to go. When they wheeled me into the ER facility, I immediately unstrapped myself and raced to the "loo" (for my British friends!) I surprised the nurses and irritated the medics, but when you have to go, you have to go!

[ozziebob]

I am new to using flecainide as a PIP as well, so your experience of returning to NSR within 15 mins of your first dose is very interesting to me.

Now I realise we are all different, but I would be interested in the exact dose of flecainide you took that worked for you.

And, did your medical team suggest how you would continue to dose with flecainide if that first dose didn't work?

I have 50mg tablets available as my PIP.

Thanks, Bob.

[Rosemarie61 in reply to ozziebob]

Hi BobI have 200 mg tablets and only allowed to take one dose. If that would not work I'd need to go to the hospital. However, it was the second AF episode I had where Flecainide was used and both times it worked very well.

My heart rate goes up very high ( 300 is my personal best hehe) when in Afib. I suppose that is why my dose is high. I also have to take it 6 minutes after AF started. Could be normal though.

Hope that helps but please don't up your dose without consulting your doctor.

Take care

[ozziebob]

Yes, I can see your situation with 300 BPM is more urgent than mine, and requires a stronger initial dose to attempt a quicker resolution. You have my sympathies having to negotiate a heart rate of 300bpm. I cannot imagine such. Knowing you are prescribed a single 200mg tablet is useful information. The max daily dose in UK is 300mg, but my experience of the PIP is limited and my dosing has not yet settled to a pattern, as I have no medical advice on the matter, and am trying to determine what works for me. I do read the experience of others on this via the Forum, which helps.

Since obtaining a supply of flecainide, I have only had 2 AF events. During the first I forgot I had the PIP, so it wasn't used. During the second, being uncertain how to dose myself, and wanting to convert without medication, I waited 2 hours before my first 50mg. After another 2 hours I added another 50mg and the AF resolved before I needed a third dose. I intend, with my next AF event, to take my first 50mg as soon as possible, rather than waiting. Then further doses each following hour as needed.

Thanks for your feedback.