Thank you: a good outcome with Flec, just in time

[OscarN]

hi there. Wanted to share my crazy first experience with Flecainide - which many of you have been so kind to guide me through. This is not a recommendation or advice - just my experience. As I have been reminded by this community, only follow the advice of your cardio or GP.

I went into AF last Tuesday morning. On the recommendations of my cardio, I took 50 mg on an empty stomach first thing in the morning followed by a further 50 mg one hour later. This had no effect. My cardio suggested I increase the dose to 100 mg twice a day which I did for days two and three with no effect. We are moving house at the moment and life is very stressful physically and mentally and thus I have been desperate to return to NSR and was getting despondent that the Flec was not working even at the higher dose. Yesterday I had an MRI scan planned for mid morning. I contemplated taking the daily dose of 200 mg in one go as I had hard, higher doses were more effective but was guided by this community to be extremely cautious. I therefore took a lower dose before leaving for the hospital. Upon arrival, I checked my pulse to find it still in FAF. I was very nervous about the MRI because it includes a stress test that mimics exercise putting the heart under even more pressure and stress. However, having talked to the doctors I was reassured that the stress test would be short lived and upon that news I agreed to go ahead with the MRI. I distinctly remember a relaxation in my chest when I heard the news that the stress part of the MRI would be short lived. By the time I entered the scanner 10 mins later I felt my breathing was easier. The MRI was completed in an hour and I returned home two hours later feeling much healthier and lighter. At this point, I did not suspect I had reverted but hoped I might have. I certainly felt very different. Upon checking my pulse later that evening I could detect it had indeed become steady and regular, albeit quite faint. I have no idea if my heart reverted in time for the MRI but if it did it would be cool and most fortunate.

To close, there is no way I would have made it through without this community’s support . And so I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped me this week . It has been a rollercoaster but I know Flec worked for me. As did this community! Thank you again.

[Paulbounce]

Looking good Oscar. Flec can be very effective - it was for me. Don't self diagnose though and always follow you medics advice on the correct dosage.

Paul

[OscarN in reply to Paulbounce]

Agree. Thank you.

[secondtry]

Good to hear. Please note stress (moving house & medical procedure together= perfect storm) is a key factor to address for AFers. Suggest in future you try to avoid stacking stress items if you can and those you can't avoid take steps to mitigate, which could be just enough to keep you in NSR.

Flecainide is a dear friend to me but best not to lean on friendship too much and complement it by maxing out on lifestyle changes as frequently discussed here.

[Poochmom]

Flec also worked for me like a charm as PIP every time. I haven’t had to use it in a year due to Minimaze surgery but it was my best friend for a year. Glad you are back in NSR.