Into the 2nd phase?

[Harrison1]

Hello

Had PAF for over 11 years...11 days ago I flipped into AF and haven't really been out of it much. Was taking PIP bisoprolol which slowed it down to an ok level...it used to fix it so I'd return to NSR.

Not this time. A few calls to the Arrythmia nurses and they call me into their clinic.

Sent gjem Kardia ECGs confirming very much in AF. Heart rate around 80 (normally 50)...suggested and I felt like they were pushing me down the cardioversion route or ablation...both are my idea of please no!

Been on Flec for 36 hours or so...and whilst I feel a little more comfortable, its not got me back in NSR as yet...seems to be intermitent.

50mg twice a day, plus one 1.25mg of bisoprolol in between...back to the LGI tomorrow for a progress ECG...feel like I'm moving to persistent and it won't revert. Been thinking 'has something aggrivated it'?

Can Flec take a while to get in the system and take hold?

Thanks

[secondtry]

Flecainide 50mgs x2 per day was not enough to hold me in NSR so went up to medium dose 100mgs x2 per day.

There have been various non-medical ways of getting back to NSR mentioned here that come with no known side effects. If you have vagallly mediated PAF you might want to try what worked for me which was gulping down a cold drink straight from the fridge. Another one was sitting, eyes closed & focussing hard on a steady heart beat on YouTube.

[Harrison1 in reply to secondtry]

Very kind. Take care now.

[Sambaqui]

I take bisoprolol and flecainide when I go into AF, in the same doses as you. So far, I have always reverted within three to five days. I have to admit I wait anxiously each time in case in case the pills don't work. I hope they do for you.

[Harrison1]

So...really appreciate the replies. What a morning...ECG showed still in AF..pulse around 75...nurse wasn't around, so sent home...nurse called...said take 100mg in one go around lunch time to push it a bit more...not great, but said I'll try it.

Half way home...get a call again, saying 'actually, you have mild RBBB so whilst unlikely, stop taking the Flec and we'll administer anti-coags, book a tape recording and put you on the list for a cardioversion'...

I'm like what! So back to Bisoprolol each day until further notice...hopefully it doesn't ruin Xmas.

Thanks, stay well.

[Heartrun]

We are all so different. I also have had PAF for over a decade and been PIP Flec off and on. That's until July of 2022 when I popped into and pretty much stayed in Afib for the whole month. The docs played with the amount of daily Flec during that month and finally put me on 150mg 2x day as well as starting Metoprolo. I went back into NSR the evening following that med change up. Metoprolo was not working well on me with much lower resting heartrate in the 36 bpm normally 44. So given light headedness and breathlessness issues they took me off the Metoprolo. I stayed out of Afib for over a year with only one episode since that July and am now on 100mg Flec 2x day. The recording device should give them a better read on the mild RBBB and more of an idea for treatment. Best wishes that the Holidays are good for you.

[kkatz]

Hi I picked up on the LGI.I am presuming Leeds? They certainly know what they are doing & the Arrythmia Nurses are excellentIf they are offering CV & Ablation then go for it.2 years of persistent AF was soul destroying for me.Yes I managed to excercise & participate in bowls but it was so unpredictable.One day I could walk 2 miles next day I couldn't manage 200 - 300 yards

Still in NSR since Feb but don't know how my current bout of COVID will affect it

[Harrison1 in reply to kkatz]

Its Leeds yes indeed. They are very good. I had a mad day Friday with various staff..they have told me to stay on Flec but on a night it doesn't make me feel good.

Makes me feel a bit anxious and jolt type things from my chest trying to nod off...very hard to fall asleep.

Back in NSR so maybe I should stop taking them...

Thanks