First AF episode in 18 months

[Bailey2004]

Hi all, so went into AF 12 hours ago with heart racing over 200bpm. Got it down under 100 with bisoprolol but my Flecainide that I take daily anyway hasn’t converted me. I’ve increased it to 150mg last night and done same this morning. First episode in 18 months but have had ectopics instead. Last few months I’ve been feeling so good so this completely blindsided me. Should I go to A&E or just wait to see if doesn’t convert over next few days. I’m no longer on Apixaban. Thanks all 😊

[Jalia]

This sort of thing has happened to me so much over the years. If you're feeling OK ,apart from the irregularity, and heart rate remains same its worth sitting it out. You may well return to sinus in coming hours.

[wilsond]

Hopefully will settle down soon. It took me quite a while to settle recently after an episode,which like you ,had been a while since I had one.Flecanide seemed to take a while to 'load up'.

Did they say why you are no longer to take apixaban by the way? Xx

[Bailey2004 in reply to wilsond]

Stopped me 10 months ago as hadn’t had an episode in so long and I have no other comorbidities so my score was only 1. I take 100mg Flecainide twice daily to keep ectopics at bay so it’s in my system so not sure why not working with 150mg. Will ride it out for now.

[wilsond in reply to Bailey2004]

That's OK, that score makes sense. Yes I'm on 100 x 2 maintenance dose ,and can take extra 100 a day if needed. Up to 300mg a 24 hours . If I get a breakthrough,told to take 100 as response. Xx

[Bailey2004 in reply to wilsond]

Yes that’s what I was told so took extra 50 last night and again this morning. How long did it take to convert you?

[pusillanimous in reply to Bailey2004]

Surely if your score is 1, an anti-coagulant is advised ?

[Bailey2004 in reply to pusillanimous]

Apparently the 1 is only because I’m female. I’ll chat to doc tomorrow anyway.

[pusillanimous in reply to Bailey2004]

Yes , being female scores you a 1,maybe, because you are young, they do not worry about that.

[Pigleywigley in reply to Bailey2004]

Hey I am a 1 but I am on an anticoagulant. That said I do have an abnormal heart structure. Most cardiologist’s prefer you to be on than not!

[Bailey2004 in reply to Pigleywigley]

Think because i had virtually no episodes since my ablation I was taken off it 10 months ago as the risk of a bleed was greater based on my age and activity levels. So had to weigh it up. If episodes become more frequent again then I’ll be asking to go back on it but I’ll discuss with doc.

[Pigleywigley in reply to Bailey2004]

That’s great for you & sorry I hadn’t realised you’d had ablation. They also told me I would still have to take after surgery 😞🙄😤

[Cavalierrubie]

Exactly the same has happened to me recently. Absolutely in the dark to why it suddenly reared its ugly head, but come back it does. Once AF always AF is what they say! I have had several blips over the past couple of months and gone to AE once. It now seems to be settling down again. I found it made me very anxious again for a while coming back so suddenly. Perhaps need to check if you need an anticoagulant right now.

[Jalia]

I hadn't noted that you were no longer on anticoagulants. I would check with your doc whether you should be taking them. Better to be on the safe side.

[Bailey2004]

thanks all, I’ve converted to sinus in the last half hour so will see how the weekend goes and will discuss with GP if starts again.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Bailey2004]

That’s good to hear. It’s such a relief to go back to NSR. Check with the anticoagulant please (very important).

[Bailey2004 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

GP gave me a row for not going straight to A&E and advised me if happens again to do so. They’ve got in touch with my EP for advice on meds so will see what he says. Been trying to go into AF I think a few times today only lasting about 10-20seconds though.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Bailey2004]

Hi, Good you have been to GP. Did he put you on an anticoagulant? I think you should do what GP said especially if your numbers are high. Better to be safe than sorry. Hope they get things under control again for you, as l am sure they will. It’s upsetting when you have had a long break from AF. I am waiting for appointment with cardio clinic. Waiting list 20 weeks! Take care of yourself and best wishes.

[Bailey2004 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Not on anticoagulant yet, they’ve contacted EP for further advice. Glad it has settled and hope it stays that way as it has thrown me since been quiet for a long time. That’s a long time to wait hope you get seen quicker than that. Take care too.