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?

[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).