Replacing Flecainide

[jwsonoma]

Hello,

This has been a great board for anecdotal advice.

I got real lucky and caught the beginning of a heart attack on a treadmill test so I can no longer take Flecainide.

Flec at 75mg twice a day kept me out of AF for 8 years. As an additional PIP it stopped 2 afib episodes in 15min and 2hrs.

The first drug I tried, Digoxin, gave me unbearable headaches.

I tolerated a mild headache from Flec for a year until it faded into the back ground. It resurfaced only when I got tired.

I will be having a follow up with my cardiologist.

Any suggestions for a replacement that could also serve as a PIP? Forewarned is forearmed.

Sadly I will be on the Dr. Dean Ornish Cardiac Disease Reversal Diet going forward. It worked for my 68 year old brother who is now running marathons.

Many Thanks

My new Handle: "Three Stent" John

[secondtry]

I am afraid I can't suggest a replacement for Flecainide as I am still on it (200mgs) after 12 years; who knows whether it is still effective and doing no harm 🧐.

I would add I am no fan of the treadmill test, albeit I accept I haven't researched the pros & cons. I did one but declined the invitation to push to the desired limit for fear of a heart attack, so they accepted getting 90% there. I also was unduly alarmed because the pros & cons were not explained beforehand, making it sound like all routine, then at the last minute when on the treadmill 2 attending medics turned up and asked me to sign a disclaimer.

Morale of the story: Quiz your cardiologist to make sure all procedures are essential or at least know the risks first.

[jwsonoma in reply to secondtry]

I had only gotten up to the 1/3 mark when they noted some changes in my HR waves due to reduce blood flow and shut it down. For me it saved my life as it could have happend 1/2 up the side of a mountain on my mountain bike like I was 3 days before. No symptoms but I had a 90% and a 70% blockage.