Ectopics

[DebbiB28]

Good evening. I have recently been given the option to begin Flecainide for my ectopic heartbeats or learn to live with them (I find this very difficult). I've had open heart surgery but although successful, it didn't stop the ectopics at all. I've been on bisoprolol which I don't feel has helped. I was wondering if anyone can share their experiences of this drug please. Reading up on this, the possible side effects are a bit worrying, but I know not everyone will experience them. Thank you.

[Mugsy15]

Just a subjective view from the outside looking in Debbi; I personally live with a high burden of ectopics but I'm not alarmed enough by them to seek medication. They've gone on for so many years I just consider them normal for me.

However in your position I'd consider giving Flecainide a go.

Ectopics are relatively harmless but the anxiety they are causing you (judging by what you have said) is not to be taken so lightly.

Some on here report that Flec has almost eliminated their ectopics and they feel loads better as a result. Others don't get on with it. Some of those find that alternative drugs work better.

You always have the option of discontinuing the drug if you feel that it's not helping, or if it makes things worse for you.

At that point you will have lost nothing.

The only caveat I'd add to this suggestion is: don't judge the effect it has on you too quickly. Your body needs a little time to adapt. The positive effects of some drugs are only experienced after an initial rough spell.

Good luck!

[MikeThePike in reply to Mugsy15]

Hi Mugsy15, I'm interested to know what your ectopic burden is and how they affect you. Do you feel them? How do you cope with them?

[Mugsy15 in reply to MikeThePike]

Hi Mike, I'm sorry I never replied to this query; I've only just seen it a year later because I got a notification that someone 'liked' my post!

For what it's worth I don't have any idea what my ectopic burden is because I don't care about it so don't monitor it in any way. If I sit and take notice of my heart there is usually some arrythmia in among the nsr. I have occasional bouts of very noticeable lumps and bumps, but I just let my heart get on with it. It's usually dehydration and having worked hard for a few hours which triggers that.

[DebbiB28 in reply to Mugsy15]

Thank you for replying. My ectopics are considered 'low burden' but don't cope with them well. They have been going on for MANY years and really affect my quality of life. There are some really positive outcomes for many so feel more confident now to give them a go. Your input is greatly appreciated. Best wishes.

[MikeThePike]

HI there, open heart surgery for ectopics? I've never heard of that before. Kindly tell me more about this. Also, why was it considered successful? Thanks.

[DebbiB28 in reply to MikeThePike]

Sorry I made that confusing! I had surgery for a hole in heart and anomalous veins which I was born with. Ectopics was one of my symptoms that I'd hoped would be cured with the surgery but unfortunately not. I was hoping for some views/experiences with flecainide. Hope that makes it clearer!

[MikeThePike in reply to DebbiB28]

Hi there, thanks for the clarification. As regards the Flecainide I don't have any personal experience of it but some people here have said that they no longer feel the ectopic beats when taking it. They say fortune favours the brave and your case may prove that true. Ask yourself what is the worse thing that can happen? You feel a bit sick or tired maybe? Your body may just need time to adjust to the medication. Really, what have you got to lose by trying it? Sounds like you've exhausted other options and it just might work for you. Good luck.

[DebbiB28 in reply to MikeThePike]

Thank you. All the advice/experiences have helped and I feel much more confident now. Fingers crossed!

[Islandee]

I agree with the other's comments. It's worth a try. It did not work for me but works wonders for my sister. Everybody is different and reacts to meds in their own way. I tried almost every drug out there with the hope that "this may be one" to help with my uncontrolled palplitations. Best of luck to you.

[DebbiB28 in reply to Islandee]

Thanks for replying. I hope you find some help.

[Malayabalaya]

Hi Debbi Bisoprolol did nothing for my ectopics but I started on Flecainide 100mg per day then 200 perday about 8 months ago and it has eliminated the ectopics which were running at 22% of beats. Don’t think I’ve had any side effects except maybe lots of sweating onexercise but not sure it’s the Flecainide but anyway a small price to pay! As others have said Why not give it a go and🤞it helps you😊

[DebbiB28 in reply to Malayabalaya]

Thanks for that! This really helps. Most people seem to tolerate it well. Hope you continue to do well.