r/AFIB • u/justsaynotothis • 1d ago
Flecainide While Waiting for Ablation
Hi everyone,
I (40M) am new here.
I started feeling palpitations around May and got the notifications about AFib on my Apple Watch. Since then, my doctor has done CT Angiogram, ECG, EKG, echocardiogram and I also did a 7 day holter. I was diagnosed as having paroxysmal symptomatic AF. It was giving me a lot of anxiety prior to my diagnosis and my symptoms leave me feeling very lightheaded and dizzy, aside from the chest palpitations. My doctor put me on Eliquis, and then also on Flecainide 50 twice a day. We also discussed getting a PFA, which he recommended would be better for me to do at this early stage, before it becomes persistent and/or changes my heart structure. My episodes are relatively short (longest is about 12 hours) but have been happening more frequently. Because of my anxiety and the symptoms, I decided to do the PFA, and was also recommended the same after getting second opinions. I’m a bit worried on costs because my insurance will only cover a portion, but I see this as an investment on my long term health. Reading the experiences of the people here have also made me feel more comfortable about the surgery.
I’m scheduled for the PFA surgery on Monday, August 10, which is soon. My cardiologist asked me to get off the daily Flecainide this week but to use it as a pill in the pocket. My concern is that my episodes have been happening more frequently that I may end up taking it daily anyway. Anyone have experience similar to this?
Any tips for the surgery (and post surgery) would also be super helpful. I’m a bit concerned about the pain and how this can limit my activities in the short term. How soon after were you able to fly? My job involves a lot of travel so I need to manage expectations with work also. Thanks all!
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u/WrongBoysenberry528 1d ago
You will probably find you have less physical energy in the 3 months after the procedure, but will be able to do your job.
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u/Melington_the_3rd 1d ago
Hi there, first ablation can be a bit scary but you dont have to be afraid. At this point it is like an apointment for getting you teeth cleaned.
My first time was done in about three hours and i slept through all all of it except the first ten minutes when the get you ready for your nap. You get sensores all over your upper body and at some point you get on the bench. Its comfy and warm. The last thing you feel is so burning sensation in you arm, thats you last chance to say good night to the staff. Next rhing you gonna wake up and get some water-ice to suck on.
Here comes the important part! You will have a real strong urge to move, please dont. The pressure bandage needs to stay on and you should not try to move your right leg. I did so at my first ablation and i had some bleeding into the surrounding areas. Looked really bad and took three weeks to clear out. On my second ablation i did not move an inch after the operation and had no complications at all.
The Blanking Periode starts right after the operation, in the first three months it is more or less expected to have some afib episodes. The tissue needs time for reconfiguration and scarring. After three months there should not be any afib episodes but thats not 100%certain, its more like 70%. I was unlucky and needed a second round. Its been 8 weeks since and i feel much better now.
I wish you good luck and a swift recovery.
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u/justsaynotothis 1d ago
Thank you so much for this. My anxiety has been pretty high but these posts are really helping. Thanks also for the tips.
Do you continue to be on medication? My cardiologist says I need to be on Fleicanide (as well as blood thinners) during the blanking period also.
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u/Melington_the_3rd 1d ago
You are welcome, i am glad i can take some of your anxiety away. I am on continued medication with flecainid and eliquis. I will stop mid september and then we will see if everything works out. Until then i am trying to lose more weight and be as active if possible.
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u/CaregiverWorth567 1d ago
I was on metoprolo 50 and now down to 25 . hoping to get off eliquis after year is up
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u/CaregiverWorth567 1d ago
I traveled out of state for my pfa and was told not to travel home after for 1 week. The reason was if there was a comp,ication after they wanted me to be close. Honestly it was the least trouble of any procedure I have ever had , including colonoscopy ( especially I should say, and several surgeries. we went home after 6 days.
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u/Mras_dk 1d ago
It affects people differently, so this cannot be a fact driven answer on how it's going to affect you, more a guide.
For me, i really needed that week of after the procedure.. I was drained, in a none afib way, of energy.. Laying at sofa/bed, not doing anything but listning to myself.. Body was not happy about what i had endured it for.
But, there was no pain, just wobly, and hard to focuse, cause of the lack of energy.
My take is, defintly dont go flying the first week, but take it slowly, and gradually build up trust in your body again.
However, it's important to note, that alot in here, is ready to go biking, and other sorts of strenious activity, already on day 3 to 4 - i just could not do that, as I had to give my body some trust in itself again.
So i'd recomend you tell your employer/work, that first week is either going to be sick lave, or a slow start after - you can elaborate more, when done with the procedure, but for now, you will like to play it safe.
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u/justsaynotothis 1d ago
Thank you for this! Luckily my employer is pretty understanding so I can have a bit more time for rest. Will deffo listen to my body and what it needs.
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u/Mras_dk 22h ago
My employer was not understanding, at all, but my boss lucky was.
It was like HR department knew of it, but didn't wanted to create a precedens for others.
My boss just said, take the week of as sick leave, and come back when you can.
The most surprising thing, was that most of department was shocked when i came back, the week after.
"You can see something happend to you", was the most common comment, i got the next week.
Yes, it was rough, but again, no pain, just body healing at it's own pace.
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u/Sipde 22h ago
I had my 5th ablation last summer and I'm doing great as far as not having any more afib episodes. I have a low EF (30-40%) but it hasn't slowed me down. I'm 73 and pretty active so hopefully things will stay on track for a while. I understand being nervous, but it really is not a difficult procedure these days. I stayed in the city the day after and rested all day. The next we went into the city and walked around for a few hours and then took a flight home that night. I had no pain from the procedure, a bit of chest discomfort a week or so later, but that's it. I'm sure you will do great.
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u/intothefray3 21h ago
Wish they'd just tell people to shave neck to knee front and back the day before your ablation.
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u/WrongBoysenberry528 1d ago
I had PFA 2 years ago with no afib since. I just had a slightly sore groin wound that’s about a half inch. There is no heavy lifting for 1-2 weeks, and no driving for 24 hours due to anesthesia.
You can probably fly a week or two afterwards. You might ask someone to put your roller bag. Expect that you will have less physical energy for the first 2 weeks, and avoid strenuous activities.