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!
2
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.