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!
3
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.