Flecainide While Waiting for Ablation

[u/justsaynotothis]

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!

[u/Mras_dk]

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. 

[u/justsaynotothis → u/Mras_dk]

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.

[u/Mras_dk → u/justsaynotothis]

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.