Wellness

[MKR14]

I am on Bystolic and an aspirin 81mg once a day for A-Fib. The Cardiologist just started me on Flecainide 50 mg twice a day due to my A-Fib being very frequent. I have been putting off starting it due to side effects but I know I have to try something to avoid ablation if possible. He wanted me on Zarelto but I declined at this time.

What are your experiences with Flecainide and is it working for you? The side effects could be nausea (most medications have this), vision changes, and a stiff neck. He said his patients do well on this. I have pancreatitis and acid reflux and he feels this is the best antiarrhythmic drug for me. I sure hope this works as I am so tired and weak lately it is affecting my every day life. I also am going to start exercising at home-slowly-to try and improve it. The doctor says exercise but don't overdo as exercise is one of the best things for A-Fib.

Everyone here has their own experiences with medications and I know we are not doctors but sometimes other persons experiences help the most and I appreciate each and every person that takes the time to answer. Happy New Year to all.

[151949]

You need to stop making decisions about your care and do as the doctor has ordered. A fib is extremely dangerous. If you suffer nausea the doctor could order you a scopalamine patch to wear until you adjust to the new med. Please stop fooling around and do as the doctor has asked for this condition. You are really playing with fire not doing so. If you really understood how bad this a fib can be you would be doing what the doctor ordered right away. The fact that you are not tells me you really do understand how serious it is.

[MKR14]

Thanks happy housewife for your reply. I do realize how serious it is and the doctor and I have had several discussions regarding the right meds for me. Due to a bladder intermittent bleed I am not a candidate for the blood thinner meds. I just retired from 20 years of working for specialists in the medical field and that is why I weighed the pros and cons so much. I saw so many people that were on unneeded meds while working in the medical offices. Now I am confident of my decision. I was scared waiting but I am glad I did. It sounds like you or a family member has had experience with this also. If this med helps me I know I will have a better quality of life going forward. Thanks again.

[151949]

On 12/30/2014 MKR NY said: Thanks happy housewife for your reply. I do realize how serious it is and the doctor and I have had several discussions regarding the right meds for me. Due to a bladder intermittent bleed I am not a candidate for the blood thinner meds. I just retired from 20 years of working for specialists in the medical field and that is why I weighed the pros and cons so much. I saw so many people that were on unneeded meds while working in the medical offices. Now I am confident of my decision. I was scared waiting but I am glad I did. It sounds like you or a family member has had experience with this also. If this med helps me I know I will have a better quality of life going forward. Thanks again.

I was a critical care nurse for 42 years - I saw the results of the people who decided they knew more than the doctor about caring for their disease. Clearly, just working in a medical office does not make you knowledgeable enough to make a decision about this on your own. People who have bleeding issues and can't take anticoagulants are at very high risk with a fib of getting pulmonary embolism or stroke. If they can't get your a fib to convert back into regular rhythm then you will likely need to have greenfeild filter put in to prevent clots travelling. There are many cons here but none of them are as bad as a stroke or pulm emboli - period!

[Shelbelle]

My mom took a full size aspirin and Amioderone everyday for her A Fib, kept her in pretty good shape for a long time. Friend of mine just underwent an overnite hospital stay procedure for her A Fib, still has to take Xerelto. I think the procedure burned off some of the area where the A Fib is happening.

[Gooday]

I was on Flecainide for 6 years with absolutely no side effects. I worked in the medical field as well for 30 years. I took it for PVC's - palpitations. However, it lost it's efficacy for me a year ago causing the palpitations. Then in September, I was in the hospital for a couple of problems and I went into a-fib. After much deliberation and thought, I have decided to stay on Xeralto. My 86 year old dad has been on it for over 2 years. So, to answer your original question... No side effects at all from Flecainide. It's a good medication that has been around for a long time.

[MKR14]

Shelbelle and Gooday thanks for the ""kind"" remarks as it is nice to know what others themselves have experienced. I decided to start the Flecainide on Monday next week as my doctor will be away the rest of this week. This way I can go see him if any problems arise when starting it. I live about 10 blocks from his office and it is located in the hospital in our city. I am going into this with a positive attitude as I look forward to being more active. Happy New Year. May 2015 bring good health to all the forum contributors.

[151949]

On 12/30/2014 MKR NY said: Shelbelle and Gooday thanks for the ""kind"" remarks as it is nice to know what others themselves have experienced. I decided to start the Flecainide on Monday next week as my doctor will be away the rest of this week. This way I can go see him if any problems arise when starting it. I live about 10 blocks from his office and it is located in the hospital in our city. I am going into this with a positive attitude as I look forward to being more active. Happy New Year. May 2015 bring good health to all the forum contributors.

It's only tuesday - you are going to wait an entire week? That is not a good idea.

[Gooday]

I would not hesitate to start the Flecainide. In fact, I remember feeling significant relief immediately after starting it. And, IF and that's a big IF, you have a problem, your doctor has someone covering for him. JMO.

[MKR14]

Gooday : I will start the Flecainide tomorrow and hopefully I will have a positive reaction as you did. I have only been on the Bystolic for two weeks and it has helped with the rapid heartbeats. I have a very sensitive stomach due to my pancreas problem so I will take it after an appointment I have in the morning so I will be home to relax the rest of the day. I know I take it at the same time each day. Then I will take the second dose right after supper. I will post back in a week and give you an update. This is an easier solution than ablation would be as the doctor said I would have to take a blood thinner for three months after the procedure.