A Flutter

I had a PM inplanted in August for Vaso Vagal Syncope.
Then in December I fall into AFIB for 16hours.
I converted on Flecainide.

The Doc sends me home taking 50mg twice a day.
After two weeks I started having Palps, frequent Palps!

I go into the Cardio's office today and does EKG which revealed A Flutter. What is that?

He tells me to increase Flecainide to 100mg twice daily.

I asked him where am I headed with this problem and said you'll end up i AFIB in 20 years and by then we'll have a way to fix it. WHAT?

I am scared and need help.

How serious is this condition and what should I expect?

I am thinking about a second opinion regarding treatment for this problem.

Any help would be appreciated.

4 Comments

A Flutter

by craig1075 - 2009-01-13 05:01:28

Hi malston,

Yes I have been in Aflutter without feeling it. Though I have also been in afib without feeling it. What's important is that you're being proactive by taking the time to understand your health condition. In time I'm sure you will become an expert and then feel confident in the healthcare decisions you make in union with your physician(s).

Take care and hang in there.

Steve

Thanks Craig

by malston01 - 2009-01-13 08:01:16

I appreciate your reply.

I guess I am scared and may not be logical.

I'll see what happens with the increased dose of Flecainide.

Do you go into A Flutter without feeling it?

Concerns

by craig1075 - 2009-01-13 12:01:15

Hi malston,

To begin, A flutter is very similar to Afib. The big difference between the two is that A flutter is a more organized arrythmia as compared to afib. Many of us who go in and out of Afib have also experienced A flutter.

Medication adjustment is usually the first line of treatment used to convert such arrythmias to normal sinus rhythm (NSR), and hopefully, to suppress both A flutter and Afib.

I don't know about your doc predicting it will take you 20 years before you have chronic afib. I mean, how does he know you will not develop chronic afib in 5 or 10 years? However, your doc may be right about having a so called cure for afib in 20 years. Lets hope so.

As others have done, I would encourage you to write down your questions and concerns before visiting your doc, which is the best way to ensure you cover all bases. Based on what you shared in your post your cardiologist seems to be treating you appropriately. Of course it matters what you not I think, thus if a second opinion will give you peace of mind, then by all means go for it.

Steve

What meds are you on

by malston01 - 2009-01-14 09:01:22

Hi Craig What treatment are you on?

How many years have you been having problems?

Have you had an ablation?

Do you have a PM?

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