Today marks the 3 month anniversary (blanking period) of my ablation with Dr. Natale in Texas. It has also been over a month since I have had any Arrhythmia issues so all is good. Dr. Natales office contacted me on Thursday and and said that he wants me to stop the anti-arrythmic drugs (Flecanide) to see if I my heart will maintain NSR without it.
This is the point where apprehension sets in. Of course I don't want to be on these drugs anymore, but I also don't want to have another procedure if I can help it. They said that I could just stop the Flecanide but I am going to taper off of it over the next week. I, as well as many other afibbers are firm believers in not stopping the drugs that promote NSR cold turkey as many have experienced rebound for doing so. Of course they usually convert back to NSR in a short time, but if that can be avoided, why not. Besides that, we all know that Afib begets Afib so why chance it. I've been on them since January so what is a few more days in the grand scheme of things.
The taper I will do will be to reduce my intake a little bit every 3rd day. I am currently taking 200 mg a day so I will start with 175mg for 2 days, then 150 mg for 2 days, 125 mg for 2 days....etc.
During this time and for an unknown period of time afterwards I will remain on the metoprolol and elequis.
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
NSR
That is where I have been now for a couple weeks now. Feels so good. My back pain is better too especially on days I don’t work and days after therapy. Actually spent an hour or so doing yard work today. It hurts a little but no pain pills today so that’s a good thing.
I spoke with Shannon yesterday afternoon. It’s alway great to hear from him. He is so knowledgeable on everything afib. He is also welll versed in other subjects as well so conversation is never boring. Also had a quick trip to the shore over the weekend so I got a solid day of R&R.
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