Originally Posted by
Artmo
Saw cardiologist’s assistant and after much discussion, she recommended Sotalol. I said the “ol” meds are not recommended for
asthmatics, of which I am one, but she thought it would be OK. Our pharmacist questioned why I had been prescribed it so I told her the story. It wasn’t OK: yesterday morning after two doses, I was so breathless, I could hardly walk across the room and neither of my inhalers helped. Upon researching Sotalol, I found warnings which are clear that it should not be used for patients with asthma and COPD(I have that also) as it can cause lung constriction and neutralize the effect of bronchodilators, as it has done for me. It could take up to two days to get back to normal.
Beware you afib asthmatics out there!
Oh, and I’m still in afib😊
Originally Posted by
Johnny H.
Has anyone diagnosed with Afib been able to continue cycling while on flecainide without an ablation?
i'd like to hear your story.
I am kinda in limbo ATM had 3 afib attacks, with Tachycardia requiring ER visits. I am afraid to exert myself in any way now.
Doc put me on flecainide and metropolol.
I do want an ablation because I don't want to be on meds, and I want to fix the problem.
Thanks
I’ve been riding on flecainide for a long time (a large dose, 350 mg total/day) and it’s been fairly effective at controlled my ventricular arrhythmia. For me it’s had less of an effect on HR and aerobic capacity than the beta blockers do. Do be aware that your level of effort may not reflect fully in your heart rate, and strain on the heart may be more than it seems for a given HR or perceived effort. Not all cardiologists or electrophysiologosts are really expert in this area. Get second options, consults, make sure your guy/gal has the background and has seen large numbers of patients with similar situations.
I was on sotalol for a few months. I could hardly walk across the street let alone ride a bike, it was absolutely miserable. I don’t have asthma, and it also did not work!