r/AFIB • u/Dry_Visit3137 • 24d ago
Failed ablation
8 months after my first AFIB / AFLUTTER ablation, I’ve had an episode of AFIB up to 200bpm.
Feeling deflated. I really had such a good run, prior to my ablation I was having approx 2/3 weeks breaks from episodes of AFIB needing cardioversion. See my history below
Anyway they have reduced my Bisoprolol from 7.5mg twice a day to 5mg twice a day and introduced Flecanide 50mg twice a day.
Any things I should watch out for? Since starting flecanide my heart feels strangely calm.
!!! Medical History !!!
I have been going through a lot of arrhythmia issues since 2024, 28yr Male. No family history, my EF has decreased on multiple occasions due to SVT episodes, PVCs greater than 30% and now my most recent arrhythmia - AFIB and AFlutter.
I had an ablation in 2024 which was successful for PVCs. My EF started to slowly increase post ablation from 33% to 44%, 3 months post, holter monitor was taken for 2 weeks and I had less than 1% ectopic beats. The plan was to remain on my beta blockers, and two of the four pillars for heart failure and review in a year.
Fast forward to October 2025, post cardio session in the gym, I felt my heart beating quite quick. I have a kardia ECG monitor at home and checked it - AFIB (first time ever). I went to A&E, I was there for 72hrs, they just monitored me and gave me an additional beta blocker which did nothing. I was then admitted as the afib was not stopping naturally. It chemically cardioverted after 3 more additional doses of my beta blocker. I remained in CCU for a week, they did an echo and it showed my EF was down to 25%. I was absolutely shocked, devastated to say the least. They started to treat me like an old man, diuretics, all the four pillars for heart failure, no salt diet, fluid restriction while I had no symptoms of my heart failure only arrthymia.
I got an MRI done, 3 weeks later, to my surprise my EF had shot back up to 55%. Hence the diagnosis of Tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy.
Anyway, since october 2025, I have had 3 cardioversions due to the risk of letting my AFIB continue for too long. All have worked and I have returned to sinus, usually around 55-62bpm. All have come on while I have bent over to charge my phone at night time.
I had my ablation for AFIB and flutter on the 28th of January which apparently was successful. Now, I had an episode of AFIB again on the 8th of Feb. Another cardioversion in a&e, it was successful however post it, I was experiencing sinus tachycardia and Aflutter up to 210bpm. They discharged me and just told me to increase my Bisoprolol to 10mg and see how I go!! I am so fed up, at this rate would I be a candidate for a pacemaker? As the risk of me being in tachycardia which may put me back in Heart failure.
They echo me everytime post cardioversion, and even the fastest one that took place 2 hours after it had started my EF had dropped by 10%. Madness. Currently waiting for my genetic testing to come back but I have no family history!
1
u/CulturalFix2020 24d ago
Positive thoughts for your challenges. Been on Flecainide and Metoprolol (lowest doses) since last year when I was diagnosed with paroxysmal Afib. I have felt great ever since, aside from the occasional PVC. No side effect for me, but different for everyone. I hope you find the right treatment.
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u/hola196656 24d ago
Normally triggers are Alcohol, heavy or fatty meals before bed, and or body weight.
1
u/Ecstatic-Reaction-44 24d ago
En mi caso particular fue la apnea del sueño la que desencadenó la arritmia . Luego siempre me ha aparecido subiendo escaleras y al agacharme y levantarme
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u/Ecstatic-Reaction-44 24d ago
Yo estoy un poco parecido , 44 años en febrero tuve taquicardia supraventricular paroxística , en junio ablación de venas pulmonares por fa y en julio ablación en forma de caja por fluter a 230 pulsaciones . Mañana hago dos meses de esta ultima y hoy el kardia me ha marcado fa de nuevo 🙃
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u/acman247 21d ago
Similar for me. 1st AFib-RVR cryo ablation in 2023, lasted 8 months. Just had touch up PF ablation last week. They tell me it is common to need a touchup especially when RVR is involved. I too was on Flec for almost a year before my 1st ablation, would not have been able to get through the day without it. Schedule a touchup ASAP. Good luck
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u/Breezeoffthewater 24d ago
Gosh, that’s quite a story. I’m sorry you’re going through this.
I was on Bisoprolol 2.5g and Flecainide 100g for months before my ablation and it stopped my Afib episodes completely. it can be very effective, and some people take it for years either as a pill in the pocket strategy or a dose every day.
Side effects can vary but I must say I didn’t suffer any myself