I take metoprolol and Flecainide. The two pretty much prevent all afib. I had no afib during ( before or after) my colonoscopy.

Good to know, thanks Steve! YOu are on both anyway, right? You didn't take it just for the colo?

I take metoprolol 50mg (no rhythm control) and I still have episodes. When I go into a-Fib for longer than an hour with a racing heart I take an additional 50mg (doctor said I could go up to a total of 200mg) and it usually calms my heart down within an hour or two so it's bearable until its over.

Dr.'s, they're funny. Beta blockers do not prevent afib and in some people, me, make it worse.

Hmmm, maybe better to not take anything ahead of time then. Thanks for the feedback!

It's time for my colonoscopy and because of my a fib I have to have a consult with the GI guy first.....my impression is that its more the prep and electrolyte imbalance that causes a fib , if at all, and not the actual procedure , I intend to ask if there is some type of different or modified prep I could do and if there are clear liquids I can drink right up to procedure that have electrolytes like Gatorade , it makes more sense to me that its the prep than the procedure so I am going to ask some questions at my appt this week and if I learn something I will share
jan

When I had my colon test done last year I was told the new prep does not drain your mag and potassium, I did not have any issues. I was off the pradaxa for 3 days before hand.

I would be very interested in what your doc says, same day!
daisy0808, what is the new prep? I use the Citrate of Magnesia I think.
I asked the new EP about the electrolyte depletion. He agreed, but said there is not much I can do except drink as much as I can. But you have to follow the prep instructions. I absolutely hate this test for multiple reasons. The a fib fear just adds to the dread.

heart2222 I was given GAVILYTE-C SOL and was told to eat lots of berries and some potatoes for the magnesium,etc for 2-3 days before I took the solution. I had no issues with any afib so I was happy.

daisy,

I never heard of that prep. Is it a lot of liquid to drink? How bad does it taste?

Berries and potatoes, huh? Any type of berries? Good to know.

Thanks!

Heart2222 it is a gallon jug and you need to drink it all, it is not that bad but not great either, it was doable, I did not get any stomach cramps either, just make sure you are close to the restroom..........because you really do not get much or a warning
As far as berries I ate strawberries which is something I eat almost everyday anyway. I also ate baked potatoes as the skin is what you need. Good luck!

Metaprolol just slows heart down and doesn't help with rhythm problems. Well at least for me. When heart beats slower it makes afib more bearable. I thought u were "twilighted" for that procedure much like when they have to stick camera down ur throat for a TEE.