Cardioversion not until September - should I be concerned?

[MarkoVan]

Wound up with permanent AF at the beginning of June - possibly caused by over exercise and alcohol over one weekend. After positive words from the doctor saying "let's get it sorted as soon as possible" I find myself at the end of the minimum 4 weeks of just Pradaxa (nothing else), with no communications from the doctor of hospital. On finally getting through to the doctors secretary, she indicated I may have the cardioversion in September as there's a waiting list at West Suffolk Hospital.

Being under the impression the longer it's left the less chance you have of fixing it - should I be concerned, or even ask to be transferred?

Kindest regards

Mark

Age 37

Current resting beat about 70-80

Given up all sports as still a bit dizzy walking up stairs

[BobD Volunteer]

This sounds about normal to be frank. Also you do need to understand that cardioversion is not a cure for AF. It may put you back into NSR for a while but it doesn't stop the problem form coming back. With a resting HR of 70-80 beta blockers are not indicated but maybe and anti--arrhythmic drug such as flecainide may help the rhythm.

Depending on several other factors you may consider looking into ablation for which purpose you would need to see an electrophysiologist, cardiologist with a special interest in rhythm disorders. At the moment you are not a any real risk other than to QOL so my advice would be to read all you can so that you can engage with teh doctors on an equal or better level. GPs are seldom experts on AF!

Bob

[Jason1971]

Hi Mark,

When I first found out I had AF the plan was to carry out a Cardioversion. I was placed on warfarin and an anti arrhythmia drug. I was told the warfarin was precautionary, as being in AF for the length of time I had could have caused blood to pool in my heart. The Cardioversion could then dislodge the pooled blood in the form of a clot. The plan was to be on warfarin for 6 weeks. However, the anti arrhythmia drugs put me back in Normal Sinus rhythm and after a while I was taken off warfarin. I'm surprised the Doctor decided you were in permanent AF without trying any other kind of medication.

[MarkoVan in reply to Jason1971]

Thanks for the responses so soon guys - Jason may I ask which Anti arrhythmia drugs you were on?

[Jason1971 in reply to MarkoVan]

I was on a drug called Amiodarone Mark. I had no issues with the drug in the 16 months I was on it, but it is one of the more toxic anti arrhythmia drugs. There are many a possible side effect with the drug, so I asked to be changed to another one. I'm now of Flecainide that isn't working too great at the moment, but if you read many of the posts on this website it works great for lots of people. Maybe you should query why you haven't been offered an anti arrhythmia drug, but long term as so many people state on this forum an EP (Electrophysiologist) is the person to see.

[Mrspat]

My post heart surgery cardioversion was delayed for nearly four months due to an administrative cock-up by the hospital. I was told at the time that there was a 40% chance AF would return within a year. I actually stayed in NSR for 16 months. I was on Amiodarone, Bisoprolol and Warfarin pre cardioversion.

[Hidden]

Take note of what Bob has said. EP's are the experts in rhythm disorders, go see one, private if you have to (£150-250). My AF was stopped in it's tracks by getting the right drug, then after 2 years had an ablation and stopped the drugs.

[MarkoVan]

Getting look from an EP sounds like a plan. Do you know how you can go about finding one close to Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk? - This is the first time I've ever really been to hospital.

[Scorer in reply to MarkoVan]

Hi Mark,

I live in Cambridge and am seeing an EP at Papworth Hospital, a Dr Simon Fynn. He was recommended by my GP and I saw him initially in May. Private consult about £250.00. I am due to have ablation procedures September 16th. Papworth probably about an hours journey for you so fairly handy. Hope this helps.

Best wishes Pam