Oops

[NJ47]

Hi everyone. Trust you all had a great Christmas and I'd like to wish you all a belated Happy New Year.

Sadly, after just 6 weeks, I'm back in AF. I really hoped the Electric Cardioversion would have lasted longer. Next job - hospital. Will update you when I get back. I guess this thing isn't going away

[BobD Volunteer]

They seldom do but are a useful tool in proving that the AF is not permanent.

Bob

[NJ47 in reply to BobD]

For now, Bob. Once again all attempts at chemical Cardioversion failed. I had a DC Cardioversion at 12 noon today which worked. 1 shock @ 180 Jools. Dreading the day when that fails. I'm now on Ribanoxaban and seeing Cadiologist for a referral to an EP to discuss Catheter Ablation in 6 months....... unless I go into AF again sooner.

With it happening this often, is it natural to be terrified of the next event? I even jokingly told the ward I was on I'd see them in 6 weeks. Thanks for your concern, Bob. Much appreciated

[BobD Volunteer in reply to NJ47]

AF begets AF so yes it will become more often in most cases. Many people have it much more frequently and gradually learn to cope with it. It is scary and the unknown always is. Read all you can about the condition and then you won't be so frightened by it,.AF-Association website have great fact sheets on all aspect and CAREAF website also. It won't kill you! The human body and brain does not like change so worries about it, perfectly normal. Those in permanent AF often do not have knowledge of it as their body adapts to it and their brain ignores it. The "second boot" syndrome is awful I know waiting for the thump.

The main thing is to be either on suitable drugs to prevent the heart going out of rhythm or if all that fails an ablation as it really isn't a good idea to leave it doing its sown thing for ever. Secondly consider your stroke risk which is five times greater than if you did not have AF. If you are not already on anticoagulation (warfarin or NOACs) consider it now as it will be needed prior any possible ablation and may speed things up if you chose that route. I guess since you are already having DCCV that you are so good. be aware that AF is a long journey and seldom any short cuts but there are a lot of us on that journey to help.

Bob

[NJ47 in reply to BobD]

On behalf of everyone on this forum, Bob, thank you SO much, for your kindness, insight & willingness to offer support; It really does mean the world!

I am now anticoagulating with Rivaroxaban and have already started studying up on the Oblation procedure. Yes, it's scary but apart from fight this ghastly condition, there is absolutely nothing I can do, (apart of course from not forgetting meds, avoiding too much caffeine, eating and drinking sensibly, and cutting, (or trying to, lol), down on stress.

Ah well, life goes on. I will gladly keep you updated, and try and do my bit towards helping others with this condition and making the general public more aware so that they too can protect themselves against potential strokes etc.

Thanks again, Bob

Nigel

[jholtco]

I had two since thanksgiving and this last one only lasted two weeks

[NJ47 in reply to jholtco]

Really sorry to hear that. So far I've managed to convert back (with help) within the 48 hour window. This time I was in AF for just over 26 hours, (unless of course it started earlier in my sleep, lol).

Anyway, hope things improve for you, and Happy New Year

[Hidden]

Hi! Well I've had 13electrical cardioversions in 22 years and they have lasted anything from 4/5 years to one week with one year being most common. Actually the one which lasted just a week was for flutter and I was quite bad with that .....soon after had my 3rd ablation

Let us know how you get on

Sandra

[NJ47 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Sandra. It's encouraging to know the Cardioversions have worked for you. Next job is to look at Catheter Ablations. Thanks for your comments and HNY