one week to cardioversion.

[jeaneghh]

In one weeks time I am due my 2nd cardioversion, my first one only lasted 6 weeks. This time I have been told will be the last attempt and they are considering giving me Dronedarone but I have not been told any more details. Originally it was to be Flecainide, but when I spoke to my GP he had no dosage or instructions, he then queried it and was told I was not suitable for that. Now I have been told its to be Dronedarone but again no information and time is running out. I won't be able to see my GP before as he only works 1 day a week. Can anyone shed the light? Also is there any reason if Cardio. is not successful this time why I won't be able to have more, and where do I go from here. At present I take Warfarin with many side effects and verapamil. My GP will change the warfarin as soon as I have been cleared by the hosp. Sorry for such a long first posting but you seem to be my only hope of an explaination.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Jeaneghh

Well good luck with your second cardioversion, but if it lasted 6 weeks last time, then that is longer than many people, it does depend on age, and how long you have been in AF, but a CV seldoms sticks for a long period. It's used much more now as an indicator that you can go back into NSR and then they base the future treatment on that result.

Can't really comment on what drugs they might recommend afterwards, but Dronedarone, Flecainide and of course Amiodarone are the most widely used rhythm control drugs, and you may find they do control your AF. They are sometimes referred to as a chemical cardioversion.

I can understand why they are saying no more CVs, I mean there doesn't seem a lot of point in the risks if they know you can go back into NSR. Now need to concentrate on your treatment plan and that might be drugs, or of course ablation.

Really important that you take warfarin of course, side effects are very rare with warfarin, but if you are getting them then ask to go onto one of the NOACs (lots of postings here just search for them) You will need to be anti-coagualted with or without a successful CV I suggest.

Be well

Ian

[jeaneghh in reply to Beancounter]

Thanks Ian. I've just read your post so good luck with your future too. You may like to know that my specialist told me that AF was not life threatening and there was no long term problem with it. Fortunately I have a small brain and was able to see that if there is a problem with the heart however small it must reflect in the long term if not life then the quality of life. I have learnt a lot since being a member and realise that had I been informed of my AF when it was first found during an operation, and not 8 weeks later there may have been more success if a CV was carried out earlier. I know I did not have AF before the op.

Its great to know there is so much support from this forum.

Thanks.