Cardio Version. What's the after affects.

[Robyncarmen]

Hello to everyone. My AF attacks have been minimulin the past but in the last two weeks I've had AF which has lasted for a few days when I get it. It's so annoying just want to get on with my life. Cardiologist has told me today to take a flecanide at lunch time & my normal other meds. If I wake up in the morning & I still have AF I need to come to Hospital & he will do a cardio Version. Has anyone had it done, would love to hear from you. Thank you.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Robyn

Many of us have had a cardioversion (CV) it's a day procedure usually, go into the ward in the morning, get prepped and have a canula inserted in your vein and then wait around for a spot in the operating theatre ante-room usually.

They take you down, quick jab of forget the next few minutes into your vein, and then you wake up often back in normal sinus rhythm (NSR) the only after effects are from the anaesthetic (don't drive) and sometimes a little sore where the pads were put in my case twice on my chest and back, but they give you some excellent ointment which clears it up very quickly.

Remember however that CV is not a cure, often only a temporary treatment to check how easily you go back into NSR. And of course if you do wake up, and decided to go in, don't eat or drink until after the procedure

It's really very easy nothing to be worried about

Be well

Ian

[heather110 in reply to Beancounter]

I agree with Ian. Would just add that I had a sore throat afterwards as a result of the gas - anaesthetic and then oxygen. I was warned this might happen and it went away in a couple of days. Sore patches of skin and throat were nothing compared to the brilliant feeling of coming round from the anaesthetic looking at the monitor and realising as my eyes focused that I was in NSR after about 7 weeks (I was newly diagnosed and while they controlled my heart rate with drugs I had to wait to be on anticoagulants for 5 weeks before they would do it.). So no problem at all - good luck I hope it helps you. Heather

[Robyncarmen in reply to heather110]

Oh Heather thank you for your info. I've been in AF for 48 hours now & they say it shouldn't be done if it's that long. Is that true ??? Rob xx

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Robyncarmen]

Generally speaking no you should not have DCCV after 48 hours due to the risks of stroke resulting from possible clots forming in the heart. You would need a TOE (trans oespohageal echocardiogram) where they put an ultrasound camera down your throat to look for any clots.

I would urge you to read as much about AF from the main AF Association website as you can as learning to understand your condition and coming to terms with having it are the first steps to a better life. You have AF and life has changed but this does not mean that it has ended. AF is a long journey so buckle up and learn all you can as knowledge is power.

[Robyncarmen in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob I will do as you have suggested.

[Robyncarmen in reply to Beancounter]

Ian thank you for that. Is it ok to have had AF for 48 hours to have it done. ?????

[Beancounter Volunteer in reply to Robyncarmen]

Hi Robyn

Yes of course I have been in for 5 or 6 years and had two

Ian

[heather110 in reply to Robyncarmen]

Yes but only if you are on anticoagulants. Otherwise there is a risk of dislodging a clot which can cause a stroke. If you haven't been on anticoagulants for enough weeks they can look for a clot with a camera - I've forgotten what that is called. Heather

[Hidden]

Hi Robyn, Ian has explained briefly what happens with a cardioversion. I can endorse that there is nothing to worry about

I had my 15th electrical cardioversion a few days ago and was shocked back into sinus rhythm with one 100j zap. I don't have any after effects such as bad throat as these days a heavy sedation is put through the canula placed in the arm beforehand. My last DCCV was performed after 42 hours in fast AF. As long as you have been well anti coagulated -- I think they like this to be 6 weeks- I understand that there shouldn't be a problem.

Feel free to ask me anything else!!

Regards

Sandra

[Robyncarmen in reply to Hidden]

On thank you Sara it's calming to listen to others at this time. Just hope I'm in NSR by the morning. I'm on blood thinners thanks. So will get back to you after tomorrow. Rob cxx

[Rellim296]

Are there any after affects apart from red patches on the skin? I had 6 cardioversions during an ablation and felt fine afterwards and went home later in the day.

[constabule]

I knw its a cliche but itit really is nothing to worry about. Was very nervous thinking about the first one as i was unsure how id reat to anesthitic , but haf no after effects from the procedure at all I was out for about half hour from being knocked out to a having a cuppa.

It was a downer when i had another bad AF bout a couple of weeks after and had no hesitation in taking the offer of a second C.V.

[PeterWh]

Welcome to the AF club!!! You won't be prevented from having a DCCV just because you have had AF continuously for over 48 hours. Also don't worry at all if you only last in NSR for a short time (days or weeks) because that happens quite often. The key thing is that they will have confirmed that you can go back into NSR and also whether or not you feel better in NSR.

I was in persistent AF (ie 24/7) when diagnosed with AF mid September last year and had been for some time because I was largely asymptomatic. Then started on Anticoagulation (Apixaban) and had DCCV mid November. I went back into persistent AF about 24 hours later. However felt much better. That put me o. The ablation route.

I know that it is easier said than done but try not to worry or plan all the possibilities. Good luck and think is a fantastic forum for help. Wish I had found in my first 4 months!!

[Robyncarmen in reply to PeterWh]

Well Peter I woke up this morning & at 9am come back into NSR.

So no Cardio Version that was a bonus for me.

I'm feeling great now back to normal. I'm being positive hoping I stay out of it.

This is a great site it's fantastic to read everyone's issues & can always relate & take on board some Advise.

I'm putting up a post shortly, my triggers thank you Pete for your help. Rob xx Australia.

[PeterWh in reply to Robyncarmen]

Fantastic news. Keep a diary of events.

[Offcut]

I have had 7 CV and they are not that bad only once did I have a sore chest where the pads were but E45 got that sorted. I have multiple problems so this is not the norm.

Be Well