AF op.

[sue5511]

Morning. Visited Cardiologist yesterday for first time I have A.F. He mentioned an op available, which electric shocks your heart to go back in rhythm, but also mentioned this op may cause a stroke.............. Has anyone had this procedure please..

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Sue

It's called a cardioversion, and it's certianly not an op as it only takes literally around one minute.

It's usually day visit go into the ward and get prepped and checked (you should be on an anti-coagulant before the op and in range) they stick a catheter in your arm and then down to the theatre ante room usually.

Quick shot of happy juice, zap and then 2 mins (literally) later you are awake and hopefully back in rhythm.

Note cardioversions (CV) is not a cure, and does not usually last for ever, you still need to be treated.

Be well

Ian

[sue5511 in reply to Beancounter]

Thank you. This doesn't sound so bad.

[BobD Volunteer]

Just to add to what Ian said cardioversion is only done either within the first day or so of getting AF or after you have been on an anticoagulant for at least a month to make sure that there are no blood clots in your heart which could cause a stroke. As he says it most definitely is NOT an operation. In an emergency they can do what is called a TOE, trans oesophageal echocardiogram, where they put a tiny echo camera down your throat to check your heart from behind before the CV.

May I suggest that as a newbie you go to AF Association main website and start reading all you can about your new condition so that you understand and are not frightened of it. Knowledge is power and drives away fear.

[sue5511 in reply to BobD]

Thank you very much for taking time to reply. Much appreciated.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Sue - I've had several cardioversions and strange though it sounds I love having them. I go in to have the procedure carried out feeling quite poorly with my heart rate all over the place and wake after a few minutes of general anaesthetic cured. Its just the most wonderful feeling! They have always put my heart back into it's correct rhythm at the first attempt. With any procedure we have there is always a slight risk, but I believe these rarely happen. When I asked my nurse at the hospital I have mine she said that they had never had a problem with anyone having a cardioversion - and they do lots.

The choice has to be yours, so gather lots of information and then decide.

Jean

[sue5511 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you. Was a bit worried when stroke was mentioned but reading theses replys has helped no end.

[Kaye1951 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Before my RF ablation 20 days ago, I had 6 episodes of Afib in 2.5 years, very symptomatic & always requiring cardioversion. The first time, 2 zaps didn't work & I was admitted for rate control by IV & converted on my own 19 hrs later. The second time, successful cardioversion with 1 zap. The third time, 2 zaps. The 4th time successful with 1 zap, the 5th time, 2 zaps failed but I converted on my own within minutes of waking up. The 6th time, 3 zaps that did not work & another admission for rate control IV, I converted on my own on the way home from the hospital. It was then my dr who happens to be an EP & I decided to go for the ablation. I am recovering well & very hopeful it will be determined a success after the 3 month blanking period. I am still on Sotalol 120 mg twice a day until June 5th & will remain on Coumadin at least until August 5th. Cardioversion is great when it works, but it doesn't always restore one to NSR!

[Hidden]

Sue, I go along with what jeanjeanie says. They have always worked for me and I've had 15 over the years . Nothing to worry about.

Sandra

[sue5511 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for taking time to reply. Kind regards ..

[Goldenslumbers]

Hi if this procedure is being suggested to you by your cardiologist then I'd consider having this done. I've had cardioversion on 2 occasions once, when I first started with symptoms of AF and on a second occasion post ablation. Normal rhythm resumed but only for a few days (but this may work for you) don't stress, there's no pain and it takes a mater of minutes before you come round.

Best wishes,keep well!