1st DC Cardioversion

Hello everyone,

EP has just asked my GP to arrange for me to have a DC Cardioversion - my first ever op, even though I'm 76. I'm very apprehensive and would appreciate some advice on whether I should prepare in any way beforehand, what to expect when having the op and what to do afterwards.

Many thanks!

Pat.

[souljacs4]

If you type Cardioversion in the search box top right hand corner it will give you some answers.

[Hidden in reply to souljacs4]

Thank you, 'souljacs4' - I can see this is regular query! I knew about looking at the official websites but it was the support group human beings' ideas I wanted, and this provided them.

Bless you all!

Pat.

[souljacs4 in reply to Hidden]

Hope all goes well Pat. let us know how it goes

[tibetan36]

A cardioversion is not actually an op, it's a procedure where they place a large pad on your chest and back, give you a light sedative that puts you to sleep then press the button to jolt your heart back into NSR.

Very simple and easy. All done in a few hours except do not sign legal documents or drive a car for 24 hours afterwards..........it's all a piece of cake.........sure beats an Ablation lol!

[Hidden in reply to tibetan36]

Thanks, 'tibetan36'! Like several others, you've made me feel less worried.

Px

[Hidden]

Why did ep not just put you on the list why pass back to GP?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Good question, 'frills'! I'm puzzled myself. I'm due to see my GP next week so I shall ask.

Px

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Pat - It's not an operation as such. They will put a sticker on your back and front, connect leads, then give you a general anaesthetic while they administer a shock to your heart. The whole procedure takes about 10 minutes. You wake up and hopefully your heart will be in normal sinus rhythm.

They will ask you to have a drink and eat something and then you can be picked up and go home. As you have had a general anaesthetic you will need to be with someone for the next 24hours and are told not to sign any documents. You may feel a little tired for a few days as your poor body has been quite worn out putting up with the abnormal beats for so long. I've had lots of cardioversions and there really is nothing to it. I actually like having them as for me they give an instant cure and relief.

Jean

[Hidden in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you, Jean! I live alone, so I shall have to ask one of my friends to stay for a couple of days. I'm lucky to have several friends who went to school with me (60 years ago!), and we do support each other at such times. I also have wonderful family members, but I wouldn't expect them to take time off work or study.

Hope things are well with you.

Pat x

[Hidden]

As everyone has said, really nothing to worry about......just enjoy the cuppa and the biscuit when you return to the ward!!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I certainly will! Thanks, 'Flapjack'.

Px

[angell1950]

I had a cardioversion done last Friday : all went well but I'm still suffering with a heavy sore chest and breathlessness : I suppose it will ease up in a few more days : the cardioversion was a simple procedure nothing to worry about : I never signed up for this AF stuff but I suppose I'm stuck with it and trying to get on with my life : best wishes for the procedure.

[Hidden in reply to angell1950]

Hello 'angell1950' - sorry to hear of your after-effects, and I hope they ease up soon. You're quite right - we didn't ask for this, so must make the best of it.

Thanks for responding. It's helpful to know what I might feel like after the procedure, including the negatives, then I'm less likely to panic.

Wishing you well.

Pat x