Had my first cardioversion yesterday for Atrial Flutter: back to sinus mode-yippee.
The EP doc says that it is a temporary solution just to get me through the holidays and then most probably I will have a second ablation. I have a lot of scar tissue messing up my cardiac conduction system from previous open heart surgeries.
Feeling good for now though.
Pleased for you. It's a lovely feeling when the cardioversion works. I've had very many ...17/18 over the years both for AF and A flutter. The effects for many were NSR for 12 months. I am just 8 months from my last one .
Here's hoping yours lasts a good while .
Best wishes
Sandra
That is good to know!
Sandra, have you ever had or been offered an ablation? The reason i ask is that i am due for an ablation in the New Year. However i don't think i want to accept it as i am fairly comfortable when i am in AF/ flutter
I did ask for another chat after i was first put on the waiting list over 15 months ago, stating that i would prefer to avoid it but the cardiology/ EP nurse said that if it was her husband then she would want him to have it
Since then i have reverted to NSR naturally once after about 6 months which lasted for 6 months, but i am back in arrhythmia now.
I would be quite happy to just have a cardioversion each time if it lasted for at least 6 months. I know there is no guarantees with CV's but i think i'd like to pursue these until such times that they weren't successful or not keeping the AF/ Afl at bay for too long
Yes, I have had an ablation this past Oct. three areas were ablated on the right side of my heart. Then in approximately three weeks I developed Atrial flutter so I decided to have the Cardioversion to get back to NSR to buy some time before the next ablation. I definitely understand wanting to avoid ablation however sometimes there is no choice!
jondeanp ....sorry for delay in responding. Yes I've had 3 ablations and been offered a 4th.
Long history going back 25 years. Personally I would not rush into an ablation but everyone is entitled to their own opinion in this matter. I can understand your reasoning. Why put your heart through multiple burnings if not absolutely necessary. I would just concentrste on getting yourself in optimum health....little or no alcohol , as close to a plant based diet ad possible and maybe magnesium supplements if you haven't already . You can always defer your date before you make up your mind.
Are you taking any anti arrhythmic drugs ? Would you be happy to take these long term? Depends on your age of course. Just something else to consider
Sandra
Sandra, thanks for the reply.
Yes i'm on the the Rivaroxaban and Bisoprolol. Doesn't cause me any issues. I've been taking magnesium for a few months now, again not giving me any trouble.
I exercise fairly regularly within my limits, which sometimes can be to a high intensity. I do listen to my body/ monitor heart rate and ease off or stop if HR is doing silly things
Since AF jumped up on me in December 2013 i've had one DC cardioversion which kept me in NSR for 2 years. I've had one chemical cardioversion which kept me in NSR for 4 months and one revertion to NSR without any intervention which saw me in NSR for 6 months
I'm 48 years old and have 2 young kids. My quality of life is good. Occasionally i have to tell the wife & kids that i need to take things easy (although maybe a good excuse to have some quiet time).
I see that you are on Rivaroxaban..an anticoagulant..which is good and the betablocker Bisoprolol. You are not then taking a specific anti arrhythmic drug such as Flecainide, Amiodarone or Disopyramide.
You seem to be following a sensible regime. You are the same age as I was when I had my first episode ( and with 2 children at junior school ). At that time I was referred to St George's in London for consideration for ablation but was not thought to be in sufficient need.....the procedure was still in its infancy. I did not have my first one until 16years later. Alot of water under the bridge since that time.
I hope you are able to make your decision. It is not always an easy one to make. Bear in mind also that most of those who have had successful first ablations do not normally post on this website.
Sandra
NSR feels so wonderful after cardioversion, as "heart feels silent". Few people outside this forum would understand the pleasure of not hearing and feeling you heart and the different beats it plays. I have had 4 ablations and approx. 10 cardioversions so totally understand your position. I wish you luck for your next ablation. I hope you have a peaceful and enjoyable holiday period and your wait is not too long for your next ablation.
Right back at you-have a peaceful & enjoyable holiday.
So pleased your cardioversion was successful Heller.
I have to say something that most people may find odd and that's that I love having cardioversions. You go in with your heart misbehaving and wake from the anaesthetic cured! I'm so overjoyed I can't praise those who performed the procedure enough. It's like a miracle!
Long may your heart stay in rhythm.
Jean
Yes, I totally agree the heart is back to "behaving" after misbehaving! Wish it would last longer though.
Hey, now I can sleep on my left side
Oooh, don't do it, you may start it off again! I've had 12 years with AF and have learnt the hard way not to sleep on my left side no matter what!!!
I actually don't have a-fib I have reentrant tachycardia so it should be ok. thanks for the info.!
Glad to hear you can sleep on your left side - oh what a treat that would be!
I, too, also had a reentrant tachycardia. Specifically, my atrial tachycardia was an perimitral dependent flutter with connection through the vein of Marshall. The vein was catheterised and ethanol was injected inside -- quite a new technique -- to block the rogue signals. I tell my friends that I now have a drunken heart.
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