Cardioversion

[lindyloo59]

How many people have had cardioversions and afterwards stayed in normal rythmn for a good while?

Thank you 😀

[BobD Volunteer]

DCCV can last minutes. hours , day, weeks or months but is never a cure for AF. What it can do is signpost future treatment such as ablation. If it puts you into NSR then ablation be an option for you. if not there is little point as the procedure would likely fail. It is often found that adding a strong anti arrhythmic drug for a month or two either side of the DCCV can assist.

[Hidden]

The longest I have stayed in normal rhythm following an electrical cardioversion is 4/5 years....quite often 12 months and the latest ( my 17th) has lasted 9+ months so far. I did have a spell when they only lasted 3/4 months so quite a variation.

[pottypete1]

I have had numerous cardioversions over a period of 25 years and I have always had long periods of NSR afterwards.

Doesn’t work for everyone as we are all different.

Pete

[Polupadma]

I have been NSR for 9 months after cardio version and had to have second cardio version. Had an ablation to correct my atrial flutter.

[sleeksheep]

I,ve had four cardioversions , all of them worked for a lot of months , the latest has been 19 months and still in NSR but its the first one I,ve had with Flecanide afterwards.

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Hi lindyloo59 When I was first diagnosed with afib in 2011 I was given a sleep study, found to have sleep apnea and started using a C-PAP machine. Since I wasn't an emergency, it was decided to start me on meds, including Pradaxa, give me a month to be on the C-PAP and then re-evaluate. IF no major changes at the end of the month I would have a cardioversion. I felt well during that month-mainly I think because my sleep apnea was being treated and I was sleeping well. The meds were causing me some side effects but not unbearable. Long story short at the end of the month I was still in afib. Because of being well-anticoagulated I did not have to have a TEE beforehand. The EP wanted to do it but gave in to my objections. Had the cardioversion (sedated with Propulful.) Everything went smoothly and I was back in NSR (normal sinus rhythm). Stayed in NSR without meds for 3 years. Then had some life stressors , went back in afib, had another-this time unsuccessful cardioversion. It was decided that my afib probs started with years of a (too high for me) Thyroid med dosage. Anyway since then am still with the same EP, have had the usual 'twists and turns' re the afib road. Am now in permanent afib, feeling fine. Had a pacemaker and AV node ablation in 2016 (my request) and was able to get off all cardiac meds. Just had a procedure Jan 15th(Closure of left atrial appendage)-again my request. Went well and hopefully will be off my coumadin March 6. It's been a long journey but at this point (age 73) I really believe I am comfortable with this chronic condition. I'm stable. My only med will soon be just Lasix and I feel lucky that I'm not burdened with so many other illnesses/conditions that can make life difficult, I hope your afib path smoothes out and you can put it on the 'back burner.' Good luck and take care. I've said in other posts, it's possible to live a comfortable life with afib. I think one key part is finding docs who listen and work with you and who you have trust and confidence in. Thanks for reading my little novel. Burma

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Hi lindyloo. I've just been re-reading the replies toyour post and it reminded me again how different all our afib treatments can be. Here's hoping that your particular tx plan is not far off and you can settle into 'less afib worry-about-what works life. Take care Burma

[Dadog]

Hi lindyloo59. I've had two cardioversions. The first lasted 13 months - continuing with 5Mg bisoprolol. The second has so far lasted just over 3 years - continuing with 1.25Mg bisoprolol. I feel very fortunate and happy for these NSR periods - but also stay aware of the triggers I recognise and stay clear of them. Wherever you are going with your treatment, I hope it works out for you.

[lindyloo59 in reply to Dadog]

Many thanks thats good to know. I hope so fingers crossed

[1Jerbear]

Hi there, my first cardio version lasted 3 1/2 years which was the longest of 4 .My last one #4 didn't work but just prior to that my cryoablation didn't work either . When it comes to this subject we are like snow flakes ,no two alike LOL.

[Spoiler]

I have had a total of 9 DC cardioversions /2 drug cardioversions in 4 years, first 2 unsuccessful due to the drugs used for one month prior to them. First failed while taking cardizem and second one failed due to Betapace, my 3rd one was successful with propafanone and lasted 22 months while taking it. After that the other DC cardioversions lasted anywhere from 6 days to 7 months including drugs taken well. I also had to drug induced cardioversions, flecainide 100 mg, after the third dose in hospital converted. Tikosyn second dose converted me, but caused a cardiac arrest. As everyone will tell you, avoid triggers, get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, treat sleep apnea, control blood pressure and avoid as much stress as you can. It has been a lifestyle change for me, working on it each day. The best of the best to you, hope this helps. I have read many many others stories, everyone so helpful and a great place to listen and learn.

[Bolander]

I had a cardioversion about two years ago for atrial flutter and have been in NSR since, apart from a brief episode which resolved itself. Medication was initially Amariodone which caused problems with side effects. Since I was changed to Sotalol there have been no problems, As always your mileage may vary!