Cardioversion recovery?

[chklasek]

My husband had a cardioversion (his 4th) on Wednesday; it failed. He's feeling very tired and he says his chest feels a bit sore, like after heavy exercise. How long after your cardioversion, failed or successful, did you feel the effects of the procedure? He was started on Amlodipine after the procedure. Thank you!

[Hidden]

I had pain in my shoulder for a week or so following my first cardioversion, I think I flailed around a bit when they shocked me. Also a bit of burning to the skin where the pads were, but that cleared up pretty quickly with the cream they gave me.

They prescribed amlodipine? That's a blood pressure drug, do you mean amiodorone?

[chklasek in reply to Hidden]

He was on Amiodarone before the cardioversion; amlodipine after it didn't work. They chose that because it dilates the blood vessels and should lower his blood pressures.

[jedimasterlincoln]

I've had 10 DC cardioversions over the last 3 years, most recent being a month ago and it was probably the worst recovery (it came within 3 months of an ablation)

Sore arms and chest, burns from the pads and unusually high fatigue as a result of restarting all my medications after being "free" for a couple of months.

The first one I ever had needed 3 shocks and the burns were quite significant. but every one since has only needed one shock however I've still had the patches which are similar to a slightly annoying sunburn where you've "missed" when applying suncream.

I didn't feel "un-sore" this time around until the third week, but I was lifting and holding and feeding an 8 month old regularly! And it didn't get me out of washing up

[jeanjeannie50]

I've had numerous cardioversions and have never experienced the burns. I always feel dreadful with the way my heart has been racing for months before receiving them. Generally I feel slightly drained for a few days afterwards and then well again.

For people who have a successful cardioversion, I think it would be unwise to do anything too strenuous for the first week or two until the heart is used to beating in it's correct rhythm. I've made the mistake of doing something strenuous after a day or two and have put my heart into abnormal beat mode.

As the procedure didn't restore your husbands heart to its normal beat I guess, after the many attempts they made, he will feel a little more tired now to how he felt beforehand.

You know, I don't think we've ever discussed in depth the effects of a cardioversion. I always go back into normal sinus rhythm, so have no idea how people who don't feel.

Wishing your husband well.

Jean

[Dadog]

My experience much the same as you, Jean. One shock of 200 joules and I'm usually back in NSR with very little discomfort. However, I imagine, if it takes 2 or 3 goes, then there is going to be more discomfort and lasting effect.

[chklasek]

Thank you all! He's feeling fatigued and general soreness. At times he says his heart is thumping. Several days later, he's still tired, but getting better. He's got a burn patch front and back but a little aloe twice a day is doing the trick.