Had to have ECG before colonoscopy my heart was all over the place

[gemsmum]

I asked last week what would happen if I went into AF before colonoscopy having not had an episode since last January. It happened today before I went for my colonoscopy, my AF is usually very fast and all over the place, today the opposite slow heart beat 42 bpm all over the place. When the nurse did the usual blood pressure checks she said she would check with the Dr, he might ask for an ECG as I was having sedation or send me home. He then came to see me after ECG and said he would do it although heartbeat was slow but they would monitor as they went along, must admit I was worried I might have a stroke not being protected with Apixaban. The good news was it was ok, I was diagnosed with diverticulitis. Do you think it was the stress or was it the drinks which I had to take (they are dreadful), it did say might cause fibrillation as one of the side effects. My pulse is back to normal now without resorting to Bisoprolol. Did those drinks ever cause this to happen to anyone else, I wouldn’t be too happy to drink them again. Dr said start Apixaban tonight again, I hope he is right but maybe I will leave it until around 9 pm to take them, not my usual 7 30pm. Kind regards Heather

[Hidden]

Why did your EP suggest a pacemaker 4 years ago. Was there a question of sinoatrial disorder SSS?

I think bowel preps for colonoscopy can cause electrolyte problems, which can presumably trigger abnormal heart rhythms, fast and slow, in susceptible people.

[gemsmum in reply to Hidden]

He suggested it at the first meeting as he said I had bradycardia but I thought it was too soon after my first visit to make decision on a pacemaker. That is why I can’t take Bisoprolol full time but use as PIP and I have been happy with my decision as my AF appears a couple of times a year. If AF gets worse I would have to have ablation or pacemaker as i couldn’t use Bisoprolol on a regular basis.

[meadfoot]

Sorry to hear of your experience, pleased there was nothing more than diviculitis which I was told is very common as we age. I had a colonoscopy four weeks ago today and was given kleen prep which was awful,. I vomited taking it but had to persevere. The nurse asked why I had been given that particular prep as my hospital doesn't use it anymore as its so vile, how would I know, they gave it to me, their mistake.

The dehydration caused by the prep meds and stress would most probably have caused your issue. I had awful ectopics caused by both but they settled after my body was fully rehydrated again. I restarted my rivaoxaban anticoagulant the same evening, my appointment was at 2pm and I had my anti coagulant at 6.30pm.

I hope tomorrow sees you feeling better, keep well hydrated. Best wishes.

[gemsmum in reply to meadfoot]

Thanks for reply and good wishes, I will start my Apixaban now and I have been drinking a lot of water to rehydrate.

[Tyson4ever]

Yes can sympathise re those drinks, 😨

I started my Rivaroxaban again a couple of hours following procedure.

Jo

[C66t]

Hi it prob was due to the prep which plays havoc with electrolytes, plus the worry of the procedure. Glad you are ok now. If you are having another colonoscopy try a sports drink. I found it helped hugely as previous prep (different meds) was scary I couldnt stop shaking and was frozen, this was @ midnight and still last sachet to drink.Docs need to factor in all health issues.

[gemsmum in reply to C66t]

Thank you C66t, I will bear that in mind as they will probably call me again in 3 years as I had polyps removed 3 years ago. Are sports drinks clear colour as I had to drink clear drinks, for example not black currant. I was the same really cold, Dr had to warm my hands with his before inserting needle for sedation, he could not find vain.

[C66t in reply to gemsmum]

Hi I have read of others taking gatorade(in US) we dont have it in Ireland. So I guess its ok sure in 3yrs time they might have the perfect drink!!best wishes from Cork city Ireland.

[gemsmum in reply to C66t]

Thanks for reply, best wishes also from another Irish lady (NI) although have lived in England for 30 years.