Post-cardioversion

[G1703]

Hi everyone

Had my first (and hopefully my last!) cardioversion yesterday. Today my heart rate seems to be regular still but at around 50-52 bpm. I am feeling shattered and washed out. Should I be concerned?

[BobD Volunteer]

What do you expect? Cardioversion shocks the heart plus you had a sedative to knock you out so you will feel tired for a few days Take it easy.

[G1703 in reply to BobD]

Thanks. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised!

[Hidden]

Quite normal to be feel knackered for a day or so afterwards. Rest up a little and you'll soon feel fine.

[G1703 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I will take it easy but hope to be back at work on Monday

[Hidden in reply to G1703]

You should be ok then.

[jeanjeannie50]

Yes it's quite normal to feel a bit tired for a day or so. Re your lowish heart rate, are you still taking any medication?

Jean

[G1703 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Jean thanks. yes Amiodorone and Rivoroxaban.

[jeanjeannie50]

It may be the Amiodarone slowing your pulse rate. Make sure you get off that drug as soon as you can, not a nice one.

Best wishes

Jean

[G1703 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Jean thank you very much for the advice.

[Hidden]

I'm sure Jean will not mind me just saying that you should only stop taking amiodarone when advised by your doctor. Very often it is prescribed for a defined period either side of a cardioversion because it is very good at helping to maintain NSR. However, it is a very potent drug with potentially serious side effects, so if you have not been given a date to stop taking it, make sure you discuss it with your doctor at your review.

[G1703 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you and that's how I took it and will seek advice before stopping any medication. I am not seeing my Cardiologist for another two months though so it looks like I will be on the drug for a while yet.

[Norm in reply to G1703]

Try to get an earlier appointment or see your GP and get off amiodarone now or at least get a date to stop it. It really is a nasty drug and really should only be used as a drug of last resort. May be even talk to your cardiologist secretary to see if she can get a message to your cardiologist or email him via his secretary.

[stodge in reply to G1703]

Same here, Cardioversion 2 weeks ago, pulse now around 50, still on the Amoidarone. I have a follow up echocardiagram booked mid November and an appointment with the cardiologist mid-December. I raised concerns about Amoidarone, but it is standard practice in my local AF clinic to prescribe it before and after a Cardioversion, because in their experience it significantly improves the chances of the Cardioversion working. So I'll be following their advice and sticking with it until advised otherwise, but questioning their decisions and keeping a close eye out for side effects.

[NorfolkGal]

What type of Cardioversion did you have, got mine booked for Friday, internal type

[G1703 in reply to NorfolkGal]

Hi I’m not sure. I didn’t know there were different types. Mine involved pads back and front

And then zapping!

[NorfolkGal in reply to G1703]

Oh... I’m having an internal one where they pass tubes through the artery in the groin into the heart and then zap, I think I must be the first on here and maybe at my hospital as no one else has had this type. It’s quite invasive. Similar to ablation I’m guessing but shocking the heart

[NorfolkGal in reply to NorfolkGal]

And I’m very scared

[G1703 in reply to NorfolkGal]

Oh ok. I can quite understand that you feel anxious. Do they knock you out completely?

[NorfolkGal in reply to G1703]

They numb the entry site and push the wires in then when they are ready to shock, they sedate me.

[G1703 in reply to NorfolkGal]

Ok well I hope it goes well for you. Let us know!

[Alessa69 in reply to NorfolkGal]

I had Ablation and Cardioversion,shocked internally and externally 12 days ago. Make sure that you tell your Cardiologist your fear of the process, they can give you light sedation. I was very worried, and did not know a thing until it was all over! Good Luck , you will be fine.Where are you having procedure done?

[NorfolkGal in reply to Alessa69]

Thank you, how did you feel after. I imagine it could be quite painful. I will ask for sedation that’s for sure. I’m having mine done in Norwich

[Alessa69 in reply to NorfolkGal]

I was extremely relieved , and a bit tired after, bit overwhelming feeling was one of relief that it was over !!

[Alessa69 in reply to Alessa69]

I was lucky that I had mine done at a The Royal Brompton by a very experienced EP/ Cardiologist that has treated my husband for last 20 years. I felt NO pain whatsoever , to reassure you ! X

[Pudge]

I’ve had two cardioversions the first one lasted a day and a half second one lasted a week

I see my EP tomorrow I think he’ll say ablation next which terrifies me

[Spoiler]

I have had 14 dc cardioversions, medications varied, my first one that worked lasted 20 months while taking propafanone. Amiordarone was given on the one occassion as a last resort, but I only took it for 3 weeks due to side effects. I also have been cardioverted with only betablocker, metoprolol, and no antiarrhymics, which that has lasted up to 7 months... felt somewhat tired afterward, but such a relief from high rate afib I was happy.

[bennie06]

Been on Amio 200mg daily for 8 months now and following an ECG in two months time will need it no longer. You should have blood tests every 6 months and also wise to have an eye test. 200mg is supposedly a low maintenance dose and from my perspective does what it says on the tin with no side effects. Good luck.

[Ianc2]

looking on the bright - side if the cardioversion worked you will be eligible for an an ablation?