Terribly disappointed

[Spinbiker]

Just had my first cardioversion after such a long wait on NHS - they gave me two attempts and neither worked so they stopped there - my AF is different in as much that I don’t get any palpitations or heart rushes- I am just running on empty all the time with no energy- I have changed my meds and that helps - can I build my hopes up that a second cardioversion might be successful or follow some other route-any advise appreciated thanks

[KMRobbo]

Are you sure it's not the meds causing the tiredness or lethargy? Not medically trained but I tried 3 beta blockers and they were a disaster, and one if the two calcium channel blockers were not much better.

What meds are you on?

[Spinbiker in reply to KMRobbo]

Originally bisoprolo (disaster) then diltiazem (disaster) now nebivolo 2.5 a day 2 x apaxiban 5mg and telmisartan 80mg which is much much better

[KMRobbo in reply to Spinbiker]

You sound like me! 1.25 mg bisop and I was asleep in 40 mins woke up felt terrible . Max HR 117 bpm. Atenolol was not much better. I went on verapamil no problem for 20 months but my AF developed and it would not control it. So I went on rhythm control with flecainide but had to have diltiazem as rate control which was not good, tiredness brain fog memory problems.

Note that when I stopped diltiazem it took 4 to 6 weeks before I got rid of all the side effects I was on it for 10 months. Maybe if you have only just stopped you could still have room for improvement.

I had an ablation 20 months ago which stopped the afib ( so far) I have been off all drugs for 17 months.

Maybe you should see an EP to see if this is some thing that could be beneficial for you.

[Spinbiker in reply to KMRobbo]

Thanks for this advice - I think that seeing an EP will be beneficial- I have appointment December 11 to see arrhythmia nurse/cardioversion follow up- the waiting game continues!

[Hidden]

It would probably do no harm to have a second cardioversion but in truth, it is unlikely to be effective unless something like amiodarone is prescribed for a fixed period before and after the procedure. As you know, we are not medically trained, so you will need to consider the advice offered by your doctor but if its decided to control your AF with medication only, there are 1000's who do this and enjoy a relatively normal existence once their medication is stable. Of course you are disappointed, any one would be, but we have many members at our support group who have persistent/permanent AF and have said that it is not really a problem.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Just to jump in here I would add that provided your rate is well controlled there is no reason to fear permanent AF. In fact most people find it easier to deal with as it is consistent with no plunging into or out of rhythm and the allied stress and dissapointments. Remember that all and any treatment for AF is only ever about improving quality of life as it is not considered a life ending condition.

[dleppard60 in reply to BobD]

I disagree. My rate usually doesn't go high when I am in AF but I feel like I am going to drop.dead at any moment. I am only 55 and have had three ablations. And more cardioversions than I can count including one since my last ablation. Perm AF is my biggest fear in life. I see that as the end of my life.

[cuore in reply to dleppard60]

I relate to you, Dieppard60. I also have had 3 ablations , with my last one May 27, 2019, almost 4 months ago. Luckily, I am in sinus albeit in Bradcardia most of the time . The time period spent in persistent before the first ablation is the most crucial as that is when most of the damage is done. How long were you in persistent for the first ablation; I was six months? My three ablations were done in Bordeaux.

[Spinbiker in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for these thoughts I am also thinking that a chat with EP would be useful as well

[Desanthony in reply to Spinbiker]

If you have not yet seen an EP then asked to be referred to one by your cardiologist and see if you are suitable for ablation. You can have another cardioversion whihc may work but generally so I am told ablation is considered better if it is suitable for you. I have had two successful cardioversions for persistent AF and am now on the waiting list for an ablation.

[Spinbiker in reply to Desanthony]

Thanks for that and yes I will get to see an EP best wishes

[Mugster]

I had persistent AF and just like you was permanently tired with very little energy and legs like dead wood. My cardioversion put me into NSR for just two days. However an ablation 18 maths ago was successful and the energy levels are right back up there

[Spinbiker in reply to Mugster]

Good to know and thanks for writing - will follow this up - best wishes