First Cardioversion last monday

[Beaky-Pompino]

I had my first cardioversion on Monday and I am back into normal sinus rhythm, I’m not sure how long it will last as I know the success rate isn’t that good, but fingers crossed. I am still taking Flecanide and blood thinners but have been taken off the Bisoprolol (thankfully!).

But I feel absolutely lousy, even after two days. I ache all over, my shoulder and left arm ache, my chest is really quite sore, I have the usual headaches, dizziness etc. I actually feel worse than before I had the procedure. This can’t be normal can it?

What are other people’s experiences?

[Jalia]

Sorry to hear this. As a veteran of 20 cardioversions this doesn't sound normal BUT you say that you have stopped Bisoprolol and I'm wondering if this could be the culprit.

If you don't feel any better can you have a word with your arrhythmia nurse....if you have one...or the cardio dept that performed the procedure or your GP .

It is normal to have a sore chest from the shock, although I only had them in the early days when the heavy paddles were used.

You shouldn't feel worse than before the procedure though.

Best wishes

J

[Beaky-Pompino in reply to Jalia]

I didnt think about the Bisoprolol, yes it could be that as was on 5mg. thank you

[BobD Volunteer]

Interesting! Yes it could be the bisoprolol rebound as suggested. The whole point of cardioversion is to see if a patient feels better in NSR which can then sign post the next treatment options as it isn't a cure for anything. The fact that you were able to be returned to NSR is a good result so do contact the team responsible and let them know how you feel. Keep taking teh Flecainide and anticoagulant though please.

Regarding the sore chest, do you mean painful to breath or just that the skin is sore. After sun or aqueous cream helps the skin burns.

[Beaky-Pompino in reply to BobD]

Sore as in muscular and achy. The site of the paddles are red and sore as well so will put on cream.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Beaky-Pompino]

The electric shock does cause muscle spams . I had to simulate one for a film once which was fun!

[Goosebumps]

Sorry to hear you are not feeling so good. I can echo your problems post cardioversion. I'm not on beta blockers, so can't know if this is withdrawal for you, but the chest issues and internal discomfort that I got and still get are something that my cardiologist wasn't surprised by at all.

Long may you stay in NSR, mine only lasted 90 mins.

If you stay in NSR the way forward will be much clearer for you.

[jeanjeannie50]

I've had lots of cardioversions, but have never felt the way you describe. Have you checked your pulse to see what it's doing. My heart always goes back into rhythm after one shock, you may have needed more. If you are concerned I would ring your AF nurse and ask her opinion.

Jean

[LordGabriel]

It was like night and day for me. I felt instantly better after my CV.

I still take the Bisoprolol and Apixiban and Ramipril.

I have gone into AF once since The CV, after 14 Months. I’m back in NSR after taking Flecanaide at A&E. so yes, it seems odd you don’t feel good. Best to call them.

[Tantaanna]

I have had 10 plus cardio versions- lost track -

I have minor aches but it’s just temporary and varies in intensity

My first cardio version lasted six months. I wasn’t on any meds- after that first cardio version I started with pill in the pocket- flecanide

I eventually had ablations and after those I had to have cardio versions - got to be routine with less discomfort. Nerves made be tense I suppose

I have had muscular aches with various med changes particularly in my legs.

See how you feel in a day and then give a call

You should feel peaceful in NSR