CARDIOVERSION.

[TommoHFC]

Going in for my first Cardioversion on 16th of September.

DO YOU FEEL ANYTHING?

[dolly26]

Hi, I had 2 cardioversion last year and I don’t remember a thing about it and certainly didn’t feel it. The reg actually told me that I said to him and room full of students “is that it 😂”

[TommoHFC in reply to dolly26]

Great to hear. Thanks for your reply...

[BobD Volunteer]

Small prick when they put a canula in your arm then once they pump in the fairy juice off you go to play with the fairies and when you come back it is all done.

[jeanjeannie50]

I've had lots of cardioversions and I actually like having them. You know nothing at all about it and wake up with a normal heart rhythm - heaven! Honest, I'd kiss the feet of those that do it if they wanted me to. The feeling of gratitude overwhelms me. Procedure usually takes a few minutes, but lots of waiting around beforehand. They usually say get there for 8.30am and then do it about 10am. When I wake I'm given a cup of tea and toast.

You need someone to keep an eye on you for the first 24hrs and are not allowed to drive.

[ETFCfan in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I’ve only had two but you’ve described my emotions exactly. Felt so elated to be in normal rhythm I wanted to skip out of the hospital 😆.

[seasider18 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

You having had 'lots' will not fill him with confidence of a long term solution.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to seasider18]

Yes, you're right. I must be more guarded in what I say. Though I've had AF for 15 years and they've all been spread out and successful.

[seasider18 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Good luck with your next one.

It is the same with patients who have had repeated ablations.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to seasider18]

You think we should keep it a secret from people that those procedures are not always successful? I don't agree and will always tell the truth as I see it. Then from all the responses the poster can make their own decision.

I have been told I can have no more ablations or cardioversions.

[Paulbounce]

Tommo - please don't worry mate - it's a walk in the park. Honest I'm not just saying that.

I remember going for my first one - boy was I worried. The night before I was on edge and I was so nervous when I got there. When I walked out afterwards I felt a right wuss for making such a fuss about it.

Having a filling at the dentist or a CV ?

CV anytime please. Having a filling is much worse.

I've a had a few and it's quite funny watch the 'first timers'. They stand out a mile - you can see the worried look on their faces while we all sit waiting to go in. The 'old hands' have a joke and a laugh.

I know it's easy for me to say - but you'll see. When you've had it post back here please - I think you'll agree with me

Don't worry - you'll be just fine. You get a nice cuppa afterwards and won't feel a thing. Over and done with in minutes and you'll wonder why you worried about it.

I fully understand your apprehension first time round as I've been there and felt the same. However there's no need - you have my word about that.

Hope it works for you and you return to sinus.

Paul

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Paulbounce]

Cuppa??? Such luxury Paul.

[Paulbounce in reply to BobD]

I would have preferred a beer Bob - still you can't win 'em all

Paul

EDIT for anyone having a CV ! My comment above is a joke - please don't consume any acholic drinks for at least 24 hours after your CV. Just be clear about that ! It's not a good idea at all !

[Ducky2003 in reply to BobD]

I got an sandwich too. Number 3 tomorrow so hoping for same then 😊

[TommoHFC]

Thank you all for your replies.

I will let you know how I get on.

I've been in AF for 11 weeks now, it doesn't bother me much. I just feel a little weak and get out of breath at times.

[Sfhmgusa]

Hi Tommo as a “ veteran “ of two cardioinversions one after ablation under sedation and the other under general. I strongly suggest general because under sedation it is not such fun! Also you may have tiny skin burns afterwards that itch more than hurt but this is a procedure that even a nailed on wimp like me would not worry about

[Jaws66]

I've had three under general. For the second one, the doctor struggled to get the canula in, then called a nurse who nailed it first time. (He was very apologetic, and said I was his first patient on his first day there - he looked more ill than me by the time he'd finished). Third time I had to wait quite a while - several emergencies came in, so understandable. Because I was only out for a few minutes each time, waking up was dreamlike and quite pleasant.

One piece of advice - shave your chest beforehand, otherwise a nurse will do it with a dry Bic, and that is not fun. Then you can look forward to having an itchy chest for a few weeks as it grows back. I kept catching myself scratching through meetings with my boss, which really didn't look good.

[TheProf]

I had mine under a general aneasthetic. There were red patches on my chest afterwards. He said he did it twice because the first shock didn't do it. Been ok for a year since. P.S. i live in France.

[KevinHaynes]

I’ve had two ablations heat and freezing and the only thing I felt was as strange thumping sensation when they actually carried out the procedure.

I’d class it uncomfortable but certainly not painful.

Hope this helps?

[Silvasava]

I had my first 3 weeks ago, the cannula with the anaesthetic was very uncomfortable but they stick a pad on your chest and a pad on your back. Out like a light, no sensation whatever, back in NSR , Apparently I had two shocks, one at 120v 1 @ 150v. No burning sensation after. As everyone says , nothing to be apprehensive about.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Silvasava]

To be pedantic it is measured in joules not volts.

[Golfer60UK]

Good morning Tommo, my answer is no never felt a thing

[Ecki]

Only had one with GA, which worked, didn't feel a thing. I do have weird kidneys, apparently, and they took a couple of days to wake up after the GA, which meant I put on about a stone in those 2 days. It went just as quickly once they started working. Then I got a UTI! Cardiologist said he'd never known that to happen before, and what an exciting time I'd had.

[Daisy2908]

I had my first cardioversion two weeks ago. Just as everyone says you don’t remember a thing and the procedure itself only takes a few minutes so you’re not out very long. I also needed 2 shock attempts but second was successful. Just left with 2 marks on chest and back where the pads were stuck on, gone in a few days. Felt very anxious before it but realise now it was fine. Good luck in September.

[JefferyW]

I had one almost two years ago and was quite apprehensive. I have to say it was very easy, straightforward and totally painless (apart from when they put the catheter in your wrist). Mine was successful and restored normal sinus rythmn which I kept until recently developing AFib again. Cardioversion - Absolutely nothing to worry about.

[LMCPL]

Hi TommoHFC, I’ve been in & had 3.

No problem whatsoever being as your unconscious. 1st lasted about 12 hours, 2nd for about 36hours. Then put on waiting list for Ablation, but the consultant asked me to try a 3rd. That was 5 weeks ago & I seem to be still in NSR. So I can only say how I found it. Very best of luck 🦊

[cuore in reply to LMCPL]

How long were you persistent for the first cardioversion? 5 weeks NSR sounds fantastic after your third considering your first cardioversion lasted only 12 hours.

[LMCPL in reply to cuore]

Hi, I was in persistent AFib for just over a year. 1st Cardioversion done at 2 month’s . 2nd at 4 month’s & this last one at11 month’s. Long wait for this last one because of COVID-19 . Another day & looking good.

[cuore in reply to LMCPL]

I think your results are fantastic since you were not in persistent AF for the full year due to the three cardioversions. I wish I knew more about persistent AF.

So, a) 2 months AF - cardioversion - 12 hours NSR

b) 2 months AF - cardioversion - 36 hours NSR

c) 7 months AF - cardioversion - 5 weeks and continuing

Were you given any medication for rhythm control during this time?

I also had a cardioversion at the 2 month stage which lasted 3 days, but nothing after that no meds, no further cardioversion , just a long wait to see an EP as my condition got worse and worse.

I now do wonder what would have happened had I had a second cardioversion like you in another two months. My situation was completely botched starting from my GP who didn't know what he was doing and got me to persistent within one year of diagnosis.

[LMCPL in reply to cuore]

Not sure if you’ve taken on board just what I said. The 1st two Cardioversions did not last. It’s only this 3rd one that seems to have done the trick.

[cuore in reply to LMCPL]

You were very clear in your statements that the first lasted only 12 hours and the second 36 hours. I was just wondering, from a medical viewpoint, whether the fact that you had two previous cardioversions would have contributed to the longevity of the third in lasting five weeks and counting. In other words, whether the first two cardioversions prevented the remodelling of your heart that sustains arrhythmia.

In my case, I have had extensive remodelling of my heart by being kept in persistent to the extent that had I not had an ablation at the six month stage persistent for my first ablation, I never would have been able to return to sinus.

[chipsviccars]

I've had three, the last one in A & E in July. No full anaesthetic required; you just have a nice little sleep, then they look after you for an hour or so and discharge you. You mustn't drive. It'l be fine.

[Polly159]

Didn't feel a thing. Was just so glad not to have that horrible Afib feeling. The hospital staff were great at talking me through everything then I had simply had to wait until they were sure the anaesthetic had worn off - totally fine after that (until the next Afib episode!)

[Polly159 in reply to Polly159]

Should maybe say that for some people cardioversion can be successful in the longer term - everyone is different (now, where have I heard that before?!) CV stopped my first, quite alarming episode in 3 years at the time, but that episode was the beginning of 2 year Afib journey through various medicines, clinics, and now awaiting ablation. (although have only had 3 episodes in the last 8 months.) Hope your journey to good health and being 'episode free' is much, much shorter and begins when you wake up from the CV!

[Opoho]

No you don’t! It’s a simple short procedure and you are sedated.

[24865777]

Only embarrassed 😂when l come around there all trying not to laugh as I’ve said something ridiculous!!but it does not hurt and you feel so much better.

[Ducky2003]

I had first two 3 and 3.5 years ago and having number 3 tomorrow. First one, they didnt give me enough sedation and I felt like I'd been kicked in the chest so they topped me up as I had to have a second blast. Last time, I reminded them about the sedation so I think they made sure I had enough as I didn't feel a thing. As others mentioned I had burn marks on front and back where the pads had been. You feel great though to be back in NSR again. Hoping for that happy event tomorrow. Good luck with yours.😊

[FLINGFLANG]

Not at all, the worst part to me was the gel you have to gargle with for them to put a scope down your throat to check for blood clots before the cardio version, i've had it done 4 times in my life and i am 60 years old. My issue is i like to still have a few drinks once in a while and most times the alcohol to me is what takes me out of rhythm , I'm due for another soon. overall its a simple procedure ....

[PengieP]

No. They put an IV in you. You might feel a cold sensation from the IV. Then you wake up. Feeling a LOT better!

[Shcldavies]

Worry and concern leading up to it, scratch when the canula goes in, backing SR - heaven.

[sadie308]

I've had two and neither worked for me. However, I was asleep with both and felt nothing.