Cardioversion.

[ETHEL103]

Hi all. I have been referred for a cardioversion and am feeling a bit nervous as is normal. I have been in persistent a fib since 18th June. Only diagnosed in Jan so has progressed quickly. Have watched some you tube cardioversion and looks awful. Has anyone here got any experience of it Thankyou.

[pottypete1]

I have had over 20 Cardoversions.

I agree initially it sounds daunting. However you should be aware you will be give a short acting general anaesthetic and you won’t be aware of anything.

In my experience if successful in returning you to normal sinus rhythm (it has always been successful for me), the feeling of euphoria and peace afterwards is wonderful.

There are risks but they are very rare and they will all be explained to you on the day.

Pete

[ETHEL103 in reply to pottypete1]

Oh thankyou Pete. I know it has to be done Blimey 20.You deserve a medal.

[Snowgirl65 in reply to pottypete1]

I can relate to the feeling of euphoria and peace after a cardioversion!

[Jalia]

I can assure you that you have little to worry about. I had my 22nd dc cardioversion a few week ago . You will be sedated so should be completely unaware if the procedure and it is all over in minutes. Hopefully this will get you back in sinus rhythm but of course no guarantee. Your cardiologist would have a plan B course of action.

It's quite normal to feel apprehensive, or terrified ( as I was....!) for your first dccv but afterwards you will wonder why !

Good luck !

[ETHEL103 in reply to Jalia]

Oh thankyou so much. Really helps.

[BobD Volunteer]

Simple procedure Ethel. They put some fairy juice in your arm and while you are away playing with the fairies they zap you and your heart starts behaving again. Had quite a few but the worst one ever was one I had to fake in a film I helped make about the subject. Director told me he would give me a signal when to do the jerking bit but didn't tell me what the signal would be. LOL 😁 Then he stuck his pen between my toes!

Yes there are risks in everything but normally all you may experience is a little redness where the pads go easily sorted with some aftersun type cream.

[dezi]

No problems at all and each time after 3 cardioversions woke up in NSR - normal sinus rhythm absolute bliss

[Hidden]

I had a Cardioversion back in November 2018. I was really nervous of it as it was the first time I’d ever had a general anaesthetic. It was fine, there is nothing to be scared of. I will shortly be going for my second cardioversion and I’m not as nervous this time

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Hi ETHEL103, I am sorry you are feeling anxious about having a cardioversion. Please visit our online patient resources and download 'Cardioversion for AF' heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... or alternatively, visit the online Patient Videos heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Ethel

I've had several and can assure you there's nothing to them and the following is what I've experienced.

You go to the hospital, sit around waiting for about an hour for your turn. You go in, get undressed and put on one of their gowns. You lie on a bed and someone comes and puts a cannula in the back of your hand and you're wired up to a machine that's showing your heart rate. The team turn up all bright and happy (doc and some nurses). You have the GA injected into your cannula, are zapped and then wake up a few minutes later and for me I'm always back in normal sinus rhythm. The feeling of joy is like no other and gratitude to everyone involved sweeps over me - honestly I could kiss their feet!

At my hospital they want you to eat some toast and have a cup of tea before leaving, that's it! They tell you that you need to have someone with you for the next 24hrs and are told not to sign any documents during that time.

A word of warning though. Afterwards don't do anything to raise your heart rate for a week or so, no walking up hills, or lifting anything heavy. Allow your heart to gain strength beating at it's correct rate. I once made the mistake of walking up a hill the day after a cardioversion and my heart went straight back into AF. Oh, no alcohol for a while after either.

Best wishes

Jean

[Dee5165]

No experience from Cardioversion but prep was worse than the Cardioversion itself. Unfortunately it only kept me Afib free for 2 weeks.

[Dave0]

I found the thought of my first cardioversion and sedation quite scary too but it really is nothing to worry about. Focus on the joy of being in normal rhythm afterwards and what this simple procedure will do for you.

[Belle11]

I suddenly went into persistent AF in April 2019 with no known history of the condition. I finally got a cardioversion the following January (2020), when I was given a very brief general anaesthetic, so was completely unaware of it happening and woke up afterwards to be told it had been successful. Lovely reassuring staff made it a good experience. I know it's likely to recur at some stage, but have made some dietary changes which may be halping.

I hope it all goes well for you.

[neil73]

My story is similar to Belle. I went into PAF in January 2020 caused, they think, by a viral infection. Felt awful for months, had a cardioversion August last year and have felt great ever since.

The procedure was fine - and I am terrified of hospitals.

[Balearic]

I was diagnosed with persistent asymptomatic afib in December 2020 whilst I was in A&E for something else. I was given a cardio version in May and, like you, was nervous, but it was really nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me so I have been put on a short term dose of Amiodarone prior to a 2nd cardio version which, fingers crossed, is due at the end of this month. I must admit, it sounds so scary but I’m sure you will be fine. Sending good vibes your way.

[Jbeans]

Hi. I had my cardioversion in March this year. I was utterly petrified. The experience was actually really good and was absolutely nothing to worry about. I attended on the day, and after some basic questions, I had a small cannula put into my hand. When I went into the theatre the nurse put an oxygen mask over my face and while she was explaining why the anaethetist was quietly injecting the anaesthetic. The next thing I knew I was in recovery room and being offered a cup of tea. My heart had gone back into sinus rhythm with just one shock. After a rest of about 90 minutes ( during which I was given a sandwich and another coffee) I was able to go home. Yes, you will have to rest fully for 24 hours and take it easy for a few days, but it was less daunting than going for a dental check up. Apart from the odd ectoptic beat my heart is still in Normal sinus rhythm, and I feel so much better. Try and stop worrying as it really is a straight forward process. Look forward to having a heart that beats correctly and to feeling so much better after.

Ignore the utube videos. They scared the hell out of me. The reality is so much different.

[Ronnieboy]

Yes once, in 2009 I had a bad fast erratic heartbeat that went on for hours ,I went up to the local a and e, was examined, then taken to a room then 4 doctor type people wired me up ,did some kind of electrical procedure, then said take a ,2.5 mg bisolprolol each day, said good bye your ok now. Since then I've generally been ok.,I don't take beta blockers any more and feel even better.The actual cardioversion was no problem ,having a tooth out is far worst,don't worry.

[ETHEL103 in reply to Ronnieboy]

Thankyou everyone for your lovely comments.

[spinningjenny]

Last time I had a cardioversion I dreamt that I was about to eat an ice cream. I felt a bit aggrieved that the anaesthetist woke me up before I could eat it.

You won’t remember anything about the procedure so there is no need to worry. The one thing I would advise is get some Aloe Vera gel as you might be a bit sore afterwards.

[Ducky2003]

I've had 6. I believe they are mainly used to see if your heart is capable of returning to NSR but the added bonus is if it happens to keep you there for some time. Would take another, if I have to.

[EJM52545]

Hi! My cardio version procedure on 28 May a year ago did not go well, I had a blockage. It’s a long story but I now wear a peacemaker. Before that I was on Ibrutinib for about 2 years and developed a persistent AFib, believe from Ibrutinib cardio-toxicity. I wasn’t off this medication long enough for it to be off my system completely before the cardioversion. Strongly recommend asking your specialist for advise before procedure.All the best,

Ed.

[Neoneo]

You will feel nothing. Mine worked for only four days though. Fingers crossed for you.

[Snowgirl65]

Hello Ethel103 -- I've had 2 cardioversions and they're easy as pie. I was given a semi-knockout drug, the cardioversion ensued, and I woke up 5 minutes later with normal sinus rhythm. I was extremely happy with the outcome and the ease of it all. Not to worry!