Back in Persistent AF, since Sunday. What are peoples' experiences of Cardioversion, after having had previous successful ablation ?

[Turquoise19]

Hi all,

I had my ablation 10th July 2019. Had a few one off episodes, that I could self correct with Beta blockers, or at least this would kick it back in, but this time not.

I think I am on a wait list for a 2nd ablation, but just wanting to hear people's experiences of cardioversion in the meantime? Mine is now booked for 15th October.

Thx a lot

[BobD Volunteer]

Depends what is being converted. After my ablations I tended to go into atyrial tachycardia at around 8 weeks which was always succesfully sorted by DCCV.

[Turquoise19 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, what is DCCV ? I am also wondering about the chemical cardioversions they can do. What's better, any thoughts on that ?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Turquoise19]

Direct Current Cardioversion. Chemical may work but DCCV is instant if it is going to.

[Turquoise19 in reply to BobD]

Ah thanks Bob. Have you had experience of the drug injection ones, like digoxin or is it fluzamude ?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Turquoise19]

Flecainide I have had IV but did cause other issues for a short while.

[Turquoise19 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, I think I am just wanting to think ahead and be ready to discuss with my consultant if the cardioversion doesn't keep it at bay, until I can have another ablation as the lists are now even longer.

As I need to wait for the cardioversion again, whether the flecanide or digoxin a friend had, might at least put it back now and without anaesthetic

Do you mind my asking what your experiences were if both?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Turquoise19]

To be honest drugs have never really put me back in rhythm so DCCV I guess is favourite BUT nothing is without risk.

Cardioversion is not a cure for anything as I am sure has been explained. It may last for a minute, an hour, a day, a week or a year or more but the main reason is to find out if you can be put back into NSR (normal sinus rhythm) and if you feel better in that state, This will show if ablation is worthwhile and a possible future treatment as opposed to rate control.

Coming back to drugs, flecainide and propafanone (a similar drug) are usually given as a maintainance dose to try and keep you in NSR rather than convert you if you are already in AF. Both can be aurgmented with extra doses from time to time within strict overall limits. Digoxin is an older drug and not commonly used for such purposes.

[Turquoise19 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, yes I had one cardioversion before 2 years ago, when last in persistent AF. I am just anxious to get back to NSR, ASAP, thinking ? The longer I am out the harder it will be to get back. I am booked in for 15th October.

Keeps ringing in my ears AF begets AF, that I learnt from this forum! My rate is controlled ok on 10mg bisoprolol but means I can't exercise or do a lot else.

I am also feeling a bit more regular pulse this time while in AF, so hoping this is due to some of my last ablation still holding out. Do you think that does help in your experience?

[jeanjeannie50]

Cardioversions have always worked for me. I love having them, feel ill before and then afterwards a wonderfully calm heart rate. It's important not to do anything too energetic for a few weeks afterwards. I once walked up a steep hill the next day and immediately went back into AF.

Jean

[Turquoise19 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

That's encouraging Jean, how many have you had and do you have any other tips ?

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Turquoise19]

I've lost count, but have been told they won't offer any more.

Tips:

Try not to breathe too shallowly. When you do deep breathing. Take the inhalation deep into your stomach.

Avoid all foods containing artificial additives, alcohol and sugar.

When you get up for the toilet during the night allow yourself to come to totally and sit on the side of the bed for a minute.

Make drinking water a priority over other drinks.

After a cardioversion, allow your heart muscles to gain strength beating as they should, before doing anything energetic - it's so easy to flit back to an abnormal rhythm in the first few weeks.

Jean

[Turquoise19 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks very much Jean. Very helpful. N yes I have noticed a bit of flittiness when I get up in the night for the loo.

Will follow all of what you suggest

X Wendy

[Snowgirl65]

I had to be cardioverted a week after my first (cryo) ablation as I kept going in and out of a-fib for many hours at a time. It knocked my heart rhythm right back into place again with no problem whatsoever.

[Turquoise19 in reply to Snowgirl65]

Good to hear you too on that Snowgirl, they have booked me in for the cardioversion in 4 weeks. I am a bit worried the longer U stay out of NSR, the more my heart might want to stay out, till I can get another ablation!

[Snowgirl65 in reply to Turquoise19]

At one point I was in a-fib for 2-1/2 days until being cardioverted. I've heard both sides of the story regarding how long you're out of NSR, etc. and if you heart might want to stay out. In any case, you'll be so glad once you have it done; easy as pie!

[Turquoise19 in reply to Snowgirl65]

Hope so, though still shows I will need another ablation I think to shut off this extra conduction...

That's lucky getting cardioverted so quickly. How did you manage that ?

[Snowgirl65 in reply to Turquoise19]

I live in Ohio (US). After my heart wasn't behaving after that first ablation, my EP told me to come in and they'll convert me. There wasn't any wait time.

[Turquoise19 in reply to Turquoise19]

That's a very good service. I guess yours is covered by insurance over there?

[Fullofheart]

Had one last week but only managed 2 days before going back into AF. Depends how long you have had AF and results vary.I'm giving it another go in about 6 weeks. 🤞

[Turquoise19 in reply to Fullofheart]

Good luck with that Fullofheart, yes my first one only lasted till the afternoon. How long have you had AF for ? Or been in active AF?

[Fullofheart in reply to Turquoise19]

17 years unfortunately. Full time for approx half of that?? Not quite sure when it moved from paroxysmal. Sounds like I was luckier than you then with my 2 days.

Very best of luck for the next attempt.

I'm hoping next time I get a little longer. Long enough to be able to assess for/ justify ablation. 🤞

[Turquoise19 in reply to Fullofheart]

Well they did offer me an ablation after this and should do again now to seal up this break through. I was 53, am 56 now. I had the ablation after 7 months of persistent AF and it worked for over 2 years till now, with only 2 previous episodes that lasted 2-3hrs and a few others that were much shorter . Though now 3rd time unlucky, seems I am persistent again.

[Turquoise19 in reply to Fullofheart]

Yes I now want my 2nd ablation ASAP. My EP says 90% fix, after 2 ablations 50% after only one