I'm getting increasingly worried about my Cardioversion on Thursday.

[Davidc1075]

So my long awaited Cardioversion is due on Thursday. I have an impending feeling of doom and becoming increasingly worried so much so that i am thinking of cancelling. Am i worrying too much ? Also after the procedure how incapacitated are you as i dont have any family. Thanks in advance.

[Hidden]

Good Afternoon, you may find it helpful to take a look at our treatments webpage, specifically the Cardioversion one: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... where there are a couple of interesting videos and links to our relevant booklets. Also, please feel free to contact our Patient Services Team [e-mail] for further advice and support.

[Davidc1075 in reply to Hidden]

Bless you thanks

[mav7]

Hi David

Have the doctors briefed you on proper preparation and what to expect ? One key is not to miss taking an anticoagulant even the day of the procedure. Very, very few people if any have side effects.

I was also reluctant but my concerns were alleviated. It is an important step in the AFib diagnosis and very important.

Best to you in managing your health.

[BobD Volunteer]

Nothing to worry about. You should feel fine apart from some woosyness from sedation.

[Desanthony]

I have had 3 cardioversions and no problems with any. Take it easy for a few days to a week afterwards - no lifting or cycling 30 miles or doing marathons 🤣. Just look after yourself. It take a short time what takes longer are the blood tests etc before and taking it easy afterwards. I had all mine at around 2 in the afternoon and was allowed home around 5 after I had had something to eat. Nothing at all to worry about.

[Davidc1075 in reply to Desanthony]

Your comments remind me about my friend who had an op. The doctor said to her no driving for a couple of days but after that you'll be fine. Amazing she said I couldn't drive before I came in. Thanks for your response it's what makes this site !

[Anon2023]

Hi. I had a cardioversion in February under general anaesthetic. It was very quick and the only side effect was a patch of slightly reddened skin on my back where the paddles had been. I don’t remember any of it after they gave me the anaesthetic. It put me back into sinus rhythm. It wasn’t painful at all and I wouldn’t hesitate to have another one if I needed it. I was kept in hospital overnight as the cardioversion happened at 7pm. I’d been an emergency admission with atrial flutter and my heart rate had been 150 for over 24 hours before the cardioversion. I was monitored overnight and then out the next morning. Please don’t worry, I’m sure that you will be absolutely fine.

[jeanjeannie50]

I've had quite a few cardioversions and I know this will sound strange to you, but I love them. You go in feeling ropy and come out with a nice steady heart rate. The procedure takes just a few minutes, but they will probably keep you waiting for a while beforehand. At the hospital where I go they've set up a mini ward with beds and when it's your turn come to your bed, put a cannula in your hand and give you an anaesthetic that sends you to sleep. Next thing is someone calling your name and you have to wake from a deep sleep. Then asked to have a cup of tea and some toast and off home you go. Please believe me when I say there isn't a lot to it.

Afterwards, no walking up hills or doing anything strenuous for a week or so. I once walked up a hill the next day and went straight back into AF. Let your heart grow strong beating in it's correct manner.

Jean

[CyclistMark]

Sorry, posted about ablation, misread op

[pottypete1]

On the contrary, I always felt wonderful after each cardioversion I had.

I have had a number of cardioversions over many years, each time I had a long period of normal rhythm afterwards.

Ultimately it was a series of ablations that have now given me a significantly improved quality of life.

Pete

[Shmediac]

Had an ablation 3 months ago. I’m 65 and have had afib for 2 years. Medication wasn’t stopping it, my doctor said it was a quality of life issue. I could always feel my afib, heart racing and sometimes I had the frequent urination, like 3-4 times an hour, usually at night, ruining my sleep. The ablation for me was very easy, stayed overnight, basically no pain, just a bruise on the groin area. I was tired for a week or two, but feel good now, so glad I did it. I did have to pay$8000 out of pocket, even tho I have employer insurance. That was probably the worst part.

[gerickson021 in reply to Shmediac]

Wow, $8000. That is nuts. The cash pay at Scripps in San Diego is about $3000. I opted to go to Mexico to do it.

[Shmediac in reply to gerickson021]

Yeah, the out of pocket maximum on our insurance is 8500$

[gerickson021 in reply to Shmediac]

never mind i see your post on abaltion

[Shmediac]

Ohh just realized u were talking about cardio version, was thinking ablation

[Neoneo]

Absolutely nothing to worry about. You are under for just a couple of minutes. You feel nothing. When I came to, I cried because of the peace I felt in my chest. Look forward to it.

[ObiDyer]

I'm due for my first cardioversion in 2 weeks after 6 months in persistent AF.. Can't wait!! Having read all the positive comments here I REALLY can't wait!

[Burdd]

I’ve had 18 in two years nothing to it! Relax x

[Norfolk_spaniel]

Honestly, there is nothing to it. I've had 4. Just around 10 minutes in the theatre with a short lasting anaesethic. Then 2 hours to rest before you go home. You then feel like a new person.

[Golfer60UK]

From one David to another, nothing to worry about with no side effects from my experience, had two

Best wishes

David

[TheProf]

Nothing to worry about. I had to shave my chest hair which was a pain and ended up with red patches. That was 3 years ago. Now on flecainide and no more AF

[4chickens]

Nothing to worry about. The worst for me is slight burns from the paddles and sores from the heart monitor sticky pads, but I do have very sensitive skin. They have given me hydrocortisone cream the last few times which solves the problem. It’s a lovely feeling after the procedure you wake up with a steady heart

[andyk0001]

After her cardioversion my wife had cramp in her legs and was quite tired. After a day she was much better and the relief of being back in sinus rhythm made it all worth while. She had to take Amiodorone for a few months but is now off it and has stayed in sinus rhythm.

[Ducky2003]

I've had 7 or 8 and have been fine. If you have been very symptomatic, you should feel so much better straightaway, if they get you back into NSR. You will have little burn patches front and back but nothing that Savlon won't sooth.

Can't drive for 24 hours but I'd give it a few days before doing a marathon or anything too strenuous.

Easy to say don't worry but try not to.

Best of luck.

[Mugsy15]

David, absolutely do not cancel!! You're overthinking it into something it's not.If you've heard the old mantra about 'stopping your heart and starting it again', that's a myth, they don't.

If it's the same as mine you'll attend hospital with a dozen others. Some will be first timers like yourself who will look nervous; some will have had it done before - they are the ones who seem relaxed, and that's because they know there's nothing to it.

You go into a cubicle, get asked a few questions, get the nerves that everyone feels calmed by a sedative, then go down to a small room where you'll be gently put to sleep.

You then wake up in a small recovery ward, where you'll be told whether you're back in sinus rhythm or not.

Cup of tea and biscuit and you're away home wondering why you worried!

[Fullofheart]

Hi thereIt's really nothing to fear...I know that's easy for me to say right now. But honestly I've had a few and first time I was nervous but now I wouldn't see it as much more than an interruption in my week.

It's completely painless and because you are only lightly sedated you wake feeling fine. And hopefully for you, back in sinus rhythm, and ready to go home in a few hours.

The recovery time sort of depends if its successful or not. If it is, you'll want to keep it that way so taking it easy would be a sensible plan....not to trigger the AF again.

You'll be fine!!

[Afibflipper]

Hello David try not to worry - I’ve had 2 in 2 months, my first I was an absolute terrified wreckIf you are alone get food supplies in and stuff to drink so don’t need to go out - it really is nothing to be so worried aboutYou will get a short general anaesthetic and know nothing about

DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE YOUR BLOOD THINNERS

The second I wasn’t worried at all, you should not be left alone for the first 24 hours, I was actually worse on day 2/3 as where the electro pads went there was a slight burn but like sore sunburn as I needed 2 shocks - get some Aloe Vera it worked in minutes and cleared after a day.

I did have some internal chest pain on day 2 that I did need pain killers for (felt like an extreme indigestion but I knew it was not that - it followed a path and was presumably that of the electricity going from one pad to another (you have two electrode pads on for the procedure - I had one on front right chest and one on left side back and the charge goes between the two)

You stay in recover a little while before going back to the ward (make sure they know you will have no one at home if that’s the case they may keep you overnight.

My first one lasted only 4 days due to my getting a chest infection but this last one since mid June and being on anti arrhythmic drug prior to this and still on it I’m in NSR

Please honestly don’t worry 😉 all the best for Thursday - update us

[Kingdaddy]

Cardioversions are nothing! I felt nothing at all; it was ridiculously easy. I had two of them. You have nothing to fear at all.

[Snowgirl65]

I can understand your concerns, but for me it was a pleasant experience. I had two cardioversions and felt 100% wonderful after each. Prep time was about 15 minutes, I was given an intravenous injection, was "out" for about 5 minutes, and woke up in NSR feeling wonderful.

[gerickson021]

For me I have had 3, no big deal! I was only under sedation for 5 minutes and felt fine and could have walked home then. Ask the doctor to keep the sedation to an absolute minimum, the procedure itself takes now time at all. As an aside I am taking earthworm enzyme and nannokinase. They "digest" any clots in the blood. onlineholistichealth.com/si...

[riffjack846]

I've had 3 cardioversions and they all were welcomed because I longed to be in NSR. Don't worry because if you are like many of us you will feel 100% better within minutes of them putting you back in NSR. I was up, smiling and walking around 5 minutes after waking up from the procedure. In my case the feeling of doom was After the cardioversion waiting for the Afib to come back. 1990 1st CV afib returned 2 months but was on no meds. 2010 2nd CV afib returned within a week and on metropolol. 2012 3rd CV lasted 2 days but was then put on amiodarone and I went into NSR on my own and been virtually symtom free since. Good luck.

[Davidc1075]

Thanks to everyone who has replied I'm alot happier now. What a wonderful forum please know that you have all helped someone out Best wishes to you all

[BrotherThomas]

No worries, I've had two cardioversions and am waiting for a third. I've felt fine afterwards, just a little relaxed after the sedatives. Go for it!

[Nick1957]

It's a doddle.!! Stop overthinking! When it's over and your in NSR it's a fantastic feeling!!