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My first cardioversion. Couple of questions. Thanks.

Hydroplane profile image
14 Replies

Oct 10 having a cardioversion for Atrial Flutter. Its been bothering me for about 2 years. Fairly well controlled with • DilTIAZem (Eqv-Tiazac) 180 mg/24 hours oral capsule, extended release but still feel extremely fatigued sometimes so I am finally going to take the cardiologists recommendation.

Because I have been on • Eliquis 5 mg oral tablet twice a day for 2 years don't have to have the TEE first which makes me happy, just going to get shocked.

Reporting to the hospital at 1pm when do you think I will get out, will I be in good enough shape to place a call for a cab. What if anything can I do to make the procedure easier before hand. How long is the recovery period. I am thinking give it a try as what I understand only in rare cases are you worse off.

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Hydroplane
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14 Replies

Just for clarification do you mean ablation or cardioversion because there is a big difference between the two…….

Hydroplane profile image
Hydroplane in reply to

thank you it is a cardioversion

in reply to Hydroplane

Then this link might help.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

It’s a very common procedure so try not to worry about it. Hope all goes well….

Hydroplane profile image
Hydroplane in reply to

thanks for the link information, that is a lot I did not know, nurse had just called and said show up at 1pm dont eat anything but water from night before and I will not need the TOE exam before due to being on Elquis for 2 years. So I am thinking this is going to be fairly easy and quick with just sedation side effects. But the resources and videos you sent are great and help reduce anxiety about what apparently is not much so thank you!

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

Cardioversion takes around five minutes but you will need a while to recover from the sedation. You should be fine to call a cab but far better to be accompanied if at all possible. Many hospitals prefer it if you are. I once told the doctor that my wife was waiting in the carpark but neglected to tell him it was the station car park 220 miles away. I survived but wished I had not been so cavalier. Try to rest as much as possible for a week or two

Hydroplane profile image
Hydroplane in reply to BobD

thank you, your comments along with others are bringing me to understand I should have someone with me.

ETHEL103 profile image
ETHEL103 in reply to BobD

Bob my hubby was waiting in the car park to during covid times the cv lab must have been a mile from said car park.I was really nervous at such a long walk an hour after the cv.Maybe it was that why it only lasted 2 hours.

Hello Hydroplane, you may be interested in taking a look at our 'Cardioversion' Patient Booklet here: originalText Patients are usually allowed to go home after a few hours. A friend or partner should come to hospital with the patient as they are advised not to drive for 24 hours after the procedure and it is best for someone to stay with them on the night after the procedure to see they are all right. If you would like any further advice or support please feel free to contact our Patient Services Team on 01789 867502 or via email info@afa.org.uk

Hydroplane profile image
Hydroplane in reply to

Cardioversion' Patient Booklet where do I find that thank you very much!

Frances123 profile image
Frances123

Not the same procedure but in the endoscopy unit at the hospital I attend if you have sedation you are not allowed out unaccompanied or to go home by cab. They escort you to their waiting area to make sure someone is meeting you. If not you can’t go. Wishing you well for you procedure.

Hydroplane profile image
Hydroplane in reply to Frances123

thank you, will be bringing someone along after reading all the replies, thanks.

Ducky2003 profile image
Ducky2003

Depends how heavy they are with the sedation. Sometimes I've only been out for minutes and on one occasion I was dribbling and snoring away for over an hour. They'll give you a sandwich and cuppa before you leave but for a 1pm appt, I'd think you'll be there until about 4pm-5pm.Whatever you do, don't miss a single dose of Apixaban in the 4 weeks beforehand otherwise, they won't do the DCCV.

A TOE would be an option but A) it's unlikely they would want to go to the expense and B) trust me, you wouldn't want to have one.

Hydroplane profile image
Hydroplane in reply to Ducky2003

thank you for your reply Ducky2003. They say I won't need a Toe due to meds, but I will be sure to take my Eliquis twice a day as I have been. The more I hear the more I realize there may be some substantial after fog so thanks.

Ducky2003 profile image
Ducky2003 in reply to Hydroplane

Sorry, I meant if you missed a dose, they may consider a TOE if your DCCV was urgent. 😁.

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