Cardio version aftermath

[Arnold6694]

I had my 1st cardio version yesterday, and it was successful: went right back into sinus rhythm after being in AFib for 3 weeks straight--now on anticoagulants. So far, it worked,

Last evening I began to experience an annoying sensation where (I'm thinking) one f the paddles was attached: At first it felt like itching. Then it became a combination of burning, itching, tingling and what I am guessing is nerve pain. At area about 3" square near my clavicle. It kept me from sleeping and when I did finally sleep, woke me up at 3AM.

Has anyone else experienced this?

[BobD Volunteer]

Common paddle burn. Use aqueous cream such as E45. Could be your skin was damp when pads were attached.

[pottypete1]

Not only paddle burns but it turned into Urticaria.

For some anti histamines are the solution so it might be worth starting there.

Pete

[Arnold6694 in reply to pottypete1]

I wondered about something like Benadryl......I have been doing ice and that has helped more than anything else. The little barbs of discomfort go up into my neck and over into my shoulder..... 3-4" from the visible paddle mark.

[pottypete1 in reply to Arnold6694]

I had cold showers.

I do hope you are better soon.

Pete

[Ducky2003]

Yes, everytime I've had one, front and back. Savlon sorted it out for me.

[mav7]

Fairly common experience, Arnold. Good advice in replies above.

May I ask were you given any medication to maintain sinus rhythm after the cardioversion ?

I am thinking of asking for another cardioversion, previous one only lasted 3 days.

[Arnold6694 in reply to mav7]

I was told to stay on my same meds as before, I have only had the AFib for a little over 3 weeks and they waited to do the Cardioversion because it was 5 days before I got to the ER in the first place. My meds are: metoprolol (now doubled), amlodipine, Xarelto (new)

[OzJames in reply to mav7]

Hi Mav, i was in AF for about 4 weeks before cardioversion they wanted to make sure no clots had formed so I was on Apixiban for the clots and Metropolol and Flecainide. I had a TOE just before CV. I was then advised to start reducing dosage of the first 2 drugs for a month after CV to help maintain Sinus then stop drugs. The CV was end of September so far so good.... My Chad score was zero so please check with Cardio before stopping any drugs in particular Apixiban.

I've started to change my lifestyle as my triggers were coffee and alcohol so now drink decaf coffee, Zero beer, and maybe a sip of my best Red only, and stay away from trigger foods and late night sweets. I take Magnesium Taurate and ensure I also include magnesium rich food. Low electrolytes can contribute to the onset of AF amongst other things. Hope that helps

[mav7 in reply to OzJames]

Thanks for the detailed reply, Oz. May you have continued success.

I have persistent AF so could say "have fell off the cliff". 😊 My purpose in asking about meds is there seems to be different approaches with medications in effort to maintain NSR after cardioversion.

[OzJames in reply to mav7]

ok mine was Paroxymal though the last time they left it for a month in AF, I don't know enough about persistent AF but believe that once your converted back to Sinus they will prob leave you on Meds maybe Flecainide and the thinners for at least a month, then work out which to stay on. Changing lifestyle can also help especially if you are triggered by things like I am. Best of luck mate.

[DawnTX]

I just had one the end of October I did not have what you mention but they had warned me of irritation from the gel and pads that they put on your chest and back. Previously I did have a rash where you could see the outline of the pad. They had done the internal electrocardiogram on me but honestly I didn’t have any bad affects if I did I did not notice because I was so happy the way I was feeling when I woke up. I don’t know how they did yours but I had taken a drink and also had sprays before they put things down my throat if you had that that could also be irritating you. Be patient and be thankful that it is working right now focus on that because sadly mine stopped after 3 1/2 weeks I hope you’ll be luckier I have some thing else being done on the 20th and will be in the hospital ICU several days. I will try just about anything to get back to feeling the way I did when I woke up from my cardioversion fingers crossed lots of prayers that you stay the way you are right now minus feeling a little bit lousy

[Arnold6694 in reply to DawnTX]

Thank you. This is GREAT advice. Live in the moment. I take it whole heartedly and with an understanding that today is where I'm at! Let's go with it! thank you, DawnTX

[DawnTX in reply to Arnold6694]

you are very welcome I am reminding myself of this because otherwise I would just lay down and die and I’m not ready to do that yet. I think people have become very spoiled and self-centered and take everything for granted. Those of us with a film like other people who have health problems have learned to take nothing for granted. I think by living that way life is prettier

[Tommyann in reply to DawnTX]

yes I had this also very annoying I had 0.1 steroid cream I used very little on the area a few times and it settled it.