post cardioversion

[Afiblearner]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Afib after suffering a TIA in April 2021. Amioderone and xarelto controlled it until after 6 months amioderone caused my thyroid to quadruple. So stopped amioderone. After xarelto resulted in an internal hip bleed was switched to Eliquis. Had an ablation Jan 2023 so still in blanking period. Fast forward to last week when I developed an atrial flutter. Had a cardioversion yesterday which was successful with one shock. But, I got no sleep last night due to chest pain, backache (intense), and am now very lightheaded and headachy. Have felt slightly nauseus too. I’m on 50 mg flecinide 2 x day, Eliquis 2x a day, 25 mg metropolol 2x day, and thyroxin Is this a typical reaction to cardioversion? Thanks for any input!

[Dudtbin]

I haven't had cardoversion but I would be ringing 111 for help or go to urgent care. I haven't read of anything like that on this forum .

[thinkingaloud]

I had a cardioversion three years ago and did not have any of the symptoms you describe. In fact I cannot remember experiencing any symptoms afterwards.

[Bodydoctor12]

after my cardioversion I had a very specific spasm pain in the area where the pad had been. Initially I thought it was a ‘burn’ as the advice sheet said that could happen and I had to keep a cold pack on it all the time. After about 3 days I realised that it was actually a spasm of my rhomboid muscle on that side and so I relieved it with a massage tool I have (I’m an osteopath)

I felt pretty exhausted and as if I’d been hit by a bus tbh for about 5 days after the CV, just all round knackered. I didn’t in any way feel breathless but I rested completely, as advised and didn’t do anything to raise my heart rate. I also didn’t come off my beta blocker, I was advised to wean myself off of it really really slowly so as not to shock the heart. I am now just over 3 months since I had it and I’m still on 0.625 of Biso and will Continue to wean off of it. I’m REALLY sensitive to these drugs, all of them so I’m very respectful of how strong they are (and toxic!)

I always think that if you’re worried you should contact your cardiac care team. I’m with St BARTs and I’ve found them very helpful.

I hope you feel better soon. Good luck

[Bodydoctor12]

sorry, I forgot to add that I had a blinding headache for a few days and it was because I have a sensitive neck from having had two bike accidents in the past. The shock probably caused my head to bounce and triggered my whiplash. Headache can come from the neck. I found that massaging the base of my skull and neck and shoulder muscles really helped. My friend who’s a masseur came around and helped me out.

[Desanthony in reply to Bodydoctor12]

If you have any back or neck problems then tell the staff at the hospital - I suffer from chronic neck and back pain and told the staff and they ensured that someone was there to make sure I "landed" back on the pillow and bed softly and in line rather than ccrooked. they said I didn't "jump" around too much any way - my wife said something along the lines of "where there's no sense there's no feeling"

[Bodydoctor12 in reply to Desanthony]

yea, I didn’t think about it as I rarely have issues with my neck. Thanks for the feedback.

[Jajarunner]

I always have felt rough after all of mine....😱

[Kevin2331]

I had cardioversion in 2020, and what I remember was on the ride home, I was lightheaded-dizzy off and on. Was a 2.5 hour ride. After that no real lightheadedness that I noticed

[Afiblearner]

Update: I ended up calling 911 (I’m in the US) and was transported to ER. My oxygen levels were at 80 % and lungs filled with fluid. I’m now in Critical Care Unit where they have me on oxygen and lasik to drain fluids. CT with contrast and echo ekg found a previously existing mild mitral valve regurgitation now at severe level. Likely cause: flecinide which can cause heart failure ( news to me.) So now looking at open heart surgery to replace valve. Sigh. B/P back to normal, working on getting oxygen levels up without assist, obviously discontinued flecinide and metropolol. Back in NSR. But what a tale—

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to Afiblearner]

What a nightmare! Best of luck with your recovery.

[Afiblearner in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

Thanks so much.

[DawnTX]

I did not have problems with my first one but my second one which actually failed left me really hurting for about a week just like you described. My last procedure left me with a horrible headache, so yes things happen. I always get some type of soreness after an ablation at Cetera like an extreme ache in my chest.

[Softpaww]

no nausea or issues with Xarelto except for a few "girly" issues with spotting and then a HUGE event on April 3 this year....now, am OFF Xarelto at least for now. If you go on it and no insurance; buy through Canadian Pharmacies.... $160 for 3 months instead of about $700 for one.

[Elfiejean]

I have had no thyroid problems with amioderone . I am tested every 6 months. I have problems with chronic anemia. Had testing and no bleeding source was found. They decreased the xarelto to 15 mg daily. Testing could not pinpoint the bleeding site. I also tale 81mg of aspirin daily because I have 8 stents. Developed afib and also had a pacemaker inserted for bradycardia. I suppose you need an evaluation asap. Sometimes you gotta be a very squeaky wheel to impress them.