3rd and final chance of cardioversion

[Janelr]

Hi Im now at the anniversary of 4 years of persistent af, yesterday I was at a checkup and it’s been decided I’m going to have a cardio version think this will be the last go as last two didn’t work.

I’ve worked hard this time and lost 4 stone much more active , and now have a cpap machine which I didn’t have when I had last cvs. Also had my varapamil reduced to 120mg from 240mg and feel fine, my bp is perfect too.

I’m keeping everything crossed but I get the feeling at 52 it isn’t going to work and they were a bit reluctant as they’ve said longer your in it less chance it works. Sad because I so wanted an ablation that was my aim for losing weight.

My question is anyone on here who was long term persistent af but changed lifestyle then had a cv did it work?

ps last one was 3 year ago

[Hidden]

I’m not able to help directly with your question but can’t help but to admire the efforts you have made towards having a successful successful cardioversion. Very often patients in your situation are offered anti-arrhythmia drugs such as Flecainide or Amiodarone for a limited period before and after the procedure to help them maintain NSR, this might be something you could ask about.

Good luck, fingers crossed all goes well for you……

[Janelr in reply to Hidden]

Yes I’m going on that but I’ve deferred until after my holidays in couple of weeks simply because I want to enjoy the sun 😁

[Hidden in reply to Janelr]

Very wise…..enjoy!

[mav7 in reply to Janelr]

As flapjack states, it is very important to take antiarrythmic drugs with the cardioversion in effort to maintain NSR. At the young age of 52, you may be a candidate for other procedures including the minimaze. Best to You !

[Rainfern]

Hi Janeir, 52 is young, and treatments for AF are always moving forward. Make sure you take advice from someone with knowledge of all the latest treatments.

Whatever the outcome of the CV keep on with the healthy lifestyle because sometimes that’s even more important than wether our hearts are in perfect rhythm!

[Swimsyroke]

Hi JaneirGood luck with your cardioversion. I'm 77 and have been in persistent afib for 2 years. I have never been offered anything in my 15 year journey previously with occasional afib.

Was wondering what the verapamil is prescribed for and how you got on with it as I'm thinking of asking for an alternative to bisopropol.

[Janelr in reply to Swimsyroke]

I’ve been great on it to be fair the only downside is I have very bad swollen legs and ankles I take the diuretics to combat this however doesn’t make much of a difference. I take verapamil because I’m asthmatic.

[Soundmike]

Hi I've been about six years in permanent atrial fibrillation had four ablations and a hybrid convergent ablation ,basically now been left to just get on with it . Keeping fit and a healthy lifestyle does help,plus pacing yourself when your body is telling you too ,lots of help on the forum but everyone is different and you learn how to cope in your own way.

[bigking in reply to Soundmike]

Hi Mike...I have been offered the Convergent Hybrid ablation after two ablations (one put me in NSR for 4 years) and countless cardioversions that never worked. I am leaning towards having it, but I've kind of gotten used to all the medications and the high heart rate around 98 all the time. Don't have anywhere near same energy level as when NSR but I'm 70 so that has to be figured in. Please let me know your experience with Convergent Hybrid and results you had. Thank you.

[Soundmike in reply to bigking]

Hi,after my second ablation which was a success I was left on the dreaded amioderone for too long and after about two months was in A/F again . Had another two ablations which gave me about a year with normal rhythm . The cardiologist said that the hybrid convergent operation was the last thing they could do. The operation went well and I was home in two days ,plenty of rest and breathing exercises . As expected had several moments of irregular beats but after about two weeks felt pretty good . Four weeks after the operation didn't feel brilliant walking up stairs and did my pulse rate which was all over the place . Met up with a consultant who after having a holter monitor fitted confirmed I was back in A/F. Got the signing off letter saying that there was nothing more to be done and that is where I'm at today. Was it worth all the effort you may ask ,yes would be my answer especially as I got a holiday of a lifetime in to Canada when I was in normal rhythm .Will be interesting to see if I get any kind of follow up from my GP regarding medication, I'm still on bisoprolol ,digoxin and for life the apixiban . I suppose that would be too much to ask and as usual will have to do all the legwork . Regarding heart rate I've just got up to put my phone on charge and went really light headed which is normal and my rate is like yours around 100.

[bigking in reply to Soundmike]

Thanks for the reply Mike...The Cardio Thoracic Surgeon said she was also going to do a left atrial appendage clip that would eliminate the need for anti-coagulants. She would also take a look at the aneurysm I have to see if it needed fixed at the time. I'm leery of the whole thing after so many times with the EPs and Cardiologists. Did they ever complete the second part of the hybrid convergent or didn't they see a need for it?

[Soundmike in reply to bigking]

Hi again ,sorry I missed your first name ,yes I did have the second part of the procedure another ablation which also after three or four weeks I returned to A/F. Hope you get some answers soon, like a lot on this forum you've been through the mill.

[Janelr in reply to Soundmike]

Thanks soundmike absolutely right I do have off days and feel blurghhh and know probably next day I’ll be fine

[ozziebob]

Don't give up if you remain in persistent or permanent AF, as you could then look into the mini maze procedure.

Here's a recent video on YouTube by Dr Wolf (Houston USA) who invented one version of the procedure. l learned a lot from this video and so highly recommend it ...

youtube.com/live/i9PG4sUjkV...

Others on the Forum have had the procedure recently via the NHS, with particular mention to Dr Hunter in Sheffield.

And others again have been able to pay for the procedure privately in Tokyo (but still cheaper than USA), and in UK.

Good luck

[Jetcat]

you’ve done really well doing what you’ve done already and I’d be really proud of myself to be honest if I’d have done what you’ve done. You’ve worked hard to get where you are and it will still benefit you jane.

Best wishes.

Ron.👍x