Hello

[MausenMumma]

Introducing myself, as I'll be looking through posts in the coming weeks...

I'm 61, recently diagnosed with AF, but reckon I've been suffering for about 2 years. Biosprolol, Apixaban and Digoxin.

Due to do the 'zaps' in 8-12 weeks.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Welcome to the Forum - I am sure the Members here will offer their advice and share their knowledge and experiences of Atrial Fibrillation, Have you visited the AF Association website? heartrhythmalliance.org/afa or alternatively, if you prefer a chat, contact our Patient Helpline: 01789 862 502 to speak to our Patient Services Team

[Hidden]

Hello MausenMumma, I would dearly love to be able to provide you with information which would give you comfort and help to appreciate that there is life after being diagnosed with AF. Unfortunately, by the time I’ve gone through the process of getting permission to do it, the moment will have passed.

Please follow the advice provided by admin and then ask us any questions which spring to mind

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi MausenMumma

I see that you have been a member here for a few years.

This may sound strange but I envy you having the zaps (cardioversion) in a few weeks. They always worked for me over many years, but then one year I needed two and after that last one I went back into AF soon after and it was decided that I wouldn't be offered any more, sob, sob. I had had lots by then so guessed I had to be fair and allow others waiting for the process to have a chance.

Do not fear the procedure, there is nothing to worry about.

You go to the hospital, sit around waiting for about an hour for your turn. You go in, get undressed and put on one of their gowns (you know the sexy split at the back ones, styled something like you'd wear in a workhouse). You lie on a bed and someone comes and puts a cannula in the back of your hand and you're wired up to a machine that's showing your heart rate. The team turn up all bright and happy (doc and some nurses). You have the GA injected into your cannula, are zapped and then wake up a few minutes later and for me I'm always back in normal sinus rhythm. The feeling of joy is like no other and gratitude to everyone involved sweeps over me - honestly I could kiss their feet!

At my hospital they want you to eat some toast and have a cup of tea before leaving, that's it! They tell you that you need to have someone with you for the next 24hrs and are told not to sign any documents during that time.

A word of warning though. Afterwards don't do anything to raise your heart rate for a week or so, no walking up hills, or lifting anything heavy. Allow your heart to gain strength beating at it's correct rate. I once made the mistake of walking up a hill the day after a cardioversion and my heart went straight back into AF. Oh, no alcohol for a while after either.

Best wishes

Jean

[MausenMumma in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you so much for your response and advice. It's so good to hear from people who 'know' about this. x