Electric shock treatment

[Lynthebin]

I was diagnosed with AF Nov 2022 but have beeb pretty good since then with no further arrhythmia (as far as I am aware). Recently had echocardiogram and the technician thought everything looked fine. Now had letter saying I would be given an appointment for electric shock treatment to improve my energy level. If I'm not in A F why should I have this? I'd be grateful for anyone's advice or experience. TIA.

[BobD Volunteer]

By "electric shock treatment" do you mean a cardioversion (DCCV) . This uses pads either each side of your chest or front and back and delivers a direct current shock to the heart to restore (hopefully ) normal rhythm. It would not be offered if you were not in AF. When was the last time you had an ECG and what did that say? It may well be that you are asymptomatic as many are.

[Lynthebin in reply to BobD]

Letter didn’t state DVCV - simply said electric shock treatment to improve energy levels. Not had ECG since initial diagnosis but I haven’t felt any fluttering or other symptoms of AF. I take bisoprolol and apixiban daily.

[Hidden in reply to Lynthebin]

If you have online access to your GP records, you should find a letter from cardiogy. I imagine this will say you are booked for a DCCV (direct current cardioversion) for atrial fibrillation.

If successful, you are likely to feel some benefit for as long as sinus rhythm is maintained.

A large proportion of people with AFib will say they are asymptomatic, but report improvement after cardioversion either with electricity or rhythm control medication.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Lynthebin]

Sounds like a very confusing letter to me. Best get some clarity on what they are talking about. Years ago they used to give electric shock treatment to people with mental health issues and we know where that went!

[mjames1 in reply to BobD]

BobD: Years ago they used to give electric shock treatment to people with mental health issues and we know where that went!

---You've been watching too many movies, and not doing enough research.

Jim

From the Cleveland clinic website 2022.

ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy) often has a negative connotation because of how it's been shown in movies, television shows and other media. These portrayals of ECT are usually inaccurate about how this procedure happens, whether or not it's painful or frightening and whether or not it's effective. These portrayals are not true-to-life, and they don’t show how healthcare providers do this procedure safely and humanely.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to mjames1]

LOL 😁

[pusillanimous in reply to BobD]

My mother in law was given Shock treatment for depression iin a Nursing home in Scotlnad. It was not successful, but she was an inpatient and it was administered regularly.

[kkatz in reply to mjames1]

Ect really very unpleasant and frightening for patients including wetting oneself .My mother had many!

[Jajarunner in reply to mjames1]

I believe it is still used, but sparingly and more humanely. It can apparently work miracles on some mental disorders. Xx

[Tapanac in reply to mjames1]

Actually James, my aunt suffered from nervous breakdowns and she was given many electric shock treatments. They didn't do her any good, in fact they made her slow and not herself

All the best

[Qualipop in reply to mjames1]

ECT is still being used in extreme cases. I had a breakdown some 50 years ago and was given ECT, really without any understanding as I was so ill. I still have absolutely no memory of that period except that after two I refused to have any more.

[2learn in reply to mjames1]

and how many did they leave brain dead.

[mjames1 in reply to 2learn]

2Learn: and how many did they leave brain dead.

If you have a reputable source to that point, please post a citation. If not, I will just assume this is an uninformed opinion.

Jim

[2learn in reply to mjames1]

I thought you might know but was surprised you accept what the users of a dubious equipment say to excuse themselves. Must medics will lie to save their own practices/skins and if you want proof of that just read the news everyday.

[Popepaul in reply to BobD]

They still perform electro convulsive therapy here in the UK. It can be particularly helpful in the treatment of severe/treatment resistant depression. For some it can literally be a life saver.

[RockingRoxy in reply to BobD]

I do not think it’s helpful to compare two completely different treatments for two completely different conditions.

[Tapanac in reply to BobD]

Yes you're right Bob, my aunt suffered from nervous breakdowns and she was given many electric shock treatments. They didn't do her any good, in fact they made her slow and not herself

All the best

[mjames1]

Excellent question. Before going to the appointment, I would contact the office to find out exactly what is the medical name of the procedure they are proposing and what condition of yours requires it.

Jim

[Cortis]

Hello, My advice would be if its not broken dont mend it. I had similar treatment and it left me with tingling feet for months afterwards. The doctor concerned was uncommital, but I believe the shock treatment damaged nerves. (Just my opinion.)

[Blearyeyed]

Definitely get some more details. The only version of electric shock treatment I have heard of or can see in research is Cardioversion, but I don't understand why it wouldn't have been called that in your letter.As you say , if you aren't in AF and things are going well I don't understand why Cardioversion would be offered to you at the moment.

No idea how or why they would think it would improve your Energy levels either. Is your surgery a Holistic Unit?

Even if it is Cardioversion and they are offering it now you can make a choice not to have it at this time if you don't feel it is something you require or want at the moment.

Just explain that as you are symptom free currently and you last check up was fine that you'd prefer to leave using Cardioversion until a time it would be necessary and get some advice on other Self Care Wats to improve your Energy levels instead.

Please let us know what they were offering when you get some answers , take care , Bee

[Lynthebin in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks - my thoughts exactly. When I get more info from cardiac ward I’ll make my decision.

[FanOfPatterns]

I agree you need better information as others have stated.

My only symptom was being tired, I thought it might be Long Covid. Instead I was diagnosed with AFib. I got a fitbit and it told me I was having AFib frequently every night. Fitbit and other home / non medical grade PPG devices I have investigated seem to only alert about AFib at night when there are low noise levels.

After a failed CardioVersion, I was given drugs for my AFib, my Fitbit and ECGs showed no AFib, so I have decreased some of the doses with Drs agreement.

Pity I am still getting tired easily.

I also got a Kadia Mobile 6L device. to check my heart using ECGs. This is much harder to use than I hoped.

beat wishes