cardioversion

[DavidLyn]

Hi all. I am currently waiting for my first cardioversion. I was told by the cardiologist the wait was six weeks. It’s now seven weeks and heard nothing, so I chased the hospital yesterday but don’t think it got me anywhere. My concern is that I have two short breaks booked in the next two months that the hospital knows to avoid but I haven’t got a clue how I will feel after the procedure. How long do people take to feel ‘normal’ after a cardioversion? I will be driving for a good few hours for each break away and wonder how long should I wait after my cardioversion before driving long distances.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[BobD Volunteer]

You will not be allowed to drive for 48 hrs anyway. (GA).

If you are returned to NSR then keeping relaxed , well hydrated and avoiding too much effort for a week or so at least it a wise thing. If on the other hand your DCCV fails after a few hours or even next day then there is no need to worry and you can do what you like as it make no difference. Up to you how risk averse you are.

For the record most people feel fantastic back in NSR if it works. That's one of the tests . If so then other treatments such as ablation can be considered.

[DavidLyn in reply to BobD]

Thanks for your reply Bob

[Rainfern]

Good luck David, hope your appointment comes up soon. There’s nothing to worry about the procedure itself - I had so much reassurance from this forum and they were absolutely right. I felt great immediately after my CVs and even though they didn’t keep me in NSR for long it meant a go ahead for ablation which I’m very grateful for.

Last year I had to cancel a holiday then rebook it several days later due to appointment changes so know the feeling!

[DavidLyn in reply to Rainfern]

Thank you for your reply. It has stopped some of my concern.

[jeanjeannie50]

After a cardioversion I usually feel well right away. It's a most wonderful feeling, don't do anything strenuous for a few weeks afterwards and allow your heart to gain strength beating in it's correct rhythm. In the first week or so it's very easy for it to slip back into AF if you're not careful.

Jean

[DavidLyn in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you for your reply Jean. I’m looking forward to being back in NSR. Fingers crossed.

[mavart]

I had a cardioversion on Monday and was told not to drive for 24 hours. Yesterday I felt really tired and cold and the skin on my chest was itchy Today I feel much much better and hope to take a stroll later on

[Ducky2003]

As Jean said, if it works, you'll feel instantly better when you come round from sedation. I think I was told no driving for 24 hours, due to the sedation but to rest for a week at least before doing anything too strenuous. I'd try and speak to someone else to try and get a more definitive answer on a date and perhaps say you're open to a cancellation as well. 😊

[Jajarunner]

For me anywhere between a few days and a week depending how long I was in fast afib. Others feel great straight after so very variable.

[OzJames]

I’ve had a few over the last 2 years, you should as others have said rest first 48 hours. I’ve gone back to flat walks after that at an easy pace for 20-30 minutes. I went overseas after one CV about 10 days after. They may put you on low doses of something like Flecainide and a beta blocker for a month or so and this helps your heart settle back in. 2-3 weeks after I was back to normal doing normal exercise

[jdherg66]

The procedure is incredibly simple and easy. Because of the sedation hospital policy will not allow you to drive which I find ridiculous as you are back to feeling normal as soon as you come to . Good Luck !

[Peony4575 in reply to jdherg66]

Your insurance would not cover you if you drove and had an accident in that time frame

[jdherg66]

Thanks for the info ! I thought it was because of hospital liability .

[Snowgirl65]

It's unfortunate you have to wait so long, but in answer to your question as to how you'll feel after a CV, in my experience -- I've had two -- I felt wonderful after I woke from them. I went about my daily doings immediately after. Some here may have different experiences, but mine were extremely positive. Wishing you well, and you get one soon.

[Jacko68]

I have now had two Cardioversions, both procedures were very straight forward and as others have said, make you feel so much better. For my first one, I had this carried out on a Wednesday at Bristol Hospital, and on the Saturday was flying out to Greece for a family holiday. This was checked and agreed with the cardio team before the pre-op. With regards to wait times, I believe I waited approx 8 to 12 weeks for each procedure. Maybe that changes depending where in the country you are! Best of luck to you.

[Desanthony]

I always took things easy for a week after my cardioversions - no exertions, no alcohol, spicy meals or large meals. i just went for short strolls after a couple of days - no hills. I felt fantastic back in NSR and wanted to do everything all at once! Thankfully my wife stopped me!