Problems after cardioversion

[Jonhel]

I had a successful cardioversion three days ago and I am still in sinus rhythm with a heart rate of 48.

A year ago, I had breathing problems which were resolved quickly with digoxin. However, yesterday the breathing problems returned with my a tight chest, a choking sensation when walking and wheezing/crackles when lying down. I don’t know whether this is a result of the cardioversion or the hospital stopping my digoxin.

I also don’t know whether I should ring 111 or wait until Tuesday (after the bank holiday) when I can speak to staff on the cardio ward at hospital or contact my GP.

Any advice would be welcome, especially if you have had a similar experience x

[Jalia]

As .your cardioversion is so recent you should be able to speak to the cardiology department at the hospital that carried out the procedure. They are open 24/7! Do it today

[Jonhel in reply to Jalia]

I’ve phoned the cardiology department but a recorded message says that their opening hours are Monday to Friday (probably Tuesday with it being a bank holiday tomorrow). The message just says to ring 111 in an emergency.

[2learn in reply to Jalia]

Since when are docs available 24/7. They are usually all playing golf from 2pm Friday till 10 am Monday.

[Jalia in reply to 2learn]

Cardiology is open 24/7. Consultants not necessarily though. Whenever I've had a procedure, and I've had a few, I've always been given a number to phone for any problems 24/7

[BobD Volunteer]

Any shortness of breath or chest discomfort needs to be investigated. Contact the team at your hospital.

[Jonhel in reply to BobD]

I’ve phoned them but the department is closed according to the recorded message. I’ve left a message on the answer service but I don’t think it will be listened to until after the Bank Holiday x

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Jonhel]

if it get any worse ring 111.

[Jonhel in reply to BobD]

Will do x

[jeanjeannie50]

Dial the NHS 111 no. or go to your local A&E now. I would want this investigated.

Jean

[Jonhel in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you, Jean. I know that if I ring 111, they will say go to A&E. My experience of A&E (especially on a bank holiday weekend) is not great .

I feel a bit better now I’m up and about but I will definitely ring 111 if I get any worse x

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Jonhel]

Just go straight to A&E if it starts being bothersome again. The NHS number will say they'll call you back, that will take 1-2hrs and then they may say we'll get a doctor to call you ASAP another hour wait. I experienced this last Thursday with my sister who was having pain in the left hand corner of her chest and felt very ill. Don't tell me I should have dialled 999, I know I should have and I certainly will if it occurs again. I'm going to write about it as a post on here when I feel sane.

Jean

[Jonhel in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Will do. Everyone seems to have problems with 111 x

[Jalia in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hope your sister is OK Jean

J x

[Jalia in reply to Jonhel]

If you have heart problems and particularly do stress tight chest and breathing problems , you should be seen promptly at A&E. Don't 'play it down!'

[Jonhel in reply to Jalia]

Thank you. I’m breathing better than I was during the night. If I have problems with breathing and wheezing tonight, I will go to A&E tomorrow x

[Jalia in reply to Jonhel]

I'm not trying to make a diagnosis, not qualified to do so anyhow, but the symptoms you describe could be attributed to fluid in the lungs so make sure you do get proper advice sooner rather than later. . I had similar symptoms and diagnosis some years ago.

[Jonhel in reply to Jalia]

Yes, I was concerned about fluid in the lungs. I had exactly the same symptoms a year ago and digoxin sorted it. I have digoxin in the house but I was told to stop it because of the cardioversion.

My chest is feeling better at the moment but, if I have a repeat of last night when lying down, I will definitely take action tomorrow rather than waiting to speak to the cardio department when it reopens.

Either way, I am grateful for your kindness in responding x

[Franks-Nan in reply to Jonhel]

if you are feeling that crap tonight call an ambulance, just tell 999 what you have had done and how you are feeling, at least paramedics will do a ECG and listen to your chest. If they think you had better go in and get checked, then go.!

[Jonhel in reply to Franks-Nan]

That’s good advice and thank you for replying x

[Qualipop in reply to Jonhel]

Do you have an "Urgent Care" centre. Still a long wait but far better than A&E.

[JaneFinn]

How are you feeling, Jonhel? X

[Jonhel in reply to JaneFinn]

I’m feeling better this morning, Jane. I’ve had a good nights sleep with minimal wheezing so I think it will be ok to wait until tomorrow to speak to the cardiology department when it re opens.

I am very grateful for your kind concern x

[JaneFinn in reply to Jonhel]

Oh I’m so glad to hear that - you must be so relieved! I hope you get a helpful response when you contact them tomorrow. Definitely worth doing it, even if you’re feeling better tomorrow. Please do let us know what they say xx

[Jonhel in reply to JaneFinn]

Hi Jane. As promised, just a bit of an update. I was taken into A&E on Monday night with a crushing feeling in my chest, moving up to my jaw, and nausea. I have remained in sinus rhythm following the recent cardioversion but my heart rate is still persistently below 50. Blood tests for heart damage were ok though. I was advised to contact the cardio clinic the next day to discuss medication and my Bisoprlol has now been reduced to 7.5 (down from 12.5). Fingers crossed that this improves heart rate as I am still waking up with breathlessness and occasional crackles through the night and my general breathing and stamina is reduced from before the cardioversion. It is also confusing! To add to the mix, my ALT (liver function) was elevated to 158 and I’ve been advised to talk to the GP about this. I had this score about a year ago and was sent for a scan. All was ok (and I don’t drink alcohol) so I’ve no idea why it keeps coming up. Re reading this, I sound like a proper wimp and I’m not really. I’m seeing my GP on 16th September and I’m hoping that the reduced Bisoprlol helps soon x

[JaneFinn in reply to Jonhel]

Oh Jonhel, I’m sorry you’re having such a rotten time. You don’t sound at all like a wimp - far from it! And you stuck out some dreadful symptoms at home for ages when most of us would have been dialling 111 to get seen. I’m sorry you had the scare of the crushing chest pain, jaw, nausea etc- you must have been really scared by that. Such a relief they didn’t find heart damage, but it’s all very stressful and worrying when they can’t say what it actually is, or why you’re feeling so much worse after the cardioversion. Hopefully the reduction in Bisoprolol will help, that was a very high dose and I can imagine it was very debilitating. But it may not be the only fsctor? Personally I’d keep bothering the cardiology clinic or my cardiologist - even though it takes energy you probably don’t have.

Thanks so much for the update - please do keep letting us know how you are getting on and any answers too. Jx

[Jonhel in reply to JaneFinn]

Thank you, Jane, you are so very kind. If things don’t improve, I will follow your advice and ring the clinic again.

Your supportive worded mean a lot. Jackie x

[OzJames]

contact the hospital that did the CV.

FYI I’ve had a few CV and each time for a week or two my HR is lower. In my case it took time for it to get back after some easy flat walks in week 2.

[Jonhel in reply to OzJames]

Thank you for this reassuring reply. I had a better night last night with only a little wheezing. I will speak to the cardiology department when it opens tomorrow but I’m feeling much more positive today x

[Ducky2003]

Twice, I have had breathing issues (crackly chest) a couple of days after a cardioversion. Once was a chest infection and the second time was Covid. I wondered if the jolt upsets the lungs in someway or it could be complete coincidence. Hope you feel better soon.

[Jonhel in reply to Ducky2003]

Thank you. I think that your theory about the jolt makes sense, especially as the crackles improved yesterday and over night. Really appreciate your reply x

[Ducky2003 in reply to Jonhel]

No problem. First time, I was convinced it was something to do with the cardioversion as it didn't feel like any chest infection I'd had previously. The 2nd one with Covid, I had the crackles and wheezes that evening but then had more traditional chest infection symptoms 2 days later, which turned out to be Covid.

Glad you're feeling better.

[Jonhel in reply to Ducky2003]

Thank you. Will let you know how I get in when I speak to the cardio department tomorrow x

[Ducky2003]

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