Cardioversion

[Maggi79]

Hi my cardiologist has referred me for a cardioversion..any input advice etcFrom what I've read not always successful

[pottypete1]

I have had a number of Cardioversions which in every case returned me to Normal Sinus Rhythm. Most times I was OK for some time and I was very grateful for the relief it gave me.

Yet my long term improvement has come from ablation.

We are all different however.

Pete

[BenHall1]

Hi,

From what I’ve read on this forum over some 14 years that viewpoint is widely upheld. Not necessarily correct but it does represent many peeps experience. It’s just the length of time that varies.

I was up for one but my heart returned itself to NSR of its own accord. After that I elected to go the medication route.

John

[RF260]

Hi, I've no experience of cardioversion to call on but hoping that I too will be offered one when I see cardiology mid December. I've recently had 24 hour holter monitor and echocardiogram so will discuss those at that appointment. Diagnosed with AFib in September, seems to be 24/7 , worst symptom by far for me is fatigue, absolutely wiped out. There is lots of chat about cardioversion on this forum and yes if successful the period of time before the dreaded AFib returns seems to vary from days to years so let's hope for you (and I if offered) is years, many say that they feel so much better post the cardioversion..good luck 🤞🤞

[Fannyphasbees in reply to RF260]

I was diagnosed on March 8th and hope to have cardio version on 26/11 . That seems to be waiting time in Scotland. (If my INR is ok today and Monday or it will be put back again). Anxious to get it done and hopefull it will be a success . Good luck with yours.

[Mugsy15 in reply to Fannyphasbees]

Keep us informed as to how it goes please!

[Fannyphasbees in reply to Mugsy15]

INR today was 2.32 so looks like it’s on for Tuesday for DC cardio version! Can’t wait. 😛

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi MaggiI've had quite a few cardioversions and they've always returned me to normal sinus rhythm, they've lasted from days to years. I believe the secret is to not do anything strenuous for a week or two afterwards to allow your heart to gain strength beating in it's correct rhythm. I once walked up a steep hill the day after having one and immediately went back into AF.So please take it easy for as long as you can afterwards. Also avoid alcohol, overeating and artificial sweeteners.

A cardioversion is a very brief procedure done while you're under sedation, so you will know nothing about it. I know it may sound strange but I used to love having them.

Let us know how you get on please.

Jean

[Snowgirl65 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I agree with you Jeanne, that it's a brief procedure and I liked having mine too. It was instant relief.

[bluepuddy1 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hello jeanjeannie,

I’ve jumped on the bandwagon here, but just to say that your record of your experience is extremely informative. I have been offered a cardioversion and will be recording your comments. Thank you.

[Moonriver in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I enjoyed mine too. I had one yesterday but although it put me in sinus, it went back into AF this morning. So disappointed.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Moonriver]

Oh how disappointing. You did go home and rest didn't you and not do anything that required effort? No large meals or alcohol?

I once walked up a hill the day after a cardioversion and went straight back into AF. You could try the Valsalva movement to see if that takes it back into normal sinus rhythm. Google it.

Jean

[Moonriver in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Got a taxi home, had shopping delivery, they carried bags, I put in fridge. I just went to bed, no alcohol. Had small snack. I had been in AF for 12 days before CV. So not long just a couple of blips before that but always reverted spontaneously. I thought I would do the same this time. Maybe family stresses didn’t help. Had been in sinus for 18 months since second ablation. May I try another CV ?

[BobD Volunteer]

Simple procedure . Canula in arm, in goes the fairy juice and while you are away with them your heart jumps back to normal rhythm. I look on cardioversion as a test rather than anything else. If it works then it signposts that you can atain NSR which opens the possibilty to other treatments such as ablation.

[Maggi79]

Thank you all for your advice..I was weighing up whether to go or not ...but my afib seems relentless atm ..especially at night ..really restricting me and tbh a bit worried

[Jalia in reply to Maggi79]

I've had a large number of cardioversions in my 32 year AF history. All have been successful and have lasted anything from months to years. All gave great relief from a persistent high heart rate which was refractory to drug treatment.

Mine were all 'emergency' so I didn't have time to ponder and worry.....at least not too much!

Nothing to it, although it does sound a bit drastic to a first timer. You should feel so much better afterwards.

[Paulbounce in reply to Jalia]

Hi Jalia.

I had one 'emergency' CV. I was admitted to A&E with a high heart rate due to Afib. They gave me a CV on the spot. I wasn't given a full anesthetic but some 'heron from the street' to knock me out. The doctor who did the CV told me that - he was great and had me in fits of laughter. He had a real sense of humor and was making wise-cracks all the time. Spot on guy.

No time for worry as I was discharged the same day in sinus.

Paul

[Jalia in reply to Paulbounce]

Hi Paul. Yes, latterly I've been given Propofol/ Midazolam/Fentanyl or combination thereof! All very effective! If it's a theatre job it's much more of a palaver with anaesthetist involved.

[Paulbounce in reply to Jalia]

Hi Jalia.

Midazolam is quite effective - so I understand. I tend to agree when anaesthetic is involved you feel very drowsy for the rest of the day.

I remember once I had an appointment with my cardio. He said would book me in for a CV (there is of course a waiting list). I said I've just come through A&E and it's empty - let's do it now under sedation, I'll be back in an hour in sinus. It saves messing about and someone else can my slot for the CV (they only have 12 people per session at Stoke). He refused and said I might not be totally sedated and feel it. I said no worries but he wouldn't give in.

Enjoy your weekend.

Paul

[Maggi79 in reply to Paulbounce]

Hi Paul ..is it stoke Mandeville hospital?? I'm under watford but not finding not very good ..my GPis suggesting stoke Mandeville

[Paulbounce in reply to Maggi79]

Hi Maggi.

No, it's the Stoke Royal (Stoke on Trent). I would go with your GPs suggestion of the Stoke Mandeville.

Good luck.

Paul

[Maggi79 in reply to Paulbounce]

I will do paul ..thank you

[BobDRedfish in reply to Maggi79]

As has been said before, it is different for everyone. My AF wiped me out completely, couldn't really do a great deal and spent most of my time napping in a chair. Post cardioversion was like an instant fix, as if I'd never had a problem at all, life back to normal (the guy's in the bed opposite me didn't take at all, so those are the two extremes, I guess)

That was a little over 7 years ago and still going strong.

The procedure is really very simple and, as far as you are concerned, consists of one of the best sleeps you've ever had 🙂

Good luck.

[Exfat]

I had one a few months ago it lasted for 6 1/2 days. I was in sinus rhythm for that period felt fantastic even to have six days break from AF is worth it. You never know it might be permanent if you have the treatment

[Paulbounce]

Hi Maggi.

There's no need to worry about having a CV. There's nothing to it judging by the CV's I've had. One kept me sinus for two years. Even if you only stay in sinus for a few minutes it shows other treatments may work (ablation anyone).

Go for it - painless and you get a nice cup of tea and a biscuit afterwards. Take Jean's advice and don't do anything too physical for a few weeks.

Paul

[Jamse]

Cardioversion is fun . its a couple of hours at the day clinic while the nurse works through the list . my last cardioversion took me from ,,I cant walk for a bus without a rest to oh ive only swum for 2 hours today and a step count of 10000 + per day

[Gincalpe]

It is a quick procedure and pain free. Definitely worth it.

[kkatz]

As Bob said it works as a test.Mine only lasted 9 days but when I was chasing an ablation they asked did I feel better in NSR.So much I replied ,I felt brilliant.

I had to push for an ablation as they only gave me 50% of it working.Also age & comorbidities.

21 months now in NSR.

Cardioversion is not a bad experience really.

[Ducky2003]

I had my 9th last Wednesday. Mine have lasted between 4 days and 2 years, the longer stints with the aid of Amiodarone. Just make sure you have some Savlon at home as you do get little burns from the pads and they itch like crazy for a couple of days. I would factor in a week off from work, if possible but certainly from anything strenuous. You dint want to undo any good work.

Sadly, I've not felt the benefit of mine this time, even though I'm back in NSR, as I seem to have some sort of bug and feel blah. 😫.

Good luck.

[Mugsy15]

Some people experience superficial burns, many don't, including me.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Mugsy15]

Depends a lot on how many joules and how many zaps also any moisture on your skin can cause burns. Nothing is without risk.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Mugsy15]

I've never had any burns either and I've had lots of cardioversions

[vajrahara]

Hi Maggi79

I very much agree with Pete (not at all Potty) and would heartily encourage you to take Jean’s very good advice. I had a Cardioversion in 2022 after six months of permanent AF including being on 12.5 mg of Bisoprolol which was awful as they struggled for months to get my HR down. I went into NSR after only the first Cardioversion shock and remained in it up until my massive cancer operation this year, so exactly two years of NSR on one cardioversion shock. I remained on bisoprolol and apixaban for this period. I, like Jean, took it easy immediately after the Cardioversion and I remember feeling the moment when my heart felt “confidant” in it’s corrected rhythm after which I was off on walks, the gym and yoga. My cancer op sent me back into permanent AF and I am on the list for my second Cardioversion. We are all different and I appreciate that this doesn’t work for everyone but I have complete confidence in them. I went home within 30 minutes of the procedure. Best wishes for success with yours will look out for your post procedure comments.

[Maggi79]

Thank you all so much ..what a fantastic group

[RVine3]

No guarantee how long it will last. Mine has lasted nearly two years now and it's been great to be in NSR during this time. Was worth it for me.

[Mugsy15]

The main thing to tell you, Maggi, is that Cardioversion is a breeze and nothing to worry about at all.

Go gently to sleep and wake up a few minutes later either in sinus rhythm or not, depending on the success of the procedure.

Hang around briefly for observation then go home.

That's it!

I'd have it done again any time without hesitation.

[2learn]

Hi, I've had 3 cardioversions each one lasted over 12 months and going back into AF may have been a result of my life style, eg drinking too much. Things to bear in mind for the cardioversion are check about your medication, do you need to stop anything or take anything extra, have someone to drive you home and take it easy for a week or so. Good luck.