electric shock waiting

[Iainzzz]

just had ecg for 3 days and came back in perminant af. Totally exhausted and breathless on 15 mg of Bisoprolol and 2.5 digoxin. Now waiting for the cardio shock treatment. Hopefully it is soon as I don’t think my body can take any more of this.

[RF260]

That's a large old dose of bisoprolol so combined with AF not surprised you are knackered..I was on 2.5mg when in 24/7 AF and that was pretty tiring. In terms of the cardioversion my appointment took 2 months, however whilst waiting I was offered and (somewhat reluctantly accepted) Amiodarone to help the chances of the cardioversion holding. That had me back in rhythm within 10 days so the shock wasn't necessary, I'm still on it and been in normal rhythm for 2 months now but I will need to get off it asap incase of side effects ... Another thought if waiting list is long and you are desperate (and can afford it) is that a private Cardioversion is I think around £2k. Good luck in getting out of AF and off or much reduced bisoprolol.

[PurpleGirl05]

That sounds tough... best of luck to you!

[jeanjeannie50]

Goodness that's a high dose of Bisoprolol, are you sure it's not 1.5mg. If it really is 15mg I can only say that your heart rate must have been really high. Or maybe you're a big person? Are you able to measure your heart rate and see what it's like now. If you are feeling really awful I would go and see your GP tomorrow.

The shock to the heart (cardioversion) is nothing to worry about and it's all over in a few minutes. You will be sedated and know nothing about it at all. I've had numerous ones and used to love having them. I'd go in feeling ill and they never failed to put me back into normal rhythm and I'd feel well again..

Let us know if we can help you any more, a heart out of rhythm will make you feel drained.

Jean

[Rainfern]

Good luck with the Cardioversion. Having had persistent AF that was quite symptomatic, you have my sympathies. I had a blissful week following cardioversion- entirely AF free and back to my old self. As Jean says, it’s a simple and painless procedure. It’s worth thinking about how you’re adapting to the AF condition though. If, like it did for me, the AF returns quite fast you’ll still have to wait for an ablation. How will you make the best of your life given the breathlessness and exhaustion in the meantime? I realised that I was either going to live with regret, feeling sorry for myself, or I was going to continue on a more positive learning curve. I found moderating physical activity and daily meditation, breathing practice and relaxation worked for me. And seeing my daughter with severe MS yet remaining upbeat and sharp witted put things in proportion. We all find our own way. Having said this I had plenty times when I felt a wreck before my ablation. You kind of grieve for your old healthy self. So take it easy and keep positive about your treatment journey ahead.

[AAW2024 in reply to Rainfern]

Ahh..sorry to hear your trials while reading these threads. I don't know much about my Af..just diagnosed last July after a fall and wrist break "set me off". I think it was brewing before though nothing like it is now. I'm on the usual medication for it. My brother had MS for 35 years.. its a hard one to deal with and watch. You must be a tower of strength for your daughter.

I agree about the grieving for your former self/life. That expresses how I feel in these early days of ill health.

We will all get to a level of acceptance and Thank-you for your positivity.

[Rainfern in reply to AAW2024]

I’m sorry to hear about your brother. My sister had MS too - for about the same number of years. Yes it is hard to deal with and watch, but oh, those moments of fun and connection!

Have you thought of seeing an electrophysiologist (EP) privately? It’s a good way to have a lot of questions answered and for me it gave a lot of reassurance. I went to a talk my EP gave on all the latest treatments and thinking on AF and spoke with him afterwards. My GP, lovely guy, was still of the mindset that I could just live with it. And my appointment with the EP made me determined I wasn’t going to! After 2 cardioversions that only lasted a week or two I had a cardio ablation (same EP on NHS) and have been in NSR since!

Remember there are hundreds of successful ablations carried out every day. And sometimes a CV will keep you in NSR longer than mine did! I’m still on the forum because it was a major source of support to me throughout the trials, but I no longer have AF.

[AAW2024 in reply to Rainfern]

I have seen people writing about EP...bit didn't know what it was!All good advice which I will sit and digest!

Great that you're free of this awful condition! Well done!!!

[Decrepit]

yes I was on Digoxin for 12months when the AF suddenly became much worse as did my symptoms including the breathlessness , swelling in my feet and legs and as a result fatigue. My Gp hanged my medication to Tidiem twice a day and Butemide daily after initially taking two in the morning.

Have been much better since then. I am really elderly and cardio version has not been suggested for me.

AF is very debilitating, and I have learned to listen to my body and give myself a break when the symptoms are more problematic. I am very old now so Ido have the luxury to rest, which may be more difficult for you. Hope this helps.

[Gunn61]

My condolences. I had a number of episodes of AF at the end of last year that were progressively more frequent and lengthy, and was miserable. I moved from Bisoprolol to Sotolol and eventually Amiodarone as drug treatment, but when I continued to experience AF I had a couple of successful electical conversions. However, when the last attempt failed I was fast tracked for an ablation.

Since the abalation 3 weeks ago I have not had any symptomatic AF episodes. I am still on Amiodarone to help stabilize my rythym but hope to wean off that soon.

I hope my apparent success is of some help in determining a protocol that works for you.

[jeanjeannie50]

Are you ok Iain? I notice you have not answered one reply to your post. Please let us know. Jean