Successful first cardioversion yesterday/ persistent a-fib with 100% burden & HF.

[Butterfly65]

To those who asked me to post my cardioversion results, they were able to put me back into NSR after just one zap yesterday morning. How long it lasts though is anyones guess but I can only hope, pray & rest.

I didn't wake up from the anaesthetic feeling amazing or different like some have reported feeling but I'm guessing that is to do with my ongoing symptoms of HF, plus we're all different aren't we.

Out of the 8 women having the procedure yesterday, two were unlucky & visibly upset after being informed they were unable to be reverted after being zapped 3 times, I felt upset for them.

They had 8 patients but only 6 beds in cardio investigations which meant the two youngest women, including myself, were first on the list to be zapped, which enabled our beds to be free as soon as we'd woken, had something to eat, drink & dressed, we were then told to sit & wait seated in comfortable chairs with plenty of water, coffee tea & biscuits to hand.

What I wasn't expecting though, was to see around ten female staff waiting in the lab for me & my bed to turn up, but I wasn't awake long enough for each of them to tell me their names & what their specific job was.

To those waiting for this procedure, there really is nothing to worry about, other than it not working, & just as long as you've taken your anticoagulants as directed, they won't give you the procedure if you've missed any because of the dangers of us having a stroke.

I'm resting on my sofa doing as little as possible for the next few days hoping to give my heart the time it might need to adjust, settle & calm.

If you live alone I think you'd be better off asking a family member, your friends or your neigbours to help you so that you can rest properly during the first few days. I was told to rest for up to a week & was told that those who over-do it during first week have much less chance of remaining in NSR, but we will see.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Butterfly65I'm pleased to hear that your Cardioversion was successful.I personally think it's important not to exert yourself in any way for as long as you can. In these early days it's so easy for your heart to slip back into it's irregular rate.

Wishing you a successful outcome.

Jean

[Ducky2003]

Sometimes I've had 2 Drs/nurse at the bedside and sometimes half a dozen. Last time there was 5 ....... 1 EP, 2 trainees, an anaesthetist (even though it was just sedation)and a theatre assistant.I've previously had a zap from a DCCV trained arrhythmia nurse too.

I think, immediately post Covid, they wanted minimal staff involved and one time, we patients were all in separate rooms and they wheeled the zapper trolley around the ward.

Rest up well as it has made a difference to me as to how long mine have kept me in NSR.

[ochinee]

Hope it lasts for you! I have persistent AFib and had 4 cardioversions, none lasting more than 5 days.

[Butterfly65 in reply to ochinee]

Thanks, we can only hope.

[Parya]

Thank you for posting this I have afib with hr and due to have cardioversion in a few weeks, your post has helped me a lot in preparation I am really grateful you took the time to post.

[Butterfly65 in reply to Parya]

Now you know there's nothing to be worried about - good luck.

[MyHlthRef in reply to Parya]

I went into AF in early Jun '24, and wasn't cardioverted until early Dec '24. Because of possible drug interactions, it was done without the benefit of amiodarone. Nonetheless, I've been in NSR since then (4 mths).

The procedure itself is "easy peasy, lemon squeezy," despite what some folks had suggested. You'll be asleep and won't feel or remember it. The only issue was some irritation/rash where the electrode pads were adhered.

Good luck.

[DawnTX]

I am so happy for you. Praying it stays. I wish you had I’m one of the ones that had it. The doctor thinks it was the cocktail they had given me before they put me under lol whatever it was I felt good the minute I opened my eyes. However, long you have it hopefully a long time enjoy every second. I was also one of those women you mentioned the second time they even had trouble getting back at all and yes, I cried because it had been arranged to put me on tikisyn and keep me in the hospital for at least five days to 24 seven in hopes it would keep me regular. None of that was able to be done obviously. Thankfully, I had my wonderful doctor padding my hand when I opened my eyes, telling me I wasn’t going anywhere. He’s got me. It wasn’t long afterwards I ended up getting my pacemaker, but as you definitely know from talking to me, we are all very different. You have had a lot of trials also I know. Take a deep breath and smile. You are normal today hopefully and get to keep it.

[Redactrice]

I second the advice to take it easy and recruit help if at all possible. I had help for the first night/morning but not after that, and I overdid it and was back in AF by the fourth day.

I was the only woman patient on the ward for cardioversion.