Symptoms post cardioversion

[NuclearWar]

I had my first ever electrical cardioversion 2 days ago for an atrial flutter. All appeared to go well and my heart rate has been perfect since.

However, I am finding myself in some discomfort when taking deep breaths since. I also have a feeling around my ribcage that I can only compare to the feeling when I have eaten too much (despite eating very little). When sat or lying down all is fine but these symptoms appear when walking. Is this something that anyone else has experienced? If so, how long did it take to return to normal? Is it possible that I just have a bruised chest / ribcage from the shock?

[sallen343]

I had cardioversion sometime ago. 3 shocks, 180 Joules, 360 Joules and same again. ( A Joule is 1 Watt of electrical power applied for 1 second) Finally it worked, but I was the only one that pm. of the 4 who undertook the procedure to succeed. I was left with burn marks front and back like an iron had been placed on me. Sure it hurt for a while, but so does hitting your thumb with a hammer. 3 months later, I had a pacemaker fitted. That hurt too. I use Yoga deep breathing during painful procedures and try to think positive; I look at a photo of my beautiful 7 year old grand daughter and will suffer any pain to see her grow up. Also 25 years of playing rugby did get me used to pain, though that was a long time ago.

Physical exercise takes your mind off pain, however mild, best done in company. I still go to the Cardiac Rehabilitation sessions at my local gym twice a week, though I'm wrecked afterwards.