Cardioversion

[dindy]

Hi. Just been told I got an appointment for cardioversion in July. I have read the posts about procedure etc . Just wondering roughly the total time it will take.They say about 30 mins for procedure but last time I had an anaesthetic for a endoscopy it was around 2 hours b4 I could be collected by someone.

Some sites say best part of a day yet others say if problems then a stay overnight.

I am thinking perhaps 3 -4 hours from the time you book in to time you can go home if all is well. Docror told me to cut down or cut out if possible drinks with caffeine. I told her I have about 3 cups of decaf coffe and about 4 cups of normal T a day.

She herself said decaf T is not nice but I have not tried it. What other warm drinks are there I can have that does not taste like medicine which may help my AF,worth a try. Thank you.

[jeanjeannie50]

I've had several cardioversions and every one has been successful in getting my heart back into normal rhythm. A cannula is placed in the back of your hand and a general anaesthetic injected into it, this is the time I always think to myself it may not knock me out. Next thing I'm being woken by a nurse who tells me it only took one shock to get me back. You've possibly only been out for 5-10 minutes I feel wonderful, heart is beating nicely and I'm full of gratitude to those who did the procedure, honestly I would kiss their feet if they wanted me too.

Be warned, don't do anything that requires exertion for a week or so. I once walked up a very steep hill the next day and my heart went back into AF immediately. Allow the muscles of your heart to grow strong beating correctly. I'd also suggest no big meals or alcohol for a while.

There is generally a lot of sitting around waiting, before you have the procedure. Also at my hospital they like you to have a cup of tea and some toast before leaving. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the next 24hrs.

Overall I'd say about 2-3 hrs at hospital in total.

Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Jean

[dindy in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you for the advice about no exercise for a week or 2. I generally go for brisk 1-2 mile walk 3 times a week and 20 mins a day on exercise bike so a total of around 3 miles.

I will knock this on the head for at least 2 weks as no big deal. I do not drink alcohol and generally a small eater but I will also monitor that as well. I did read that cardioversion works for some people and other snot so luck of the draw or as you pointed out give heart muscles time to rebuild. Thank you.

[Ann162356 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi haveing a Cardioversion next week am Terrified please can you tell me did you know anything about it thank you Ann

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Ann162356]

No they knock you out, you know absolutely nothing about it. You will realise after you've had yours done that there was nothing to worry about. They've always put me back into normal rhythm. To be honest I loved having them.

Dont try to do anything that requires effort for the first few weeks and allow your heart to gain strength beating in it's correct rhythm. I once walked up a hill the day after one and my heart immediately went back into AF. No alcohol for a while either.

Jean

[Retirement65]

Hi dindy if I was you I would try the decaf t bags Yorkshire are good took a week to get used to decaf but I wouldn’t bother with ordinary t bags now I don’t have AF but have had palpitations off and on since I had my first baby nearly 40 years ago but I definitely think they have made a difference a friend of mine said she has felt better also since going on decaf tea- I’ve had one ablation but that was many years ago so don’t think I would be much use with any advice Jeanjeanie has given you excellent advice hope all goes well for you 😊

[dindy in reply to Retirement65]

I was going over 1st to Co-op and then Morrisons to see what they have on the shelf. I will look and buy some yorkshire decaf and see how it goes. I know it can take a while for palate to adjust so I must give it time. Thank you

[RufusScamp]

Have you tried fruit teas? I've just finished a nice raspberry one. Hot and wet, and quite pleasant.

[alheart]

I had AF after my AVR and double by-passCut coffee and "normal* tea out all together and what a difference!

I now drink herbal and special teas

Mint or cinnamon and honey, rosehip and apple!

I would prepare a bag and a possible night in

Better being prepared and not need it

[Bonnie58]

Yorkshire decaff tea is fab!

[Foxey2]

Another thumbs up for Yorkshire T decaf 👍

[spinningjenny]

We have Tetleys decaf tea. It’s perfectly alright.

One thing I have ready for a cardioversion is a tube of aloe vera gel for any possible sore skin after the procedure.

[Sheamah]

I had a cardio version and it only took 30mins. However sometimes if they monitor you and find an little issue they just keep you a little longer. I’ve had a cardio ablation and that was about 4/5 hours.

[DigandDelver]

After a recent, first occurrence of AF, I'm down for a cardioversion, and hope it proves the solution, so thanks for the encouraging comments about how it can set one to rights......It's going to be a major blow, giving up regular Tea, I'm so fond of Earl Grey, once in the morning, afternoon and evening. But if that's the way to get my mojo back........ 0

[Driver11]

Hi I had cardioversion last year following Afib and CA in 2018. Went into Harefield mid morning and went through all the pre op tests etc, then you wait. I was a bit late going down for my procedure but was released about 6pm. Not told anything about coffee etcThe procedure doesn't take long and in fact I woke up still in the theatre. You'll probably be a bit sore where the paddles go but it wears off after a couple of days - good luck

[dindy]

Hi All. Thanks for your support. So far I have tried Yorkshire Decaf,Lovely and decaf green T which again is ok. Not as yet tried any fruity teas. It does seem that 3-5 hours from booking in to me going home seems to be the norm. My wife was going with me by taxi and just wait around but since it is going to be several hours I will go on my own and hopefully they will phone her when I am ready to be picked up so she can get taxi.