CARDIOVERSION

[Dizzylady305]

Hi Guys,

I'm due a cardioversion this week and I'm getting a bit nervous about it. Can any oy you lovely people advise please i.e. is it painful, how long does it take and does it take a while to get over. Any info would be appreciated.

TIA

[Lezzers]

Hi, my husband had to have an emergency cardioversion just recently. They'll sedate you so you won't know a thing about it & they'll immediately bring you round once it's done. You'll have no recollection of it & you'll have no pain at all. I'm not sure about recovery as my husband stayed in the hospital for other health issues but I think you just rest for a time & then you can go home. Not sure about driving afterward though, that should be on your appt letter. I hope that puts your mind at rest

[Dizzylady305 in reply to Lezzers]

Thanks I've been getting stressed but that puts my mind at rest

[Anon2023]

hi. I had a cardioversion last February. I was under general anaesthetic so I didn’t feel a thing. I had a bit of sunburn type irritation on my chest afterwards but it goes away after a few days, just use moisturiser. I went home the next morning as it was done at 8pm as an emergency. I’ve stayed in sinus rhythm since the cardioversion, so it worked well for me. Good luck.

[Dizzylady305 in reply to Anon2023]

Thanks for that

[Douglas91]

from what I understand. You will be sedated so you shouldn’t feel very much. You will get a bit of a bolt when they give you the shock but it last milliseconds and it’s all over. Don’t worry the medics do this procedure many times a day and know what they’re doing they will know you are anxious and will keep any discomfort to a minimum. Good luck you will be fine I’m sure

[Dizzylady305 in reply to Douglas91]

Very kind thanks

[jeanjeannie50]

I've had quite a few and can assure you there's nothing to a cardioversion and the following is what I've experienced.

You go to the hospital, sit around waiting for about an hour for your turn. You go in, get undressed and put on one of their gowns. You lie on a bed and someone comes and puts a cannula in the back of your hand and you're wired up to a machine that's showing your heart rate. The team turn up all bright and happy (doc and some nurses). You have the GA injected into your cannula, are zapped and then wake up a few minutes later and for me I'm always back in normal sinus rhythm. The feeling of joy is like no other and gratitude to everyone involved sweeps over me - honestly I could kiss their feet!

At my hospital they want you to eat some toast and have a cup of tea before leaving, that's it! They tell you that you need to have someone with you for the next 24hrs and are told not to sign any documents during that time.

A word of warning though. Afterwards don't do anything to raise your heart rate for a week or so, no walking up hills, or lifting anything heavy. Allow your heart to gain strength beating at it's correct rate. I once made the mistake of walking up a hill the day after a cardioversion and my heart went straight back into AF. Oh, no alcohol for a while after either.

Best wishes

Jean

[Dizzylady305 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you that makes me feel better

[Shar28]

Hi, My husband had one after his OHS to replace his aortic valve so he was in hospital anyway. The worst part…worrying about it beforehand. He was sedated for the procedure and didn't even realise they’d done it when he came round. Its normal to feel as you do, the hospital staff are used to patients feeling this way and will look after you.

Best wishes to you and your loved ones.

[Dizzylady305 in reply to Shar28]

Thank you x