Anyone ever had a cardioversion...

[loisg1]

Thursday at noon I'll be having a cardioversion due to Afib. The doc has tried adjusting my meds but it hasn't stopped. This also causes my heart rate to be around 100 bpm when it is usually 45-50 bpm. Because of medical issues already present this is not a good situation for me to be in.

So if you are so inclined, I'd appreciate any positive thoughts or prayers. I've already had one 1.5 years ago.

Forgot to ask my cardio but any medical professionals out there... is there any negative affects from having the cardioversion done mutiple times bearing in mind that I cannot go on as I am.

Thanks,
Lois

 

[4greatboys]

I have not but my grandfather and uncle had them. My prayers are with you that you convert back to a normal rhythm. I know the A fib is scary enough without all the stuff that goes along with it.

 

[Doc and Family]

loisg1,

I have never had a cardioversion, but have performed hundreds.(cardiologist)
It is relatively safe, as you know.
As far as multiple attempts, that is not a problem--but, statistics show that the more cardioversions required, the less likely to stay in sinus rhythm.
That notwithstanding, there is nothing to say you won't stay in sinus rhythm after this one.

Are you taking any anti-arrhythmics now? Studies show that people started on anti-arryhthmics before cardioversion have a higher likelihood of staying in sinus rhythm.

Good Luck!

 

[loisg1]

Thanks for your good wishes.

Doc and family, I took inderal for 28 years as I was started on it after my first AVR in 1974. Then 1.5 years ago when I went into my first major episode of Afib and almost passed out, they admitted me and tried to chemically convert me which did not work. After 2.5 days of that the cardioversion was done successfully and I was put on betapace. I still slip once and awhile but usually convert back spontaneously. This episode has been going on for nine days and in the beginning I was symptomatic with dizziness, sweating, nausea plus the rapid bpm.

Thanks again,
Lois

 

[nativetxn]

Mother had a cardioversion. I didn't notice that she had any bad side effects afterward.

I hope this works to get your heart rate back to normal. I will keep you in my prayers. {{{HUGS}}} sweetie.

Katholyn

 

[mom2grace]

Do you have a "diagnosis" of the cause of your fib?

I had condition called supraventricular tachycardia, an irregular and very fast (220 bpm) heart beat in the atrial valves.

In 2000, I had it repaired in a catheter procedure that is very safe, I was consciously sedated, not under.

Maybe this could be an option for you.

Good luck!!

 

[loisg1]

Thanks for your good thoughts Katholyn.

mom2grace,
Supraventricular tachycardia is what they have called this as well. The only reason my bpm are not that fast is because of the meds I already take that keep it normally between 45-50 bpm because of my artificial aortic valve. Because of the AV, the procedure of choice for me is to hope the cardioversion keeps it under control with the help of the meds so an invasive procedure like you had would not be necessary. Thanks for your positive thoughts, mom2grace.

I am also very aware of this because my AV clicks because it is not 'natural'. When the bpm are normal it's a reassuring sound, but right now, it's very unnerving!

Lois

 

[floridafam]

My Dad had one.

I was a little scared about the whole process.

He came through it just fine.

The only complication was having to make sure his Coumadin levels were "just right" before the procedure. I believe he had to reschedule once or twice.

Good luck.

 

[JC2]

Lois, has your doctor spoken with you about Tykosin? It's a medication that seems to work really well with A Fib.
Have you tried cardizem?

I hope all goes well with the cardioversion. I have sent patients for them, and they usually clear the A fib right up. I realize you said you've had this done before. Hopefully this time will fix it for good.

 

[loisg1]

floridafam-

Thanks for your good wishes. You made me realize what I'd forgotten after my doctor's appt. yesterday... get my INR checked. It was three two weeks ago but then with the adjustment of the betapace and elimination of some other stuff. I'm not comfortable driving right now either.

JC2-

The cardio has mentioned several meds, none of which he felt were drugs of choice in my case due to age. He felt the risk of long term side effects ruled them out. Due to Marfan syndrome that I have (connective tissue disorder), I also see a cardio at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. He consulted with him as well and they both agreed that this was the best course of action for now. The first cardioversion held for 1.5 years but now with the additional dosage of betapace - 160 mg bid - the hope is that it will hold longer. Thanks for your prayers as well.

Lois

 

[Blondie]

My father had to have it done twice, the first time didn't do the trick. That was several years ago, and he is doing great!

Good luck, hopefully one cardioversion will be all you need.