Atrial Fibrillation Support Group

Hello everyone,

My husband is 50 years old and has had Atrial Fibrillation for almost 8 years - at least that we know of, and recently had a test (Halter monitor I think - not sure of spelling) and found out he is in Fibrillation 24hrs a day. CHD has been mentioned to him before, and his family has a history of serious heart disease. His one brother has an implant, another brother has a very enlarged heart - he's been able to improve his condition through diet and exercise, but is still unable to work. So although my husband is fairly healthy otherwise, heart disease impacts his family in a big way.

So, on the 24th of this month, he is going for Cardioversion.

I've done some reading about Cardioversion on-line, and I've heard it's pretty safe and a fairly "common" procedure. But being me, I am still worried a bit about it. I'm mainly worried about the risk of stroke from blood clots after the procedure. He's taking a special medication now to prepare for the procedure that thins his blood even more, but I'm still a bit worried. Does anyone know about the level of risk for clots?

Also, he thinks he's going to go back to work the next day, but I think he'll be off for at least two days. Has anyone had experience (personal or spousal) with this? What did you/they go through?

Any experiences/knowledge you can relate will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Sleepseeker

I have had two conversions - the first did not work at all but second was success. The procedure itself is simple - the anesthesia prep is the worst part ( and anxiety ). I had to be on Warafin with theraputic level for 3 continuos weeks before my Dr. would do CV. I still have breakthough episodes but not in constant AFIB as before.

Good luck !

Thanks Maebellino! Glad to hear that the procedure is simple. My husband has been on a blood thinner (can't remember right now the name) for about 2 weeks or so. It's different that what he was on normally. His procedure is next Tuesday, so hopefully all will go well.

Thank you for taking the time to reply, I appreciate it!

SleepSeeker

I too have had cardioversion 4 times. They did a te echo on me before they converted me to make sure there were not blood clots. The therapy will assure there is no clots. Your hubby will be able to do anything he wants after the proceedure as there is really no side effects except for the anesthetic, he will be tired for awhile after. Good luck Vickie

He had the cardioversion yesterday and all went well! They shocked him onevtime and his heart went back to normal rhythym and he woke up with a big smile on his face! As you mentioned, he's been fine, just tired from the anesthetic.

Thanks for your replies!

I am so happy for you and your husband that everything went well. Is he still in sinus rhythm? I hope so sometimes it doesn't last to long and sometimes it is the ticket. Hope he is still doing well. Hugs Vickie

Post edited by: nanavick, at: 06/04/2011 09:21 AM

Thanks Nanavik

He's still in sinus rythym! He keeps checking his pulse to make sure, and so far everything seems okay. He goes back to his cardiologist on the 16 th so we'll know more then. But so far so good!

I am so glad for you it is always a blessing when things work out. Hope his appointment goes well. Hugs Vickie