Cardioversion procedure

Like you, I had a cardioversion procedure which took me out of AFib with one shock. Although I had resisted it, I was happy with how easy and quick it was. Actually, I had THREE cardioversions (all quick and easy with 1 shock)! After the first, I was out of AFib for 7 months and feeling great. After the second, I was out of AFib for 2 months. The third was just 2 weeks ago. My EP said I can't have my heart shocked every few months (although many people do). He strongly recommended an ablation because cardioversion is generally a short-term fix. Hope yours lasts a long time!

Hi, glad it worked for you. I have had three cardioversions none of which worked. Finally had an ablation which also didn't work. EP feels that the ablation did change the AFib, and has scheduled me for a cardio version to hopefully nudge me over into sinus rhythm. We'll see!! If it doesn't work, another ablation is in my future.

I know people who have have 50 cardioversions. The arrhythmia they're trying to overcome is going to be worse over the long term than is the cardioversion itself. That's why they're done.
They didn't work for me (four of them over two years). The first attempt failed entirely and I was sent home with a drip of metoprolol in me. The next three, on three successive days (yes, three days in a row), lasted 16 hours, 4 hours, and 20 minutes respectively.
If they give you many weeks or months, great, and keep doing it until they stop working (and the doctors who know your case best agree to keep trying it). Or, consult a good/great electrophysiologist and have a catheter ablation if that is indicated in consultation.

Glad your Cardioversions have worked, but sad to hear the time is shorter between procedures. I was surprised how well it went.

I have had 2 cardioversions and eliminated my AF for a few months but unfortunately, AFIB has returned. The Cardiologist wanted to perform another cardioversion, and I told him thanks but no thanks. I have been zapped enough.

I had a successful cardioversion which lasted up to the day that I had a Pulse Filed Ablation (PFA) 2 months later. The PFA was successful, and I continue to be Afib free. I would consider having some type of ablation rather than having another cardioversion. PFA is the latest version of an ablation procedure, and it has shown to be more successful and there is less chance for damage to other organs during the procedure. Like cardioversion an ablation can be done outpatient.

My cardiologist had put me on Amiodarone and I've been on it since April,and I have more refills. I know it's bad for my liver so I intention of staying on long term. Also he recommended a steps test and a possible ablation. 2-3 times a day my heart rate drops to in the 40's. The lowest has been 40. I went from tachycardia to braycardia.

I had cardioversion once and it was not a pleasant experience. I went to the ER with an Afib episode, and they could not get me back to NSR. After about 2 hours they asked me if I wanted to have them try cardioversion., otherwise they would discharge me with some additional meds. I opted for the cardioversion. I was told I would receive 2 IV drugs, one to sedate me and another that would block any memory of the procedure. They gave me the sedative first, and I must admit it made me feel pretty jolly. Then I got the anti-memory drug. But guess what, I was still very much awake when they zapped me! It felt like I got whacked on the head with a 2x4, only worse. I looked at the docs and said what the hell was that! They just looked puzzled and sheepishly said, um, I guess next time we need to give you more sedative? Anyway it worked, instantly. I converted back to NSR. Had another Afib episode about 5 weeks later.

I was luckier. I came to as the tech was depressing the button for the third of the three allowable zaps. Felt like a T-Rex was biting my chest...hard! I was sufficiently awake to groan and say, 'Oooh..that's painful.' The internist apologized and said she'd put a note on my global record that I need more propofol and fentanyl. Who was I to argue?

Hello.
I had my 1st (AFAIK) AF episode in 24.06. Looking back, I may have had a few transient episodes before that, but who knows.
I was started on metoprolol + apixaban, but wasn't cardioverted until 24.12. That kept me in normal but slow HR until 25.07.
In a week, I'm supposed to stop metoprolol and start amiodarone, before being cardioverted again in 25.10. Ablation has been mentioned as a possibility, if/when I relapse.
I'm a bit concerned about the side-effects of the Rx switch. Have you had any particular issues with amiodarone?
I'm not familiar with the "steps test." Is that routine exercise stress test, or something else?
Thanks.