Re: Resisting Electro Cardio Conversion

[Guest guest]

I had an electro-conversion after 6 weeks of afib. I was in the hospital

loading on Tikosyn (which they hoped would convert me), and I had a TEE

(trans-esophogeal echocardiagram) prior to the conversion to make sure I didn't

have any blood clots from the lengthy afib (I had been on coumadin for almost

the whole time, although not theraputic (thus the TEE)).

Since the Tikosyn didn't convert me they opted for the zap. It took place in

my hospital bed, they put a board under my back, and the " paddles " (two big

sticky band-aid type patches) over my breast bone and on my back in about the

same place. I had two nurses, the cardiologist, the anesthesiologist and maybe

someone else in the room with me... they started the anesthesia (IV), I was out

in about 5 seconds, they zapped me once, and I was awake before the little strip

finished printing off the ECG machine! 10 minutes later they brought lunch, and

an hour later they let me go home!

I was nervous before the procedure, but when I woke up I felt like saying " was

that it? " it was so fast, not painful, and did the trick! I remain in NSR a

year and a half later (but still on Tikosyn).

The worst thing about the whole procedure was the little rings that are left on

your skin which itch like a mild sunburn for a couple days...

Don't get me wrong... I would not go into the procedure lightly, since it does

have its own real risks, but the actual procedure seemed like a no-brainer after

the fact.

Hope this helps alleviate some concern!

Stef

creativecopy wrote:

This is my first post. I'm a 63 year old male and have probably had a-

fib for the past twenty years, on and off. The last time I had it,

about 12-years ago, I waited it out and eventually I returned to

regular rhythm. That hasn't happened this time, and my cardiologist

continues to push Electro Cardio Conversion. He's pushing very hard

and has indicated I'm a " chicken " not to have this done. Anyway, I'm

resisting this approach, since I don't feel it's effective. From what

I understand only 23 percent of the people who have it done are still

in regular rhythm after one year. Also, even through the odds of a

stroke are very low, Electrol Cardio Conversion can still cause one to

happen. I'm taking 200 mg of Toprol XL, and 5 mg of Coumadin. I tried

Flecainde, but at 100 mg a day it did nothing, and then when I

increased to 300 mg per day I became numb after taking the first 150

mg pill and stopped. Any advise about Electro Cardio Conversion would

be greatly appreciated.

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/19/2005 2:01:44 P.M. Central Standard Time,

creativecopy@... writes:

I understand only 23 percent of the people who have it done are still

in regular rhythm after one year. Also, even through the odds of a

stroke are very low, Electrol Cardio Conversion can still cause one to

happen. I'm taking 200 mg of Toprol XL, and 5 mg of Coumadin. I tried

Flecainde, but at 100 mg a day it did nothing, and then when I

increased to 300 mg per day I became numb after taking the first 150

mg pill and stopped. Any advise about Electro Cardio Conversion would

be greatly appreciated.

I didn't realize the number was that high. I was given Coumadin for 30 days

prior to my electro cardioversion. NSR lasted 2 or 3 days. Apparently my

Cardio was comfortable with the 30 day period with a good INR prior to the

Cardioversion. Since you have been in and out of afib for so long I can't help

but

be a little skeptical about the long term success but you never know until

you try it. I suggest you find an EP and get a second opinion. Also, if you

could get into the Cleveland Clinic they will be very helpful and explain all

your options.

They also have a very good Web Page that you can visit. At one time you

could submit questions.

Guy

[Guest guest]

Any advise about Electro Cardio Conversion would

> be greatly appreciated.

.................

Do it. It might last 3 day, 3 months or a year. My first one lasted 16

months. There's nothing to the procedure. It simple, painless and

hopefully will work a very long time for you.

P

[Guest guest]

> Any advise about Electro Cardio Conversion would

> > be greatly appreciated.

> ................

> Do it. It might last 3 day, 3 months or a year. My first one lasted 16

> months.

Mine two attempts (3 hits on the first one and two on the second)

never did work. First was without additional meds other than Toprol

and Coumadin. Second one was with the additon of Rythmol. My cardio

said that success was tied to how long you'd been in AF. My situation

was chronic and had most likely gone on for months. You may not want

to put this off. It may also be why your cardio is pushing you to do

it (quickly).... Greg

[Guest guest]

I agree with those here who are encouraging you to go ahead with the

cardioversion. I had been in afib for at least 6 months before going

ahead with the cardioversion. It was really simple and painless for me

and worked well. I stayed in normal rhythm for some time though I did

develop aflutter a few months later. In my mind, the electro

cardioversion is the best first step to try to lick afib. You're right

about it frequently not working or not lasting, but it's well worth a

try. Good luck.

Ed in VA