Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.
I woke up at 1 AM New Year' s Day with an Afib. I waited till morning and since there were no signs of going back to sinus after taking an additional dose of beta blockers, I went to the ER. The EP who was on call determined that my best option is an electrical cardioversion.
All preparations were made; I was sedated and .... when I was out of the sedation in about 10 mins I found out that after the administration of the sedative and just seconds before the doctor zapped me with 200 joules of energy I spontaneously converted to sinus to the amazement of the medical team.
My meds are Xarelto, Sotalol (80mgX2 ) and bisprolol (beta blocker).
While I was lucky today and received a free chest shave, are you familiar with other medically induced conversion regimens when you are taking Soatalol and not Flecainide ?
All preparations were made; I was sedated and .... when I was out of the sedation in about 10 mins I found out that after the administration of the sedative and just seconds before the doctor zapped me with 200 joules of energy I spontaneously converted to sinus to the amazement of the medical team.
My meds are Xarelto, Sotalol (80mgX2 ) and bisprolol (beta blocker).
While I was lucky today and received a free chest shave, are you familiar with other medically induced conversion regimens when you are taking Soatalol and not Flecainide ?
Was your heart rate really high and that is why you went to ER? I used to go at the drop of a hat I have now learned to ride it thru but am to go no more than 24 hours before calling doc for cardioversion unless I am having severe symptoms then of course just go to ER.
Glad you converted and all is well with you now.
They always do a TEE to ensure no clots on the back side of the heart. Also the drugs they give you to put you out are generally quick acting and have little hang over affect.
Twice during ECV, i was semi-awake. The first time I was talking trash to the nurses (...something about the pretty ones make my heart go fast, the not-so-pretty ones make me flat line...) but remember i was under meds.
The second time I was awake and could feel the tube down my throat for the TEE. I tried to speak but words wouldn't come out...
I also asked the attending to shock me w/o the MEDs. He said he couldn't.. as he would be disciplined for not using the correct protocol... I just wanted to try it... seems i only take 1 zap, and I'm back in NSR.
R