I've had many, never worked for more then a few months, expensive, but that's my results, now I've had 2 ablations and hopefully will last. I feel way better going to the big heart hospital Abbott Northwestern in Mpls then where I was before Bemidji and Fargo

I was told by an EP that cardioversion always works, even if for only 1 second. :-)

The point is, it doesn't last in most cases, unless you take a rhythm drug.

Most people try. It gives you time to figure out what you are going to do in the long run.

petey

Thanks petey.

I am not comfortable with the stroke risk associated with cardioversion. I stay anti-coagulated after first day of a-fib and usually convert within 4 days. EP wants me to call for cardioversion on Day 2 of a-fib but I am non-compliant. Working quickly toward a better solution -- new drug or ablation.

I should clarify -- electrical cardioversion (versus drug-induced cardioversion).

Thanks sean petey and shef. For advice

Yep

I also had 2 conversions with no regards to my inr, never checked! SCAREY, a stroke waiting to happen!

I guess Ive never understood the stroke risk with CD procedure. So if they shock you back to NSR vs self converting, theres a greater risk, or greater liability for Hospitals part in returning you to NSR? I dont totally agree with the 48 hour limit either. If youve been in AF longer, but HR never got above 100, the risk for pooling is 0. Im prove of that. But sure, go for it. Guess they have your NSR in check, priority for me is getting out of AF.

Thanks for info hwk. And shef that is scarey. Wow. One day at a time I guess

I hesitate with this entry because I really don't know all the facts.
It concerns my next door condo neighbor who was diagnosed with AF a few years ago. She has had previous cardioversions that had returned her NSR for awhile. She was hospitalized to see her response to medication for AF. Things seemed to be going well and she was off to cruising and traveling in Europe. Usually when she travels she lets me know. 2 weeks ago I noticed newspapers accumulating at her door. I e-mailed her. I figured she was off traveling again. Unfortunately this was not the case.
I found out she was in UCSF'S ICU transferred from ER. She got to ER in AF on her own. I don't know if cardioversion was done in the ER. I do know it was tried at least twice. She's experienced organ failure. I don't know which organs. She's been in ICU since 10/22. She's alert but confused. Next week the plan is for a pacemaker than rehab.
She's in her 70's with no family but many close good friends who are helping.
Getting any medical info is limited to 2 close friends. I am in touch with one. The message yesterday was "honestly she's in bad shape"
I'm concerned for her and also for myself wondering about future.
I was diagnosed in July 2010. Agreed to an anticoagulant but that's it. So far it's worked for me.Since discontinuing preventative BP pills I've experienced no lightheadedness or dizziness. I've been fortunate. AF does not interfere with me living my life.
I've learned so much from the members on this forum. The Best!
What a difference a day can make! To Life!

Annette

I had cardioversions before my ablation. They always put in NSR but afib was always back after few weeks

Thanks annette and eco maybe ill go to denver and try accupuncture and eastern chinese medicine and. Qui.

I was told at abbott northwestern, no cardioconversion without a 3 week record of inr between 2 and 3. They could give you a TI? not sure of what it is called but they put a scope down you to check for possible clots before the conversion, that's not too much fun either

I had a cardioversion 30 days after my ablation, was put on Multaq for the next 60 days and been in NSR since now 16 months.

McHale