A-fib

[Gail in Ca]

Have many here had the cardio conversion to correct A-fib ( the paddles) and did it work? I have had the tests this week (echo, holter monitor-48hrs) and last week, ECG that was abnormal.
I am in A-fib all the time I'm pretty sure. The monitor will tell, won't find out until next week. I was watching the echo screen, and am hopeful my repaired mitral isn't leaking more than the mild it has been since my surgery 3 yrs ago. The arrythmia cardiologist spoke to me on Tues, and told me he would most likely try the paddles to shock my heart back into rhythm, and that it works often, but sometimes only holds for seconds, hours, months. I'm not happy about this new event. So far, it isn't really affecting my life. I can still walk the dog 2-3 miles at a good terrier clip, and no sob. My only symptom has been back pain that was getting worse last week, but this week , it's not as painful. I had this type of back pain before my 2nd OHS when I was in CHF and didn't know my porcine valve was really failing.
I am trying to be patient in hopes that my A-fib/flutter will go away on its own. So far, no dice!
The doc said many people live with A-fib and it's really the hardest for those who have to start coumadin. I've already been on it for years, so it's no big deal to me, keeping my INR in range for this (2-3)
I'm just bothered by this.

 

[Lionheart]

Gail,
I had A-flutter that started several weeks after my surgery and was extremely symptomatic. I was also on Amiodarone and I was cardioverted back to a normal sinus rhythm. It was great! The cardioversion was quick and painless because they put me out just before the procedure and when I awoke it was like I had just had the most restful nap ever. And the best part was a regular heartbeat. For the most part I have stayed in sinus rhythm for the past 4 years except a few bouts of A-Fib which I have been able to stop immediately with a Valsalvo maneuver.
Go for the cardio-version, I think it is the next step in trying to manage A-Fib before they get more aggressive with either anti-arrhytmic drugs like Amiodarone or an ablation.
John

 

[Gail in Ca]

Thanks for your response. I am waiting for the cardio to call me with his thoughts on my tests. I will most likely do this cardioversion, if my own cardio is in agreement. I hope it works.

 

[Guest]

Gail,

I had a cardioversion after my 2003 open heart surgery. It worked ... for a while. Thoughts/prayers en route....



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[Nupur]

Hi Gail, you are such a pro, you can look at the ECHO screen and make something of it! I have finally figured out my "eccentric jet" by looking at the color doppler. I don't have any A-fib advice, but I hope whatever route you take fixes it! All the best, Nupur

 

[Gail in Ca]

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, too. Nupur, I guess I am getting pretty good at reading the echo, ( when they switch to color, that is). I felt that it showed my mitral leaking far more than the mild it was leaking. And my results stated that my MR is now moderate, but that it is most likely underestimated, as I am in A-fib 100% of the time and it was hard to read the echo because of it. So, I am seeing my own cardio next week, and he will likely have gotten together with the arrythmia specialist as they are in the same office. My cardio tends to be conservative in his approach to quick fixes, so it will be interesting what they come up with for me. I'm guessing they will have me just wait and see. Before my echo, he said I could join the gym as I am wanting to do weight machines. Walking the dog just doesn't give me any muscle tone or the strength I used to have before my last illness and surgery. I waited for the echo results and now want his opinion on that before joining long term at a fitness club!
I'm trying to remain upbeat, but it is getting harder to do!

 

[Roberta]

Gail,
That is alot to take in and hoping that your appt. goes well with your cardio. I hope that he/she says that you are able to join the fitness club! Thinking of you.

 

[Cooker]

Gail ... before my AVR in 2006 I had frequent episodes of a-fib but did not have to converted. During my AVR I had ablation to hopefully stop the problem. About a week or so post-op I went back in a-fib and was cardioverted to correct it. That was 2006, no return of a-fib since but that may be do to the ablation. I wish you luck, a-fib is no fun.

 

[epstns]

Gail - I had a couple of bouts of afib after my valve surgery, but they never lasted long enough to consided cardioversion. Over time, mine subsided.

My mother, though, had afib for several years. She did have cardioversion performed, and it worked fine for her. No stress, no strain. Just once and done. Hope yours goes that way, too.