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Super Contributor
Posts: 474
Registered: ‎02-18-2016

Husband diagnosed with AFIB and Scheduled Cardioversion

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After Echocardiogram,  EKG, Blood Tests  a Cardioversion was odered as

treatment.   The Cardiologist after 3 tries was unsucessful in getting the

heart to beat back to regular.    The Cardiologist then sent him to a

specialist who now wants to treat him with another Cardioversion.   He

says he will be more agressive with the Cardioversion.   I am on the fence

about this treatment somewhat.   Still doing our homework.

Does anyone out there have any stories to share ?    Please do tell.   Thank you !

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,502
Registered: ‎03-10-2013

Re: Husband diagnosed with AFIB and Scheduled Cardioversion

I’m not any experience with AFIB but I’m sending prayers to you and DH and wish the best outcome for your family. 🙏🏻

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,527
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Husband diagnosed with AFIB and Scheduled Cardioversion

@stargazergal  I have no stories.  Has the "more aggressive" cardioversion been explained?  

 

What are the alternatives to having the treatment?

*********************
Keepin' it real.
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,040
Registered: ‎09-12-2010

Re: Husband diagnosed with AFIB and Scheduled Cardioversion

I have an extra heartbeat, but it's being controlled with medication. I wasn't familiar with Cardioversion, so just googled it and can understand your concern. Are you seeing a cardiologist from a major medical facility, or one in a larger metro area? If the procedure hasn't worked in the past, could you ask for a second opinion before agreeing to a more aggresive procedure? Thinking of you and your DH through this tough time.

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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,906
Registered: ‎03-07-2013

Re: Husband diagnosed with AFIB and Scheduled Cardioversion


@stargazergal wrote:

After Echocardiogram,  EKG, Blood Tests  a Cardioversion was odered as

treatment.   The Cardiologist after 3 tries was unsucessful in getting the

heart to beat back to regular.    The Cardiologist then sent him to a

specialist who now wants to treat him with another Cardioversion.   He

says he will be more agressive with the Cardioversion.   I am on the fence

about this treatment somewhat.   Still doing our homework.

Does anyone out there have any stories to share ?    Please do tell.   Thank you !


Hi - I developed AFIB in 2006.  I had a cardioversion in February of this year.  I went back into normal sinus rhythm and so far have stayed there.  Wishing the best for you and DH.  Smiley Happy

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,315
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Husband diagnosed with AFIB and Scheduled Cardioversion

DH has afib....he had the cardioversion 2x...never worked for him.

I think that is what is was called.....it was out patient and did not take long, done by his cardiologist.

 

He takes Eliquis daily as well as another med to 'help' keep his heart in rhythm, but at times he knows he is out of rhythm.

 

Super Contributor
Posts: 264
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Husband diagnosed with AFIB and Scheduled Cardioversion

I have Afib.  I had a  radio frequency cardiac ablation which didn't help then months later had a Cardioversion, again it didn't help.  A year later had a Cardiac Cryoablation and thank God that one helped seal all the little problem spots in the heart.

 

After years of feeling lousy I finally got my life back.  My electrophysiologist and his team were super.

 

If the Cardioversion's haven't helped the problem I'd be looking at other options, like an ablation.

Grow old my body but stay young my heart
Honored Contributor
Posts: 25,929
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Husband diagnosed with AFIB and Scheduled Cardioversion

When a person is in a fib the top chambers of the heart do not beat but actually just quiver. For this reason blood doesn't all get pumped out of those chambers and blood clots form there. Those clots are potentially fatal.They can - and usually do cause large embolitic strokes.The treatment to prevent this is a lifetime of anticlotting meds, which are not without their own sets of issues,including potential for hemmoragic stroke. If a patient can be cardioverted that is the very best possible treatment. If it doesn't work there are other treatments but cardioversion is by far the best & easiest.Since I've been retired a long time now I'm no longer totally aware what all they are doing these days or what meds are available. But saying you are "on the fence" about cardioversion - trust me , it's the best option. I Hope it works for him this time.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,053
Registered: ‎07-20-2011

Re: Husband diagnosed with AFIB and Scheduled Cardioversion

@stargazergal A friend of mine had 4 Cardio version procedures and then, 1Ablation.  She is still not in rhythm. She saw another doctor, a big wig at NYU and he wants to do another Ablation. She was going to but then she decided to see her Internist again. Her Internist told her not to do anything else right now. So, she isn't. She's on meds. We both did lots of homework. We have heard a lot of stories like this. It's tricky but common. Is that ironic! Nothing seems to be unusual when it comes to this problem or the procedures. Every doctor has their own opinion and unfortunately, one has a hard time knowing who to listen to. It's scary, not knowing how to proceed but these are common procedures and are done everyday, all day. One would think, it would be clear but it's not. I, have had a lot of big surgeries but it was always clear what had to be done.This situation is not easy. Sending you good thoughts and prayers.

Happiness is not a destination, it is a way of life.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 15,158
Registered: ‎06-27-2013

Re: Husband diagnosed with AFIB and Scheduled Cardioversion

@stargazergal

I don’t have AFIB, but another diagnosis. I see a cardiologist electrophysiologist due to the extra training they are required to complete. 

 

Positive thoughts for your DH and family.