decotriumph 

I noticed this spring when I started riding more frequently after the winter slow-down that I wasn't getting my energy back like I had done pretty quickly in the past. I'm 67 but in pretty good health (except for a little overweight; never smoked or drank alcohol, etc.). On my 66th b'day, I rode 38 miles; on my 67th I did 39. Most rides are in the 10-20 mile range, almost daily in the past years.

I have an annual physical each April, free with our BC/BS coverage, so it'd be silly not to do it. Anyway, for the first time, this year's EKG showed that I have atrial fibrillation. My cardiologist put me on Eliquis and atenolol but it hasn't gotten any better, so he sent me to an a-fib specialist and he's recommended an electric shock procedure to attempt to get my heart back in the proper rhythm. It may happen as soon as the end of this week. I'll be getting a call from the scheduling nurse early this week.

Has anyone else had such a treatment? How did it go?

Artmo 

I've had 5 cardioversions. It's no big deal. You will have a general anesthetic, Propafol, be asleep for a very short time while they apply a shock to your heart to get it back into sinus rhythm. After 30 minutes' recovery, you can go home. If the afib continues to recur, you might have to have a cardiac ablation, of which I've had two. Again, no big deal, but it's a more complex procedure, taking 4-6 hours. Don't worry. afib is very common. Good luck! BTW, I'm 77 and have had afib for about 25 years on and off.

slowpacer

My wife was shocked twice 6 years ago at 48 and it's really nothing to worry about. There is no pain or even discomfort and you will immediately know whether it worked or not. For her it did not work the 1st time, it did the 2nd time months later but it only lasted a month. That said, she had so many serious heart problems, that a-fib was the least of our worries. Since then she got an open heart surgery and a pacemaker and she's doing much better now, except for her chest pain that doctors say is not life threatening.

I wish you good luck.

wsteve464

I have had the shock treatment 1 time lasted about a year, went back into afib last May. It is not a big deal, I had never been put under before kind of a cool/weird feeling. I have since done some reading and one article I found said to take Vitamin C the day before and continue for one week after the shock treatment. The article said the treatment lasts longer. Who knows if it works, so much info out there.

JLDickmon

better a-fib then v-fib..
It might pass on it's own.. mine lasted a couple years, then mysteriously went away as mysteriously as it came on..

decotriumph 

Thanks for the information, guys. I'm having the shock tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes.

decotriumph 

The procedure went fine. One shock got my heart back in rhythm for now.

Rollfast

My grandpa got a pacemaker in 1969 and ticked like a Timex until he passed in '87. That sound was reassuring actually.

Glad they fixed you up.

decotriumph 

Thanks

Bmach

decotriumph 

I went on my first ride today since having the procedure on Tuesday. Holy moly, what a difference! A week ago, it was a struggle to do 5 miles before I was winded and fatigued, and I had gotten to the point where I didn't even want to ride because it was not fun anymore. My wife and I rode 8 miles today and I could have gone many more, but she was tired. I'm back in the saddle! I'm looking forward to riding every day that weather permits again. I'm very happy. I'd suggest you get back on, but take it easy until you see how you do. I'd bet you'll do great.

Addendum: Another difference I noted was in how quickly I cool down. It has been hot and humid around here all summer. It's Middle Tennessee after all. Prior to my cardioversion, it took me an hour to get cooled down and stop sweating. Today I was cooled down in a few minutes.

Bmach

Mainiac

I've been cardio-verted 5 times. The length of time before I went back into afib again varied between 1 week and 1 year. One advantage?? I have is I can tell almost immediately that I've gone into afib. I just did 2 minutes ago. I normally go out of it in a day or 2. I ride with it as my heart rate doesn't usually go up too high. When it does, I pull over and rest. It's a PITA, but I've learned to live with it. It started about 10 years ago when I was 61.

Artmo 

nios2

I got similar advice. I get short bursts of Afib but also have 20% ectopic beats. I was told as told as long s I don't get chest pains or shortness of breath that moderate cycling (15Kmh) was OK.