Pacemaker

Cardioconversion

by TAC - 2017-08-18 08:39:41

It seems that you suffer from an arrhythmia, most likely atrial fibrillation. The PM was probably implanted because of a severe bradycardia (a slow pulse). The PM does not convert an arrhythmia into normal heart rhythm (sinus). To accomplish that, the cardiologist uses medicines (anti-arrhythmic drugs) or cardioversion). Cardioversion consists in giving an electric shock to your heart to reset the normal heart rhythm. All of this is done under the effect of a short intravenous anesthesic, the whole procedure won't take more than a half hour and you won't feel any pain or discomfort of any kind. Cardioversion works instantly, however you may need an anti-arrhythmic medicine to prevent a relapse of your arrhythmia.

Cardioversion

by Many Blessings - 2017-08-18 13:08:00

Hi Joe45,

TAC gave you a great explanation, on what it is, so I'll stick to how feels. I had  them all of the time for years before my CRT-P.  Many times, several times a month.  I will say, there is nothing to it, so please don't worry. The risks are minimum, and I never had any negative issues, only positive. And, I felt so much better afterwards! 

You'll be "asleep", so you won't feel a thing.  You'll literally feel them inject the sedation into your IV (start feeling sleepy), which takes no time at all.  You'll wake up and it will be all over with. 

Depending on how bad your arrhythmia is, more than likely, you'll feel a lot better.  You will probably have a couple of very minor, sunburn-like marks from where the paddles were, which go away in a few days.  As, I was having them more frequently, and they had to turn up the joules, the burn marks did get worse, but even then, they were never too painful. Since this is your first, it should honesty only feel like a very light sunburn, nothing more. If it does bother you some, just use some aloe vera gel (not lotion). 

The whole thing from checking-in, getting your IV started, oxygen going, etc., goes really super fast!  I promise!  You'll have your cardiologist (or whoever is doing it), an anesthesiologist, and several nurses all doing things at the same time to get you prepped, so you don't have much time to think about it, and you're asleep and done in no time!  

Good luck! You'll do great!