Cardiovascular electro shock

[karenmac60]

Mr mac has been suffering from atrial fibrillation for a while now and his docs have decided to do the above in 6 weeks time. Has anyone else had it and can they give me some info?

Thanks

[bednobs]

Haven't had it but it's that procedure that tony blair had.
It's a very simple and easy procedure, but i think it might be "uncomfortable" They use a defibrillator (like you see on the telly) but at a different setting than giving someone resuscitation. They can't get it wrong because the machine does it all. I have never seen it either but i think they just use the paddles like they do in pr. Sorry i can't be more helpful.
PS in my experience if a health professional says something might be uncomfortable, what they actually mean is "it's going to hurt, but luckily it's your pain, not mine

[bednobs]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardioversion

[bednobs]

http://www.bhf.org.uk...nt/cardioversion.aspx
more patient friendly version - looks like you are either sedated or put out for it

[karenmac60]

Thanks for that bednobs. All they've told him is that he'll get a light anesthetic and they'll stop his heart for about 20 seconds - no info on whether he'll be a day patient or admitted, if he needs to be off work etc. It all sounds a bit scary!

[Mamyalynne]

Karen my brother in law has had this done and he was a day patient, did not describe any pain and it has helped him greatly.,

[bednobs]

it's very simple procedure, although i can appreciate that being "shocked" does sound scary. Usually a day case.
Does he have a specialst nurse (he has other heart probs dosen't he?) that he can ask about it? What does he do for a living? TB got right back to running the country apparently!

[karenmac60]

He doesn't have a specialist nurse - he is seen at a couple of different hospitals for his heart but most of his health problems are kidney related! He works in a library and refuses to take time off normally, but he is very prone to getting short of breath and has tightness in his chest with very little exertion. I know it'll all be fine, it's the thought of them stopping his heart that makes it scary I think and the fact that I really have no idea what to expect regarding recovery.
Good to know that it's helped your BIL mamy, mr mac's not been great of late so if this helps that'll be great.