OK you guys I know you 're reading this too!
I find that when my heart is stressed, even mildly, the band on my bra feels incredibly tight. I haven't put on weight or girth. A couple of times I've had to dive into the Ladies' to take it off.
Anyone else had this symptom?
Mine felt the same when i was diagnosed, I was retaining a lot of fluid & found bras really uncomfortable, in fact i didn't wear one for ages!
YES! I never realised an uncomfortable bra may be caused by AF, but I can certainly identify with this. Also, these last few months I've felt slightly sore under both arms where the wires end and have been wondering if its the glands there although there's no lumps or anything, or is it just the wires. I've been searching without success for a more comfortable bra, but have come to the conclusion that, for me, there's no such thing.
My stomach also swells as the day goes on.
I haven't managed to find one either. I thought unwired sports bras would do it but they are marginally worse! Do you think it could be a form of claustrophobia? Never had this symptom before diagnosis!
I've had AF for 8-9 years and must admit, thinking about it now, my problem with bra's started then. At first I bought some bra extenders, but soon gave up with these. I never had problems before. I would say mine has got worse these last few months with the tender feeling in my armpits. If it continues I will be off to see a lady doc. To be honest I thought it was all just a symptom of getting older.
Oh noooooo....well I'm in my late 60s so I suppose........! Seriously, I don't think so, I'm quite fit when I'm not trying to get my heart to behave nicely. My grand-daughter said to me recently when I told her Mama's heart was being a bit naughty " is it having a tantrum?. Bless.
How interesting - I thought I was getting fat!!! Every evening without fail the 'horse's harness' started cutting and felt 3 sizes too small.
Have you tried Sloggi Basic N unwired? Very comfortable, light but not much good for running in, lol 
Thanks for the Sloggi advice, really like their stuff. I've got sports bras for the gym but the ones you mention would probably be good for other times.
Me too, mentioned this to hospital staff but they assured me it wouldn't make any difference! have tried the other ones (all in one bra) but it was definitely very uncomfortable for me, I do need support though so I get ones without the wire or take the wire out.
I've never noticed... Mine usually comes on at night though when I am not wearing a bra, and I guess that I've had other things on my mind when I've put it on. I will check for it next time though, interesting thought!
Definitely have that uncomfortable feeling often but not sure it corresponds to an A.F. episode. I will take more notice now.x
Thanks for your responses ladies. It's good to know I'm not the only one....top secret bra Mission continues! Have a good day everyone x
Yes - me too. I feel as if my bra (A stretchy type) is strangling me. It's doing it now. Very uncomfortable.
Interesting topic as I am seeing my GP for stomach problems tomorrow and I had not considered that AF could be the cause of this very painful tightness. It's worse when I am sitting on the settee and happens at any time.
Has anyone discussed this with their GP? (I'm in permanent AF.)
Thanks
Marion
Just been out on a bra-buying binge! I must admit I haven't talked to any health professionals about it, which I should probably do, but the tightness does seem to coincide with episodes of AF however minor they are.
Keep well Marion x
Hi Jo,
Yeah life sometimes feels unfair doesn't it? I've given up caffeine and chocolate most of the time and haven't drunk alcohol for yonks ( it gave me up rather than the other way round :-(() . Definitely feel better for eating small, healthy meals dotted about the day. Probiotics seem to help too .
I was reading about the vagus nerve a few days ago as I occasionally get discomfort down the left side of my neck...but the vagus is on the right side, isn't it?
Makes sense! Since being in AF , 2 bras have been worn out! X
Without a doubt, this is the most interesting post I have read since joining the group. I read all post avidly - doing my very best to keep abreast ( oops) of any new treatment developments or discoveries. The concept of this post is promising. As a man, I am immediately going to begin to attempt to see if there is any correlation between the frequency and duration of AF attacks while wearing boxers vs briefs. I will keep you all posted.....lol
Hahaha! Now I AM concerned. So do you wear your boxers etc round your chest then?? Please don't feel under pressure to respond ( unless you DO wear them round your chest!)
I believe there are other theories floating around re men's underwear and I have really tried to create a link to AF here.......but I can't! Lack of knowledge, I expect lol
Have a good day!
Marilyn
I certainly where my shorts in the appropriate place..lol. Now--- given that there is a strong correlation between AF and stress, I can certainly testify that I fell more "relaxed" in boxers. This is a fun thread, and I notice that there is a new one starting discussing a possible connection between AF drugs and impotence. I have absolutely no experience with impotence but certainly do with AF drugs so I should be able to contribute..lol
Mamma
I know you said this was ladies only, but this is going to give a whole different perspective to the afternoon at the National Conference if we see any ladies fidegeting a little.
But I am a gentleman, so I shall avert my gaze (eventually )
Ian
My whole body feels bloated by the end of the day and I get a pain down the left side of my neck. I always thought the vagus nerve ran both sides as a hospital years ago would put pressure on One side to stop my palpitations. I asked someone to do the same once and he started pressing on both sides. Nearly killed me!
Aha! Typical me, I probably only read half of the description!! Thanks, will read more about it.
Hi Marilyn -- must admit have sometimes felt a bit constricted when ' tachy ' but put this down to general ' over awareness ' of chest area. Going without offending article would not really be an option for me in daytime! ... wouldn't want to frighten the horses ........
Sandra
Hahahaha, thanks folks for a good morning giggle. Lifted my heart no end! JanR
PS no detriment intended to those who suffer - I do too.
Hahaha...we need something to chuckle about, don't we? Have a good day x
When I have an AF I have to get mine off sharply can'stand it SAnn x
Beta blockers made me feel like this and when I take just 1.5mlgs if I start to have a raised heart rate occasionally . I really regret spending years on them when I didn't need them. Terry
Don't wear one haha can't stand them and never have, I think the idiot who invented these contraptions should have been strung up with one, my boobs are going south and nothing will stop them. It was the tight band around the chest that I hated and could never get one to fit me properly anyway! There is a school of thought that your boobs should be swinging free which allows the lymph system to drain properly and being stuck in a bra all day prevents this.,....
Yes, beginning of the day fine but as the day wears on so mine feels restrictive, I have stopped wearing wired bras and make sure I wear good fitting and comfortable but still have the problem and at home will go bra less after about lunchtime.
Afib only in late afternoon
Only out of hospital
One for the ladies! 
Only just diagnosed with AF
Tinnitus - pulsatile in right ear only
