Af and stomach ache

[julesp]

Im having an episode at min but was wondering if anyone gets a stomach ache (feels like full wind) when in af. This has never happened before and my af episodes are now every couple days lasting up to 16 hours. Feels like my stomach really bloated.

[Finvola]

Yes, bloating, gurgling and gut trouble always accompanied my episodes of AF - it was one of the factors which made me nervous about having an episode start in a public place. Thank goodness for Flecainide . . .

[meadfoot]

Me too.

[julesp]

Thought it was just me. At least I know now. Off to bed to try sleep this episode off

[Hidden]

G'day Julesp,

No great surprise there - at least not for me !

It took me 9 hours to get diagnosed with AF and another 4 months to identify food as the primary trigger. Symptoms were, bloating (massive and painful bloating), intestinal gurgling, diahorrea, burping, flatulence - you name anything to do with the digestive system and that was me.

GP had some basic tests done for Coeliac Disease and IBS and these came back clear. I then consulted a Nutritionist who gave me some additional tests, put me on a course of probiotics and recommended I go Gluten Free, Wheat Free and got me to look at the FODMAPS diet.

Long story short - culprit seems to be a tad dysfunctional Vagal or Vagus Nerve - a nerve in the central nervous system which governs the heart and digestive system ( along with many other parts of the body - it is in fact a wandering nerve). Following a diet plan the logic was, if you calm the vagal nerve you have a good chance of calming the AF. Its taken 6 years of pursuing food and as I did so the AF events gradually diminished. However, I have had no recorded incidents of AF now since mid April 2015. Foods I have to avoid vary from Oats (as in porridge) to Cucumber; Pork to soft cheeses; nuts; dried fruit; no lettuce but Rocket is OK; and the tale goes on and on. You need to look very carefully, methodically at your food intake and see if you can identify any food or drink which may trigger the bloating - I'm sure you will, can almost guarantee it.

Good luck - may the force be with you.

John

[Nannie-C]

I agree with you carneuny that food plays a big part, if my stomach/gut is upset my af sets of as well. Must get back on gluten free, already avoid a lot of triggers as per Fodmaps but need to do more. JulesP give it a go might well help you

[Hidden in reply to Nannie-C]

Hi Nannie-C,

Yeah, well - it's been a six year work in progress, but the results are worth it.

Problem is that every now and then a 'food' crops up which upsets me and then it's back to the drawing board !

Amazingly, unlike some people, alcohol doesn't bother me unless it's a Real Ale, containing gluten, wheat etc.etc in the ingredients. Then I'm in big trouble! And very quickly so too.

John

[jan-ran]

Hi Jules, yes I feel bloated before and during an episode of af. Most times. I ve stopped eating so much carb. It seems to improve my af but a bit too soon to say for sure. JanR

[julesp]

Ive stopped eating some foods. Dont drink fizzy pop or alcohol as that sets me off. Ive had af now for 3 year confirmed (think its been longer undiagnosed). Awaiting my first ablation so hopefully might sort me out x

[Ewcia]

The same problem with me, bloating, burping, wind etc . Now I avoid gluten , caffeine, alcohol and Fodmap food. On Flecenaide and Verapamil PIP, episodes twice o month. Hate them but trying to live life as before AF.

[seasider18]

I find that my BP also goes way up at such times.

[seasider18]

Have you tried charcoal tablets for wind? They do help but need to be taken well away from times that you take your other meds.

[3killeens]

Yes same for me ,really uncomfortable thought it was just me !!

[julesp]

After 16 hour episode finally settled. Off for a ct scan (not heart related). Trying not to get too anxious as last thing I want is the af kicking in again.

[CTG99]

I have a similar pain, but it's my diaphragm in spasm (it's attached to the cardiac sac). I find I can relieve it (and occasionally stop the AF) by pushing the tips of my fingers in under the front of my rib cage (just under the breast bone). If you follow the line of your rib cage from the centre downwards, pushing in at intervals it may help.

Caroline