Weight gain, bloated and sleepless nights

[Jaymorris]

I was diagnosed with Af aged 36 straightafter my 1st heart attack. Heridaty heart condition is seems. I’ve had ablation x5 with no good outcome. No 2 heart attack 2 year ago & angina. now I’m aged 47. Long story cut sort I’m now in Flecanide & Bisoprolol twice daily. Not allowed the angina spray now either. I’ve gained nearly 1 stone, cut out the calorific coffees and Only drink Coke Zero now. I don’t eat massively or unhealthy. But feel bloated all the time, lethargic every night, can’t shift the extra weight. Oh the joys.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Jay and welcome to the forum.

We members have discovered that diet has a big part to play with regard to our AF. So we try to eat a plant based diet and avoid all additives in food. It made me shudder when I read that you were drinking Coke Zero - I dread to think what nasty chemicals are in that! Artificial sweeteners were a great trigger for my attacks and it took me a long while to discover that.

A lot of people on the forum swear that magnesium has really helped reduce their AF. That's magnesium taurate or citrate, so you could try that too. Most of us have to avoid alcohol, stress, and big meals. I'm sure other members will be here to give you some more tips.

What are your symptoms, are you in permanent AF?

Best wishes

Jean

[Jaymorris in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi jean. AF comes and goes everyday. Go mental even when I walk upstairs but cardiologist says it’s too dangerous to ablate now as they have tried on 5 separate occasions ( procedures took over 6 hrs each). I know I’m stuck with this for the rest of my life and have to deal with it. It’s just the tiredness, lack of energy, etc that’s get me the most, oh and when the af creeps through the meds. I also have a REVEAL device fitted as well. But hay ho u just have to get on with life.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Jaymorris]

Sorry to hear all you are going through Jay. I just wrote you a long reply and then lost it.

I've had three ablations and have also been told I'm not suitable for any more. I've been in constant AF since last October, but it's nowhere near as bad as the PAF I used to get. I sometimes wish that I'd never had any of the ablations and had tried a change in diet first, but nothing was known about the diet connection then.

Wishing you well again.

Jean

[Aprilbday in reply to Jaymorris]

Bless you. What a nice encouraging reply when you go through so much yourself. Keep your chin up. All will be ok. Thank you for that encouragement because sometimes reading about someone else’s strength and courage strengthens you. You are a dear indeed. 💕🌸

[Hidden]

I really understand how you feel regarding the weight gain. I was going great guns and had lost 2st 2lb prior to being put on Bisopralol. Within 8 days of being on it I'd gained 6lb despite sticking to the same eating plan. I had to practically starve it off and my weight is barely budging now which is frightening given how much I need to lose. The lady who fitted the device for my 24 hour tape said sadly it is par for the course with this drug and it is particularly harsh on people who already have a slow metabolism. My GP won't change it so how on earth they expect me to lose a serious amount of weight I do not know!

[Ianc2 in reply to Hidden]

You need to have a chat with a dietician and look for a diet of about 1000 calories a day. Drink plain water. You need to get your chloresterol checked along with your sugar levels.. I have seen alternatives for bisopralol suggested on the site. I totally agree with Jean - Getting your weight down is vital as it is probably a cause of your problems. Medicine is prescribed to try and control symptoms - not to stop underlying problems.

[Polski in reply to Hidden]

You could ask for Nebivolol instead, or for a referral to a cardiologist or EP. They should be willing to change the Bisoprolol for you.

Also, cut out the coke zero and you may start feeling much better. Try rooibosh (redbush) tea or a fruit tea instead.

[Fearnie]

Hi. I have had PAF for 3 years now. My Bisoprolol is now 5mg just in the morning. I also take Dronedarone. Both seem to be working for me. One for the rythym one for the rate. I haven't noticed any weight gain. I had Angina but once I had 2 stents put in, Angina seems to have been resolved. I would think that the zero coke is your problem (?). I only drink decaf coffee or decaf tea, and water. No fizzy drinks and no alcohol. Sad I know, but it is working for me. Cut out the coke and see how you feel then.