Raising feet at night.

[Love100cats]

No one has said that it might help swollen feet in the morning but I just wondered if any of you with AF find it beneficial to have feet on a pillow at night. It's not an urgent matter but might make my feet a little more comfortable when I get up. I could just try it but I'm always a bit concerned about trying things no one has suggested I try.🤔

[Hidden]

Yes it is very helpful to elevate feet/ legs if they are retaining fluid. They say it is best to get them above heart level but that’s not always comfortable. You might watch how much salt you are using as sodium can make it worse .

[Love100cats in reply to Hidden]

I found out the hard way about salt. I was warned but after succumbing to bacon realized they knew what they were talking about.

[secondtry]

I find it more comfortable with a pillow (not all the time); not because I have swollen feet currently but because I had a late diagnosed DVT in my right leg and the veins are inefficient at returning the blood to the heart. I guess, without a pillow) it could be one of the minor contributors to kicking off an AF episode putting some stress on the vascular system. Not a major issue imo.

[Bagrat]

If you are using a pillow or pillows make sure they are from foot to knee,not ankle to knee. What you don't want is to reduce circulation if the pillow stops short of the knee or foot.What might be easier is to raise the mattress by putting a blanket or wedge UNDER it. Some people get raisers to stand castors in. If you have a divan piles of books at the foot may work but only if bed feels safe

[Love100cats in reply to Bagrat]

What words of wisdom! Thankyou. I did wonder about circulation so that's a help.

[Mal7896]

I bought an electric adjustable bed which I love

[Love100cats in reply to Mal7896]

I wish I had now. I keep trying to get my husband to get one then I could 'borrow' it.

[jennydog]

It's very difficult to keep a pillow under one leg for long whilst you are asleep.

My Cardiologist says " Water ALWAYS runs downhill." He flung his leg onto his desk to demonstrate elevation.

You cannot argue with his logic.

[Love100cats in reply to jennydog]

Every night I'm going to have this image of a posh consultant flinging his leg on to a desk. Not sure if that will keep me awake or help me sleep.🤔

[Hidden in reply to Love100cats]

🤣🤣🤣

[afib187]

Yes, doctors and nurses I talked to before said that elevating your feet, especially if it's swollen or there is a wound. Put 2 pillows in bed and align them the long way so that it's underneath your calf and the kneecap where you bend. One nurse suggested using as many as 5 pillows!

[Love100cats in reply to afib187]

After the helpful comments I thought I'd try it. I forgot I had a special pillow I use when having reflexology which is about 2" one end and about 6" the other end and fitted perfectly supporting my legs from knee to foot. This morning? Feet not swollen and not painful.☺️ Thank you for help.

[afib187 in reply to Love100cats]

You're welcome!

[Love100cats in reply to afib187]

And it's working well😊