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what to take for inflammation when we have afib.

kitttycat profile image
52 Replies

Hello to everyone, I am reaching out to you again.

I have inflammation in my leg. I have arthritis in my knee and hip but it doesnt bother me, but the inflammation I have could be from this. I used to take an advil a couple of times a year.

I know you cant take anti inflammatory medication when you take blood thinners. What would be a medicine to take for this? Can anyone tell me?

Thank you very much.

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52 Replies
CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

I stopped taking anti inflammatory meds when I developed AF. I keep my inflammation controlled through what I eat and some supplements. I like Resveratrol and take capsules twice daily with a meal. Because I have autoimmune diseases I need to be very careful so my GP always includes a CPR when I have a blood draw which is usually about every 12 weeks.

My GP in my previous practice - who was also as specialist in arthritis - recommended Glucosamine Chondroitin but said you need to take a dose of active ingredient equivalent to 1g daily for about a month to notice any difference. I certainly notice the difference if I stop taking it for a week or so! I have a lot of arthritis in my hands mainly.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

PS - biggest antagonist for inflammation is sugar so ensure that’s the first cut from your diet

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

PPS - just thought - you say you have inflammation in your leg - is it on the skin? Do ensure you have anything like that checked by your surgery as if it’s something like cellulitis it can be quite serious and will need antibiotics.

I had Fleebitis (inflammation of tiny veins) on my leg about 12 months and GP prescribed anti inflammatory gel - that worked but I only had to use it for about a week.

kitttycat profile image
kitttycat in reply toCDreamer

Hi, I just finished my reply and it disappeared so I hope you dont get my response twice, Thanks for the information I will check out glucosamine and resveratrol - the inflammation is in my leg - the physiotherapist said it was from arthritis which may be reasonable although my knee and hip dont affect me. I noted your comment about sugar. Interestingly enough I noticed that sugar was inflammatory and try to keep away if I can. I think that is a good rule for all. Thank you for getting back to me and for the information. I Appeciate it.

john-boy-92 profile image
john-boy-92

I get inflammation from a damaged knee, and as well as glucosamine and chondroitin, I take turmeric. The effect is mild and quite slow though.

kitttycat profile image
kitttycat in reply tojohn-boy-92

Thanks for this - I was was wondering about turmeric - I will have to look into it. Thanks for getting back to me.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply tokitttycat

Tumeric as food or tea is ok but capsules concentrate the active ingredient - Curcumin which may interact with some medications so please check with your pharmacist before using Curcumin. Some doctors believe you shouldn’t take with anti platelets or anticoagulants because theoretically it may increase bleed risk.

kitttycat profile image
kitttycat in reply toCDreamer

thanks very much, I did read something about curcumin but didnt write it down in my notebook, will check again, I have to be sure of everything, I have raised blood blood platelets.

kocoach profile image
kocoach

Hello kittycat; I have no cartilage in either knee and what helps me a lot is Tylenol. It enables me to sleep at night and to move around without as much pain. I take a 325 when needed. It does not interfere at all with afib or anti coagulants.

RoyMacDonald profile image
RoyMacDonald in reply tokocoach

Known as Paracetamol in the UK.

All the best.

Roy

beach_bum profile image
beach_bum in reply tokocoach

I was going to ask the same question. I also very rarely take Tylenol…but now that I JUST blew my lower back out…again…happens once every few years, and the last time was before my AFIB and ensuing meds. I was spoiled previous to AFIB, I could take all sorts of pain relievers, and my go-to med for inflammation and pain was Celebrex. But alas it’s now a no no, so extra strength Tylenol it is…I so miss my Celbrex. I am in serious pain *sigh* Oh well, not my first time to this pain rodeo.

And oh…how did I blow my back out? Picking up an empty dogs water dish. Last time? 4 years ago? Putting my socks on. 😆

kitttycat profile image
kitttycat in reply tokocoach

thanks for getting back to me. I used to take a tylenol sometimes for diferent things and they are good. Interesting about your knees. I have a knee that is not in good shape because of cartilage. I keep it going with exercises. Many people seem to take them to replace the cartilage with silicon shots and they last for 6 months. Could be worthwhile checking out. Thank you for this information.

kocoach profile image
kocoach in reply tokitttycat

Hi kittycat, tried it all to no avail. I am going on the 23 of Feb. to try Radio Frequency Ablation (rfa) a second time to see if it will help. If your knee gets too bad you might want to give it a try! Good Luck and GOD Bless!

kitttycat profile image
kitttycat in reply tokocoach

hI Ken I was looking at my e mails and saw your note- I have never heard of this before. I will take a look at information on this .. interesting. thanks again.

samuela5 profile image
samuela5

Hi I use turmeric, it does help me.CDreamer mentioned a gel that helped?? Name of gel.

Thanks

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply tosamuela5

Ibufren gel or you can get as a spray which is absorbed by the skin so OK for limited use but shouldn’t be used long term.

samuela5 profile image
samuela5 in reply toCDreamer

Thank you sounds good.

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply tosamuela5

I Use Feldene Gel and at times GP has prescribed curcumin which didn't help me at all.

samuela5 profile image
samuela5 in reply toQualipop

Thanks

RoyMacDonald profile image
RoyMacDonald in reply toCDreamer

Danish research shows it can cause Afib.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply toRoyMacDonald

If we are talking about oral Ibuprofen then yes, the skin gels and sprays are much less likely to and I can certainly get away with them for limited periods. I’ve never had a problem and I seem to recall Bob also uses them when essential without consequences - but we are all different.

Slidingdoors99 profile image
Slidingdoors99 in reply tosamuela5

Oh heck! I’m sure I remember being told to stop taking turmeric when I was put on apixaban?!

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat in reply toSlidingdoors99

Yes I've read no turmeric supplements, use it in cooking a bit .

kitttycat profile image
kitttycat in reply tosamuela5

Hi thanks for getting back to me - I appreciate it.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

NB - Oral anti inflammatories shouldn’t be taken because they can cause AF, regardless of anti coagulant use.

kitttycat profile image
kitttycat in reply toCDreamer

Hello CDreamer thanks for this reinforement. appreciate it.

Tapanac profile image
Tapanac

all I have been advised to take is paracetamol. Best to ask your gp

kitttycat profile image
kitttycat in reply toTapanac

Hi Tapanac, thanks for letting me know this important info., appreciate it.

Thomas45 profile image
Thomas45

Why not ask your local pharmacist? When I had Polymyalgia Rheumatica for four years at the same time as AF and anticoagulants, I was prescribed a reducing dose of prednisolone. I take paracetamol for pains if I have them now.

kitttycat profile image
kitttycat in reply toThomas45

Hello Thomas 45, thanks for your response and information. I have noted it down. Good idea to consult pharmacy. thanks again

Barb1 profile image
Barb1

Slightly off piste but why are we still advised not to take anti-inflammatories, when you have a pacemaker? What can it do when the rate and rhythm is controlled mechanically and the AF is in the background?

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply toBarb1

Because I still have occasional AF and it’s not in the background as it’s not completely controlled.

Slidingdoors99 profile image
Slidingdoors99

Hi Kitty! I didn’t know that! I take Naproxen for my arthritis almost daily and I’m on an anticoagulant! 😳

DougieWoggie profile image
DougieWoggie in reply toSlidingdoors99

I was on naproxen and was instructed to come off when diagnosed with AF adiagnosed ar this this over thirty years ago and was well controlled with anti inflammatory medication and supplements however since coming off arthritis flared up particularly in hands. Organic vinegar and organic honey in morning and turmeric continue to take but joints getting worse asked Doctor again re medication but instructed no.

Slidingdoors99 profile image
Slidingdoors99 in reply toDougieWoggie

Oh yes, I was advised that Naproxen could be a trigger for my AFib. However, I reduced my dose and try not to take it every day. My AFib is due to HVM and my spinal arthritis is really awful… it’s just making choices isn’t it? PS Please research turmeric and blood thinners?

Slidingdoors99 profile image
Slidingdoors99 in reply toSlidingdoors99

Whoops typo! HCM!

Slidingdoors99 profile image
Slidingdoors99 in reply toSlidingdoors99

PPS I was told that naproxen could be a trigger for AFib but nothing was said regarding blood thinners!

kitttycat profile image
kitttycat in reply toSlidingdoors99

Hello Slidingdoors99 thanks for the information. I am going to look into. thanks again

ibuputih profile image
ibuputih

I can no longer take aspirin or ibuprofen to help with sciatica/joint pain/arthritis because of anti coag medication. Paracetamol does diddly squat for me, so I have resorted to external assistance. Bio freeze roll-on and a Theragun and if all else fails - a bag of frozen peas!

So many supplements and herbs are contraindicated with anti coagulants. The Arthritis Foundation website has a useful Supplement and Herb Guide that gives info, dosage etc.

kitttycat profile image
kitttycat in reply toibuputih

Hi ibuputih, thanks very much for this information - good suggestion, I am going o check out the Arthritis Foundation website. Appreciate it.

I had listened to a podcast by Dr. Gundry in which he talked about vit D levels need to be high to help with arthritis and inflammation. He said most Drs disagree with him on this because of the wrong thoughts on Vit D toxicity which he believes doesn’t exist. He put his patients on higher than normal amounts of supplemental Vit D and they found relief for their arthritis. But when visiting the normal Dr. and having their levels check were told their Vit D levels were what too high. So they stopped taking the supplement and the inflammation came back. So for what it is worth, watch your Vit D levels.

My husband was told his were too high by his GP, but his level was 50. That is not too high. We have to be our own advocate on this stuff.

BTW, Dr. Gundry is a heart specialist that does podcasts and writes books on this subject. I don’t know which podcast he talked about the Vit D or I would post it here.

kitttycat profile image
kitttycat in reply toPeacefulneedshelp

Hi Peaceful, thanks for this information. I recognize the name Dr Gundy. I may have a book by him. Interesting about Vitamin D. I will take a look and see what this is all about. thanks again for getting back to me.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply toPeacefulneedshelp

Hi

Care must be taken with supplementing B12.

A friend was taking supplement Vit D. His veins on his nose were bursting.

Dr said stop.

We have ample sun winter and summer in NZ. 20 mins early morning keeps it in check.

Sun Vit D will excrete if too much but a supplement cant.

Pop mushrooms out in sun, eat the mushrooms same as tomatoes. Natural Vit D.

cheers jOY

Peacefulneedshelp profile image
Peacefulneedshelp in reply toJOY2THEWORLD49

it all depends on where you live. I live in the northern hemisphere and we have not had any sun for days on end in the winter months. I understand that as we age we are less likely to convert the vit d from the sun and that it needs the oils on our skin to do so. Thanks

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply toPeacefulneedshelp

Hi

That is for B12.

Vit D needs calcium to convert.

The warning of over dosing on Vit D is apparent.

We can have cloud cover but still get Vit D here. Also browner skins need more x time of sun. But 1-2 days of non sun doesn't matter as natural Vit D stays in the body.

Take care of items already containing it.

cheers JOY

ozziebob profile image
ozziebob

Yes, please make sure your Vitamin D level is in the "above average" range. From a deficiency of 22 nmol/L, I am now at 107 nmol/L, as I understand is needed to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This improvement in my Vitamin D level has definitely settled my AF, and I was also surprised to learn earlier this week that the "gum disease"(?)/inflammation I was suffering had virtually disappeared. Only anecdotal evidence I know, but why not read this recent article about Vitamin D and mortality rates ... makes you think ...

medscape.com/viewarticle/98...

You might need to join Medscape to read the article, but that's free, and I've had no follow-on issues after joining.

kitttycat profile image
kitttycat

Hi, Thanks for your note, I know Vitamin D is very important. This is very interesting I will check this out. Thanks again

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49

Hi

It is the anti-co,agulates which stop you from having anti-inflammatories NOT the aF per se.

Try herbs such as TUMERIC, Green tea, and others.

For pain after operation I was given OXY-NORM. But because it is addictive I was given paracetamol 500mg x 4 times day. Also Paracetamol and codeine.

ICE PACK or HEAT PACK.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

Barb1 profile image
Barb1

Mine prevents tachycardia

Barb1 profile image
Barb1

One wire PM that stops my heart from going too fast, 180 -210 as it was before.

Barb1 profile image
Barb1

I had sepsis after hip op. Nasty. What PM do you have now?

ozziebob profile image
ozziebob

Yes, sorry about that, as I am allowed instant access via that link.

But it's not a paywall, you just need to register with Medscape. It's free, and I've had no follow on issues after I did that.

I recommend you do the same because the article is well worth reading.

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