Help! I thought I had a handle on the AFIB, but not so much now. I have been using bisprolol, I take 2.5mg daily, but the cariologist said I could take up to 4 of them to control an episode. that has worked until last week. so many things going on, I had a hip replacement 10 days ago, all went well, home the next day, but on day 4 I woke in the night with a really bad episode of AFIB, I took my 4 pills but they had no effect, so because I was only 4 days post op we called an ambulance. Of to A&E , where I was monitored through the night, not given ANY treatment, and sent home next day, but they said that my blood tests showed a "higher blood sugar than they would expect" so Im now looking to get tested for diabetes as well. waiting to see my gp. I am terrified! waiting for another attack, scared to eat anything which may have even a hint of sugar in it. I dont know how to cope with this
granmawendy: Help! I thought I had a... - Atrial Fibrillati...
granmawendy
Sorry to hear that you have this worry. I know little about diabetes, but I feel sure that my sister who does have it said that fatty food wasn't good either. I think exercise can help reduce it too.
Jean
thanks Jean, options for excersize a bit limited, only just over a week since my hip replacemet
Hi. I’ve recently undergone spine surgery and my AFib went completely nuts. I read loads of stuff about the effect of trauma, blood loss and more importantly the effects of the anaesthetic on the lymphatic system, the body’s water content subsequently electrolyte issues! It really messes up all the bodily systems. You’ll have to wait for 4+ weeks for your body to rebalance itself. I’m the meantime eat and drink as clean as possible, i.e. as a rule of thumb only eat and drink what you’d give to a six month old baby.
thank you, thats reassuring
As you were carefully monitored, I suspect they concluded that your AF is doing your heart no direct harm. The key symptom that needs dealing with, as I understand matters, is the tachycardia (i.e. a racing heart over 100bpm) as that can be both very symptomatic and, over time, risk weakening the heart's pumping ability/ Also, as you seem to be finding, it causes high levels of anxiety. This is where the bisoprolol comes in.
My cousin has slightly raised sugar levels and controls that well with daily walking exercise and diet. I suspect you'll find that would help you, too. There is a lot of research that shows diabetes is caused by our generally too sedentary lifestyle although that might not at all apply in your case.
Steve
thanks Steve, yes I am aware that excerise is vital, but at under a week post op from hip replacement, my options are a little limited
Oh dear - I missed that in your original post! I am sorry. Maybe the op gave rise to increased sugar, too, maybe? I hope you go on okay.
Steve
fingers crossed, no problems since, but I lie in bed every night waiting for it!
I would not worry too much. Every time I have had a fasting glucose blood test after a night in afib my blood sugar has been raised- a lot! If you want to check it out buy a glucose meter and test strips ( available in Boots or online) and test your post prandials - glucose levels after eating. These are more important than fasting glucose as they show how your body is handling food . You should test one hour and two hours after eating. You can test fasting glucose as well . Do this for a few days and it will give you an idea as well of how your body reacts to different foods. Fasting blood sugar can also increase just after a poor nights sleep even if not in afib.
thanks! thats useful to know xx
Oooh, that’s interesting, thanks. I noticed I can trigger mine after eating a just a moderate meal - and sadly, after eating cream cakes! 😢
I do not think the high blood sugar triggers the afib but is a result of being several hours in afib. Infections can also trigger high blood sugar. Afib triggered after meals is probably more to do with the proximity of the gut and heart and the vagus nerve serving both. My afib can also be triggered by low blood sugar!
The anaesthesic you have had probably caused all of your problems, particularly AF. It plays havoc with the body particularly the nervous system. It takes some time for the body to recuperate from that, particularly the nervous system. I know lots of people who have been told they are pre diabetes. One particular friend just cut out sugar in tea and they were ok. Try not to panic and just be sensible as it could be something and nothing and might never happen. Eat well as you are recovering from an operation and need your strength. I wish you a speedy recovery.
thank you x
Am I being over sensitive?
Will it, won’t it? 
Drug side effects confusing 
Post ablation 
Afib or anxiety 
