Strange bunch of chronic conditions?

[WildIris]

I was able to stop afib occurrences and most ectopics, mostly from losing weight, becoming vegan, and cutting back on meds. I have CKD (chronic kidney disease) which benefits from a vegan diet. Also lupus, which caused hemolytic anemia. My kidney scores are better now, almost normal, but I'm a little anemic with low iron and low platelets and low various other white and red blood cells that they measure, but normal ferrirtin (iron stores). Anyway, I don't think my blood needs thinning while my blood cells are all a little low and I can't remember the last time I had afib. One of the meds I cut down on was prednisone for hemolytic anemia (with my lupus doctor's permission), but now what? Anybody else have experience with prednisone, anemia, CKD and afib? I realize this is a weird combination of non-fatal conditions. (Also hypothroid). I feel pretty good, actually, a bit tired.

[etheral]

As to whether or not you should be taking anticoagulants, hemolytic anemia would not affect clotting factors, so the decision should be made by the doc considering your stroke risks from afib. There are many effects from prednisone including weight gain and water retention that many people experienced.

Best, etheral

[CDreamer]

The viscosity of blood does not change when you take anticoagulants (Wafarin or DOACs)n nor anti platelets (Asprin etc). And this is the problem when we call them Blood Thinners!

Blood is liquid plasma in which floats a suspension of many different types of cells. Some of the those cells (not red blood cells) clump together when we injure ourselves to form clots. Useful to stop a skin injury. Not useful when clots form in the heart, lungs or legs and then travel internally around the body to the brain where they cause strokes. Having AF increases the risk of clots forming in the heart and then travelling to the brain where they can cause a stroke - which is Iikely to be devastating. Anticoagulants lessen the risk of that happening by suppressing the clotting.

It’s very much a personal choice as to whether or not you take anticoagulants but doctors rarely advise them unless considered beneficial.

[Barny12]

Re being hypothyroid - is this just since you went plant based? If so, it could be a lack of iodine which is virtually impossible to obtain from a vegan diet.

[Autumn_Leaves in reply to Barny12]

In the UK, many people are deficient in dietary iodine, regardless of dietary pattern. Many plant based dairy replacements are fortified with iodine. Always read the labels to check before purchasing.

[Autumn_Leaves]

You need proper medical advice. I doubt anyone here will have any knowledge/experience with your particular combination of chronic conditions. It’s great that you’ve done so well by making those changes. Long may you continue with those improvements.

[Exfat]

Good for you I’m glad it worked. I thought I could conquer a F by losing weight radically changing my diet exercise et cetera it didn’t work it seems to have a mind of its own for me. The medication is the only thing that stops it probably going to need some kind of procedure in the near future as well.