a trip to the cardiologist

[lizzie1986]

thankfully went to see my cardiologist yesterday to get some answers and he confirmed that this was not myocarditis and that I had definately had a heart attack causing mild damage to the LV. this was due to a blood clot but what was interesting was that he mentioned that the MRI scan showed some abnormality at the top of the heart which looks like a pfo (a small hole between the two chambers from birth) which has allowed a clot to pass through. more tests required to look into this. feel enlightened. my main aim now is to lose weight as this is a must to reduce the risk. anyone else feel like the have a mountain to climb to get to a healthy weight?

[stevejb1810]

Hello Lizzie. Something of a mixed outcome for you but I’m with you, being informed is empowering. So, weight loss in two words ‘portion control’. Worry a bit less about what you eat, but do switch out the bad stuff for the good, but do eat less. If pasta says 80g dry weight, weigh it out , same for cheese, meat, cereal, sugar, oil/fats etc. Don’t deprive yourself - if you like a cake, have some but make it a treat once a week not an everyday thing and if that’s too hard, bake your own and switch out the sugar for a low calorie substitute. Exercise. Drink lots of water or other no calorie alternative - green tea, black coffee but try to avoid carbonated soft drinks, even the low cal ones.its all about trying to sensibly, healthily and moderately. Don’t crash diet, it doesn’t work in the long run. Do find someone to lose weight with (weightwatchers for example - evidence shows working in a group is more beneficial that going alone ).

Gods luck

[lizzie1986 in reply to stevejb1810]

thanks for the tips. I'm determined to change the things I can control and leave the medical stuff to the professionals.. that way I have less to worry about. so glad spring is nearly here.. makes me want to get put and about and do this!

[Brummiegal in reply to lizzie1986]

Hi Lizzie,

You're definitely not alone on the weight loss front, and I completely understand what it feels like to stand and look at the weight loss mountain you have to climb. I have tried so many times to loos weight I have lost count - I managed it once many years ago - but I was going through a divorce at the time so I think a lot of it was down to that - I have never managed to have a healthy weight loss - until now.

I joined this site because I was diagnosed with Afib last July and was looking for some support and a lot of answers to the many questions that were burning inside of me - not only did I find the answers I wanted, buckets of support, understanding,advice and knowledge but also I heard about the NHS 12 week weight loss plan. Have a look at it, it could be just what your looking for, I have only been following it for a week so am still very new, but I am losing weight and eating well. I am due my first weigh in tomorrow, but I already had a sneaky view at the scales and I have lost 5lbs - amazing ( I know the initial weight loss is usually water based, but even so). I feel great, I have eaten well and just as importantly there is somewhere I can go for advice, support, recipes etc whatever I need.

Good Luck - remember NHS 12 week eating Plan xxx

[lizzie1986 in reply to Brummiegal]

brilliant... glad you found something. I have never heard of this but I will definately check it out. it's so hard to do and I kick myself all the time for putting weight on in the first place. I find the mental strain so hard. good luck... let us know how u get on!