looking for a little advice

[NLGA]

hi

Looking for a bit of advice

A little bit of background

I am overweight and have been for years but never have a issue with physical work previously

I have had asthma since I was 7 years old

In December 2021 I found myself getting breathless doing basic tasks like walking up stairs . I use to walk 6 miles 2-3 times a week but found it reduced to 1miles and that required a sit down on route

I was in hospital in May 22 and diagnosed with AF as my pulse was 172 and I spent 6 days in there

I am on Bisoprolol amd flecainde

I still get breathless and I still struggle to walk a mile without a sit down

I have had 2 echo test and the heart structure and function is fine I also had a mri

Does anyone know what further test I could have only it’s restricting my life . I am told my lungs are fine after a x Ray but it feels like I’m not pulling in enough oxygen compared with what my body needs to do things anywhere near what I previously did .

The hospital do not seem to have any concerns about my heart other than the AF

The GP are just treating it as asthma but I can’t help but think this is something else

[Happyrosie]

my personal view is that you need to speak to a medical professional

[Cavalierrubie]

l think it could be side effects of medication so see your medical advisor. Bisoprolol is notorious for breathlessness. I can’t take it regularly and use it as a pip only. There are alternatives, so don’t suffer in silence

[Farmer63]

As we get older carrying extra weight will put pressure on both your lungs and heart. Best option would be try losing the extra weight see if that helps. I too struggle with my weight so understand.

[Knavesmire27]

Hi, I am sorry to hear you are struggling. It is so scary, I know. Has anyone mentioned having either a Cardio version and/or Ablation for the AF? At times like this with so much going on everything can seem overwhelming and you don't know where to start , so if your doctors think it ok you could start with very small goals. Like just walking 1/2 a mile every single day, for a few weeks (with a sit down) and then go up from there. When I first started walking I couldn't get to the end of my street (believe me, it not that long☺️) without sounding like a steam train and needing a sit down! But over 18 months I was up to an average of 3 miles every single day (no matter the weather) and would try to get a 5 miles in one day a week.(I have lost over 5 stone and this is partly down to my exercise routine) I have recently had ((elective) major heart surgery so am on a very slow recovery but I can honestly say I am looking forward to when I can get my full routine back. And believe me I was not an active person before all this. I just didn't know where to start. But one day I suppose I realized the only person who could help me was me. This has to be your decision and when you are ready, talk to your doctor/hospital and see if it ok for you to try something like this. Be guided by them. I hope this helps a little. Good luck.

[NLGA in reply to Knavesmire27]

you done really well

I think your right it’s something I have to do myself

[Knavesmire27 in reply to NLGA]

Hey, it is not easy and I promise you I understand your fears and your anxiety. Be proud that you had the courage to be so open and honest in your post and to share your feelings. You already moving in the right direction. Take care

[readyabout]

Hi, you do not mention an Echo Cardiogram, which I had done, showed the structure of my heart was good, but the little electric connections were not, recommended a Pacemaker, which I now have. With regard to other tests, diagnoses, and so on, I regularly see a Naturopath, she is very good and uses the Iridology diagnostic technique which is very accurate, and picks up things that GP/Hospital tests do not. Treatment is by a herbal tonic - works for me

[NLGA in reply to readyabout]

That’s a new one I haven’t heard of before

Thank you for the information

Pacemaker was in my thoughts but the cardio doctor said that my heart doesn’t require one , I do believe since the AF diagnosis the concentration was just heart based where I feel the breathing issue isn’t the heart although I know I have AF

I see people leading pretty normal lives with AF or more serious hear conditions

I am getting g to the stage of being scared to visit new places if I I don’t know how much walking or how many inclines I will face ,which is not like me to even consider them things I was not one to take a lift or look for short walking routes it never came into my head

[Silvasava]

I am asthmatic, well controlled. Bisoprolol is not recommended for Asthmatics. I was changed to Nebivolol which is better tolerated. Don't know about you but breathlessness with asthma feels totally different to breathlessness with Afib

[NLGA in reply to Silvasava]

That’s my trouble I don’t know what is what with regards breathing

I believe it’s a respiratory thing not always AF as I am honestly walking 300-500 yards and having to stop for a min or two then another I can do the mile without any issues although still not to the level of pre covid period

2 flights of stairs are a struggle

[Silvasava in reply to NLGA]

I find it my asthma is playing up I struggle to breathe at rest but if it's my heart it's only on exertion

[NLGA in reply to Silvasava]

Yes I see your point only trouble I don’t understand is why if my heart structure and function is ok ( ejection fraction 55) why I can’t do basic tasks due to AF where many people in the forum lead pretty normal lives and go on holidays which is something I couldn’t currently dream of doing

[Silvasava in reply to NLGA]

My EF is about 45% and my peak flow is around 250/300. Really think you need to look at the Bisoprolol

[NLGA in reply to Silvasava]

Totally get your point

Only thing is this started 6 months before my AF diagnosis so I wasn’t taking them

[Silvasava in reply to NLGA]

You probably would have been breathless before your diagnosis. My asthma nurse spent 3 months with various inhalers trying to improve my breathing, nothing worked and I kept saying that it didn't feel the same as asthma, it wasn't! It was Afib and an ECG would have confirmed it.

[NLGA in reply to Silvasava]

Yes agree but it can’t be the Bisopolol either as I wasn’t taking them

[Silvasava in reply to NLGA]

It could have well been the Afib as you don't necessarily know how long you've had it before diagnosis

[fishonabike in reply to NLGA]

If you have not had a review for your asthma recently it may be time to ask for one - the condition can change over time and you may need to change your medication

Also I support those who point of that Bisoprolol might be affecting your breathing

Your heart and lungs work together as a team to keep your body supplied with oxygen and fuel, so if one is struggling there are knock on effects for the other - sadly they are dealt with be different teams of medics who should be communicating (like your heart and lungs!)

So I feel you need to get both checked out as they might both need attention

Good luck

[NLGA in reply to fishonabike]

Thanks I had one last month blew 540 in the peak flow lowest was 520

So the nurse was happy as it matched the year before . The echo was 9 months ago the one previous 2022 so they said no need for another as all is fine

MRI for the arteries 2023 all clear

[fishonabike]

Have you been checked with a spirometer recently? This should be done every couple of years or so as it gives more detail than a peak flow reading

You are clearly struggling and this affects your ability to live your life ad normal - if my current treatment does not improve or stabilise things I push for explanations, answers or solutions from my doctors - if they can't help they can at least explain why not

[NLGA in reply to fishonabike]

Had one 2023 she said it was average for a asthma person if my age etc but maybe that day I was having a better day

Your advice is good but cardio say it’s just the AF and the asthma nurse says she thinks both contribute she did say my peak flow although not great at 520-540 I should t be having such breathing trouble

Take today I have just walked a mile and I am sat down typing at my normal spot with no breathing issues 3 days ago I stopped 3 times getting to this stage and thought I’m dreading the walk back