Day 5 Post - Op - Struggling: Afib, Upset Stomach, Anxiety, and Scared.

[MBM1Forever 107]

@@gabrielle It is probably hard not to blame yourself. I would probably do the same. However, one thing to remember is that in all likely hood, if you had stayed at the weight you are you would likely have heart issues at some point. In a way, you are preventing something worse from happening. I am one of those people who thinks everything happens for a reason, and in this case, you may have prevented a worse adverse affect by starting to take control and have surgery to get your weight and health under control.

[gabrielle2014 38]

Afib is tough - I've come close but never had to be cardioverted. I seem to always convert with medication. This last episode was horrible with the mild heart attack. I'm home now but very very down and discouraged. I can't get any Protein in and getting my Water in today was a real struggle.

I controled my afib, aflutter, and left bundle branch block with flecanide and atentelol (beta blocker) - but I suspect things will have to change now and I hope and ablation will be an option for me.

[parisshel 1,892]

@@Djmohr Yes, I have the option to do an ablation but at my hospital, they prefer to start with the meds. If one doesn't respond well to beta blockers, or doesn't like the side effects, or, if they just don't want to stay on them for life, then they can consider the ablation. Since I've just been diagnosed, the cardiologist started with step one--beta blockers.

But I am keeping the ablation in the back of my mind, because man, the side effects of my beta blockers are really life-altering. Enormous fatigue, memory loss, depression....I have no interest in anything but sleeping.

On the other hand, I now sleep REALLY well!

[parisshel 1,892]

@gabrielle2014: I'm holding you in my thoughts. I hope today finds you being able to get your liquids in, and some Protein. Let yourself recover, and then perhaps an ablation would be the next best step.

Heart stuff is really scary, right? I can manage my other ailments, but anything heart or brain related is just the scariest.

[Djmohr 6,965]

I hope you guys start feeling better soon. I know that having AFIB and a new heart condition can add a lot of anxiety to what you are already going through. Hopefully as your tummy heals things will settle down for you. Sending prayers your way.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

[maggie0210 117]

Gabrielle,

I'm sorry you are not feeling well. I don't have heart issues so I can only imagine how scary it is. A heart arrack, whether mild or not must have freightned you so much. On top of recovering from major surgery is just awful. It's so hard trying to get in all of the Protein and liquids too. I really feel for you. What a scary time. I only hope it goes nowhere but up for you. Try to get some sleep and relax if you can. I hope you turn the corner soon.

Merry Christmas. And the best New Year ever are wished for you. Wish you well.

Maggie

[Susanjoyce392 66]

I highly recommend having an ablation. I had SVTs during the birth of my 2nd child. I could not be electrically converted because of the baby! After 9 hours, I was chemically converted. I nursed for five months and then had to stop to take beta blockers and some other drug (deal with my cardiologist so I could at least get my baby some breast milk). I had an ablation when he was a few months old and have had no issues since and off the drugs! Good luck.

[mzknight3 2]

I'm sorry for all the troubles your having, I pray things will get better for you soon.

[mzknight3 2]

I'm sorry for all the troubles your having, I pray things will get better for you soon.

[scstxrn 213]

@@gabrielle2014

It's important to remember, too - depression is a side effect of heart attack. It's also a side effect of beta blockers, as is slowed metabolism and increased blood sugar.

There are other beta blockers out there that are more selective (and more expensive) but for some people have a friendlier side effect profile. This is a hard time, I think - without afib. With the additional stress you have experienced, I don't know how I can more strongly emphasize be KIND to yourself.

If you can get Water down and find a flavor that doesn't make you want to barf, Isopure clear has been as easy for me to get down as Water - Coconut is the only flavor that doesn't leave me gagging... but it's different for everyone. It has 40 grams of Protein in 20 Fluid ounces. At 2 and a half weeks out, I can't finish a 'shake' in a day... but I can drink the bottle of Isopure. And Nashua Nutrition has liquid Protein concentrates you can put in your water... less bulky than the shake.

Finally - if you don't have a therapist as part of your surgery, I'd recommend finding one experienced with bariatrics and/or long term health issues. I have seen people take control of their cognitive processes to help control anxiety and depression as a result of therapy ... especially in conjunction with a low dose of SSRI.

[swimbikerun 1,045]

@@gabrielle2014 are you better? Not seen any posts.

[gabrielle2014 38]

Thanks everyone. I can't tell you how I appreciate the support. It's been an incredibly tough time - actually MUCH harder bc I can't eat to comfort myself. Which was the point of my surgery but I thought I wouldn't need it so soon.

I'm doing much better now that I'm on soft foods. While I'm struggling with horrible potty issues (sorry tmi) and the anxiety and depression - at least physically I'm beginning to feel more normal. Not a lot of energy but I think I'm seeing improvement each day.

I have an appt with my cardiologist on Monday and I think I will go to a specialist and ask about an ablation. The heart attack was incredibly scary to me. But if I had know it would have happened I probably wouldn't have had surgery. So in a sense I'm glad I didn't know it could happen before surgery.

I do have a great therapist who has helped me through all of this and see her each week. God knows I need it!

Thanks again so much. I don't get a ton of support from my family so it means the world to have it online.

[parisshel 1,892]

@gabrielle2014: So glad to read this and to know you are doing a little better. I'm glad you have a good, supportive therapist. I'm leaning heavily towards an ablation myself, as I really hate the side effects of my beta blockers. Depression, weight gain (Water weight, but still...) and all I want to do is sleep 24/7. I feel like my baseline personality has completely shifted. If I'm eligible for an ablation, I will move forward with this, too...

Let us know what the cardio recommends for you, and I hope you feel better and stronger with each passing day.

Yes, you can't eat to comfort yourself through this. But you could turn that into a positive by reframing the thought: "I feel badly and I've had a heart attack. But at least I'm working towards better health with each bite, instead of digging myself into a deeper, more-unhealthy hole." Because you ARE getting healthier with each pound you are losing!

[BeagleLover 1,020]

I can't address this from a personal standpoint. However, my friend had a pacemaker (St. Jude's?) put in around 2 months before her sleeve surgery that keeps her heart in rhythm. If her heart stops, it automatically jolts it to start.

[galadriel535 43]

I am in awe at the courage and love shown on this forum. My fellow travellers, you are utterly awesome! Bless you.