COPD & AFIB
Question actually, I have stage 4 emphysema (COPD) and AFIB. My biggest problem with the fairly recent addition of AFIB is that the pills that I get make me gain weight, and the weight always seems to be around the stomach area. Of course this makes it harder to breath.
So my question is are there others with the same two ailments and found a way around the weight gain?
I'm in stage 4 and only have 20% lung capacity according to their silly test, also on O2 24/7, but I still manage to exercise everyday for at least 25 min. but it doesn't seem to help. I gain a pound one week and lose a half pound the next. Ant suggestions.
Hi seabolt and thanks for your post. There can be many side effects associated with various medications for COPD and cardiac issues as you probably are aware. The fact that you are able to exercise every day for 25 minutes is one of the best things you can do for your COPD. We do have some published material on COPD and weight gain/loss as well as nutrition. If this sounds like something you would be interested in reading, please advise and we can provide you with a link to the articles. Hopefully, others in the community will respond with their own personal anecdotal experiences as well. I would also suggest you discuss this with your prescribing physician(s) who may have their own suggestions as to how you can manage your weight concerns. Please do check back and let us know how you're doing. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
I would be interested in the info you mentioned.
A little more info on me; I went to the hospital in the summer of 1999 and was diagnosed with emphysema, 18 months ago I was told I was in stage 4 and put on oxygen to sleep. Six months ago I was put on 3 lpm oxygen 24/7, at least I'm easy to find around the house, just follow my snail trial, there's me at one end and a noise maker at the other. I am told in stage 4 the avg life span isn't very long, but I am not ready to die yet. Besides I have a verbal contract with my spouse, we said on our wedding day that we would stay together for 50 years, then decide if we wanted to remain together or not. As of this month I still have 2 years on that contract, which I intend to full fill. That's a part of the reason that I still try and do my exercises, I can't do the hour or more I used to do, but I do what I can. So yes any help I can get is appreciated.And yes I have talked to my DR. and switched meds several times to no avail, he seems to think the good out weights the bad. But I'm the one that has to breath. I got to quit before I get depressed again, anyway thanks.
Hi again, seabolt and thanks so much for the quick reply. We also appreciate your candor in sharing so much more about yourself and your condition and life plans.
I've found a few articles concerning weight that may interest you.
First, this one on weight loss and COPD: https://copd.net/symptoms/weight-loss/.
Then there is this article concerning planning meals: https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/weight-management/meal-planning/.
And finally, this article on nutritional counseling and weight management (as an overview): https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/weight-management/.
I realize it's a lot of material, but feel free to use them as references or to review as your time permits.
We all recognize what a struggle it can be to manage all aspects of the COPD condition. Hang in there!
Leon (site moderator)Thank you I will check them out
