Following my Ablation in August I am experiencing increasing discomfort more or less between my shoulder blades as well as intermittent discomfort in chest accompanied with Acid Reflux....I mentioned this to the EP a few weeks ago- the symptoms apparently are suggestive of gastro- oesophageal reflux disease following the Ablation...
My EP assured me that this was quite common and these symptoms get better in time ...
Following the suggestion of the AF Nurse I have an appointment with my GP next week....
Has anyone else experienced this following Pulmonary Vein Ablation...
Hi Carol it is a known risk for PVI especially with laser balloon and I can't recall which method was used on you. Due to the proximity of the heart and oesophagus it is possible to upset one from the other.
Bob
Hi Bob.....
Yes I was vaguely aware of this risk...due to the fact that the Pericardium muscle and esophagus are in close proximity to the heart and protected by a thin layer of fat -both are heat sensitive....In my case there was difficulty getting across to the Left Atrium...Just so persistently uncomfortable....
Hi Carol, I am yet to have my ablation, but a little worried as I suffer quite bad acid reflux now, let alone after ablation.
Hope this does not increase my risk ect..
I have found a couple of things that help with acid reflux.
Avoid eating within 3 hours of going to bed, avoid acidic fruit and veg and drink lots of water and ginger tea.
Hope it gets sorted for you.
Hi,
I will try to reassure you here...I took part in the SMART trial Ablation where two methods of Ablating are used...The damage was done getting across the chest to the left atrium....Although I have been re-assured by my EP that this will get easier in time..
As you have not had your Ablation your Reflux will be unrelated to damage... My understanding is that this is a very rare occurrence so do not worry yourself...I posted this question on the off chance that someone may also have experience of this following an Ablation...
It may be advisable to inform your EP prior to your procedure that you have symptoms of acid reflux and see what he/she suggests....
All the best for your Ablation and thank your for the advise which I shall surely follow....
Also I was told Reflux is often related to taking Blood thinners, which I take twice daily... I have recently 2 weeks ago had a TEE Cardioversion and also have the reflux problem and initial tightness in the chest.
Taking an over the counter acid reducer has helped a lot... It might for you also.
I am trying everything and nothing seems to work...This reflux seems to be quite common prior/post Ablation..re.Tonys response connection with Vagus nerve...Hope you are ok now and thank you for your response....Carol...
Hi,
3 months ago I had a cryo ablation for AF which is looking great! But from the first day I have experienced bad gut problems. I normally have a cast iron constitution but I was bloated, had diarrhea, however the worst was the sulfurous belching which was so embarrassing. My consultant told me that it could be damage to the Vagus nerve which should right itself, and indeed it has improved immensely.
Thanks Tony for this information...l have had Diarrhea for weeks now but didn't associate it with the Ablation only the Reflux and back pain....
What medication were you prescribed if any for reflux and Diarrhea...
Thank you again l now have a better understanding of this problem and will be interested to see what my GP suggests when I see him next week as my next appointment with EP is not until March...
Carol...
Hi Carol,
I've had no meds.
At first I thought it was a result of Lansoprazol which was given to me to reduce stomach acid, for 14 days to protect the esophagus after ablation. Then I stopped my oral anticoagulant for 3 days but no difference.
So I conclude it is the vagus nerve being upset, which is improving.
Mind you, every cloud has a silver lining, or so they say, and it has taught me to re-evaluate my eating habits. I have tried to eat a more simple diet and have cut out meat. I feel so much better and have dropped a much needed stone in weight. It's encouraged me to observe "Veganuary" (Google it) risking the wrath of friends and family !!
As for the AF, 3 months post ablation I am currently wearing my 7 day monitor and am hoping for the all clear in time for Xmas.
I never really liked Turkey anyway Ha!
Tony
Thank you Tony..As you are aware the Vagus Nerve forms part of the involuntary nervous system...I recall from my study in Cranial Osteopathy some 20 odd years ago the vagus is the cranial nerve passing through the esophagus,stomach and heart...one of its purpose being is to keep the heart rate constant and controlling food digestion...
Amazingly I had completely overlooked this fact these past few years as I have been quite blinkered in my thinking and just thinking "heart"
"Vegunary" interesting , due to health reasons (multiple food allergies) since my early 20's I follow as much as possible a Macrobiotic diet...
Good luck with the 7 day monitor mine to be fitted in the New Year...
Thank you once again for your insight in this condition...
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