Trouble eating post-ablation

Poor upper stomach motility, documented on endoscopy. Meds don't get digested and I burp up food. Should I just follow gastroparesis diet and hope it resolves soon? Is this common? Not on any meds such as narcotics which make this worse.

[CDreamer]

I sympathise. I had problems following ablation and found that it was made much worse after eating any carbohydrates, especially for breakfast. My solutions were:- NO carbs, mint tea, small portions, small amount of lean protein with every meal, green leafy veg. When very bad I made a smoothie with fruit & veg and live, probiotic yogurt and just sipped that regularly. Add nuts for the protein.

Sipping hot water regularly - cup every hour - also helps. Don't take any antacids, made things a whole lot worse. I did a lot of research around this and found the reason the meds often don't get digested is that the gel coating requires an acid environment in the stomach, carbs fill the stomach which then does not empty as it should. Carbs also require an alkaline environment, being digested in the gut, so the stomach, being acid to digest protein, doesn't empty = acid reflux irritating an already irritated oesophagus and a feeling of overwhelming choking, lots of gas and a thoroughly uncomfortable sensation.

Even though I am perfectly recovered now I still never eat carbs before afternoon, then only very occasionally and never bread.

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

Appreciate the specific suggestions. My post-ablation protocol requires 40 mg. omeprazole (prilosec) which is supposed to help. Skipping large pills such as fish oil or calcium for now. Taking most important meds such as warfarin prior to eating.

[CDreamer]

Yes it seems to be a very common problem following ablation. It does resolve after a few months.

[Hidden]

The vagus nerve forms part of the involuntary nervous system and commands unconscious body procedures, such as keeping the heart rate constant and controlling food digestion. This can be affected during ablation. Mine was affected following a cryoablation, but I consider it a small price to pay for the overall success. Shame about the flatulence though, no wonder my work collegues keep their distance!! :- )

My EP said it is transient. I'm 9 months in now and have seen steady improvement, although I realise that I'm pushing 60 and things don't heal as quick as when you're 30.

[Misseyj55]

Hi lorna-doone18.....yes follow the gastroparesis diet carefully ....I have now been in this situation for nearly 10 months post ablation....the first 5 months were so hard....you need to find out what works for you....over time....dry biscuits and broth are really fantastic to start with you have 3 stages to follow and you will quickly learn what to eat and what not too.....I was given a drug called Nizac 300 mg at night and had 40mg Nexium in morning for a long time.....these 2 drugs don't like each other so you must take them separately....12 hours apart....I also used metoclopramide for nausea...and to help empty the stomach also if you can ask for erythromycin evidently this helps with gut motility...I am allergic to that particular drug so couldn't have it....take Panadol regularly....(....I am now after all this time on Nizac 150 mg night and morning....and take panadol as needed and gripewater used for babies as needed. this is my saviour these days......)......and go see your GP as needed or the gastroenterologist to get help....its a bit of a mine field and you need support....I am also on mirtazapine for anxiety...and my gastroenterologist also tells me its good for nausea and that feeling of upset and rising pushing up wind that turns into digested food taste....

If you want to chat feel free as I understand totally how you feel and what your going through ...hope that helps a bit and have plenty of rest when you feel crappy until you get your strength back which takes time....you might like to find a dietician to help you work through this but they are far and few between with the knowledge of gastroparesis caused by the ablation .....it will improve over time ...I am heaps better these days but still know that if I eat too much or the wrong food I will pay for it tomorrow....and hope this helps you a bit....

HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER SOON xoxo

Jo

[Hidden in reply to Misseyj55]

How kind to share so many helpful specifics for this difficulty. I lost 25 # 2009 after a different surgery, so at least this time I know more about the motility problem. Friend all think it is great to be thin, but they haven't experienced the constant discomfort and limitations.

Have seen a great 3 stage gastroparesis diet. I have Type 2 diabetes, so low-fiber and simple carb is not recommended, but one problem at a time. Thanks for your concern. I suffered other complications with ablation, so will be a while til I can get to GI specialist. Yes, annoying to have to carefully time meds, but worth the improvement. Take care.