Heartburn

[millie-becca-187]

I am now 5 weeks post ablation an so far so good. Fingers still crossed though.

All good except since the ablation, I now get really bad heartburn, mostly on a daily basis. I'm taking over the counter remedies, (gaviscon or ranitadine) but they're not really helping much. Has this affected anyone else after ablation and is there a link?

[Rellim296]

That sounds good. Yes, there is a link and after an ablation some of us have been given a prescription for Lansoprazole to settle any disturbance, so perhaps see your GP.

[millie-becca-187 in reply to Rellim296]

Thanks, I think I'll have to see my GP as it's really painful and over the counter remedies are not working

[CDreamer]

Yes, it is a common aftereffect, usually caused from the TOE. I won't take any PPI and found that cutting out carbs such as bread and potatoes, eating small meals, more slowly and sipping warm water with a slice of lemon in frequently really helped.

Mine disappeared after about 3-4 months.

[millie-becca-187 in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks for the advice

[BobD Volunteer]

Beware of long term use of PPIs as this can actually increase reflux in some people. I found about a month max for me before it made things worse.

[millie-becca-187 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, I heard about that on the news recently

[BobD Volunteer in reply to millie-becca-187]

What was explained to me is that the sphincter at the base of the stomach needs an acid environment to open and pass the contents down to the gut. If you stop the acid it doesn't open and food builds up until it starts to bubble out again. I'm no medic but that is what I learned and it worked for me. I stopped the PPIs and was better in two days.

[Steve_]

Hello. I was told the radiation used can irritate the oesophagus due to its proximity and this can cause heartburn and acid reflux post ablation. I was proscribed Lansoprazole for six weeks to counter this. So there could well be a link to what you are experiencing. I would check with your EP or GP.

[cuore]

In Europe, I was prescribed Esomeprazole for 30 days.

[opal11uk]

That happened to me and my ablation was 3 years ago and I still have the problem, now taking Lanpranazol or whatever they are called lol Gaviscon did not work for me either but Rennies do only trouble is with the other drugs we take we are not supposed to take antacids!!