7 weeks post ablation

[bisop]

I am having pain in my chest when I breath and also when I bend at the waist I get terrible acid reflux....I also get pains in my back when I breathe and when I lie down once again an acid problem. I am very uncomfortable around the sternum area as well. At this point I am still coughing and having to clear my throat very frequently through the day. I am getting concerned.....this is my 2nd ablation and I certainly never had any side effects like this with the first ablation 13 years ago. I am wondering if possible my esophagus is involved here.....don't know yet when I next see EP but have an appointment for 14 day holter monitor on the 17th of Dec. Can anyone relate....I somehow feel there is something wrong but simply don't know what to do. I did tell the nurse in the team a couple of days ago when she phoned regarding holter appointment but didn't go into great detail as I have done here...I simply told her that I was getting pains in my upper back when I breathe. I would be most grateful for some input. Thank you.

[Kaz747]

I’m 12 weeks post ablation and I had a lot of inflammation in my chest (pericarditis) and esophagus which my EP said was probably caused by the instruments. I had a transoesophageal echocardiogram and then a temperature probe in there for quite a while as they did a lot of burning. I was readmitted to hospital for 3 days after 2 weeks because if fast AF and Atypical Flutter. My sternum became quite sore and swollen 6 or 7 weeks after the ablation and a 7 hour AF episode. My GP sent me for an ultrasound but that didn’t show anything unusual. My EP said my reaction, which is one of the worst he’s seen, is because my immune system is so good so much body is attacking itself. My EP is still hoping for a positive ablation outcome once the inflammation settles but I’m a bit worried as, despite more meds than ever, I’m still having daily AF (slower but still noticeable). I see him again next week. This may not be reassuring for you but you aren’t alone. Don’t give up hope yet as is often quoted on this site “it’s still early days”. 😉

[KMRobbo]

Which A/C are you on? I know some people do not get on with dabigatran (pradaxa) and get acid reflux from that? Are you on any other drugs that could cause this.

What type of ablation did you have?

[bisop in reply to KMRobbo]

Hi KMRobbo...I am on xarelto 20mg (Rivaroxaban) and have been on it for some years now. I am not on any drugs that could cause this and I believe for sure it has something to do with the ablation and I just don't know what happened. I had a radiofrequency ablation under general anaesthetic.