One week post-ablation and still digestive problems

[Dougsey]

Hi all. Had my first ablation a week ago today (under Prof O'Neill at St Thomas in London) and all seemed to go well. Have only had one minor flutter and otherwise in NSR throughout and certainly less aware of my heart than I was pre-procedure. Fingers crossed that continues.

My only real side effect is indigestion and reflux. Continually feel like I need to burp or that food hasn't gone down at all and very little respite. On omeprazole twice a day as well as Gaviscon etc so hoping it will settle down soon. No problem swallowing or keeping food down so don't think it's anything more serious than an irritated oesophagus. (but of course Google has made me think otherwise!)

[Hidden]

Well on this occasion I think Dr Google may well be wrong, but I’m not medically trained!

[Kaz747]

Was it a radio frequency ablation which uses heat? It took a few weeks for my oesophagus to settle down. My EP said both the transoesophageal echocardiogram probe they use to check for clots and the temperature probe they have down there too ensuring they don’t burn too close to the oesophagus can irritate things. I was on Nexium 40mg morning and night for a month.

[BobD Volunteer]

I agree most likely irritation. I would also caution about taking PPis (any 'prazoles) long term as they can actually exacerbate reflux . Lots of info on this about. I found about two weeks and then started going the wrong way till i stopped them.

[Dougsey]

Thanks all - hard not to let my mind run away from me, even on the other side! I'm sure you're all right and it's just irritation. Doc has me on a phased approach with the PPI, tapering down after 2 weeks for that reason I suspect. Otherwise, just taking some time off work to rest up and catch up on some films!

[Bazinga11]

hi

I had similar problem after my ablation a month ago. my dr suggested zantac for two weeks. dr put me on aspirin 325mg. she said that maybe causing the digestive problems for me. zantac helped. talk to your dr.don't neglect any difficulties you have. make sure you walk as much as you can like short walks on n off indoors.