Checking in - feeling like there’s a lump in my chest/throat!

[Apple88]

Hey everyone!

Hope you’re all doing okay. I’m coming up to three months since my ablation, so thought I’d give an update & ask a couple of questions. The advice on here is invaluable!

Things are generally going well - I managed a short spell back at work on light duties at end of July but now it’s the hols (I’m a teacher). Had follow-up with cardiologist who was generally happy but thought my rate was a bit high still so I had a 72hr lifecard monitor on last week. Not had results yet. I’ve had a few very short AF episodes but I think I’ve mostly been in NSR which is amazing compare to before the ablation! 😊

Anyway, I wanted to ask if anyone has experienced continued heartburn/chest discomfort post-ablation? I took omeprozole for 4 weeks immediately after the op, and was okay but it started up again so cardiologist gave me another month of them which I’ll finish this week. Trouble is, I still keep getting this feeling almost like having a lump in my throat which I guess is heartburn related but it’s still happening!

I can’t quite put my finger on how it feels but it’s not quite right! Just wondering if anyone else had had similar. Also, my resting HR is now around 80. It used to be 55-60 before ablation. Hopefully it’ll come down. If I do anything it shoots up to over 100 so goodness knows what it’ll be like once I’m back at school!

Sorry for long post - but as always, any replies for anyone are greatly appreciated.

Thank you. 😊

[Jajarunner]

I once or twice years ago (nothing to do with afib) had a sensation as if I had swallowed a boiled sweet and it was lodged! I never found out what it was but wondered if it was stress related?

Glad it is going pretty well for you. Me too so far, I'm three months on Thursday!

[Apple88 in reply to Jajarunner]

Thanks for replying. I don’t know what it is. It’s just making me feel off. I don’t feel stressed really. 🤷🏼‍♀️

How are you getting on in general? I remember that you were a similar time to me. Do you have any heartburn or similar?

[Jajarunner in reply to Apple88]

No heartburn. Just extreme fatigue if I do too much. Trouble is, I don't know what is too much until I do it 😆😆😆

[Ppiman]

I had a successful ablation for atrial flutter last June but I also suffer from reflux and hiatus hernia problems. I did have lots of digestive issues after the ablation (and still do) but I suspect these weren't related to the procedure itself.

I have read that ablations for atrial fibrillation, which are carried out in the left rather than right atrium around the pulmonary veins, quite frequently (40-50%) affect the oesophagus owing to heat transferring from the ablation catheter during the procedure. Apparently the position of the oesophagus varies in each of us and is also mobile but always to some degree presses against the heart and is separated from the left atrium by only a few millimetres of fat and connective tissue.

Perhaps the sensations you feel are related to this? I would think that they will naturally lessen and eventually clear up completely over time but if you are feeling worried, I would ask the cardiologist to explain this possibility and ask how long he or she feels it might take to normalise.

Steve

[Apple88 in reply to Ppiman]

Thank you so much for such a comprehensive reply. That’s really interesting, and definitely something to talk about at my next appointment.

As far as I’m aware, both sides were treated during my ablation - I have PAF and atrial flutter.

It seems a little easier today but I’ll see how the day goes. Am due for an appointment in the next month so hopefully I can last until then and talk it over.

Wishing you all the best.

[Ppiman in reply to Apple88]

I was told that an ablation for atrial flutter is far easier than for fibrillation, since the latter requires the catheter to be passed through the septum or dividing tissue of the heart to its left chamber.

My own thoughts are that it takes months for the ablation injury to recover (the weirdly named “blanking period”) and for some people this recovery isn’t without discomfort.

Steve

[Apple88 in reply to Ppiman]

I think you’re right. I need to be more patient! I’m not at the three month mark yet! I think I’m just getting a bit nervous as I’m due back at work on September 1st and worried I won’t be able to cope.

Thanks for your reassurance.

[Ppiman in reply to Apple88]

I’m older (66 - and an ex-English teacher) and I wouldn’t have been ready for the classroom after three months but people’s responses to the procedure seems to vary a good deal. With your having had both atrial flutter and fibrillation, you might need longer to recover, although starting back at the beginning of term is always easier, teaching-wise. Your body and your doctor will be your guide!

Steve

[Apple88 in reply to Ppiman]

Absolutely! Thank you.

[KMRobbo]

I had the feeling immediately after the PVI CRYOablation . It felt like I had swallowed a whole sandwich in one and it had got stuck at heart level! My EP put me on a PPI (prazole) in case it was reflux (I was also taking Pradaxa which can cause this) but after a glass of water and a couple of hours it went away . I believe it was a response to the PVI cold temperature by my my oesaphagus as advised by another answer. Not medically trained.

As for the high rate understood from an article I read that typically increased resting heart rates were am indicator of succesful ablations. I will see if I can find it.

[Apple88 in reply to KMRobbo]

Thank you. 😊

[KMRobbo]

drjohnm.org/2014/12/ten-thi...

Dr John Mandrola is an EP, keen cyclist and A fib victim. He sees it from both sides

See No 6 and No 10.

[Apple88 in reply to KMRobbo]

This is a really helpful list! Thank you so much for sending the link. I think worry exacerbates things and this made me feel better.

I will keep it for future reference. 😊

[KirstyDC300]

I don’t know anything about AF but I did have a tight sensation in my throat as an angina symptom. So many causes for that symptom but it may be worth flagging it up to a medic x

[Apple88 in reply to KirstyDC300]

Definitely - thank you. I will discuss with cardiologist at next appointment.

[Beebop8]

Maybe have your thyroid checked out. That can cause a vague lump in throat feeling or make it a little harder to swallow. It also sometimes goes hand in hand with arrhythmia problems. Your Thyroid levels can go up and down, so even it it hasn’t been a problem in the past, it could be off now. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Apple88 in reply to Beebop8]

Thank you. I will mention this too. My thyroid levels have always been fine but like you say, things can start at any time. 😊

[KMRobbo]

global.oup.com/cookiepolicy...

This is the study I referred to earlier..sorry took me ages to find it.

So it describes high rate post ablation as being a good indicatin for the ablation success.

No I don't understand a lot of it, nor have I checked the references. However I believe it.

So don't worry unless something else occurs. I do know that worry /stress is bad and causes heart problems . Relax and recover

Best wishes.

[Apple88 in reply to KMRobbo]

Thank you! I’ve tried the link and it just seems to take me to a Cookie Policy. I can’t find the study. Might be doing something wrong though...

[KMRobbo]

academic.oup.com/europace/a...

Oops ! THIS MAY BE BETTER

[Apple88 in reply to KMRobbo]

Great! Worked that time, thank you. Another great reassurance.

I’m so grateful for the support on here - thanks for taking the time to share that information. 👍🏼

[Jk84]

I had my 2nd ablation in March 2020 nearly 6 months ago. I woke up from anesthesia with heartburn, indigestion & reflux. It was terrible for the first 4 months & has gradually improved. The EP took me off of Zarelto at 4 months, he thought it would help & I think it did. Both my cardiologists didn’t think that ablation caused the gi problems but my gastroenterologist says it can. I didn’t have any problems the 1st ablation foratrial flutter but developed a fib after. Have had 0 episodes since I have had this one. But,as sick as I’ve been don’t think I would do another one

[Apple88 in reply to Jk84]

Thank you for replying. That’s certainly food for thought. I am meant to be coming off Apixaban at some point in the future so I’ll discuss that with my cardiologist too.

All the best & hope you continue to feel better.