Vagus nerve damage

[Amanda3690]

Hello,

I had a cardiac ablation for svt in January of 2020 and unfortunately havent been the same since. I've had acid reflux like symptoms that were extensively tested and found to be hypersensitive esophagus nerves. I've also had other symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath. I've started lexapro 6 weeks ago for the hypersensitive esophagus and feel better but I still get break through symptoms.

My question is, can cardiac ablation cause vagus nerve or any kind of nerve damage to warrant these symptoms? And if so, how would one go about fixing or medicating it?

[CDreamer]

Something to ask your medical team I think.

I am curious as to what makes you think it could be damage to the vagus nerve? From what I understand the symptoms of damage to vagus nerve would be very different - although may include low BP and variable HR. Phrenic nerve damage seems more plausible and would explain breathlessness but that is usually extreme breathlessness as the phrenic nerve stimulates the diaphragm so breathing with a paralysed diaphragm is difficult. A few people on the forum have reported phrenic nerve damage but recovered after 9-12 months.

I can say that acid reflux and GI tract problems generally are quite common after ablation, I certainly had them for a good 9 months following ablation. I refused medication and found the most affective remedy for acid reflux was to avoid eating bread, biscuits, cakes or any starchy foods and sip warm to hot water frequently, especially after eating.

I didn’t blame the ablation, although I am sure it could be a cause as esophagus is so near the area that is treated during ablation, as are nerves including vagus. I could see that the vagus nerve could have been irritated, rather than damaged, as it can be in a few surgeries.

In my case it was the TOE as I learned later that the TOE got stuck in my throat and did some minor damage, didn’t feel minor to me though. I had a dry, persistent cough, acid reflux and bubbly stomach. All resolved very gradually with time.

Are you on any other medications?

[Amanda3690 in reply to CDreamer]

I take pepcid when needed. I was on dexilant for 2 weeks in August that I think caused some serious damage as it turns out I did not have acid reflux. I may just need more time to heal.

[BobD Volunteer]

Firstly just to get the termionology right ( and yes I am being pedantic) ablation means to cause not to exists so I doubt that you had a cardiac ablation . Drop the cardiac bit or people will think you are a ghost. lol

Regarding your problem I suspect that this is oesophageal damage/sensitivity rather than anything to do with vagus nerve damage. Ablating the area in the heart responsible for AF means burning quite close to the oesophagus which runs behind the heart and this can cause some damage in a few people. It is for this reason the many EPs prescribe PPIs such as lansoprazole for a short while post procedure to calm things down. Pain from oesophageal spasm can be very like that from heart attack radiating as it does to neck and arms. The palpitations and shortness of breath may just show that the ablation has not cured the AF although it might be a good idea to discuss possible phrenic nerve damage as this does control breathing.

Hope that helps.

[Amanda3690 in reply to BobD]

I'm from the states, here we do call it cardiac ablation as the ablation surgery is happening inside the heart rather somewhere else in the body. And I had svt, not af.

But I believe you may be right in it causing sensitivity to the esophagus. But it sou ds like others with similar symptoms have healed with time. I am ten months out from surgery so I thought I'd be completely healed by now but I may need more time yet. I havent gone into svt again but I do get jumps and skips in heart rhythm every now and then depending on the position I'm in.

[Stu13]

Had my cryo ablation back in July and reading CD and Bob's comments it seems you have similar post procedure symptoms as myself. I doubt it is the Vagus nerve. It felt like I had something stuck in my throat with a burning sensation and had a persistent itchy cough (not Covid I hasten to add). I had and still have a sore oesophagus, which my EP reckons is "possible ulceration caused by ablation procedure" I am currently on Lansoprazole as well as Gaviscon throughout the day. This certainly helps, although I suspect it will take some time to heal. GP has mentioned a possible camera down the throat if symptoms don't improve over time.

Ticker wise I am till getting ectopics and a few flutters especially after exercise, but it is still early days in terms of recovery on that front.

Hope your recovery continues

[Larachez2102]

Hi Amanda I’m

Waiting to in in for the ablation and I’m terrified. I don’t know what to expect is it safe? I suffer svt attacks that last hours at a rate of 220.