Ablation and Gastrointestinal Problems

[BigDunc]

I had a PVI Ablation 6 weeks ago and as mentioned during a previous post contracted Covid during my spell in Hospital and thankfully I recovered from Covid.

I had some Reflux issues prior to the procedure but since then my Reflux has become much worse and is triggering AF which I am currently in. To compound things when I’m in AF the Reflux symptoms are exacerbated I am experiencing shooting pains up the centre of my chest and a burning sensation at the top of my Throat/Oesophagus.

I am on PPI’s (Pantoprazole) and trying smaller meals and the symptoms are worse in the evening and in bed rather than improving over time things seem to be declining. Also trying Gaviscon which can help but sometimes seems to make things worse and occasionally appears to irritate the Oesophagus.

Has anyone had similar issues post Ablation as you sometimes fear the worst as there can be a rare serious complication to the Oesophagus.

I would be grateful of any advice or knowledge

[Buffafly]

Have you contacted anyone about this? Because if not, I would, to be on the safe side.

[BigDunc in reply to Buffafly]

Thanks I am awaiting a call back from the Arrhythmia Nurse

[Hidden]

Irritation in this area is not uncommon after an ablation this sounds a bit more than normal so if I were you, I would contact the hospital. Covid may well have a bearing but it needs to be checked out........

[BigDunc in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I am awaiting a call back from the Arrhythmia Nurse

[Cat04]

I had post ablation pericarditis and oesphagitis. It caused a lot of pain, inability to eat/drink without problems. I was readmitted to hospital for another 5 nights for scans, barium swallow, bloods, xrays etc etc and treatment. I had to have pureed foods only & a lot of drugs. Still not right 2 years on. Contact your hospital. It was my arrhythmia nurse that alert the consultant & readmitted me through a&e.

[BigDunc in reply to Cat04]

Thanks Cat still waiting for them to call back Probably be tomorrow now

[jeanjeannie50]

Been there, had it, cured it.

Avoid any foods containing vinegar (hidden in some things like baked beans), fat or yogurt. Also raise the head of your bed with a few blocks of wood or books.

Good luck.

Jean

[BigDunc in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean funny you mention Yogurt started with symptoms as soon as I had some after tea Will give it a wide berth from now on

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to BigDunc]

Yes, when I was having similar problems to you, someone on this forum asked if I ate yogurt and when I said yes, told me to stop. Who would have thought that of yogurt? I'm afraid you'll suffer for that now, but just give it a miss along with the vinegar and fat and hopefully you'll soon be rid of the soreness.

Would be interested to hear how you get on.

Jean

[BigDunc in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I spoke to the Arrhythmia Nurse today who advised that you can get GI symptoms for 3 months post Ablation

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to BigDunc]

Yes, it's quite common after an ablation (I've had 3), which is why they usually send you home with PPI pills.

[Safc1983]

There’s a thing called a hiatus hernia where part of the stomach pushes through into the chest cavity and put pressure on the heart. This can cause both reflux and AF. Could be a good idea to ask about it. All the best

[BigDunc in reply to Safc1983]

Thanks Saf the symptoms would indicate could be the problem.

[Browncoat]

Hi BigDunc . Sorry to hear your having these problems - I can sympathise as I am exoeriencing something similar, except I didn't have any reflux issues prior to the procedure.

Some good advice above regarding food types, but if there is physical damage then anything traversing the affected area will cause problems; even swallowing normal saliva.

Anyway, see this thread (updated this morning);

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[BigDunc in reply to Browncoat]

Thanks interesting thread

[HangingOn2]

Please ask your doctor "POINT BLANK" if they damaged, nicked, etc. your vagus nerve during your procedure. That happened to me and I still suffer 10 years later. You will need a GI doc to help you develop a game plan for the future in dealing with this unfortunate consequence of the vagus nerve damage.

[BigDunc in reply to HangingOn2]

That’s concerning I’ll see how I progress over the next few weeks and I’m due a follow up consultation and ask the question if things haven’t improved