Lanzoprazole why was it prescribed?

[AbbyTabby]

Hi everyone Had my ablation 4 weeks ago, they said it went well and gave me Lansoprazole to take for 4 weeks saying it was for acid-reflux. I assumed that everyone must be given it following an ablation. For the first two weeks I was getting quite severe oesophagus and throat pain, like a blockage, burning sensation. I tried to contact EP but he is away, so not heard anything. I’m 70 (just) and was reasonably fit before the ablation, when my heart was in rhythm. I still feeling a bit battered, trying to get back some fitness level, but can only do short walks and anything the least bit strenuous brings on chest ache and esophagus ache. I just wondered if anyone else was prescribed Lansoprazole or know why it is prescribed. Great forum and such positivity from everyone. Thanks Abby.

[CDreamer]

It’s a PPI = Protein Pump Inhibitor which reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces. PPI’s are prescribed after ablation as many people suffer oesophageal acid reflux after ablation - that causes the feeling of burning.

If you had a TOE or a GA with your ablation - or any tube down your throat whether or not you remember having it - it can upset the physiology and irritate the vagus nerve which can all cause acid reflux.

There are pros and cons about using PPI’s so it’s a good idea to research and make up your own mind but if you don’t take them then ensure you adopt practices which ensure you don’t have acid reflux as the long term consequences for both osephagus and if you aspirate acid into the lungs from the oesophagus are not pleasant.

Personally - I find sipping hot water after a meal, avoiding eating carbohydrates all together - especially bread, biscuits and cake which always caused acid reflux for me and taking Gaviscon Liquid before bed for a few weeks alleviated all symptoms.

[CDreamer]

PS - 4 weeks is very early to get back to previous fitness levels so take the long view and slow and steady does it! Best wishes for speedy recovery.

[BobD Volunteer]

Read this heartrhythmalliance.org/res.... as it may help.

[Buffafly]

It is very important to prevent acid reflux after RF ablation in case the burn has been too close to the oesophagus. So if you prefer not to take the PPI you should get advice on what to substitute.

[ATSF]

I finished taking it a week ago, it was prescribed while I was taking some medications that are well kown for stomach problems.

[Ppiman]

From what I have read, during the ablation, heat irritation (indeed, very rarely, damage) from the catheter can happen when the atrium lies pressed against the oesophagus and the atrial wall is thinner than expected. PPI drugs have been shown to protect the mucosa well.

I think your symptoms sound quite normal at this stage.

Steve

[momist]

+1 for CD's comment that 4 weeks is a bit early to exert yourself. Take it very slowly, and don't push it. Gentle exercise.

I reacted badly to Lanzoprazole when I was prescribed it for reflux 18 months ago. It gave me all the symptoms of food poisoning, vomiting and diarrhoea. I was switched then to a different drug, not a PPI.

As I was already on the different drug, I did not get anything new after my ablation. I still have vestiges of the sore throat and cough after nine weeks, but at least can go for longer walks now.

[KMRobbo]

Additional reason can be if you are prescribed Dabigatran/ Pradaxa for AC drug. This generates a local acid surrounding for it to work, and the PPI stops this giving you acid reflux if yiu are sensitive to it.

[adx46]

I was given 4 weeks of Omeprazole (another PPI) after my ablations - I was told that the TOE (transoesophageal echocardiogram) can scratch your oesophagus so its important to minimize any acid reflux to allow it to heal properly. Agree that 4 weeks is very early to expect too much in getting back to previous fitness levels - take it easy and just build up the walking etc. slowly. All the best for a good outcome.