I had my second cardiac ablation two days ago. The procedure took about three hours under GA and a cardioversion put me straight back into sinus rhythm. Since then, both my heart rate and blood pressure have been perfect and the wound in my groin is healing well. Long may they remain so!
My concern is that my throat is still incredibly sore. Even swallowing water is like swallowing knives.
Apparently I had a tube in both my trachea and my oesophagus during the procedure so I realise that this will have irritated the tissue. But I’m anxious to know whether this discomfort is completely normal and how long it is likely to last.
I’m finding it very uncomfortable/painful to swallow, especially on the left hand side of my throat.
Any observations will be very welcome
Written by
frankiec5
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I think it was gradually getting better but was probably up to a week. By that time it was much easier to eat.
They put tubes down your throat and in my case I also had a TOE where they put a probe directly down to obtain an echo from behind the heart. The oesophagus is very near the heart as it passes down.
Unfortunately yes due to the amount of sugar, sugar induces adrenline which in turn makes the heart beat faster and can then trigger AF. I believe it is the same reason why alcholol is to be avoided. AF isn’t much fun for all kinds of reasons I’m afraid. ☹️
I had exactly the same after an ablation lasting 3 hours under anaesethic. I had a sore throat and was coughing for about 5 days. It then totally disappeared. Good luck with your recovery.
That’s very encouraging to know. Thank you so much for getting in touch.
I’m still in a fair bit of pain in my throat. I’m worried that the tubes may have done some permanent damage and that this pain on swallowing will not go away.
I really do feel rather battered this time around. I just haven’t ‘bounced back’ like I did last time. Let’s hope that, like you, my throat will recover over the next couple of days and that I stay in sinus rhythm 🤞
I had my ablation in April. As soon as I woke up I noticed the sore throat and phlegm condition. I asked the first nurse that came by and she said what do you expect? You've had two tubes down your throat for 6 hours.
It's now late October and I still have the phlegm condition and a little bit of hoarseness. My primary care physician at Kaiser has set up an appointment for me with an ENT for late next month.
It sounds pretty normal to me. I just had same procedure done this past Tuesday. Sore throat is probably from being intubated and the other tube you had placed. Have you told your doctor about this? If not, please do. Motrin should help you with the pain, and ask doc if this is ok for you.
Seems to me it’s pretty normal. Don’t forget they usually check inside first for clotting at Cetera before the procedure. My first afib procedure I ended up looking like a bullfrog from ear to ear under the chin. It lasted 10 days I hate to tell you. Since then, it has been less traumatic. If your cardioversion worked be thankful, take some honey or something for your throat. If it continues to bother you ring your doctor unless you have a follow up coming soon
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
3 weeks post ablation throat pain
Ectopics after Ablation
SVT back after ablation? 
Stopping Rivaroxaban after ablation
A LOT of pain after ablation!
