antacid after ablation

[Sixtychick]

i have read you should take a reflux medication to reduce stomach acid , for 6 weeks after an ablation. Is this correct. ? Has anyone done this?

[BobD Volunteer]

I never have. (had four ablataions) In fact PPIs are something I avoid like the plague as they often cause more problems than they solve.

[Sixtychick in reply to BobD]

I’ve never taken them. I would have thought they’d tell you at the hospital if you needed to take them . I think the things I’ve seen were from the US. Probably different ideas there.

[Stu13]

I had to take them after my ablation as about two days after I had an awful burning sensation in my oesophagus. The EP said it was possibly ulceration of the oesophagus as this is not an uncommon issue following ablations. The PPI did relieve the pain eventually.

I do still get irritation now even after three years since the procedure and take a PPI when I have a flare up. However my GP reckons that the two aren’t linked now and that I have a mild reflux issue anyway.

[Sixtychick in reply to Stu13]

thanks might get some in, just in case.

[Browncoat in reply to Sixtychick]

Hi Sixtychick . I have to say, my experience exactly mirrors Stu13 's. The oesophageal issue was absolutely more of a problem than anything else following my ablation in 2021. Prescribed PPI's (Omeprazole) did solve it after a while, but for a time I was very concerned that there was some permanent damage. There might still be as, like Stu13, I am now getting intermittent issues with oesophagus pain (no reflux or other digestive problems, thankfully).

[Sixtychick in reply to Browncoat]

Thanks for replying. Hope it resolves itself. Hope I don’t have any problems.

[mjames1]

In the United States, some ep's prescribe PPI's prior to ablation to protect the esophagus. Some prior and after. Some just after. And some not at all. It varies by the ep, the patient's unique situation and type of ablation.

While there is some controversy over long term PPI use, if your ep prescribes it short term, it is for your benefit.

Jim

[Sixtychick in reply to mjames1]

Thanks. I shall see what happens when I go in for the ablation next month

[4chickens]

Dr Sandilands prescribed them after each of my ablations with him for about 6 weeks.

[Sixtychick in reply to 4chickens]

That’s who’s doing mine, so maybe I’ll have to take them then.

[4chickens in reply to Sixtychick]

Probably he tends to be a creature of habit😂

[wilsond]

Yes was given a 6 week course to take.

[Sixtychick in reply to wilsond]

Thanks

[Elizka]

Two or three days of them were provided by the hospital that did my ablation.

[Sixtychick in reply to Elizka]

Thanks

[Zeinmassri]

I also had to take for 6 weeks as well

[Sixtychick in reply to Zeinmassri]

Thanks

[Nezzera]

I had to take Prilosec (Omeprazole) daily 5 days before and finish the 28 pill cycle after.

I believe it is to protect the esophagus due to it’s close proximity to the heart. I have 4 days left to go. Not a fan of the stuff.

[Sixtychick in reply to Nezzera]

Thanks

[Jetcat]

I never did. My stomach was fine after my ablations.

[Sixtychick in reply to Jetcat]

Thanks

[Jetcat in reply to Sixtychick]

It is interesting though? . It never got mentioned to me on taking my ablations. I wonder if it’s a regional area thing.?

[Sixtychick in reply to Jetcat]

Could be.

[Jetcat in reply to Sixtychick]

I remember my EP saying if I’d have lived Down south I’d have been supplied with a kardia ECG monitor to catch my episodes but unfortunately Leeds NHS doesn’t offer that service.!( it may now have changed .?) That is actually the reason I purchased one myself and it really did come in handy for a later appointment with the EP.👍

[Sixtychick in reply to Jetcat]

I have an E.May ECG gadget. You can take an ECG withit and put the recording on your phone and if needed, print it off. Useful things.

[Jetcat in reply to Sixtychick]

That sounds same as this device Iv got.👍

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Jetcat]

You don't get given one in South Devon!

[Jetcat in reply to jeanjeannie50]

He never said where it was just down south.? But there’s plenty places south of Leeds I suppose.?

[SiameseCats]

I had my ablation almost 3 months ago in Aberdeen. I was given Lansoprazole for 6 weeks after, starting the day I’d had it done.

[Sixtychick in reply to SiameseCats]

Thanks

[Foxglo]

After my ablation I was prescribed an anti acid for 1 month. I think it was standard procedure to settle effects of heat during ablation or irritation that might be cause possibly oesophagus getting hot. I expect each patient is different.

Since then my GP has suggested the same thing follow a bit of stomach soreness. The same thing was suggested to protect the stomach from any bleeding due to anticoagulant I have not followed the advice, the pharmacist suggested should be a limited time prescription and the EP recommended if needed not all the time unless another medication was prescribed with the anticoagulant.

[Sixtychick in reply to Foxglo]

Thanks

[Singwell]

You can get a bit of gastric disturbance post ablation as the catheter goes so close to the lower oesophagal sphincter. I'd arm yourself with a packet of gaviscon advance tablets. They're not meds as such and won't interfere with anything you still take. The Adance are especially good for acid reflux should it occur.

[Sixtychick in reply to Singwell]

thanks

[Singwell]

As others have pointed out here, some EPs like you to take a proton pump inhibitor pre procedure in case you are someone prone to acid reflux. This is because you need to lie flat during and after procedure. If you were to get an attack of acid reflux, they don't want you choking or coughing. But I suffer really badly from silent reflux (the type that comes up into the throat) and I've had 2 ablations. Just ate sensibly the days before and kept the acid at bay with gaviscon. Never had an issue.

[Sixtychick in reply to Singwell]

Thanks, fortunately it’s not something I’ve suffered with, up to now.

[Fullofheart]

Yes, the hospital will prescribe it. Well, they did for me each time. I've had 3 ablations. Lanzoprozol (Not sure on spelling). Wouldn't normally take them and stopped after the 6 weeks.

[Sixtychick in reply to Fullofheart]

Thanks.

[Ducky2003]

Hospital gave it to me and had to take for 6 weeks following ablation.

[Sixtychick in reply to Ducky2003]

Thanks

[MisterMagoo]

As I undertsand it, PPIs are given as a prophylactic after an ablation to help manage the possibility of a very rare but extremely serious complication called atrio-oesophageal fistula.

Google it at your peril but it made sure I kept up the PPIs for a good month along with Gavsicon Advance for good measure.

It's a massively rare complication but probably the most serious one and, although I don't like what I've read about PPIs, I thought they were worth taking for a few weeks.

[Sixtychick in reply to MisterMagoo]

Thanks

[Mugsy15]

I've had an ablation and this is the first I've heard of any need to take antacids. Wonder if it depends on whether it's Cryo or RF? One poster mentioned the effects of heat, which certainly wouldn't apply to Cryo!

[Sixtychick in reply to Mugsy15]

Thanks

[Jetcat in reply to Mugsy15]

I’m same as you mugsy. Iv had 3 PVI ablations and there was never any mention of me having to take antacids.? Don’t get me wrong if they had said take them I would have done.

[Mugsy15 in reply to Jetcat]

Oh yeah, me too.

[Ppiman]

You need to take them as they have been medically prescribed. The reason is important. It's because the food pipe, i.e. the oesophagus, in some people, can press tightly against the left atrium and it's very possible possible for the heat from the catheter to conduct through the very thin heart wall as well as the enclosing pericardium to burn the food pipe, causing irritation that can be otherwise hard to treat. There have been studies to show that keeping acid at bay with a PPI drug for a while aids the healing process if this occurs.

sciencedirect.com/science/a....

Steve

[Mugsy15 in reply to Ppiman]

You certainly wouldn't want your food pie irritated Steve! 😂

[Ppiman in reply to Mugsy15]

Oh dear! I’ve edited it. Thank you. These typos from autocorrect drive me nutty. My excuse is a bad back this last week that is distracting me beyond belief.

Steve

[Mugsy15 in reply to Ppiman]

😂👍

My phone regularly irritates me with 'of' instead of 'if', 'on' instead of 'in', etc. But my major irritant is it's insistence on changing 'just' to 'Judy'!

Grrrrrrrr!!! 🤯

[Sixtychick in reply to Ppiman]

😂

[Sixtychick in reply to Ppiman]

Thanks. Hope it doesn’t happen to me

[Ppiman in reply to Sixtychick]

The chance is vanishingly small, especially if you follow the doctor’s orders! 😉

There are several “oh no” things with ablations but not enough to worry over.

Steve

[Sixtychick in reply to Ppiman]

Thanks Steve.

[Sixtychick in reply to Ppiman]

I’ve just read this, bit scary.!!😫😫

[Ppiman in reply to Sixtychick]

Yup! But I think the odds are heavily stacked on our side.

Steve

[Hidden]

These things often cause more problems than they 'cure'! If stomach acid is reduced food will not be digested adequately when it passes from the stomach to the small intestine, with associated effects. There is A Vogel's Centaurium, which helps to prevent reflux by strengthening the sphincter at the top of the stomach and balances stomach acid naturally-have a look.-15 drops 2-3 times daily, in water. Good luck.

[Sixtychick in reply to Hidden]

Thanks

[BeeBee79]

Hi there,

I’ve had 4 ablations and only took antacids (prescribed by the hospital) after my 4th ablation as they had worked really close to my food pipe. Never had any issues

[Sixtychick in reply to BeeBee79]

Thanks.

[localad]

If I rarely ever get a bit of heart burn, reflux, I swallow a level teaspoon of sodium bicarb in a little warm water. Job done !

[Sixtychick in reply to localad]

Thanks

[Bell50]

I was put on lansoprazole after both of my ablations but I didn’t like taking them I had to be on them for six weeks so this last ablation I only took them for five weeks as they were causing me stomach issues.

[Sixtychick in reply to Bell50]

Thanks

[joyelane]

I just read of a new study that associates use of reflux medications with Alzheimers.....

[Sixtychick in reply to joyelane]

I won’t take them unless told to.

[Snowgirl65]

I had a prescription for it after my ablation(s), but never needed to even have it filled.

[Sixtychick in reply to Snowgirl65]

Thanks

[Chrissy7 in reply to Snowgirl65]

They gave me a prescription before I left the hospital but the nurse said it was for heartburn/acid reflux so I never took them.. didnt know I was supposed to….

[Sixtychick in reply to Chrissy7]

Thanks

[1Golf]

Absolutely, surgeon should have prescribed one

[Sixtychick in reply to 1Golf]

Thanks.He might when I have it done.

[MaryCa]

Yes, ep prescribed me 40mg protium morning and evening for six months. Down to 20mg morning and evening now. Another six months and I'll be back to where I started at 20mg

[Sixtychick in reply to MaryCa]

Thanks

[Sixtychick]

Thanks everyone. I’ll wait and see if I’m prescribed it. As you’re all so kind in replying to this, please give me some re-assurance over this ablation, as I’m very nervous about it. It took me ages to pluck up the courage to agree to one. I’ve been waiting over a year and now have an appointment on 20th September. I’m trying not to worry .😫

[Fullofheart in reply to Sixtychick]

I had 3 last year. Completely natural to be nervous but although it is not to be underestimated (it is your heart, after all) it is a routine procedure for the EP and not major surgery. Your EP will talk you through it all and you will be well looked after, I'm sure.

[Sixtychick in reply to Fullofheart]

Thank you. Wish it was over and done with.!!

[Chrissy7 in reply to Sixtychick]

You will be fine… its normal to be nervous… the doctors perform these procedures every day…you are in good hands!

[Sixtychick in reply to Chrissy7]

Thanks for that. Hopefully it’ll be fine. 🤞🤞

[Chrissy7 in reply to Sixtychick]

I was afraid too.. and had a few things go awry… still ended up ok…Im 8 wks post ablation… was scared to death… its normal to be afraid….

[Sixtychick in reply to Chrissy7]

Yes I suppose it is. Will be glad when it’s done.

[Fullofheart]

I know what you mean!! It will be OK and it's OK to be apprehensive.It's not something any of us would sign up for unless we needed it is it? 😬

[Sixtychick in reply to Fullofheart]

Thanks. I like the reassurance.!

[Lilypocket]

Yep was prescribed Omeprazole after my ablation . It is to protesct the oesophegus. If they prescribe it for you I would take it as very , very rarely damage can occur a few weeks after the ablation and can be serious - but again very, very rare especially these days with EPs being very experienced . That is why it is taken for a few weeks after the ablation as a precaution. Like wearing a seatbelt in case you have an accident I suppose . 😊 But it also depends on your ablation. As well as the pulmonary veins I had box isolation which is probably why I was asked to take it. Take care

[Sixtychick in reply to Lilypocket]

Thanks. I shall do as I’m told.!!

[Lilypocket in reply to Sixtychick]

😅

[Mugsy15]

I've said a few times on here that I'd have another ablation without hesitation. In fact I'd rather have that than a big filling at the dentist. The sedation they gave me was very pleasant; when I was being worked on there were moments of discomfort but no more than that and I was in and out in a few hours. When I got home I ran upstairs to get the taxi fare then realised how ridiculous I'd just been as one is strongly advised to avoid exertion! Silly I know, but it at least showed how comfortable I was.

You'll be posting something similarly upbeat about yours soon!

[Sixtychick in reply to Mugsy15]

Thank you. I hope you’re right. ! I had an incisor tooth out 3 weeks ago. It had a bent root and the dentist had a devil of a job getting it out and I think they damaged the bone, as I now have a sharp white bit I can see in the gum, which is uncomfortable. I’m going back to dentist today so hopefully they might do something about it. Dentists don’t really bother me. I’ve worked in 4 Dental Practices as a Dental Nurse, when younger and I’ve also worked in hospitals and care homes as a auxilliary nurse/ care assistant, for several nursing agencies, but I’d prefer not to be the patient..☹️

[Madscientist16]

I was offered after my ablation, but I refused. I was certain that PPI's for acid reflux was the reason I developed AF in the first place. I was never informed by my doctor or pharmacist how bad these drugs are for you taken long term. After 8 months on them, I had my first AF episode. The PPI's caused calcium, vitamin B and magnesium deficiency; all bad for the heart. Now when you take these medications, they come with warning information that was not available when I was prescribed them. It took me another year to wean off the PPIs. Take antacids or drink high pH water if you have acid reflux after your ablation.

[Sixtychick in reply to Madscientist16]

Thanks. I’ve been told to get some Gaviscon, so will get some of that in

[planetiowa]

My doctor had me start taking them before my ablation and I believe for a few weeks after.

[Sixtychick in reply to planetiowa]

Thanks