Acid reflux

[Karendeena]

One week post ablation and it could only happen to me! Yesterday, I had some reflux and burping after lunch which eventually disappeared.

Not sleeping well since ablation so woke again at 5.30am with a similar feeling of some reflux but no burping.

Taking esomaprazole as directed but didn't expect this.

Anyone else had this post ablation and does it settle?

Wished I'd never had the ablation now, albeit I have remained in NSR

Thanks

Karen

[CDreamer]

These are common reactions and nothing to worry about. Lifting the head of your bed a little will help, I found sipping warm water very regularly also helps but most of all - avoid eating ALL carbs, especially baked goods and don’t eat anything for at least 3 hours before retiring to bed.

Yes it will settle but may take some time, few weeks or so. Believe me the long term benefits of NSR are well worth the minor inconvenience of a little gastric reflux, uncomfortable as it is.

[Karendeena in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks a million, I am getting panic attacks now. This is just upsetting me. So grateful for your feedback. I always think the worst, think it comes from 12 months of my brother talking doom and gloom 🥺It did start after eating a bread roll yesterday

[CDreamer in reply to Karendeena]

Bread was the worst for me, especially in the mornings. Hope you find some relief very soon.

[Karendeena in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks. Spoke to the arrythmia nurse this morning as it kept me awake last night. He said acid reflux is quite common and I will probably have good and bad days for a while. He also said that often the meds they prescribe to help surpress this, such as lansoprazole, often aggravate it!Also told not to eat too late.

It was a bread roll that started it yesterday so thanks for the advice

[CDreamer in reply to Karendeena]

Just for your background understanding - your stomach should be acid in order to break down protein such as meat/nuts/beans etc so your stomach is full of tiny pumps which pump the acid into the stomach in readiness. The medication esomaprazole is a Protein Pump Inhibitor or PPI, This represses the production of the acid. Theoretically this should help prevent reflux but in my experience just made digestion a whole lot worse.

The affect of this is that less acid in your stomach, more difficulty in breaking down food, slows down the transit process so large meal means the valve at the top of the stomach doesn’t close properly so when you lie down the acid which has been pushed to the top of the stomach leaks out into esophagus causing pain.

Carbohydrates need to be broken down by neutral or alkaline environment found in the gut but if they cannot pass through the stomach they just bulk everything up and again send acid back up to esophagus. You have a wise arrhythmia nurse!

When you have an ablation with tubes down your throat this exacerbates and may slightly damage esophagus.

When you feel panic coming on focus on your breathing and really focus on making it slow, long and deep. When you know you are about to talk to your brother just stay really calm and focus on your breath. I would suggest to him that he goes seek some help and that when you listen to him telling you all this stuff you find it really distressing and upsetting for you. You can be supportive and direct.

Take care X

[Karendeena in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks a million for your feedback 🙂

[Desanthony]

You may find it helpful to eat smaller meals and few carbs if any. I find bread the worst thing and avoid eating it twice in one day - so if i have toast for breakfast do not have a sarnie for lunch. It is also good to sip water with your meals (unless you have any medical reason why you shouldn't). Probably better to eat 4 or 5 small meals a day than three larger ones and definitely don't eat anything within about 4 hours of going to bed. CD is right it can be beneficial to rise the head of your bed when you have this.

Sure this will be worth it in the log run.

As you are having this trouble and taking a PPI I would contact the hospital and ask them for advice.

[Karendeena in reply to Desanthony]

Thanks a lot 😊

[jeanjeannie50]

No, it doesn't just happen to you, reflux is common for weeks after an ablation I can assure you. That's why we're usually prescribed something like your esomeprazole. It will take a while before it disappears. As CDreamer has said raising the head of your bed (I put books under the top feet of mine), also cutting out fatty food and vinegar will also help. Chewing almonds thoroughly can help too, as can eating a banana.

Jean

[Karendeena in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean

[CDreamer in reply to Karendeena]

Nuts are protein - see my post above. The stomach acid then has something to work on.

[BobD Volunteer]

The recovery period is such a short time in your life. Please stay positive , rest and stay well hydrated. It will soon pass .

[Karendeena in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. I went for a walk yesterday in the sunshine and felt fine, no palpitations, no tiredness, no breathlessness (I avoided any inclines as advised), then this. The slightest of problems are dragging me down at the moment and I fear I am becoming more negative which isn't me 🥺

[CDreamer in reply to Karendeena]

We’ve all been there so know that this is something you have to go through and this does pass and you do get better and your quality of life continues to improve for up to a year after ablation as you heal.

We are here to support you.

[Karendeena in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you ♥️

[kkatz in reply to Karendeena]

Please ,please try to be more positive & less anxious.I had quite a few problems for months.Nothing serious but all uncomfortable.There are probably good things you might notice.You said your walk felt so good.The first thing I noticed was my chest felt so open.I personally slept better.I didn't have the reflux to keep me awake as I am on ppis anyway for very large hiatus hernia.When do you take yours.night time could be best if that's when your acid is worst.

I am 13 months post ablation and although still improving I am so happy I had the ablation.

A hypnotism cd before bed can help.

[Karendeena in reply to kkatz]

Thank you. Sleepless nights are becoming a problem for me. Nightmares since ablation

[bassets]

Perhaps it would help if you tried mindfulness for your anxiety. When I was diagnosed with AF I went into total panic but found that using some thing like Headspace (online) calmed me down and allowed me t think clearly. Your anxiety will make you feel worse. Let us know how you are getting on.

[Karendeena in reply to bassets]

Thanks, will do. This on top of everything I think has been a little bit too much.Booked a couple of holidays so something to look forward to later in the year. Only problem is I will worry about my mum when I am away in Cyprus but I can't put my life on hold 🥺

[CDreamer in reply to Karendeena]

Balance, all about balance.

[Silky57]

My gosh. What wonderfully supportive replies to your post. I have nothing practical to add, but just wanted to express gratitude for being part of such a knowledgeable and encouraging group. Wishing you all the best Karendeena as your health continues to improve.

[Buzby62]

Nothing to add, just repeating what Bob said to drink plenty of water. Hydration is easy to overlook and should not be underestimated.

Keep your glass at least half full. (Pun intended)

Best wishes