post lobectomy indigestion

[Greendeco13]

my VATS lobectomy went well and I’ve been recovering ok but past two days had dreadful indigestion.

Was already on lansoprazole and my husband got me rennies and mint tea which have helped a bit.

Anyone else had this? And any tips to get rid? Is it something I need to let the hospital now about?

[Concerned2021]

Hello there . Can only comment on my dads experience but he also had indigestion as well . I believe it’s common as when having a Lobectomy . I believe his GP prescribed him something stronger . Hope you feel brighter soon

[packla]

Hi. I had my lobectomy last July and to be honest I never noticed any changes in my indigestion as I have had it for years. The only thing I have been left with is a cough which I have been told is due to the trauma the lung suffered and it might never go away.

[Mauranne]

Hello Greendeco13

I’m wondering whether you have LPR or silent reflux which seems to be quite common after lung surgery. I had a lower right lobectomy four years ago and I seemed to be quite wheezy afterwards and then had a bit of heartburn and developed a cough also. My GP referred me to a gastrologist, had a camera down my throat but there was nothing significant found. I then went to an ear nose and throat specialist and he put a camera up my nose into my throat and told me I had laryngeal pharyngeal reflux (LPR /Silent Reflux). I was prescribed Esomeprazole which is a better drug than Lanzoprazole for this condition as well as Nasonex and told there is no cure as such but it can be managed. I’m still on the meds and I’m ok but what you eat affects the condition. If I were you I would try and get this checked out. Look up LPR on a medical site and see what you think. The only way of diagnosing this condition is seeing an ear nose and throat man. I hope this helps you and I also hope you feel better soon. Best wishes Mauranne.

[Greendeco13 in reply to Mauranne]

thank you, I was already diagnosed with reflux but think has been exacerbated by the op. I’ll try and change meds

[JanetteR57]

I occasionally get heartburn and acid reflux when I have a chest infection and my consultant has recently prescribed lanzoprizole which I've only ever had when prescribed steroids previously. I also notice a difference if I lay down too soon after eating or if I eat later. My lobectomy was in Dec 2010 and this has been a relatively recent development. Peppermint tea and ginger tea may help. Worth mentioning to your lung nurse if you have one. hope it eases soon.

[Greendeco13 in reply to JanetteR57]

yes if I lie down too soon after eating that causes problems - mint tea does help

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello Greendeco13

I am pleased to hear that your surgery has gone well and that you are making a good recovery. As you can see from the previous responses indigestion and heartburn can be common after surgery, if this is severe and not relieved by lansoprazole you should make your medical team aware so that they can investigate the cause and if need be, prescribe different type of medication.

If you would like to discuss anything further, you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call the nurse on our free phone helpline on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team