Severe heartburn after lobectomy

[MeLyndi]

Hello,2/14/23 I had a lower rt lung lobectomy. Since that time I have horrific heartburn. Not just a little but debilitating. Has anyone else experienced this? I have had an endoscopy done and the dr reports that he can see no reason for my symptoms. I am now being referred to other Dr's one being a ear, nose and throat and they want me to do a sleep study believing apnea could be part of the problem....it wasn't happening b4 the lobectomy....

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear MeLyndi

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear of your troublesome symptoms.

Sleep apnea can certainly cause severe heartburn, it can happen at any age, but in women typically over the age of 50. Changes in pressure in the thorax can push stomach acid up into the oesohpagus and throat. Sleep studies are the best diagnostic tool for sleep apnea. This link explains what is involved: sleepfoundation.org/sleep-s...

It is encouraging that your endoscopy was clear, however, understandable that you would like the cause and relief from the heartburn. Heartburn can happen for a short time post lung surgery, but for those who have this longer, it is not a well researched area as there could be many other factors which may have nothing to do with the surgery.

It sounds like they are being very thorough in their investigations and referring you to Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. I hope you hear from others in the forum on their experience and you find some relief soon.

You may or may not know of these lung cancer sits in America that you could reach out to them also: lung.org/lung-health-diseas...

and

lungevity.org/

You are welcome to email our nurses if you would like to discuss anything at [e-mail]

All the very best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Bobatealuvr in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Hello, I had a middle right lobe wedge resection in June and definitely have experienced heartburn and changes in my the way I can tolerate types of food and quantities of food. Honestly, i’m sure that this is common in certain people, but I don’t know how well it’s reported. My doctor gave me a strong prescription for a heartburn medication right after my surgery, I only took it for about a week because I wasn’t experiencing severe heartburn, With that being said, I was also not eating very much at all due to the fact that everything inside now feeling inflamed and swollen, and I could not tolerate any large quantities of. Even a normal meal was difficult and it’s still challenging for me at times, 6 months after they removed 2% of my life. So, considering you had entire little lobe removed, I think that is, unfortunately I think that what you’re experiencing is par for the course, but that does not make it feel any better. I am sorry for the pain or experiencing. I had to go to the gym and lift weights. In fact, I went for a run at about 3 miles, and it seem to really aggravate my stomach muscles the next day at the gym. I have read on some Facebook blogs that it takes about two years to fully recover from this. Maybe try to eat small meals and try not to rush you recover in the meantime. Although, I know how frustrating it can be. Personally, I take simethicone a lot when I’m feeling gassy or feeling like heartburn will occur. It’s a really simple medication, but it seems to do the trick for me. Also, although your doctors did not find anything, you know your body, and I am certain surgery is causing your heartburn. If people actually experienced these surgeries , they would realize that your entire insides change once you’ve had such a significant lung surgery. I’m sorry I could not offer any more help but I did just want to offer my support to you. Good luck and take care.