It's just the IV fluids. Maybe you can get the Dr. to give you some lasix.

tomorrow,
It would last this long? I had the ablation last Friday. I think they gave me Lasix during the procedure.

Why would they give you lasix during the ablation? Yes, you can retains fluids for a week after the ablation. They normally give you lasix afterwards if you need it to get rid of the fluid. I would find out if you have already had some. Good luck.

They put a TON of fluids in me during the ablation, so near the end, they gave me Lasix . Wow, fluid retention for such a long time. Good to know. Thanks, tomorrow!

I hope you are beginning to feel better. Like any other invasive procedure, it does take a while to recover. Like any other time you don't feel well, take it slow, drink lots of fluids, and rest. Be well, it will get better. Joan

Thanks, Joan!! I'm trying to rest. Just see so many things around me that need to be done, but I just don't have the energy to do them. They can wait. I forgot about drinking lots of fluids. Thanks for the reminder!!
How are you doing with your BP, Joan?

I did not have any bloating after my ablation. I am not trying to alarm you, but if it continues, contact your doctor. It could be a sign of damage to the vagal nerve. I googled it, because the IV fluids as the cause, did not seem correct to me.I hope you are doing OK.

THis is exactly what I was worried about. i emailed the nurse practitioner, but she never answered.

"There have been isolated reports of bloating and abdominal distension after the procedure. This may be related to injury to nerves that control the contraction of the stomach muscles. It tends to resolve slowly." http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/atrial_fibrillation/pulmonaryvein_ablation.aspx


How will I feel after the procedure?
You may feel fatigue or minor chest discomfort during the first 48 hours after the procedure. Please tell your doctor or nurse if any of these symptoms are prolonged or severe.

"Some patients experience symptoms of congestive heart failure the first few days after the procedure. These symptoms may include shortness of breath, bloating or what may feel like the symptoms of a common cold. This is normal, but it is important that you call us so we may help you. These symptoms are frequently due to water retention and the inflammation caused by the ablation. " http://www.cpmc.org/services/heart/tx/faqsafter.html


2 things I found on the web.

Thanks, Petey! That first quote is what I was referring to.

Has the bloating improved at all? Generally speaking, if the IV fluids were the cause and you had a fluid overload, you would have swelling in your hands, feet, and possibly be short of breath due to fluid in your lungs. Patients usually begin diueresing (losing the fluid) within a day or two after surgery. Hopefully, things are improving for you. Just remember do not be afraid to call your doctor if you think that something is wrong.

I did email the nurse practitioner, she never answered. i think it's better. whole tummy area is still not right.
Thx, RN 52

After RN52's comments, I thought I would call during off hours and talk to an EP Fellow. He said i probably do have vagal nerve damage from the ablation. He said hopefully in 2 weeks or so, it will subside. He said it's not normal, but a common problem after an ablation.
Thanks for the encouragement to ask, RN52!!

O yes, I forgot. That happened to me. I actually "gained" 10 pounds right after the procedure, but it was just fluid. My MD gave me a diuretic and I was back to normal in a week.

If all else fails, call the floor of the hospital where you had the ablation. I had to do that, and there is always a few nurses on call (they are working and on duty) and they were very helpful, as they knew the typical side effects after ablation.

Oh, I see that the cardiac felow helped you. Good! Good luck!