State of the art monitor. Update.

[dedeottie]

Well, the monitor is unbelievably easy to wear. I can't even feel I have it on. There are no leads and I just forget it's there. So much so that when my heart finally decided to perform in the early hours of this morning I nearly forgot to press it! Anyway, after a few days of ectopic increasing in intensity I went into A.F. it's definitely faster than before the ablation but self terminated in less than an hour whereas before it would have gone on for days and days. I guess this means that I must have some gaps in the scar tissue that need filling in. Oh well, at least I've got it on the monitor.

Looks like it's going to be a lovely day. Enjoy all.x

[BobD Volunteer]

Sounds like good news there.

Bob

[souljacs4]

At least you have it recorded and can now move forward to being AF free. can I ask where you had your monitor fitted .

[dedeottie in reply to souljacs4]

Thank you. I had the monitor fit at The Spire. My N.H.S. appointment was for November and I didn't want to wait that long. X

[Rellim296 in reply to dedeottie]

Oh, bother. I had assumed the wonder monitor was on the NHS. I don't ever again want about 10 days of itchiness - the skin still itched and looked angry long after the leads were detached - and will have to opt for going private if I'm ever to have another 7 day session!

Great that AF came up trumps and obliged for once.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Rellim296]

I used to get the lumps and bumps where the stickers go on the chest too, but not since I told them about it and they now use ones for sensitive skin.

[Rellim296 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Yes, I asked for those when I had an ablation and they used paediatric ones.

[souljacs4]

I know what you mean. November seems a long way away when you know something can be done before then. am I right in thinking that you are in Cardiff I have seen a Doctor O'callaghan there.

[dedeottie in reply to souljacs4]

Yes that is right. I live in llantwit major. Dr O Callaghan heads the arrhythmia team at the Heath. I saw him at The Spire for this appointment. How are things with you? X

[souljacs4 in reply to dedeottie]

I am in Swansea I have flecainide as a pill in the pocket at the moment .

[Harboreyes63 in reply to souljacs4]

Hi I wanted to ask about raking flecainide as a pill in a pocket. You only take it when the afib starts? I am in the US and here they don't allow that. I take Sotalol and it and other arrhymia drugs are considered black label drugs which if they even just change your dosage it has to be done in the hospital for 3 days. I just had a cyroablation which so far is working but my heart rate is higher however they gave lowered my Sotalol dosage . I am so enjoying living without the constant AFib episodes but in the back of my mind I wait for it to return. I wish here they would let you just take a pill when it starts.

[dedeottie in reply to Harboreyes63]

Hi. Glad to hear your procedure went well. Different countries seem to have their own favourite drugs. Here in the U.K. we don't seem to like Sotalol but flecanide is a commonly prescribed drug if your heart is otherwise in good Nick. It doesn't work for everyone but if it does, it is a bit of a miracle drug and of course there is the advantage that it can be taken as and when you have an attack and yes it really does work. Unfortunately, taken everyday at high doses, it can have unwanted side effects but in my case they were more desirable than the A.F. !

It is interesting to hear about these differences in treatment in other countries. Good luck with your recovery and fingers crossed for a quiet heart. X

[jennydog]

It's interesting that it is easy to wear and not itchy BUT it's deeply depressing that you have to press a button when in AF. How do they know what happens whilst you're asleep? I had a 36 hr episode that I didn't know about. The last monitor I had recorded 24/7 ( and matched Relim's description re itchiness)

[dedeottie in reply to jennydog]

Hi it records every heart beat so 24/7 I have to press it so they can see if I know when I am in A.F. x

[Basia12 in reply to dedeottie]

Hi dee -hope it's going well with your monitor! How long will it be on ? X

[dedeottie in reply to Basia12]

It will be on for 2 weeks so one more week to go. I have recorded 1 definite session of A.F. which lasted for 45 mins but before ablation it would have lasted for days and days. Psychologically this has given me a boost as its made me realise how the procedure has already improved things and makes me feel more confident that a second will finish the job. I am very aware of all the ectopics,stops, starts and judders that my heart seems to enjoy doing. When I was taking flecanide I didn't feel anything so it all takes some getting used to again.

I have another appointment in 3 weeks to discuss the results. X