Loop Recorder implantation

[VeeT]

Hello everyone, I'm off to hospital on Friday (after postponing twice after succumbing to latest winter bug) to have the implant. Has anyone else had one put in? I've been told I'll be able to drive immediately afterwards and would like to hear from anyone how they felt. Thanks

[BobD Volunteer]

Just be careful with your seatbelt.

[VeeT in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, did wonder about that. I've just phoned the hospital. Very helpful and reassuring chat.

[CaroleF]

I had a loop recorder implanted in May. It was absolutely fine (local anesthetic) and a pain-free procedure. I have experienced no discomfort at all either immediately afterwards or later. I see someone has mentioned about a seat belt, It didn't bother me, though maybe you could use some padding eg a piece of foam or even a folded scarf? The only thing that was a bit uncomfortable was a big hug from one of my daughters. I don't even know it's there. You'll be fine.

Carole

[VeeT]

Thank you Carole. That's really good to hear and I'll take your advice about padding the seat belt.

[BobD Volunteer]

If you are driving it shouldn't be a problem since they usually fit on left. Passengering may be different.

[VeeT in reply to BobD]

I'm planning to drive myself. At that age where I feel I'd rather trust my judgement in traffic than my contemporaries. Sorry friends

[CaroleF in reply to VeeT]

Know exactly what you mean, Vee! I don't drive anymore and went home on the bus. I felt absolutely fine after the procedure.

Carole

[CaroleF]

The loop recorder really is an amazing bit of kit. Costs about £1,500 I gather so lucky to get one in these cash-strapped times. Happily (for me) nothing has been detected since the device was implanted, but I know someone else who has one and they are 'on it' immediately anything is detected.

Just a thought .... a cardiac nurse will run through how everything works with you and check that you understand what to do. In my case though they forgot to give me the printed instructions as well, so do make sure that you are given yours. It's easy to understand the verbal instructions when they are given, but then not be 100% certain later on. However I found it easy to get hold of someone on the phone to go through things again and they posted the instructions to me.

Hope all goes well for you.

Carole

[CaroleF]

Sorry to be bombarding you with messages, but another thought ..... You need a reasonable mobile signal where you live for the base unit to work properly. It's not very good where I live and I had to try various positions in my home since 'at the bedside' - which is what I was initially told - wasn't working (the data from the implanted device is transmitted overnight). If this also applies to you then you might want to flag this up on Friday. However the range of the unit seems pretty good. Mine is now against an outside wall in my living room (where the best mobile reception is) and my bedroom is next door to it. (I live in a flat). The other person I know with one has to put the base unit outside the bedroom window! (a ground floor flat)

Carole

[VeeT in reply to CaroleF]

Thanks for all the great advice Carole. The last message about mobile signal worries me as it's not very good where I live either. I'll see how it goes and move it around the house. I've made a list of all the things you've mentioned so I don't forget. Like you I feel incredibly lucky to have this amount of money spent on me in these worrying NHS times.

Isn't this forum great. No matter what your concern is there's always someone with helpful and comforting words.

[Rellim296 in reply to VeeT]

Glad to hear this is moving forwards for you. I was wondering if there had been progress.

Contact your network and see what they can do for you.

We have an Orange/EE signal booster in our loft and a small aerial on the roof. They don't work if there's a power cut. Without them we have no signal at all.

[VeeT in reply to Rellim296]

Thanks, good idea to get in touch with network provider. I'll see what happens when I come home with my box!

[CaroleF]

I do hope I haven't worried you too much, Vee. Obviously one's main concern is about the procedure itself - does it hurt/is the device uncomfortable etc. However, as I have indicated, there might be quite different issues to consider (things that one might never have thought of before hand) so I do hope that my experience proves helpful and just to emphasise that after the initial teething problems regarding the base unit all has been good.

This forum is indeed wonderful. I have learned such a lot over the last few months from all the helpful, kind people here and, for once (!) have actually been able to contribute something myself.

Will be thinking of you on Friday,

Carole

[VeeT]

Thank you again Carole. All the points you've raised have been really helpful. I know now what to expect and what to look out for. I'll let you know how I feel on Friday evening.

[daveeb]

No problems, I've had worse cuts on my finger . That's how I treated it.

[VeeT in reply to daveeb]

Thank you, feel a lot less nervous now after all the helpful comments.

[VeeT]

Back home again after round trip of 70 miles to the hospital. INR too high to have implantation. I had it checked earlier in the week and it was fine. Another drawback of warfarin.

[CaroleF in reply to VeeT]

Oh dear, Vee. What a let down. I've been thinking of you today and wondering how you got on. I don't take an anti-coagulant as it's not clear whether I have AF so I was unaware that one's INR was a relevant issue. I'm almost as disappointed as you must be. I do hope you get another appointment soon.

Carole

[VeeT in reply to CaroleF]

Thanks Carole. One outcome I didn't even consider. Chatting to another woman waiting and she'd been sent home on 3 previous occasions because INR too high. Thank goodness she was good to go today. I think I will get appointment fairly soon.

[CaroleF]

Fingers crossed then, eh?

[Davebe]

I had one fitted 2013 followed by an ablation in 2014. The loop took about 20 mins to fit. Local anaesthetic was used meaning very little pain. I've had worse clouts off my dad. In fact only one bit where the doctor knicked a nerve whilst cutting the pocket for the recorder. I didn't have any stitches, just a plaster for 5 days. I never had any trouble with the loop or the site at all. However, December this year the battery, possibly the complete loop recorder may have to be changed. I have no worries about it. I download the data from the recorder every 3 months and see the EP shortly after. It saves time and trips to the hospital. Take care and good luck. Dave

[VeeT in reply to Davebe]

Thanks Dave. That was nearly 2 years ago and all has been well since. Just one bad AF episode when the cellars flooded and I was stressed dealing with it.

[Davebe]

Hello Vee. Sorry about that, but I'd filled in the reply box just below your initial post before reading the other replies. Then I saw my other reply and thought " what a dork". However, glad you are doing well. Dave

[VeeT in reply to Davebe]

Thanks Dave. I do feel lucky after reading other posts.

[Suzy1954 in reply to VeeT]

Hi carrying on from your older post. My cardiologist has mentioned me having a loop recorder. Don’t know if there’s any point as I know I have AF. Also what other implications are there? ie do they let the DVLA know you’ve got one? This is something I’ve heard. Thanks.

[VeeT in reply to Suzy1954]

Hi Suzy

My cardiologist recommended I had one implanted as I had frequent episodes of AF after having an ablation and he wanted to know when and why they occurred. I feel I'm tempting fate by saying this but I've only had the one episode when the cellars flooded since having the implant. I think I knew already that my AF was caused by stress. I haven't informed the DVLA as it's purely a monitoring device. I forget it's there most of the time.

[Suzy1954 in reply to VeeT]

Thanks for that. I know they are a lot smaller now. I’ve got time to think about it as I haven’t had my appointment through yet 🙄

[Davebe in reply to Suzy1954]

I can't see why the DVLA would need to be told. It's only a recorder and doesn't affect anything, it doesn't move. I gave my license up due to brain injuries and collapsing which would pose a problem. Take care and good luck. Dave x