Reveal linq?

[Beckyr86]

Has anyone ever had a reveal linq implantation? I have an appointment next month to have one fitted but I don't really know much about it.

[rosyG]

only that they are very good at showing AF that you wouldn't otherwise notice- I think people who have had one will post to you with more details

[CaroleF]

Yes. I have had a Reveal device for about 20 months. The insertion is a simple pain-free experience (local anaesthetic) and I have had no pain or discomfort subsequently.

The device is very small, a bit like a slim flat cigarette lighter. It's inserted (in my case anyway) just to the left side of my breast bone. The scar is tiny and almost invisible. I don't even know that it's there though if I prod I can just about feel it.

The device transmits data every night via a base unit you keep by your bed and there is also a small hand held 'Patient Assist' dongle-type thing that you can use to capture events that you think might be an episode of AF if you are away from home and then you use the base unit to transmit that data. It all sounds more complicated than it is in reality and the technicians at the Cardiac Unit where your device is implanted will explain everything to you and ensure you understand.

The device is a god-send if you are possibly suffering from Paroxysmal AF as it will detect any episodes and enable a diagnosis to be made. When it does, the Cardiac Unit will contact you.

I, for one, am so grateful to have been given one of these, particularly in these NHS cash-strapped times, since I believe they cost c. £1500

I am happy to provide more info and to answer specific questions.

Carole

Edited to add: if you look to the right whilst you are reading this message you'll see links to other posts previously made using the same/similar terms as yours in their headings - and you might like to read those as well as any replies here.

[Beckyr86 in reply to CaroleF]

Thank you that's very helpful.

[CaroleF in reply to Beckyr86]

Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any further questions. I could add more to what I said originally, but don't like to over load you with info.

[Beckyr86]

Thank you I only found out I was getting it today so my biggest worry was actually having it inserted but I feel reassured now, I'm sure I'll have more questions before I go though so I appreciate that.

[CaroleF in reply to Beckyr86]

I understand about the apprehension, but I really don't think you need to worry about the insertion. It only takes a few minutes and it really is pain free. Even the local anaesthetic injections weren't anything much at all. Oh and there was also an antibiotic injection. The only thing I recall being a little bit uncomfortable was a feeling of pressure as the device was actually inserted.

I was advised to turn my head so I couldn't see the incision being made, but the incision isn't very deep and there certainly wasn't any blood to speak of. There were two (I think) dissoluble stitches - so it's tiny.

Whilst I think of it ..... if you are going to travel home as a car passenger afterwards you might like to take something (eg a scarf?) to pad the seat belt so it doesn't put pressure on the 'wound'. (If you are driving yourself home then the seat belt isn't going to go over the wound).

Fire away if anything occurs to you before you have the procedure. Happy to help.

[speedywiz]

I had one implanted in August 17. It has revealed that I am experiencing Brady/Tachy syndrome. When in Brady my heart rate drops to uncomfortable levels. The cardiology department phoned me last week to tell me that it had dropped to 30 bpm a couple of days before. They passed my results to a consultant who phoned me back within half an hour. The result being that I require a pacemaker. I received a pre-op appointment for 9th February.