Heart Look Monitor

[afibtennis]

My EP said a safe way to determine if I could get off my meds ( Flecaidide and Elequis) is to have a loop monitor implanted and see if I am event free for 3 months. (I have not had any events that I am aware of for 2.5 years).At that point I could go off the meds and he would continue the loop monitor for 2.7 years. If no events, then I am home free! What do others think of this strategy?

[Gowers]

I had one fitted nearly a year ago and it has meant my cardiologist has uptodate info as to what has/is going on. In fact I feel very fortunate to be given one. I was a bit dubious but to give an example - last Monday at my appointment he had a thick pile of notes with him and so when i looked at my diary of "events" he was able to say exactly what was going on + the time and how long etopics, af and heaviness in chest etc lasted.

On some occasions when I said my heart was racing all day he could reassure me the heart rate was not that high and nothing to worry about.

Although it cant take the place of an A&E visit for me I can press the button and know there will be a marker on my ecg - all this goes to the cardio nurse at the Birmingham hospital but! Also so i am told any nhs hosp has a link to the recordings and can print out ecg.

Having it inserted didnt take long and mine can stay in for up to 3years!

[afibtennis in reply to Gowers]

my EP said it only takes a few minutes to put in. I play a lot of tennis. Do you recall what the recovery time was like? Any limitations or side effects.? Thanks very much.

[Gowers in reply to afibtennis]

I think it took about 15mins in cardio dept for the device to be inserted. I was discharged about 4 hours later having spent short while waiting to be sent back to the ward - some of the time is spent checking the site wound on a regular basis (wrist in my case though they go through groin area)

I was out having an evening meal same day and no after effects.

Took it easy for few days as wrist was a bit sore and bruised and took a while to heal

[meadfoot]

Go for it would be my response. Not many eps offer one so you would be very lucky to get one. Good luck.

[quanglewangle]

Hi - That sounds like a plan! But don't do what I did and place the reporting station next to my favourite seat instead of by the bed! - result - my device reported in at midnight and wasn't transmitted cos I was out of range and nil reporting was not followed up (Poor protocol!!!!). So a year later when I challenged known events I was promptly scheduled for a PM in 3 days. Great device had recorded everything - it was me that was useless (and the protocol). Lesson - read the instructions !!!!! Good Luck.

Loop monitor = easy procedure, and a bit uncomfortable for a couple of weeks, then totally unaware.....