Loop recorder implantation

[Angela]

Hi back in November 2018 I had a heart monitor for 48 hours was told I had AF was put on warfarin the reading on the monitor was not very clear so I was told ,I was not happy so asked for an appontment the hospital did a 5 day monitoring went to see them yesterday came off the warfarin because they said there was no AF the doctor said about a LRI she said it was my choice if I had one fitted now I don't know what to do I would he very grateful for any advice please 🤗

[meadfoot]

I have recently had two separate twenty four hour monitors and then a seven day one and you guessed it my heart behaved throughout then started up again in the days after the monitor was taken back to hospital.

I would be so grateful to have a loop recorder inserted but have not been offered one, I intend to suggest this again to my consultant when I see him this month. I would grab at the idea personally as I am getting nowhere with the short term ones and my very real symptoms are not being caught so I don't know what is going on which is unnerving.

What is holding you back, if you feel there may be side effects or issues with an implanted device please discuss fully with your medic so you can make an informed decision. I just wish I was offered one. Good luck.

[BobD Volunteer]

Holter monitors should be given to everybody with AF. They guarantee that no AF will occur whilst worn. I'm not sure I would agree with being off anticoagulants until you have had the loop recorder for a month or two but your decision of course.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to BobD]

I agree with you Bob, re wearing a holter monitor being a cure for AF. Lol. Whenever I've worn one I've felt extremely well, as if I could climb mountains! It does tend to point to the fact that the mind has some effect on our heart rhythms doesn't it?

When you attend the yearly AF conventions has anyone ever questioned why this happens?

Jean

[BobD Volunteer in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Its all in the mind I expect.

[Angela in reply to BobD]

I don't Bob 🤗

[Angela in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob thank for replying they took me off of the warfarin because they didn't even know if I had AF even yesterday the cardiologist said that the reading are not clear from the doctors report that's why I wanted to have another one done which was clear but I will have the LRI at least I won't have to worry about ....

[sphilcule]

Hi Angela, I had a loop recorder fitted in Feb this year. Best thing I did as it picked up AF immediately. The procedure is fairly quick and did'nt hurt at all. Worse bit was the anaesthetic injection. Only kidding. The battery lasts three years and the implant can stay in forever if it doesn't cause any problems which it shouldn't. I have a monitor by the bed which uploads any abnormal heart fluctuations automatically overnight to my cardiac team so they can see straight away what's going on.If you have been offered this, I would jump at the chance as it will put your mind at rest .

[TJCL in reply to sphilcule]

Couldn’t agree more. Had one put in almost 4 years ago after a 3 day AF episode. It’s about the size of an AA battery. 2 mins to put in and mine lasted 3.5 years. Removed in 30 seconds, Both times a 1cm incision under Local anaesthetic only. I forgot it was there most of the time.

[dwright12 in reply to sphilcule]

After your implant did you have to wait 2 weeks to shower? any restrictions on walking or biking? Thanks

[Angela]

Hi thank you all for so much positive feed back it's been a great help they were never really sure if it was AF because what the doctors sent them was very unclear that's why they did another one I will go ahead and have it at least they are looking after me once a big thank you 🤗🤗

[Jjda]

I agree with most of the comments here. A loop recorder is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way to monitor 24/7. They will also give you a card to show at the airport, so they don't worry about you setting off the security alarms!

[Roobydooby]

Hi Angela, I had various monitors over the course of 3 years, 24 hour, 48 hour etc but none of them captured anything, then had the chance of having an LRI fitted the middle of last year. It was a quick procedure & glad I had it done as in September it captured an episode which was then diagnosed as AF. That kick started my treatment by medication & things are definitely better now. I go every 6 months to have the info downloaded & last time my EP said he’d leave it for another year as it wasn’t doing any harm. To be honest I forget it’s there! I’d definitely recommend having it.

Regards

Jen

[Angela in reply to Roobydooby]

That's very encouraging Roobydooby thank you I will definitely have it done just waiting for appointment 🤗

[Jlaine in reply to Roobydooby]

Wonder why you have to go and have it downloaded? I have had it almost 2 yrs and never had that done. My Drs office will occasionally call and have me do a reading with them over the phone. There is a company who manages all of my reads and sends them to my Dr once a week I believe.

[Jlaine]

I have a loop recorder! Check with your insurance as there may be a percentage cost to you. Your Dr charges a mthly fee to receive reports and review them. The procedure is simple. Takes about 15 minutes to insert blue tooth bar. Small incision( maybe 1 inch and a couple sutures. They freeze the are locally before doing procedure. It's a good thing to have. If you have an episode you have a remote key fob that you can press and hold to bar in chest and it will transmit what's going on at that time. Lots of people have them now. Good luck

[sphilcule in reply to Jlaine]

Hi jlaine not sure if you are in the UK under the NHS but there is no charge here in the UK to upload the information or to receive the implant if you are treated by the NHS

[Jlaine in reply to sphilcule]

I am in US and it all depends on our insurance as to what they pay. I pay $17 a mth for machine. It will be paid off in 11 myths I believe!

[Angela]

Just got my appointment it's in September the 10th at 11.30 thank you all for your comments and support 🤗🤗

[TJCL]

Yes, they gave me antibiotics IV. I don’t have any adverse reactions to antibiotics in general and didn’t when they did this.

[BobD Volunteer]

The implantable loop recorder stores memory and downloads it via a link to a unit at home which then sends to the doctor I believe. All automatic.