Could anyone share with me their experience of the process, experience and effectiveness of the Implanted Loop Recorder?

[Ruthypegs]

Hi Friends, I am having a loop recorder implanted on Friday at Barts. I was feeling quite positive about the idea but as the day gets nearer find myself getting myself getting nervous about it. My main anxiety is that in some way way in will cause to me have another A-fib episode, which I haven’t had since last November. These episodes, as I call them are very frightening and seem to happen out of the blue - so far fortunately, usually at home. I break out in cold sweat sort which builds up to feeling very faint and and dizzy. Then I am very sick and sometimes I pee a bit. An ambulance is sent or but by the time it arrives although I still feeling quite fragile the moment has passed. I am usually taken to hospital and to be discharged the next day.

I am aware that this loop is potentially ideal for this situation but would be grateful hear more about the process, does it show and can you feel it etc. Also has it proved useful?

I have had two ablations and take Sotolol and Apixaban

Many thanks and good health to all,

Ruth.

[Gilldy]

Hi. I had a loop recorder implanted fir 2 years. Like you I was very nervous. In reality it was a painless procedure over very quickly. A lot easier than going to the dentist for a filling! I had asked to be sedated but the very nice consultant persuaded me against and it was a good decision. Before the procedure my blood pressure went very high but they did it anyway.Afterwards it was slightly sore. I couldn't sleep in my left hand side for a long time or in my front but a small price to pay. Good luck on Fri

[Barrick]

Hi I had a loop recorder inserted in January. I had a holter monitor last sept that showed 2 brief afib episodes. That was a month after I had mild COVID. My doctor thought the afib was from COVID and ordered the loop recorder to see if I’m still having afib. I had 2 episodes since. The first after I had the COVID booster and I’m sure it was afib but they missed the reading after I told the doctor the time and date they just ignored me. The second time the written report showed a tachycardia episode. When I was talking to the md later about my heart rate he took a look at the reading and said it was afib. Here in the USA the readings go first to a cardiac monitoring clinic not straight to the md. The procedure is quick and painless no sedative needed. I had some bruising. I wished they used steri strips instead of glue to close the incision so I would not have a noticeable scar. I don’t feel it. The only problem is keeping my cat from jumping on it. Good luck

[lovetogarden]

I’m a bit late in replying, since it sounds like you will have already had it done. And by now you release how easy a procedure it is. I had a good bruise around the insertion area for a few days, but nothing major. Mine lasted 4 years before the battery ran out. It was such a great tool for catching events, I actually miss it! But opted not to have another one. After 4 years my dr knew my heart, Taking it out was just as easy as inserting it. It is a bit freaky at first to think that you now have a battery powered device in your body. But they work so well. Good luck with it!!