Loop recorder experiences

[boo246]

Hi,

I had a loop recorder inserted 10 ago now. It was a painless, and uneventful procedure. For the last couple of days since the dressing was removed, and steri-strips fell off I have felt uncomfortable, with a heavy and sharp feeling in my breast, which is worse apon movement of my upper body. I have also notice a small, extremely tender lump close to the insertion site. There appears to be no sign of infection, and the site looks as though its healing fine.

I have some concerns regarding the insertion site - it's been inserted almost in my left breast. It's a lot lower than I was expecting. It feels so impractical, especially as a female who is heavy chested. My bra underwire catches the site, its also very painful when not wearing one too and shifting around once in bed is also painful . It actually feels as though it could penetrate the skin.

Can you please advise me where all your implanted sites are? I'm unsure whether it's my body adjusting, or, in fact it has been placed in the incorrect location/migrated?

Much appreciated 🙏

[Princelover]

Hi

I had same for 3 years and mine was inserted top left breast cleavage side. I could always feel it as a lump just under the skin. Sometimes it felt more obvious than others but it generally caused me no issues. I had it removed when batteries failed so I have two scars as well; one for the way in and one for the way out! These have now faded but a bit of makeup for important occasions sorts that out. I would phone the unit who inserted it about the bra wire issue as that is potentially going to be a nuisance even post healing and see what they say about the position and if it can be improved for you. Good luck with it and I hope it brings you some useful information

[boo246 in reply to Princelover]

Hi Princelover,

Thanks for your response.

Your insertion site sounds identical to mine. Such an inconvenient place to locate it! I'm wondering how that'll work during a mammogram, I'll be invited for one next year.

I went to see the consultant today as i have been in quite a bit of pain, she reassured me that everything was fine, and as it should be. Stated that it sounded like I had hypersensitivity due to the procedure, and she thinks it'll settle down over time. Do you recall yours being painful in the first few weeks?

Sorry to hear about your scars, I'm of an age where I'm past caring lol. I guess I'll eventually have 2 scars too, as there will become a point where mine will need extracting.

[Gilldy]

I had a loop recorder about five years ago. For the first couple of weeks I thought it was going to come out as it felt very near the surface. I rang the hospital and was reassured. It was inserted at the lower part of my left breast and I had to buy new bras as, like you, the underwires taught on the entry site. After a while I got used to it and had no problems. I had it removed 2years later.

[boo246 in reply to Gilldy]

Hi Gilldy,

That's exactly how mine feels!

I did visit the Cardiologist today, who offered some reassurance. I also took a trip to M&S.. goodbye underwires.. hello comfy bra. It's made a world of difference!! 😊

[Gilldy in reply to boo246]

I also had a mammogram with it in. It just left a tiny area that they could not see on the scan. Plus I was concerned about being allergic to it but was reassured that it would be ok.

[Quilter43]

Mine out now but think more to side of right breast towards in-between both breasts.

[boo246 in reply to Quilter43]

Interesting to hear all the different insertion sites. Thank you for responding 😊

[iris1205]

Hi Boo,

I had my loop recorder implanted last week, so no vast experience. Mine was above the left breast, which throws those décollété blouses out the window! Now, should I have been wearing those anyway 😂

Perhaps just a guess, but I am small breasted, and think the placement is where they can place them the best to be subcutaneous and NOT in the breast tissue itself. I can certainly understand not wanting it on the bra line. They also seem to place them where they get the best reading from the ECG, at least that is what I understood.

The tissue around it should become desensitized once it heals, but you are probably also in the period where the stitches are healing the insertion site and dissolving - hopefully it will feel better with time. Sorry for the suffering!

[boo246 in reply to iris1205]

Hi Iris,

Oh how I wish mine had been placed above the breast. It's made my left breast feel so much heavier, and they were already heavy prior to the implant. I also now have a very odd shaped cleavage!!

Regarding the blouse.. who says you can't wear them. Wear what makes you happy 😊

I didn't have stitches, only steri-strips, and they fell off a few days ago. I can't believe how tiny the insertion site was! I guess internally, it'll take a lot longer to heal.

[iris1205]

Well now you're just bragging... (heavy prior to implant). And yes I am just kidding!🤣

My steri strips are just starting fall off. Usually to reduce the scar they will stitch from underneath and then close with the steristrips so it heals from the bottom up. It could be the case for you and you just don't know it! Regardless there is the period where the incision is uncomfortable during the healing hence what you're feeling now will improve. As for the bra line, that will probably adapt too, but requires more scar tissue be created as a buffer- sorry that you have to go through this!

[boo246 in reply to iris1205]

Haha.. what I wouldn't do to give some of it away!! Hard to believe that just 3 years ago I was a slim, fit, 40 something year old, with barely any chest.

I cant believe what a different the new bras have made.. im certainly more comfortable today.

Hey, don't be sorry.. life is sent to test us. I'm sure you've been through the mill too!! I hope you're healing well 🙂

[Princelover]

Hi Everyone

Don’t worry about mammography; just tell the radiologist where the loop recorder is and they can adjust the angles. Had mine fine with it in and it didn’t go loopy. The only embarrassment was forgetting mine reported on its own little phone and when I moved house I forgot to plug it back in! Bit of a red face when called. Also remember to tell them at the airport and they will do a wand thing over you as if wearing a pacemaker. Only had one issue in Italy but mime got me through with a bit of laughter 😂

[boo246]

Thank you, that's a relief.. I'm due my first one next year.

Oh no lol! I guess it's easy to forget they're there.. isn't technology amazing.. when it's plugged in 😉

I shall try and remember that regarding the airport.. I read that the hospital were supposed to issue me with a card to carry around for such occasions? I've yet to receive one.

I also read that I shouldn't loiter too long outside shops due to setting the security alarms off, not sure how true that is though?

[Princelover]

Hi

Didn’t have any issues at the shops; suppose it is theoretically possible as it is a small electrical device! There was a card with various languages on it saying what was inserted. Maybe ask the hospital to send you one for travel?? Take care and glad the new bras more comfy 😉

[boo246 in reply to Princelover]

Thanks so much for putting my mind at ease and for the advice. What a wonderful group this is! Take care too 😊