Advice from others re wearing monitor

[JMF1]

Good Evening one and all - just had monitor fitted just wanted to know what to do with lead’s especially at night and do you have to record bathroom visits again during day and night, I drink water up to eight glasses daily as advised and increasing the amount during hot weather. Thank you

[BobD Volunteer]

Just site the box alongside you and move it when you turn over. I must have had five or six over the years and never had a problem. Why would you need to record loo trips since you never take the box off? Yes its inconvenient but only for a short time.

[jeanjeannie50]

I'm guessing that it's a heart monitor you're talking about? Is it just a small one that sticks on under your chest? You normally wear it all the time, including in bed. I've never had to record visits to the toilet, not heard of anyone else doing that either but it could be a new idea. Jean

[mjames1]

Yes, sometimes an activity log is part of the monitoring process which would include logging bathroom visits.

I would think you would've been given instructions either verbally or in writing, but if not, or you need clarification, get in touch with whoever fitted you with the monitor.

Jim

[Teresa156]

I can’t remember if I had to record loo visits, but it would make sense, as your HR would rise each time you got out of bed etc. it wouldn’t hurt to note them down, perhaps in the morning, if you’re too tired during the night ( and you can remember the time). I never noted them during the day. It is only irregularities they would be looking for.

I had to wear a monitor for a week and yes, the leads and box were a pain in bed but you just have to try and place them to your side as best you can and hope they don’t get tangled. If you move a lot, you just have to readjust as best you can, whilst you have it on.

[bean_counter27]

Here's a sample of instructions by one provider for using diary when wearing Holter monitor. I would expect these instructions would be similar no matter who is providing the service. Clearly they want to understand what you are doing etc when any recordings of interest are found during your recording. It doesn't mention sleeping but I would expect they would want to know that as well.

"While you're being monitored by a Holter monitor, it's important to keep an accurate record of your activities and symptoms during the test. If you feel symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats or dizziness, note in your diary the time of day they began and what you were doing. Your diary will be compared with the changes in your electrocardiogram recorded by the Holter monitor.

Remember that your health care team needs a complete picture of your activities. If in doubt, write it down.

Use the following diary to record your daily activities:

Your activities — Sitting, walking, strenuous exercise, eating, sexual activity, taking medications, etc.

Your symptoms — Chest pain, back pain, dizziness, nausea, other pain — whether or not you feel they are important.

Time of day — Write the time of day for every activity or symptom that you record on the diary."

[mav7 in reply to bean_counter27]

JMF1 Great info by bean_counter. Note the proper instructions.

[Ennasti]

I’ve had many but I don’t have an issue with fluid retention so I haven’t had to record my toilet breaks. For the wires, I find wearing a stretchy singlet top good as it holds the wires against your body. Much better than a loose top.

[Cat04]

I have just worn one for 5 days (and nights) and didn't even notice it during the night. The leads were long enough not to restrict any movements. I did not have to record any activities, only had to keep a record of when I experienced any cardiac symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain, dizziness, awareness of palpitations etc.

The monitor has an accelerometer which captures patient movement and records activity trends so no necessity to keep records - it does it all for you!

[doodle68]

Hi JMF, are you trying to get a diagnosis of AF ?

I found the halter monitor a waste of time and it delayed my diagnosis of P-AF , because my episodes of P-AF although symptomatic and debilitating were infrequent they were they not caught on the monitor.

How I wish I had heard of the KARDIA monitor when my episodes started , spending £99 would have confirmed my episode and saved a 6 months wait for diagnosis during which I could have had a stroke because of having a CHADS score.