Upcoming Loop Recorder and another bad episode

Hello everyone. It’s been a while since I’ve posted here, purely because there has been so much going on. I have been seeing a cardiologist at a private hospital who has taken over my care and he is incredible. He suggested that I might have autonomic dysfunction, which I mentioned in my previous post. He has arranged for me to have a loop recorder implanted, which I am getting next Tuesday, because he can’t be certain if I am having an SVT or not. Has anyone had a loop recorder and have any advice for me? I’m a bit nervous about being awake so is general anaesthetic an option? I’ve also just had a bad episode of my symptoms which I wanted to share in case anyone goes through the same thing. I stood up to go to the toilet, and my heart instantly started pounding. It felt as if I had just ran up the stairs, but I hadn’t, my partner lives in a flat so the bathroom is literally next door to the room I’m in. Standing up my symptoms got worse and worse, it felt like I had ran a marathon, I was feeling dizzy and uneasy and sick. My legs were pooling with white spots all over them. I had to put myself on the floor and was scared to move. This all lasted about 15 minutes before I could finally get up and lie down in bed. I feel awful now. These episodes are debilitating. I’m worried that I’m going to end up in a wheelchair because of them to be honest because I can’t stay standing or move much without this happening. Anyone else feel the same?

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

I’ve had two in and one out! Inserting the loop recorder is pretty straightforward. You have a local and don’t feel much. I had an interesting chat with the Dr which was a nice distraction.As to your turns’ I’m sure that’s why you are getting the loop recorder which will record your heart continuously, and pick up any irregular beating.

I am now very careful about standing up, particularly from a lying position. I have learned to sit for a couple of seconds before getting fully upright.

Like you, I lie down absolutely flat, which helps.

The NHS site also says SVTs ‘can be triggered by tiredness, caffeine, alcohol or drugs – but often there's no obvious trigger’.

Good luck!

[Wecando]

I had a loop recorder fitted some 2 years ago. Had to lay on a bed. Medic put a paper sheet so I couldn't see anything. Gave me a local numbing injection which I hardly felt. Made a little cut which again I didn't see or feel and inserted the recorder. I did feel a slight sting but that was it. No problem. Don't worry at all.