ILRs and Fitbits

[liveforsummer]

I'm an almost 80 year old female. I've always been active but suddenly developed angina, which severely limited me. I know I am going to be affected by age, but it was still very depressing. Long story short. Tests showed blocked arteries, mainly LAD, which resulted in 2 stents being fitted 4 months ago. All seemed well, I was able to walk distances as before. But I had one alert via the ILR from the hospital, which hasn't been followed up. I wanted to monitor my heart and fitness, so bought an Inspire 3 Fitbit, only to realise they may not be suitable for ILR implant users. I've consulted Google, and of course, there are conflicting reports on the subject. Any advice gratefully received.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

So many suffer with Angina and trying to see a positive to get to 80 and find yourself suffering in a way you have done well

The stents I am so glad have made an improvement

I cannot answer your question and if you have not already found out I would either ask your Doctor , if you have any Rehab Nurses they should know as well as the BHF Nurses are very good in answering questions or sign posting us where to get the answers I will put you their number on x

Heart Helpline team on 0300 330 3311 Mon-Fri 9-5pm

[liveforsummer in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you for your reply. I thought I had asked a really silly question. I will ask doctor/nurse as suggested. Google advice is conflicting.

[BeKind28- in reply to liveforsummer]

Hello

No question is silly so please do not think that

Sometimes though we don't have the answers and the professionals need to clarify things so post again when you want to and if we do know the answer or can share our experience with you we will do x

[liveforsummer in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you again. After the angioplasty it seemed everything was suddenly cut off. No rehab, no nothing, apart from a follow up which was deemed satisfactory. Almost 80 seems such an extreme age, but even so I am grateful for such a quick improvement, and so far I can keep up walking pace with my younger friends. Nevertheless, every twinge or something feeling 'different' causes vague feeling of panic. A nurse rang to tell me there had been a slight aberration on the ILR, I had almost forgotten I'd got it fitted, but it's enough to cause alarm. The reason for the fitbit purchase was to keep an eye on things myself but not if it causes problems.

[BeKind28- in reply to liveforsummer]

Hello

This happens to quite a few we have procedures done and then not offered anything else which is not right

80 is not a extreme age at all and you are fit in most ways and recovered quicker than most

I do understand totally about every pain or sensation you feel sets of a feeling of panic

I already had anxiety before I had 3 heart attacks which resulted in a triple Bypass this is now over 2 years ago and yet any kind of sensation I go into panic straight away

I am better with not having anything much to keep testing what is happening a Blood pressure machine and my Doctors orders as well as her telling me of for taking it to much but she said it would only make my anxiety worse when I come out with purchasing other things

When there was a slight aberration on the ILR and she contacted you other than to let you know did she say you needed to do anything else ?

I try now and tell myself if hey are not worried I have to try and not worry to easier said than done though x

[liveforsummer in reply to BeKind28-]

Thanks again. It's nice to have someone to talk to. Last October I was suddenly thrown into this strange new terrifying world. Angina may have been there already, but hasn't caused alarm. It certainly did when I returned from a stressful holiday, and found I couldn't even walk up a slight incline. Went to GP asap and was told to ring 999 or go to A & E if I had chest pain. It sounded frightening as it was down to me, no chest pain but those strange twinges and not feeling quite right was disconcerting. I didn't have a heart attack, and never knew if I was close to one. I suppose I was. I've had cancer twice, and that was terrifying too, but you don't feel something might happen all of a sudden. No, I have not heard from the nurse or cardiologist again, so presume they're not worried. I try to keep walking, but wanted more awareness (hence the fitbit). Oh and GP was concerned I had B12 deficiency, but after 2nd blood test no feedback, only a vague 'normal', which I could check myself online. Anyway, that's me, at my age we go on a bit, and there's a lot of history. Thanks for your patience.

[BeKind28- in reply to liveforsummer]

Hello

I think it is quite normal when something goes wrong like this to all of a sudden feel we have been thrown into a strange terrifying world just not everyone talks about it so sometimes you can feel alone till you find Communities like this where people will share their experiences with you

When I had my heart attacks and Bypasses I have felt this way ever since and still trying to find how I get out of this thought pattern and it is not for the lack of trying

You certainly have been through it I am so sorry you have had cancer twice but so glad you beat it but I do understand in a way when I think about it when it comes to the heart it is different because when you know it is not working as it should you can have that fear that something could happen at any moment

Since my Bypass operation I have been very low in iron again they do not seem to be worried so I just try and put it to the back of my mind but maybe if you are low they may start you on some iron tablets I cannot take them as they totally do not suite me at all

Seems though that they let you know but I would have thought if there was anything they were concerned about they would have had you up to the Hospital so I think you are doing great with your walking it is good for the heart so I would carry on

You have not gone on at all sometimes we just need to get everything out and it can feel better that we have and I hope it has made you feel better talking about it x

[liveforsummer in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you, you are certainly living up to your BHF community name. I shall feel more confident now on posting on this community site. I know many are more affected than me. It just changes your life, doesn't it? Didn't help DVLA revoked my driving licence due to one fainting episode, at home, on new strong meds. I am not even sure I did faint. Now it's a fight to get it back! We're lucky we have a fairly decent bus and train service and my husband still drives. Have to accentuate the positive. But honestly, it does help to talk about it.

[BeKind28- in reply to liveforsummer]

Hello

I am pleased you will feel more confident now posting as I know at first it can feel quite daunting but once you start posting and replying you realise it has so many positives

I do not drive so I do not have this problem but I can imagine when you are used to driving and having your independence by doing so it comes as a shock when it is taken away I hope you get your licence back soon and meantime you have a good service and a Husband who is still driving pretend you have a chauffeur for now

Things will get better in time just keep doing what you are doing and you will get there x