Cardiac Monitoring

My new EP told me today that he does not do home cardiac monitoring. My old one did, but I have had many problems with my old EP. Is there anyone else that does not do home cardiac monitoring? He said that the pacemakers are so reliable that you do not need it between checkups. Anyway, I have been feeling so much better since they put in the 2 leads and a new pacemaker. I was so sick from the one I had placed last July. I got a copy of how my previous single lead pacemaker was dropping beats. It was very random, that is why it was making me so sick, and I would feel like I was hitting a brick wall when doing something, or totally get out of breath. He also said my pulse was dropping to 30 bpm when it was happening. But I am so glad I pursued a new Cardiologist and EP. BTW, my checkup went well, no problems, other than I am a little sore after 2 pacemaker surgeries in 6 months, but that is expected.

5 Comments

nope

by Tracey_E - 2010-02-02 11:02:48

In 16 yrs I've never had home monitoring, I've always gone to the office to have it done in person. Home would be faster but I like seeing them and asking my questions. I assumed they did it that way because I leave nearby.

Glad you're doing better!

Home monitoring

by ElectricFrank - 2010-02-02 11:02:57

The purpose of home monitoring is not because of pacemaker malfunctions. It is because over time your heart may change and the settings required are different. Home monitoring is easier especially if you don't live near the EP's office. A lot of it is just personal choice.

Glad to hear things are going so much better. From your description your previous EP isn't very impressive.

frank

Home vs Office

by jvaltos - 2010-02-03 03:02:52

Home monitoring is a much better alternative if you can live with the uncertainty of not knowing if things are going ok...

Many of our patients prefer to come to the office every 3 months as it allows them to ask questions.


I like wireless

by agilitydog - 2010-02-03 04:02:03

I have it, and drive past the EP's office every day on the way to work.
EP says it saves her about 2 ER visits every weekend, because people can send in the strip if they have an issue/episode, and she can see what is wrong, saving patients an ER visit for non-critical arrhythmias.

I sent in a strip at 1 am the other night. I got an hour of intermittent v-tach, which is very unusual for me. EP blamed it on MSG in Japanese food (shabu shabu) we had that night at a party.

Yeah, I'm not eating that again. I'll stick to sushi.

Home Monitoring

by Pookie - 2010-02-03 10:02:15

We don't even have that here where I live....Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

However, I asked about it, and we should be getting it within the next couple of years....however, it will only be given to patients who are very ill and live far away.

Pookie

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Member Quotes

A pacemaker suddenly quitting is no more likely to happen than you are to be struck by lightening.