I'm making bits of this thread public, in case there are FediFolk who are curious.
It turns out that there are different types of 24-hour heart monitors.
There is something called an event monitor, where the patient presses a button when they experience symptoms, and then there's a type that records constantly.
I'm currently attached to a continuous monitor, so no button-pressing for me.
1/
The monitor consists of three leads attached to a pager-sized device. The leads are colour-coded, and each ends in half of a press snap.
Then, I've got three sticky pads on my chest - on my left lower ribcage, centred on my breastbone, and on my right lower ribcage. Each sticky pad has the other half of the press snap.
The leads snap on to the sticky pads. The pager-sized device is in a holder with a clip.
2/?
I clipped mine to my trousers at first, but I've moved it to my vest now to get the leads out of the way.
I tried to take a photo but my chest kept getting in the way.
I have this recording device until Monday, so I've got a pack of extra sticky pads in case I shower, or they come loose.
I also have a symptoms diary to complete.
3/?
Next bit will be Followers only, I think.
In case anyone is curious, I had a follow-up phone call with the Cardiac Nurse today.
The Cardiology Consultant reviewed my results - quick turnaround!
I have atrial fibrillation, and they want to start me on a low-dose beta blocker called bisoprolol.
I asked a lot of questions and was satisfied with the answers they gave.
#Health #Palpitations #24HourECG #HolterMonitor #AtrialFibrillation #Bisoprolol
They said it's a common condition and, as my heart is otherwise healthy, it's not something to worry about.
As well as the medication, I'll have checkups in clinic every couple of years, and I was also advised to phone the clinic if anything changes or worsens in the meantime.
I feel okay about this. It seems straightforward. I have a diagnosis, I'm getting treatment, and being monitored.
El, out of spoons error