Atrial Fibrillation

After I had bypass surgery I was left with AF, didn't have cardio aversion

I had an ablation. This was done in 2012 but has already started to bother me again. I wanted them to put pace maker in but they said I was too young yet

I am recently suspected of having Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation but not confirmed. I had a lot of episodes from April till Aug 2016. Then suddenly stopped. recently I had another episode, so the Cardiologist has decided to implant a recordible loop in my chest and give me a heart monitor to record any episodes that I may have. i will have to go to the hospital for the loop to be read every two months. has any one got this loop implanted? I would love to know.

Thank you

nineteen_gale

My wife had a loop fitted for three years until last year. With hers she had one that you could download over the phone line every couple of months with a portable reader. In addition it had a small switch device should an event occur it would operate a detailed monitoring of the event that you could download over the phone. 

Thankfully no events occurred and close self monitoring through our own equipment we were able to avoid further attack/event. Being aware of the signs on a steep learning curve has allowed us a relatively normal life. 

I was diagnosed with AF after I had a TIA (mini stroke). I am now on Statins, anti coagulants and blood pressure medication. I am 75 so am not under any illusion that I will be bouncing all over the place with vim and vigour but I don't feel unwell.  So I suppose it's a case of 'keep taking the tablets'. 

@robjmckinney

Thank you very much for this information. I am having the loop fitted on 18th Sept. I have not been told to download the information over the phone line, but have been asked to go to the hospital every so often to have it read. Is it easy to download over the phone? I am not very good where technology is concerned. Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated How were you able to prevent any further attacks/events by close monitoring. Would you care to elaborate on it?

What are the signs to be aware of? Is it Palpitations, dizziness, fainting or passing out? I will be very grateful for any info you can give me on that. I am sure the hospital will go through all that on the day I have it fitted.

I had taken out a Travel Insurance in July when I was not aware that I was going to have the loop fitted. The insurance company wants to cancel my cover unless they can have a definite diagnosis, or a letter of discharge from the investigations. Now the loop will remain in situ for 3 years, and I am not sure if they can make a definite diagnosis before my travel early Dec. if they cancel my cover, I will have to cancel my cruise, which will be a great shame as I tend to lose thousands of £s Looking forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance

nineteen_gale

Does any one know of any insurance company who will offer cover for when the loop is fitted for diagnostic purpose but haven't got a definite diagnosis? I will be grateful. My Insurance company wants either a definite diagnosis or a discharge letter from the clinic. I don't really want to cancel my cruise but if I can't get insured, I will have to do so. 

nineteen_gale