Holter monitor

[LoriSue]

Hi guys, I have a question. Does anyone know if WiFi internet connection will interfere with a Holter monitor? How about the nextel cell phones (the ones with the walkie talkie thing)?
The reason I am asking is because I am getting my Holter monitor today and I don't want to be sitting at my computer (new laptop) if it will have an effect on the holter monitor readings. I just want to be sure that this thing gives accurate results. I would appreciate any input I can get.
I also get to re-do my echo today before I am wired up. Maybe this time the tech can get a view of my aortic valve. I hope so, this is a different tech. This echo is going to be done at the cardio's office so I am hopefull that he or she will be more skillful than the echo tech at the hospital I where I had the other echo on March 9. Wish me luck.
Thanks,
Lori

 

[Ross]

I doubt highly that there would be an interference, but I really don't know.

Good Luck and let me know when you get back!

 

[LoriSue]

Thanks Ross, I will let you know when I get back tonight.
Lori

 

[Johnny Stephens]

Wi-Fi signals are very low-power, but a cellphone on your belt right next to the holter unit might be more problematic. Your cellphone will occasionally transmit to the network even when you arent using it.

I'd ask the techs that give it to you what you should or shouldn't do as far WiFi and cellphone.

 

[Harpoon]

WHat Johnny said, the cell phone is ALWAYS emitting a signal keeping track of the nearest cell phone tower when it's on. I first noticed this quite a while ago while playing my electric bass. My cell was in a belt pounch at my waist near the pick-ups on the bass which was picking up the signal from the phone...


It was actually pretty cool to play with for a few minutes, sort of a repetitive beat, sqealch kind of sound.

The only time the phone isn't emitting something is when it's off.

The signal strength jumps up when there's a call in progress, but it's always "broadcasting" something....


That's why they always say to turn off the cell when entering a hospital. Better to have it off when it doesn't need to be than to have it on and screw up someone's heart monitor or another piece of medical equipment!!!


Maybe you can carry it in a hand bag for a while or somewhere "away" from the holter.

 

[LoriSue]

Thanlks guys. I will just turn the cell off. I don't feel like talking to anyone anyway today. I will ask about other things too while I am there as far as what else to stay away from. My house is full of the new age electronic "goodies".
I'll check in later tonight when I get back, time to go now...
Lori

 

[Marge]

They will give you an instruction sheet when they fit you with the monitor, I am sure. When I was put on a holter, they told me to stay away from cell phones. And microwaves. And electric blankets. Nothing about computers. The most annoying thing was not being able to take a bath or a shower for 24 hours. It wasn't the easiest thing to sleep with, either. And by the time it came off the sticky pads were itching like crazy and driving me NUTS.

 

[fdegranville]

skin reactions

skin reactions

Marge,
I agree with everything you said. I have an extreme sensitivity to the adhesive used on leads for ekg's, holters, etc. When I had to wear a 30-day monitor I thought I was going to die from itchyness (I don't think that's a word). Last week I had a stress echo and I'm still red and itchy. the last time I had a 24-hr monitor I mentioned it to the tech. He said we have special ones for those who are sensitive to them. He used those and I didn't feel a thing the whole time the monitor was on. You just have to ask for them.

LoriSue, why did they have t re-do your echo? That's strange.
Good luck.
fdeg

 

[LoriSue]

Hi. I am back. He didn't say anything about electric blankets, but I never thought to ask about that. I will read the stuff they sent me home with though. My mom just dropped me off, I am feeling like a nap. She got some great pictures on the echo. I could tell this tech does a lot of cardio echos.

fdeg: they had to redo the echo because the one I had a week or so ago didn't have a good view of the aortic valve.

I will explain more later, need to lay down, feel kind of dizzy.
Lori

 

[Karlynn]

Lori,
Did you get any initial info. on the echo today or are they waiting for the doctor to do a formal read? I'm so glad that you are finally getting the attention your symptoms and condition deserve. Keep doing a good job of keeping us posted.

 

[LoriSue]

Karlynn, believe it or not the echo tech was telling me all kinds of stuff but I was having a really hard time staying awake. I kept drifting off. I also remembered the posts you guys left about the echo techs sometimes giving info and then finding out from the doctor that the info was way off base. My follow up with the cardio is a week from Tuesday. I think maybe the reason I was having a hard time staying awake was because I am fighting off some sort of cold or something, for the last two years everytime I start to come down with something it seems to really drag me out and take a toll on my body. I have lymph nodes the size of Texas throughout the left side of the back of my neck from my shoulder to the base of my skull and then following the base of my skull to behind my ear and then down about halfway along the left side of my neck. The weird thing is I am not congested and the only thing that really hurts is the areas that are affected by the huge lymph nodes. It started about three days ago and doesn't seem to be letting up. I have been drinking a lot of water and letting my body sleep when it needs to and in a few more days it will probably be okay.
Okay....I just re-read this post and maybe I was over exaggerating when I said the lymph nodes were the size of Texas....LOL.....it just feels that way.
If the nodes haven't reduced by Monday I will call the doctor. I have to be strong and healthy when I go back to classes on April 5 after spring break. I will be sharing my lab with mega colonies of staphylococcus aureus (amongst other microorganisms) and will need my immune system to be top notch to fight off the little buggers for the next 6 months.
Wish me luck today...I am taking my bridesmaids to look for their dresses. Imagine the looks on the faces of the sales people when they see me hooked up with this monitor, LOL.
Lori