Life Watch Heart Monitor for AF

[LauraS]

I'm now almost 3 months post op and the a-fib continues. My cardiologist ordered a Life Watch Heart Monitor which I will wear for 21 days. Has anyone had any experience with this device? You have to keep their cellphone within 10' at all times which transmits the AF episodes automatically. The device itself is very light but I'm wondering how easy it is to sleep with. It's a lot smaller than the monitor used in the hospital which stayed in my hospital gown pocket but I also slept only on my back in the hospital.

 

[jimmy41]

Can be aggravating

Can be aggravating

I had to wear that monitor for 21 days as well. I just kept the cell phone on the night stand next to the bed, clipped it to my belt during the day. The only pain is keeping the necklace part on while sleeping, I just wore an undershirt to bed and it stayed pretty still under it. If the sensors come off it sounds an alert until you reattach it. The sensor pads are good for 2-3 days and they sent plenty with the monitor when I got it. Just make sure you change the batteries when it says to, they send plenty and if the necklace goes dead and misses readings, you just end up having to wear it longer.

Also, the necklace has an alert button for you to push when you have an episode, situation or whatever you call it when you feel the a-fib. When you push the button a survey comes up on the cellphone. Click the appropriate box and it alerts the monitors to pay special attention to those times.

Any other questions just let me know.

 

[LauraS]

Thanks for the tips Jimmy. You make it sound like less of a pain that the brochure does. I hope your A-fib is gone by now. Was it instrumental in diagnosing your problem? I'm asking this because I found out today that my insurance company will not pay for it because Life Watch is not in their network. The cost for the 21 days is $3200 so I'm holding off activating it until I speak with my doctor tomorrow about other options. I've had enough medical bills with my two surgeries. I know my health is far more important than the money but my policy has a huge out of pocket which I'm dealing with so if there's another way we can monitor the AF, I'd like to know first.

My heart beating fast and in my throat has actually subsided since my doctor ordered the monitor but I know that isn't the only indication of A-fib. I had it in the hospital and didn't feel any different.

 

[jimmy41]

Actually, it did not help with mine, although it has gotten better anyway. That's not to say it won't help you. Your doctor will hopefully know best on this one. Best of luck.