Zio Patch and wire removal (unrelated)

[Gail in Ca]

I just removed my Zio patch and sent it in by mail to be read and reported to my Doctor. This is much improved over the holter monitor of the past. I wore the patch for 2 weeks and it records all my heart beats, and one can push a little button on it if there is a irregularity while wearing it. My cardio wanted me to wear it to see how my heart is doing rhythymically, so I might be able to go off the Sotalol I have been taking before and after my cardioversion. One less medication would be good.
Also, I am having all my wires removed at the beginning of Nov. A couple are bothering me after 3 yrs, and I am having all 8 taken out since I have to go off warfarin anyway. So, I will stop warfarin for 4 days before the procedure, but I go into the hospital on the 4th day, spend the night on heparin drip, and have the wires out early in the am, before my surgeon has to start a more complicated surgery after me.
I will also test myself at home on day 2 and 3 just to be sure my INR doesn't go too low before that 4th day.
My surgeon was happy to see me, said I was a poster child for repeat OHS. It made me feel great, that's for sure!

 

[ottagal]

I just removed my Zio patch and sent it in by mail to be read and reported to my Doctor. This is much improved over the holter monitor of the past. I wore the patch for 2 weeks and it records all my heart beats, and one can push a little button on it if there is a irregularity while wearing it. My cardio wanted me to wear it to see how my heart is doing rhythymically, so I might be able to go off the Sotalol I have been taking before and after my cardioversion. One less medication would be good.
Also, I am having all my wires removed at the beginning of Nov. A couple are bothering me after 3 yrs, and I am having all 8 taken out since I have to go off warfarin anyway. So, I will stop warfarin for 4 days before the procedure, but I go into the hospital on the 4th day, spend the night on heparin drip, and have the wires out early in the am, before my surgeon has to start a more complicated surgery after me.
I will also test myself at home on day 2 and 3 just to be sure my INR doesn't go too low before that 4th day.
My surgeon was happy to see me, said I was a poster child for repeat OHS. It made me feel great, that's for sure!

That is very interesting about the Zio patch. I have never heard of it. Here is the link in case anyone is interested in reading about it. http://www.irhythmtech.com/zio-solution/zio-patch/
In the past, I have had a holter monitor, but will be sure to ask about it next time I see my cardio.

Wishing you all the very best with your sternal wires removal. I am still 'sitting' on the fence to have mine removed. I will look forward to hearing about it when it is all said and done.

Always nice to be the 'poster child' for repeat OHS...not that you want to repeat that!

 

[TomAlbers]

Hi Gail, new renewed member after an extended absence, long story. If I understand your post, you are going in to have your sternum wires removed? May I ask what that entails, guess I've never heard of such a thing.
Thanks and good luck.
Tom

 

[Fundy]

Tom, I'm waiting for the call for a surgery date myself for the wire removal. My surgeon told me it would take him 20 minutes to cut me open, remove the wires, and close the cut. I would be asleep for the procedure, most likely off work for a week, and spend two nights in the hospital.

 

[Gail in Ca]

Yes, it's been over 3 yrs since my last surgery, and I have a couple of wires that protrude, at the top, and so will have them all removed. The last time I did this, after my 2nd surgery, I just went off warfarin for 4 days and then went in as an out-patient procedure. They already have a recent x-ray, and can see all 8 wires and their location.
I am put under, and the surgeon makes little slits where each wire is located. He pulls them out, and we have to be under because it lifts the body off the table!
Then, it's just a long bandage, as I recall, and you go home when the anesthesia wears off. I remember my sternum feeling a little stiff for a few days.
So, I'll write again after this one, as it should be similar.