Cardiology appt for heart monitor fitting - what to expect?

[ABitCrapper]

So I have an appointment to have a 24 hour monitor fitted.
I'm feeling really anxious about it, and if someone could tell me what to expect that would be very helpful.
I'm feeling pretty crap with a cold, and will have to go on the bus with my toddler, then walk a further 20 minutes in forecasted rain, to get to the hospital. So it's not going to be fun!
I don't even know where I'm going in the hospital.

I've had one of these. It's really quick. You are taken in and they stick some ecg stickers on your chest wall which I imagine you will have had before if you are now having a 24 hour monitor. Wires are attached to the stickers and then to a small box that you wear in a bag around your neck. Then you can go home and quickly pop back the day after to return the monitor.

It's not a consultation with a consultant and you don't get your results the day you hand everything back. There is a huge amount of data on the machine that needs to be interpreted - so the appointments for the monitor are really quick.

Ah phew thanks. So I could feasibly hand the toddler my phone and a packet of chocolate buttons to keep him happy for that length of time! Thanks :)

It’s super easy, I’ve had 4. Each time undress from waist up, they use like a sandpaper thing where the pads will be applied on your skin (doesn’t hurt) then they attach the pads and you wear the box on your belt on put it in your pocket. The pads feel a bit itchy and sweaty and you will be glad to get them off but it doesn’t hurt or anything. If you feel any ‘event’ with your heart you push the button on the box. When the time was up I took them off myself and popped them into an envelope and handed it back to reception.

I had this two weeks ago.

Basically you have 3 (I think?!) sticky things on you attached to wires and the wires go into a machine that's about phone size and that clips onto your belt.

Simple as that.

Also, if you happen to be going to Brighton hospital I can tell you exactly where to go.

But I doubt very much you are. 😂

Have you got a letter to say where to go, head for the cardiology department, they will help you. Take a list of any medication if you're on it and have a whose or bath before you go. Ask them if they use hypoallergenic pads if you've got sensitive skin.

I've had a week monitor and 2 x 24 hrs one.
The actual fitting takes about 3 minutes. Don't put any body lotion/moisturises on as this means the pads can't stick.
Wear something sensible - not a dress! My monitor clipped onto my jeans so bear that in mind too.

I had to drop in back the next day.
You can't shower in that 24 hours and you will have a few wires so not the best time to go to the gym etc.
I had to record any episodes I had (e.g heart flutters/dizziness) and timings so they could tie this up with heart activity.
Hope this helps!

Oh your letter should tell you where to go or aim for cardiology if all else fails and they will point you in the right direction.

If it's Lewisham its on the first floor, near the xray!

So straight forward. My G.P. actually fitted it for me.

Thanks everyone.
The only letter I had was how to book my appointment online - and it's apparently in cardiology outpatients, but where the hell that is I don't know! The hospital website is really not helpful. I do know there's a volunteer help desk so I will ask when I get there.
So, shower in the morning, wear a shirt and jeans!
I wonder how the wires will cope with my toddler breastfeeding...

I'm already convinced my symptoms are from sleep deprivation though (see toddler )

Good luck! I didn't have the breastfeeding bit! Try and keep their hands busy????
When is your follow up? Do you have a long wait?

I just have to go back to the gp. Haven't actually made an appointment yet though what with Christmas and everything. It so hard to get an appointment at the best of times!

That's good. One less visit to hospital.