Remote monitoring

Useful info

by Lavender - 2023-01-29 21:32:47

I have a monitor beside my bed. It checks the parameters set by the cardiologist. It also does a remote check every six months. I see the cardiologist pacemaker clinic the other six months alternatively. If something would go wrong, the monitor lets the doctor know. Then they let me know. In almost two years now since I received my pacemaker, I've never had any alerts. 

Monitor

by Tin heart - 2023-01-29 23:12:02

Can you access the information?

Remote monitoring

by AgentX86 - 2023-01-30 01:13:23

Each country is different.  I don't know what the rules are in Canada but I'd guess they're similar to the US.

At least here, you can't get the data directly.  Your PM's manufacturer isn't your medical professional so can't give medical information.  You are (in the US) allowed access to any information in your medical history.  IOW, the information is available from the cardiologist (and in practical terms, the device tech). We have to ask, though.

As others have said, the frequency of interrogations depends on your doctors and your condition.  Some need constant (daily) monitoring and others every three or six months. I was on a three month remote and three month in-person (alternated). I noticed that I'm more like monthly for the remotes now.

I have a smart phone app that tells me when the next transmission is going to be and a history of past interrogations (just the day and time, no data). I can also send one whenever I think it necessary. I did it three times this weekend (one was an "oops").  Those were the first ones I've done other than the original test to see if it's all working.

The smart phone app works great but it is a real battery hog and it has to run continuously.  It monitors the PM and will send data if there is anything seriously wrong.

yes and no

by Tracey_E - 2023-01-30 08:52:11

I don't get anything from it except an email from my ep's office that all is well. My doctor gets lots of info from it. It also saves me trips to the office. If something is up, I push the button. Before home monitors, I had to meet the rep at my doctor's office any time we wanted a download. Saves a lot of time for everyone! 

Not necessarily

by Penguin - 2023-01-30 11:25:46

It depends on what you agree with your EP.  If you want specific information you can request it in the UK as it is your right to see any medical information which is held by a hospital.  

As to whether or not it is useful I can't answer that as it depends what you want to know.  Remote monitoring will not tell you as much as a clinic download, but you will get recognition and analysis of any event that you report to the monitoring service if the device's ECG picks it up. 

Remote monitoring is really for reporting events as they happen and for keeping the doctor and patient linked up in case of emergency / events / symptoms between appointments.     

I don't find it very useful at all and find the box under the bed a pain because it has a bright green light which keeps me awake.

Since Covid I expect most hospitals will be using them more.  I prefer personal contact. 

bright green light

by new to pace.... - 2023-01-30 12:22:53

many keep mentioning the bright green light on our bedside monitor.  Mine is lit during the day time hours or when a light is on at night.  Otherwise during the darkness it is off.

new to pace

bright lights

by Tracey_E - 2023-01-30 21:24:06

I keep my monitor wrapped in a towel under my bed. It works fine from there, it just has to be within 10 feet of where we sleep. 

Monitor size

by Tinawired - 2023-01-31 23:53:18

I just had my Medtronic pm replaced on January 13 and now have an Abbott Assurity. The monitor just got shipped to me and I'm surprised how big it is. Its bigger than the Medtronic home monitor I had back in 2010! My last Medtronic home monitor was just a bit bigger than a cell phone and worked with my cell phone. Does anyone have a smaller monitor from Abbott? I don't want to leave it on my nightstand 24/7. I might call Abbott tomorrow and also my cardiologist. I would rather just set it up when they want a report.

Monitor size

by Tinawired - 2023-02-02 22:54:52

Thank you for the input Marybird!

merlins

by Tracey_E - 2023-02-04 17:02:31

Yes they are big and the lights are bright. They only need to be within 10' of us so it's not necessary to have it on the nightstand. Mine lives under the bed. 

Monitor

by Tin heart - 2023-02-08 09:58:14

Thanks for the Great feedback