In 90 minutes, we’ll depart the hotel and head back to Cleveland Clinic, where I will be fitted with a Holter monitor. What is a Holter monitor?
“A Holter monitor is a portable device that records your heart’s electrical activity over a period of time, usually 24 to 48 hours. It’s used to help diagnose irregular heartbeats, arrhythmias, and other heart-related conditions.”
The electrophysiologist, Dr. Keogh, a cardiologist with additional training in the heart’s electrical systems, will read the results for my next appointment with him on September 27. His goal was to determine if the new medication I was taking is working since they took a baseline while I was in the hospital for three days.
The doctors I saw while in the hospital recommended I purchase a KardiaMobile to perform a six-lead EKG at any time to determine how I am doing. I can send him the results when I see a problem in the future to make any necessary medication adjustments.
I purchased the device from Amazon for $129, which the FDA has approved for accuracy. However, I need to call the company since, for some reason, it’s challenging to get a reading, although I’ve diligently followed all of the instructions to a “t.”
I will wear the Holter monitor for only 48 hours and return it to the clinic at the end of that time so the doctor can read the results in preparation for my upcoming appointment.
On another note, yesterday afternoon, we watched the Minnesota Vikings play the San Francisco 49ers using Tom’s app DAZN, formerly NFL Game Pass. Recently, we’ve had some issues getting the app to work, which requires a VPN, making it appear as if we are outside the US. The app doesn’t work while in the US.
As mentioned earlier, we use Express VPN not only for this app but also for added security when using “open” Wi-Fi, such as those provided by many hotels. We can choose the country we’re selecting while using the app. When it wasn’t working recently, we contacted Express VPN, and they explained that many of their customers were having problems streaming using the app to stream DAZN.
After spending considerable time trying to get DAZN to work, we finally figured it out, and once again, we could watch the US football games. Of course, Tom was especially thrilled when Minnesota won its second regular season game. I watch with him, but I have been a fan since we began traveling and using this app. Tom has been a fan his entire life.
When the game ended, we cooked dinner, a big pan of a keto dish, Mushroom Hamburger Scramble, another favorite of Tom’s, which we’d prepared in the morning. All we had to do was pop into the oven for 40 minutes and enjoy it with a fresh batch of coleslaw I made in the morning.
We enjoyed dinner and then settled in for the evening, streaming a few shows on Hulu. Now, it’s time to get ready to return to the clinic. Although I walk daily now, I am not quite prepared for the long walk at the clinic, so we’ll use the wheelchair. Hopefully, next time, we won’t need to.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, September 16, 2014:
Hey Jess, glad they’re figuring things out and soon you’ll be on your way to building your strength and endurance back up. I wanted to comment on your kardia mobile device. I have the exact same one and purchased the subscription as well because it does extra readings and included a few other benefits. Mine was also the six lead device. I don’t know what kind of trouble you’re having with it or if you’ve tried this yet, but when I had trouble I was told to moisten my two finger tips and the area of my skin where I put the device which was usually on the top of my leg near my knee. Not real wet but just moistened and that seemed to fix the problem. I also had to hold very still which was hard due to some tremors I had (that has gotten better with medication). Otherwise I’d get a bad reading or no reading.
I eventually had a small device implanted (continous loop monitor) in an out patient procedure that does the same thing and constantly sends the readings back to a facility that monitors them 24hrs a day. The kardia worked well though and sounds like it’s a good solution for your situation.
Sending you much love and prayers!
Lisa
Lisa,thank you! I tried it and it worked instantly! What a helper, you are. So appreciated!
Love,
Jess
I’ve been thinking about you and praying the Cleveland Doctors have the right solution. It sounds like you’re making some good progress. And that’s wonderful news.
Lisa, thanks for your love and support. We are hopeful for a good outcome so we can be on our way. Hope you are doing well.
Much love,
Jess
Your picture is from Reykajvik, Iceland.
Elaine, thank you so much! I have added it to the post.
Warmest regards.
Jess & Tom