Yesterday I had a cardiac loop recorder implanted to help uncover any silent AFib that may have triggered my stroke. The procedure at Georgetown Hospital took only a few minutes, but the lead-up felt like a full surgery: gown, sterile drapes, and a small incision over my chest. Although local anesthetic prevented pain, the unfamiliar setup and sheet over my face sparked a brief panic attack and left me trembling until we were halfway out of D.C. The device is about the size of a stick of Trident gum and will stay in place for up to four years, transmitting data through an app on my phone. Right now, the site feels like a deep bruise, but otherwise it’s manageable.

The harder part was the round-trip itself. Riding through city traffic with my vestibular disorder meant closed eyes, sudden noises, and a spike in symptoms that will linger for several days. I skipped recording a podcast because of symptoms with a side of self-pity that crept in. Medical days do that to me. Still, the experience reminded me why I share these details. Someone else facing a loop recorder implant may find comfort in knowing exactly what to expect.

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For more information, visit me at ⁠⁠⁠recoverydailypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ or email me at ⁠rachel@recoverydailypodcast.com⁠.

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This month I'm participating in a fundraiser for vestibular disorders awareness because I know what it’s like to live with something you can’t fully explain and no one can see. Visit my fundraising page: https://s2b.funraise.org/fundraiser/rachel-abbassi

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