Impending TOE procedure

[PhiliDV]

Hi everyone.

Today I received notification of my impending TOE procedure. A lot sooner than I would have expected (only 2 weeks after seeing a consultant).

Is this short time frame normal (as I was told it could be 2 months away)?

Apart from what I've read regarding the procedure, sedation, etc....was it better or worse than you expected?

Were you given the results straightaway or did you have to wait a few weeks?

A little nervous at the prospect.

[Fredders]

Hi mine was fairly quick after seeing consultant but it may be they had a cancellation so wouldn't read anything into it. At least you'll get it over with. I didn't have sedation but they put a cannula in anyway incase you start getting stressed during the procedure they can sedate you then. They numbed my throats with a spray that tasted like bananas. It feels like you're throats is closing up, but it isn't. The hardest thing for me was swallowing the tube to start with, but I have problems swallowing tablets so not surprised! I do a lot of relaxation exercises so was able to keep myself calm, the doctor even said he had never had someone so calm. If you are at all anxious, have the sedative. The doctor just confirmed that my valve was leaking quite badly, but I knew that anyway, so I guess it depends on why you're having the TOE whether they tell you anything, in my case it was just to confirm what they already knew from my other tests. Hope it goes okay and try not to worry, easier said than done I know.

[Dazzler142]

Hi there,

You probably got a cancellation.

I had sedation...so was a marvellous experience..i was fast asleep.

I do not remember a think so would recommend sedation if you dont like the thought of a tube down your throat.

I was not told my result that day but perhaps because i was very high from the sedation

It does not take long

Good luck

Jenny x

[PhiliDV in reply to Dazzler142]

Hi Jenny.

Thanks for your reply.

How long did it take to come round from the sedation, before you were fully 'compus mentis' and feeling normal again? I've been told to wait at the hospital for 3-4 hours after the procedure.

Did you get a sore throat from the probe going down?

Philip

[Dazzler142 in reply to PhiliDV]

Hello again

I was taken onto the ward as i was fast asleep..i woke up about half hour later..

I was allowed home but my dad drove me as its like feeling tipsy.

No sore throat for me.it took about half hour the TOE

[sue2002]

I had a TOE just over three weeks ago and only had to wait about three weeks for it. I received the results two weeks later. I had a light sedative and went home two hours later. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, just a bit uncomfortable. I did have a slight cough for a couple of weeks afterwards but that may just have been a coincidence

[Cornishbeach]

HiI had to wait about 8 months for mine so great you have it so soon!

I had sedation which they give you once they have sprayed your throat with anaesthetic. I wouldn't want it done without sedation personally. The throat anaesthetic feels a bit weird but means you don't feel the tube.

As soon as the throat part was done they lay you on your side, give you sedation and put nasal oxygen on.

I didn't remember much at all after that! Perhaps a faint feeling of swallowing hard. I woke up in recovery and you have to stay a few hours and then be able to have a drink of water safely. Someone else has to take you home if you have sedation.

I was seen by the doctor afterwards who told me 'it wasn't too bad' and confirmed my leaky valve, which I already knew about. I had a letter 2 weeks later which was more explicit about the extent of the leak /regurgitation. The letter was very clinical and matter of fact and it was a week later when my cardiologist rang me to discuss the results. My advice here is to ring your cardiologist if you don't hear from them after the letter arrives as there was lots to talk about and try and relieve my concerns / answer questions and I then started medication. 9 months on and I am on the waiting list for Mitral valve repair.

Hope that helps.