Transesophageal Echocardiography

[Mr1987]

What should I expect from a Transesophageal Echocardiography?? It hurt? Fully Sudated?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

This BHF webpage will give you some background:- bhf.org.uk/heart-health/tes...

[bowler]

I had a T E and was really worried/scared , but after they gave me the anaesthetic I never knew a thing till I woke up, and I had no after effects, honestly you wont feel a thing.

[Mr1987]

Thanks reply’s

[Fredders]

I had a TOE last year. I was given the choice as to whether I wanted a sedative or not, I didn’t have one but they put a cannula in just incase I struggled, but I was fine. I’m possibly unusual as I can make myself relax quite easily and the doctor said he’d never had anyone so relaxed during the procedure. If you are anxious though, have the sedative. You will have to stay on the ward for a couple of hours afterwards to make sure you have come round completely. Afterwards I had a slightly sore throat for a couple of days, but not painful. I know some hospitals actually do them under anaesthetic, but I think my hospital try the sedative route first.

Wendy

[Mary_Janet]

I had a TOE last May as an inpatient. I was transferred from the local hospital to the teaching hospital for the day. I was anxious but found the staff very reassuring. The doctor explained the procedure and took my consent, I asked to get my results post procedure. I had throat spray which is a little anaesthetic spray then I was advised to have sedation which I gratefully accepted. I remember nothing of the procedure and woke up in the recovery room to a lovely cup of tea . The cardiologist who performed it gave me the results as promised. I was tired and had a bit of a sore throat the next but otherwise felt ok. Nobody likes having these tests but this one really helps with diagnosis.

Best wishes and hope all goes well.

Mary

[Mr1987 in reply to Mary_Janet]

Thank you for the reply mary

[NeilSEF]

I had a TE three years ago and didn’t have a sedative, much to the surprise of the doctor. Apart from a couple of uncomfortable moments when I felt like I was gagging, the tube is about 1cm diameter, I was fine with no I’ll effects afterwards.

If I had to have it done again though, I would opt for the sedative

[IanGordon]

Had my second TOE in Jan - more uncomfortable/unpleasant than painful. Sedation was optional so just the numbing throat spray as I didn't want the overhang from the sedation afterwards. Aware of some discomfort for a few days but probably because I had a sore throat before the procedure. Wouldn't worry about it. Relax, breath slowly and think nice thoughts and it will soon be over.

[FMW62]

I've had a TOE 3 times now. The first I managed OK, unsedated. It wasn't pleasant, but by no means unbearable (- just remember that the suffragettes went through something similar when force fed, when on hunger strike, fighting for the vote!) The second time I was very breathless and needed sedation - swallowing the thing wasn't possible. The third time I just went straight for sedation and barely noticed what was happening.

In summary, it depends on how you are.

[IanGordon]

What is positive is that the images and dimensional and flow measurements give a greater clarity than those of the standard echocardiogram where imaging is through the ribs. Consequently this aids decision making with your cardiologist and can give a more accurate diagnosis of the condition of your heart and associated valves.

[Eastyorkshiregal]

I had one a few years back, sedated, not as bad as I thought, sore throat afterwards. I got a huge surprise when they discovered a small ASD, not uncommon and would have stayed undiscovered. Completely unrelated to my condition.

[raebethuk]

Hi, I had a TOE, a few months ago. I opted fir the sedative as I was understandably anxious. I'm so glad I had it, I felt very relaxed, although I was aware of what was happening. I didn't find it painful just uncomfortable. I has a sore throat for a few days after but that was it. It wasn't as bad a I thought it would be.