Transoesophageal echocardiogram

[Audi1955]

Has anyone had this recently without sedation? And what was your experience.

[Alison_L]

Hi Audi. I had to have 3 doses of sedation before they could get the camera down, as I got so distressed. The worst of all the tests as far as I’m concerned. But I know many others on here have had the TOE with just the minimal throat spray anaesthetic. Good luck x

[Audi1955 in reply to Alison_L]

Hi Alison That's my concern as there is no mention of sedation on my appointment letter and only mentioning throat spray...l will phone them l think and tell them l will need sedation.

[Alison_L in reply to Audi1955]

Yes, I would have thought they'd offer it automatically, but probably worth checking.

[Audi1955 in reply to Alison_L]

Hi Alison...phoned reception and they say l will be offered sedation on the day ..but didn't say how much though.

[Alison_L in reply to Audi1955]

Initially I imagine it will be a fairly basic dose, but if you're already in a bit of a state (as I was!), you can ask for more before they start.

[Mitchum]

I had this without sedation but 20 years ago! I was offered it but refused. The procedure was a little unpleasant, but at the end of the day it had to be done and I decided to try and relax which seemed to help. Try not to worry too much.

[Audi1955 in reply to Mitchum]

Hi Mitchum...thanks l will definitely be asking for sedation as I'm very squeamish about that kind procedure..but l respect the people who can have it without any sedation...cheers.

[Mitchum]

If it helps, the nurse did try to persuade me to be sedated, telling me that it was "very pleasant"! So maybe I missed out!🙂

[Alison_L in reply to Mitchum]

LOL, no it was still unpleasant with the sedation!

[sundancer]

I've had two of these procedures, the most recent in 2022. Would definitely recommend having sedation which I had for the second one. Throat spray, in position, open my mouth.... don't remember any more until all over. So much better. You'll be fine, good luck.

[Audi1955 in reply to sundancer]

Thanks so much for you're re assurance.

[Lexi72]

hi I had one about a year ago. I had the throat spray and mild sedation so I was awake and knew what was going on. I am normally a scaredy cat but it was not nearly as bad as I was expecting. My cardiologist was very reassuring and very calming I found a little video showing me what would happen on the BHF website which was helpful. . Kind regards

[Audi1955 in reply to Lexi72]

Hi Lexy Thank you so much..l must stop worrying so much..especially with re assurance from people like yourself.

[Dolphin26]

Hi, I've just recently had one on the 5th December. I was petrified. I don't like needles so the thought of having this done scared me. I went with the mindset of "it has to be done ". Didn't help when they brought the patient before me out and he was complaining saying it was awful and he couldn't go through with it. They put a canula in my arm and gave me some sedation, I was still awake but drowsy. The cardiologist sprayed my throat and explained the procedure to me. They tell you to take a big gulp as they pass the camera down. It wasn't pleasant but it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. And at the end of the day it was necessary. Sending you best wishes.

[Audi1955 in reply to Dolphin26]

Hi dolphin I with you l am petrified at the thought but hopefully with sedation and a positive mind l will get through it and move on .

Thanks for your feedback

[fishonabike]

i have had two gastroscopies, many years ago, which is very similar in that a tube is put down your throat towards your stomach

the first time i was given the sedation which leaves you awake but relaxes you, the second time i requested the throat anaesthetic alone as i prefered not to have the sedative

swallowing the tube felt a bit weird but i think they are much finer now and easier, also the throat spray numbs you a fair bit and it just feels like a slightly hard swallow

now, when going through similar experiences (a colonoscopy without sedation for example) i focus on breathing techniques to help - but being relaxed about the whole thing is the most effective way to deal with it - and ask for a blanket, it feels more cosy and reassuring! - remember that the staff want this to be comfortable for you, they do not want to cause discomfort or pain - distress and pain will affect your heart activity and that is not helpful

if you can accept that this is an important part of getting to some answers and the right treament for your condition that might help - and look into some relaxation and breathing techniques to practise before hand and during the procedure - these are also helpful in countless other situations - try some at night as you go to sleep!

[Audi1955]

Update I have just had my T.O.E procedure and with minimal amount of sedation so l was fully allert of everything. The spray down throat numbs it pretty good so felt nowt.l was in and out in 8 minutes and home within an hour having a cheese burger..( no breakfast remember) and no sore throat!!

Thanks to everyone who replied to my original post and concerns you're a bunch of diamonds for helping me through this..a couple wines 🍷 tonight xx

[WeeHoolet in reply to Audi1955]

Well done! And slàinthe 🍺🍷 (the beer's mine)