T.O.E.

[Gillph]

I’ve an appointment at last for early March and both dreading and looking forward to it. Has anyone had this procedure without sedation? If so, how awful was it!? Thanks in advance.

[CoffeeandTV]

there’s another very recent discussion about TOEs here: healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

I had one very recently, I remember a lot of it even though I had sedation. The anxiety before it was probably worse than the procedure itself, (though the whole idea of it sounds horrible). Like people say in the discussion I’ve linked to, the throat spray was unpleasant but it does the job and makes it tolerable.

I reckon I could cope without sedation next time, though it was nice to feel relaxed after the huge amount of stress I’ve had with my dodgy heart.

[Gillph in reply to CoffeeandTV]

Thank you - I’ll look up that link now.

[Gillph in reply to Gillph]

I’ve just swallowed a whole segment of a satsuma and it was absolutely fine although I could feel it going down. I think I’ll try without sedation because I live alone and it’s the fear of the unknown at 2 am that gets me.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Why not just go for sedation? That's what I have done for at least three gastroscopies. It takes all the worry away. My cousin did without and wished he hadn't 😱

[Gillph in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thank you - perhaps I will but I live alone so it’s me imposing on friends for 24 hours that bothers me.

[Weetabixie]

Hi, there's another post for exact same question taking place now too. as Coffeeand TV said.I've had a gastroscooy a couple of times but the one for digestive issues not the heart. I wasn't allowed sedation as was taking sedatives at the time for panic attacks and it was the same medication so wouldn't have made a difference. I had the spray to back of the throat. It's uncomfortable but not painful. Worst part was swallowing to help tube go down It was pretty quick to get it down then was fine. However I have no experience of a TOE procedure. Hopefully someone else will also see your post if you can't find the link to a similar conversation going on here on the forum at same time. The nurses talk to you and hold your hand too, at least did in my case. Good luck and hope all goes well🤞. Also the build up to having a procedure is always the worst part.

Take care and let us know how you get on

[Gillph in reply to Weetabixie]

Thank you. It’s only another 3 weeks and I’ve been waiting for 9 already which has given me enough time to get worked up! This forum is so very good for ‘been there, done that’ experiences and realistic comments.

[Weetabixie in reply to Gillph]

Is it for the heart or the stomach?

Did you manage to find the link in the first reply from CoffeeandTv?

[Gillph in reply to Weetabixie]

I did find and read the link in the first replies thank you. It seems to be 6 of one and 1/2 dozen of the other. My TOE is for the heart. Moderate leaking on the mitral valve which is also a parachute an in my case is hanging on by a single papillary whatever! The wait is awful - been going on since September in my part of the UK.

[Weetabixie in reply to Gillph]

My friend had one to check for closing a hole in heart, it took place in Liverpool chest and heart hospital. She was given sedation but was kept on the ward until it's effects wore off. She lived in Manchester but Liverpool is where she was treated at the time. I personally would have sedation for that procedure if offered. You could always discuss with one of the cardiac nurses on the BHF helpline too and see what they can advise. I understand the worry and stress leading up to it too. Hope all goes well 🤞

[Gillph in reply to Weetabixie]

Thanks again - poor NHS is really struggling with everything right now. I’ll keep this updated afterwards.

[Weetabixie in reply to Gillph]

The helpline number is 0808 802 1234 I forgot to put it in last post

[Gillph in reply to Weetabixie]

👍👍

[fishonabike]

i don't think it would be offered without sedation unles people could cope

i have not had this but have had endoscopies in the 80s & 90s when the tube was fatter, with and without mild sedation, as well as a colonoscopy without sedation

all completely manageable with some calming breathing techniques and there is always a staff member who will hold your hand - and you get home faster without sedation

i find that there are plenty more painful and uncomfortable things in life, and this one is to help you get answers

[Gillph in reply to fishonabike]

Thank you so much for the reassuring comments.