Advice on TOE procedure

[JMF1]

Hi what does having a TOE procedure involve, are you awake, is it uncomfortable and what do they do it for. Can you have it done under sedation or anaesthetic. Worried about having it. Thank you.

[Gillph]

I had a TOE done on 6th March 24 and had been dithering about sedation as it means you have to have someone with you overnight. I'm very pleased I chose to have it as it makes the whole experience much less fraught. It doesn't hurt although you can feel odd sensations now and again. Mine was done because the external echocardiogram hadn't given the medics sufficient information and this is the same thing but from the inside. The camera is tiny, tiny - felt no bigger than a slim baby broad bean and was not difficult to swallow. It took about 20 minutes I seem to remember and the staff were super kindly: everybody worries but I wasn't made to feel awkward at all. I had a little bit of a sore throat for a couple of days but not severe enough to merit even paracetamol. Your throat is sprayed with local anaesthetic which is good but when it wears off you are aware that some abnormal thing has happened! Not painful, just a bit weird. Just another day on this bumpy hear journey!

[Velda1]

I had one done around March too, I told them I got very agitated when things get done to me and they said that they would be giving me throat spray but I said that it wouldn't be enough to relax me so they did give me sedation (same as I got for endoscopy), I had to stay in until after lunch (app was 9.30) to make sure everything was ok with me. I came round about an hour later and felt fine, but still had to wait until all clear. It was all good. Ask for sedation they will give it to you especially if you are worried.You will find you have a bit of a sore throat next couple of days. Ask for sedation as well as throat spray. Good luck JMF1

[JMF1 in reply to Velda1]

Thank you so much

[JMF1]

Thank you to all who have replied - very helpful