Testing 1,2,3

[78vette]

I am having my heart cath this afternoon, but just found out that I have to have a TEE tomorrow since I can't stand to be stuck back in the MRI tube (serious claustrophobia issues). Please tell me what to expect. How bad is it really going to be? Help!!! I'm getting pretty nervous at this point. Thanks in advance

 

[Ross]

For the TEE
It's not that bad really. They sedate you, but your with it long enough to swallow the transducer, then it's lights out until they're done. They'll give you some horrible tasting stuff to numb your throat up before starting anything. It's not a big deal. It just seems scary at first. You may have a sore throat afterwards also.

The Cath
Ask for something to relax your nerves. They numb the area where they insert the cath which is like a bee sting and then it's on with the show. It's cool really. You may get to see everything as they do and you'll simply love the warm feeling when they inject the dye. It's wild!

 

[tobagotwo]

First, I don't understand the need for a cath AND a TEE. It seems like overkill.

But, as far as the cath, you can usually choose how "with it" you want to be during the procedure. I chose to be darn near fully awake, because I wanted to see everything. However, they are perfectly willing to bring you to "nearly out," as well.

Having seen it once, I found it less than enthralling, so I will probably let them zonk me out for the next one. Even in my awake state, there was no pain while the catheter was in use. There was only the bee sting of the local painkiller shot. You can feel the thing poking into your heart if you're on low meds, but it doesn't hurt. It's just vaguely disconcerting.

I did experience some angst as they held the wound closed at the end. Apparently, I have an unusual amount of nerves there, and it amounted to having someone put pressure on your funny bone. I gather that's not too common, though.

There are even folks on this site who have no problem doing a cath without any meds at all.

Best wishes,