What is a TOE/TEE like?

[Madsometimes]

I have managed to avoid this test so far, but it seems that I may be scheduled for one in a few weeks, probably with contrast, to test for an ASD.

I'm quite worried that I will struggle to swallow the probe, because I'm quite rubbish at taking tablets. Does it hurt, or make you sick or gag?

 

[selma]

Hi, Madsometimes. The answer to your question: none of the above. And I am a self-described wuss.
Here's my experience of the TEE:

You change into a gown, they ask you a series of questions, you are placed on the table, lying on your side. They might spray a little numbing agent in your mouth. An IV line is started in your arm. You wake up and it's over. Seriously. No gagging, no awareness of the tube going in or coming out, no swallowing, nothing. I didn't even have a sore throat afterwards. And the best part was, I learned I had no blockages and could have a minimally invasive mitral valve repair!

 

[Madsometimes]

It's nice to know that there are some fellow wusses on this board

I may have had recent OHS, but I am certainly not brave. When people I know call me that, it is ridiculous. I'm a total coward. I'm not sure if I'm going to be put out for my TOE (unfortunately), but hopefully I will have some sedation.

 

[Richard Gardner]

I have no memory of the probe going in at all. I remember the nice feeling of the anesthesia and a mildly uncomfortable feeling of the numbing agent. It felt like I needed to swallow and I couldn't. I was basically fine though.
Richard Gardner

 

[marc_kowal]

I've had two TEEs with no problems. The first one was 10 yrs ago. They gave me a slight sedative but it did not put me out, it only made me feel relaxed. They made me gargle a nasty tasting thick liquid to numb your gag reflex. The probe then goes in and I could actually feel it inside of me, which was kind of cool.

The TEE I had a few months ago went much the same way, except they put me out and I don't remember waking up until the very end of the procedure.

All in all, both TEEs were uneventful.

 

[DanielB]

Mine was just as Selma described, except I got one of those pre-warmed balnkets (I love those!) - they hooked me up and the next thing I remember is the nurse telling me they had called my wife to come take me home. So easy I still joke with my cardilogist about not believing they did anything.

 

[DavesMom]

HiYa Mad,

To be honest, I'm usually not nervous about tests but for some reason, the TEE made me a bit anxious. However, it wasn't as bad as I was expected. I remember the numbing spray and being asked to turn over on one side. After that I don't remember a thing.

Good luck!

 

[okielady]

I just had a TEE last Friday. I undressed from the waist up and put on a gown and I was all comfy in a hospital bed. They put in an IV when I had checked in. They brought (rolled) the machine in when the doctor got there. They gave me a very small cup of a clear gel that I gargled for 15 seconds and then swallowed. It tasted nasty but didn't kill me. They gave me medication through the IV that made me a little sleepy. I could feel the sensation that something was going in my throat but had no pain or nothing uncomfortable. In a matter of minutes they were through and I was at myself talking to the doctor. I went home within an hour. I couldn't eat for 2 hours but basically because they were afraid my throat and esophogus might still be a little numb and wouldn't have a normal gag reflex.
It really is not a bad procedure at all. I never had a sore throat or any problems whatsoever.
Good luck, you will do fine!

 

[Tell-Tale Heart]

My first TEE was 20 years ago when (I think) the test was somewhat new. I was scheduled for 8 am, and the nurse giving me instructions said it was OK to have 1 cup of coffe at home, but no food. Back then, you sat in a chair and they numbed your throat with a spray, but you were completely conscience. I was given Valium to relax and the test was OK, even though I really had to focus to keep from gagging (because of the coffee in my stomach).

So in Mar. 2012 when they said I needed another TEE, I wasn't enthusiastic. But WOW! Talk about advanced medical science! I swallowed a clear gel and put my head on the pillow. When I was awakened, like DanielB, I couldn't tell the test was done. Easiest test I've had.

 

[Adrienne]

I have to say that although the actual test (probe going down the throat) was not bad, I found the nasty-tasting gel and spray disgusting. Maybe I shouldn't post this, but that was my experience.

 

[Jkm7]

I stressed and worried before my TEE and was sorry I wasted the energy. It was really easy and no pain, no after effects, no big deal at all. I gargled the numbing agent, they gave me versed and whatever other medication and next I knew my cardiologist was giving me the report about it. I remembered just about nothing which was just the way I wanted it.

I know most of us will stress no matter but truly, you should not have any problem with the TEE.

Good luck.