TEE (Transesophageal ECHO) - Nervous!

[disneychick0412]

I just found out I have to have a Transesophageal ECHO. It's not scheduled yet, but I'm really nervous. It's because I had an MRI that showed that I had a stroke (no residual effects, thankfully). So this is part of the "stroke workup".
I can't imagine being able to tolerate the tube going down my throat. I know there will be some sedation, but I'm not sure how much. I would love to hear other people's experiences with this test! Thanks!!

 

[Poohlove]

No experience here but wanted to send good thoughts your way, how scary!! Hope all goes well!!

 

[disneychick0412]

Thank you, poohlove! I appreciate that very much!

 

[tazdev3225]

My husband had 2 strokes in the space of a month 2 years ago. The first hospital did nothing. He was in the hospital when he had the stroke and was a stroke risk patient but they did nothing! Sorry sore subject. The lack of tests was part of why he had the second stroke. Thankfully he is 90% better.

I asked him if he remembered this test as his memory is spotty but he remembered it very well. He said the test wasn't that bad but they did give him some medication to make him a little woozy while they did it. It may cause some vomiting afterwards, but it's a good way to see the heart and blood vessels. Good luck and be glad the doctors are in top of things. I wish they had been in the first hospital.

 

[disneychick0412]

My husband had 2 strokes in the space of a month 2 years ago. The first hospital did nothing. He was in the hospital when he had the stroke and was a stroke risk patient but they did nothing! Sorry sore subject. The lack of tests was part of why he had the second stroke. Thankfully he is 90% better.

I asked him if he remembered this test as his memory is spotty but he remembered it very well. He said the test wasn't that bad but they did give him some medication to make him a little woozy while they did it. It may cause some vomiting afterwards, but it's a good way to see the heart and blood vessels. Good luck and be glad the doctors are in top of things. I wish they had been in the first hospital.

I’m so sorry for what you and your husband had to go through! Thank you for the input!!

 

[fely1st]

My husband had one after his stroke. He is super sensitive but said he was sleepy and had no problems at all so I think you will be fine. After the test he had no problems and felt like nothing happened. All the best for you.

 

[tazdev3225]

I’m so sorry for what you and your husband had to go through! Thank you for the input!!

Thank you. It was rough for awhile and I still get angry sometimes about the hospital but my husband is here to drive me crazy and that's a good thing. He even "forced" me to book a solo trip to Disney in March.

 

[Kitty 34]

Good luck to you.

 

[Myothername]

My mother had one and never knew anything was going on. I've had a "scope" down my esophagus and I vaguely remember them spraying something in my throat to numb it but that is all I remember.

 

[LisaRay]

I have a heart condition that has required having this done a several times and basically I remember drinking some awful tasting stuff and also some spray in my throat too. but then I was mostly out of it. I'm sure it's got something to do with how much they gave me to put me out but sometimes I didn't remember anything being done during it and others I remember feeling a bit of a gagging/choking reflex (not too terrible) but I think the times I had that gagging they knew it and gave me more meds to help me go out further.
The worst part is worrying about it. All things considered it's not too bad and hopefully you'll wake up and say is it over? I've done that before too! Good Luck!

 

[KatMac]

I never had that procedure, but because my dad died of esophagus cancer, I have to get an endoscopy every two years. It’s pretty much the same situation. I feel your pain. I’ll never forget the fear I felt prior to getting the test done, but it wasn’t a big deal at all. You can do what I did and ask to be put out. I was in an abusive relationship where I was choked and now I panic when my throat is touched. There’s no way I could stay awake for it. You truly feel nothing if you’re asleep for it. It’s weird, really. One minute you’re talking to the doctor, the next minute you’re waking up VERY loopy! Good luck! I hope you’ll let us know how it goes. I truly know how you feel and I know nothing any of us say will put you completely at ease, but I promise, it is nothing like you think it’ll be!