Comments on: “What Happens During A Transesophageal Echocardiogram?” Asks Sophie

By: Audrey schmida

Audrey schmida — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 22:34:57 +0000

I had my TEE July 12, 2011 and the anticipation is worse than procedure. I had my test performed at new Ahuja Medical Center in Cleveland and the doctor and nurses put me at ease before procedure. I woke up during the test but once the nurse realized I was awake they put me out again. If you start with positive
attitude it is a breeze. Glad I had it done as it gave the cardiologist clear view of mitral valves.

By: Mary Ferraro

Mary Ferraro — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:02:45 +0000

Not to worry. I had 2 done before my valve repair last year. You lay down. You get an IV. You go to sleep. The next thing you know, the 2 nurses are standing there with the classic quote, “Oh, look. This ones waking up.” Really all very easy and nothing to be afraid of.

By: Don

Don — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:17:24 +0000

I’ve had two TEE’s in the last year, prior to my mitral valve replacement surgery. In my experience, they are nothing to dread. An IV is inserted in your arm, some local anesthetic is usually sprayed in your throat, you’re told to bite gently on the mouthpiece, and then about ten minutes later, you wake up. It’s really a fairly straightforward procedure from what I experienced.

By: Melinda

Melinda — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:22:31 +0000

I’ve had two TEEs. I was nervous going into the first one because I didn’t know what to expect. It turned out to be a breeze compared to what I thought it would be like. To me, the worst part was getting the IV. You’ll be asked to swallow spray. Simulataneously, they started me on the sedative through the IV. I was “knocked out” for just long enough for the procedure. I wasn’t afraid at all to get the second TEE. I hope this helps you. Good Luck!

By: Linda Garbett

Linda Garbett — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:12:49 +0000

I had a TEE before my mitral valve repair surgery. I was a bit nervouse before it but it was really quite easy.
All the best
Linda

By: fazilat

fazilat — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:09:21 +0000

hi i had tee before my aortic valve replacment same as the others who have replied. sore throat and feel a little sick afterwards also go with a empty stomach.
good luck.
fazilat

By: nerida

nerida — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:07:58 +0000

I had one as well as an angiogram in the same day. I was awake through mine…had the banana spray and had to bite done on the tube. Just remember to breath through your nose when you feel the numbness start and breath deeply…you wont choke. It was painless and no hassle.
good luck
nerida

By: Meigs Matheson

Meigs Matheson — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 06:47:30 +0000

The spray did not bother me. I remember the tube protector being put in my mouth, and beng asked to bite down on it. The next thing I remember was the nurse taking the pillows away that were supporting me on my left side. I missed the whole thing.
Meigs

By: Logan

Logan — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:46:41 +0000

Funny thing, I just had one of these, yesterday in preparation for mitral valve surgery. It’s not as scary as it seems at first glance. The worst part was the stuff they spray in your throat to numb it. It tastes bad and burns a little but then the anesthetic in it kicks in and you don’t notice it anymore. For me, the probe went right down my throat and I barely felt it. They gave me some Valium and Fentanyl and told me if I was uncomfortable, I could ask for more. I didn’t need any more, but “that’s just me.” Afterward, my throat was a little sore but by evening everything felt fine. I had mine done at midday and went I got home I just took a nap. Woke up in time for dinner, took it easy for the rest of the evening and I’m back at it the following day. My throat feels fine. Of course, “your mileage may vary.” Good luck with your test.

By: Laura

Laura — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:58:34 +0000

I’ve had a few TEEs. The first one was the worst, but if you know what to expect, it’s easier. They spray some stuff down your throat that’s supposedly banana scented, but it’s vile. That’s to numb your throat. As I recall, they did that two or three times, then put me out, and that was about it.
Good luck, and this is really not anything to worry about.
Laura