Samantha's Guestbook

Hi Samantha. I can’t speak for the cardio version, not sure what that is but I did have a TEE test and heart cath done February 2nd. If they do your TEE the same as mine, for me the worst part was when they spray a stream of numbing agent in the back of your throat. If you’ve ever had a tooth filled and had your gums numbed, the stuff they put on the q-tip to first numb your gum before the shot, I believe is the same stuff they spray in your throat. That’s what it tasted like to me. They did that twice and I felt like I was having an allergic reaction as if my throat had swollen shut. I kept trying to swallow.They kept assuring me everything was fine and that was normal but I couldn’t get past that feeling so I was kind of panicking. The doctor came in and talked to me and said maybe we’d better go ahead and get started. They of course will put you to sleep. You won’t remember anything after that. I do remember telling the nurse that put me to sleep how nice she was to me. Then I woke up in recovery then went for my cath. You will have a sore throat for several days afterwards but I was able to eat, drink and talk so it’s not too awful bad. It was just the left side of my throat. That’s the side they had me lying on. Don’t know if that had anything to do with it or not. Hope this gives you some comfort. None of this heart stuff is any fun! Best of luck with everything!

Hi Samantha, 

It looks like we're facing the unknown but with a positive attitude and God's enabling, we'll make it through with these good doctors and a lot of patience on our parts. I read today my old posts from 10 years ago so I remember better what I experienced. I'll be praying for you!

hi samantha



i hope this website gives you some comfort and support. it certainly helps me. i had a tissue replacement aortic in feb 2020 and so far so good. you may have some concerns about your imminent surgery but my advice is to think beyound this and your life ahead. listen to your cardiologist and seek a long-term solution which is right for you. im anicipating valve-in-valve TAVI next time but we shall see. best regards.

Welcome to HVS, fellow PNW 👍🏼. You’ve come to the right place, there is so much support from this website… feel free to ask any and all questions you can think of. You are def not alone. 

Have they discussed surgery options with you yet?

Im 33y/o, 9 months post Ross Procedure. I was born with bicuspid aortic stenosis, and lived most of my life with no symptoms.