TEE

[Guest]

As part of my pre surgical catherization I will be having a TEE procedure. I was wondering, for those who have had one, whether you felt you were sufficiently sedated so as not make it a big deal.
By the way, I have already registered but I can't post a question except as a guest. Still not sure how to reply to one of my posts either.

 

[DachsieMom]

I was very nervous before my TEE, but it was fine. They asked if I wanted to be totally sedated and I said yes! Didn't feel a thing. I think I was over medicated though, because I was loopy the rest of the day and spiked a 104 fever that night. Tylenol brought it down.

 

[cpj123]

Found it super easy...even sedation wore off really quick...I was already in the hospital but I could have easily walked out 45 mins after the procedure....no sore throat or any tough effects....of all the poking and prodding you go through this was the easiest thing....JMHO

 

[harrietW]

Hi l has a second TEE 3 weeks ago the first being almost exactly 2 yrs ago ! Sore throat both times. Very sedated both times although woke up during the procedure the second time. Very physically exhausted both times although left the hospital within a couple hours both times they don't let you leave unescorted and you are legally impaired for 24 hrs so no driving. This latest one kept me hanging around for a few hour and cardiologist sent me for an echo as she was concerned about my reaction during the procedure. I live half an hour drive from the hospital where l got the test and she wanted to make sure l was going to be ok before my ride drove me home. So that was my experience with TEE. . However it really is a very simple procedure say compared to say a heart catheterization / angiogram. I would take the TEE any day !! Good luck no sweat.
Wish l could help you or guide you through the site so you can respond to a post but l have a little trouble myself . Sorry !

 

[skeptic49]

Request full sedation and you will be fine.

 

[big_L]

Mine only one was done with no sedation until they started with the probe. Once they got it past my tongue, they pushed something into the IV and I was out. If I have to do it again, I'd ask for options to be sedated earlier. I had to sit there and gargle some gorp for 15 minutes off and on with a nurse then checking my gag reflex with a tongue depressor periodically. It was not pleasant.

 

[Cooker]

Mine was super easy!! It's a piece of cake... you will do fine.

 

[giro]

I finally have a screen name and can now figure out how to post and reply (apparently after registration one has to wait for one's account to be validated...)
Anyway, thank you all for the responses. I am having a catherization and also during the process they are doing a TEE exam so I suppose I won't be fully sedated.
I am only somewhat concerned as I harken back almost 40 years as a teenager when I had lung surgery, I vividly recall (who wouldn't!) a tech inserting a tube down my nose through my throat and into my stomach and this was all done with no sedation whatsoever. Whenever i think of that surgery I put that right up there as one of the worst moments. So I am quite happy to hear that procedures have changed!

 

[honeybunny]

Had one a few weeks ago. No qualms until right before hand when the nurse explained that I wouldn't be completely knocked out and also looked concerned when I explained I have strong gag reflexes. But I was out like a rock when the time came and felt no discomfort at all.

 

[R1Phrankey]

I have had a TEE, but here in the Netherlands it is not standard to be sedated. Only thing I got was a spray in my mouth that will sedate my throath/tongue. For me the TEE was okay, no problems and only took 10 minutes. Advantage without sedation is that you are directly fine to go home.

 

[dornole]

I had one too, much like R1Phrankey it was fast and easy with just local sedation. I have trouble with X-rays at the dentist due to gagging but the TEE was still fine. Headed home after.