Hello Sandy,
I'm sure you are disappointed that the Cardiologist who performed your Cath didn't take the time to talk with you.
If your cath was performed at a Hospital, you can go to the Records Office of the Hospital and ask to see the Cath Report. They are obligated by law to let you see your records. If you want a copy, there may be a charge (my hospital charges $1 per page up to 50 pages, then less for more pages).
If your cath was performed at a Heart Center, then contact their records department.
I would ASK why the Cardiologist wants you to have a TransEsophageal Echocardiogram (TEE), just for clarification. A TEE involves pushing an ultrasonic transducer down your throat until it rests behind your heart. It gives clearer images than the traditional Echocardiogram done through your chest (on the outside).
The nurse will spray the back of your throat with a YUCKY tasting anesthetic and then ask you to swallow. This is to suppress the GAG reflex. You will also be given an IV, most likely with Demoral for 'discomfort' and Versed which is a "Conscious Sedation" medicine. By varying the amount of Versed, they can take you anywhere from being 'aware but don't care' to 'don't want to remember a thing'. Versed is fairly short acting (several hours) vs. Valium which can make you groggy for a couple of days.
You will need to have someone drive you home and it would be good to have someone with you for at least a few hours. It is not uncommon for people to 'act normal' but have NO recollection of what they did or said for a few hours after taking Versed. Years ago, one Doctor told me of a patient who called a few hours later to tell him he had driven to XXX (200 miles away on the interstate) and had NO IDEA how or why! That's why hospitals no longer let you go without a driver and prefer you go home to 'sleep it off'.
'AL Capshaw'
