Abdominal Soreness after TEE w/Coumadin

[ALCapshaw2]

I had a TEE (TransEsophageal Echocardiogram) yesterday morning while fully anticoagulated.

When I awoke this morning (at home in bed), I recall hearing a gurgling sound like bubbles slowly coming out through a liquid. This was not continuous and discontinued after a few minutes.

This afternoon, I noticed my abdominal muscles (below the sternum on both sides) were 'sore' as if I had done too many situps from an unconditioned state.

The discharge instructions I received said to call the Doctor (or 911) if you "develop sudden severe abdominal or chest pains".

My abdominal soreness is definitely NOT SEVERE and I wouldn't say that it came on suddenly SO, I'm not sure if this is something to be concerned about or not. I'll probably call the Heart Center Friday Morning but really don't want to go to the ER tonight (11 45 pm!)

I'll check this forum when I wake up for thoughts and suggestions.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[geebee]

Al,

I have not had abdominal discomfort with my TEEs so you should definitely call the doctor. It is unlikely to be something serious (not impossible) but it never hurts to check.

Any bloating or unusual tightness in the area that hurts? That could be a sign of bleeding although not really sure why a TEE would cause abdominal bleeding.

Hope all turns out well.

 

[DrAllan]

Al Capshaw,

Hopefully nothing serious going on. Bleeding is not likely to be the problem, I would expect you to have spit or vomited up blood if this were the case. But, the worst case scenario is as follows. There is a hole (perforation) from your esophagus either into your chest cavity or abdominal cavity. The gurgling you heard was air, which you normally swallow being forced thru the hole into another space. You need to call your doctor NOW. Minimal diagnostic evaluation is to be seen by the doctor and have them listen with a stethoscope over your chest and abdomen. This should be done second. On the basis of your history you should be in the X-ray department for a film of your chest and abdomen. Finally, if this is the scenario, you are going to be one sick cookie with a significant chance of dying. This is a known complication of instrumenting the esophagus. BTW do you have any primary esophageal problems such as stricture or esophagitis with heartburn?

 

[imhayley]

CHeers!

CHeers!

Hi AL....I just wanted to say that I hope your feeling better today and you find out what the problem is. Have a wonderful day

 

[Karlynn]

How are you doing today Al?

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Thanks to all of you for your replies.

Just got back from seeing the Cardiologist who performed my TEE, after stopping by for a Chest X-Ray on the way. He was concerned that I was going to break his perfect track record of performing TEE's for 15 years without a perforation.

Bottom Line: Best Guess is I was twisted / pulled or otherwise sustained a muscular 'insult' to the abdominal muscles. It seems to be lessening in intensity today. We were BOTH relieved that it wasn't anything serious. The gurgling most likely resulted from the air he injected into my esophagus during the procedure just working it's way out.

He also added that based on his findings, he would not recommend rushing into surgery, just close monitoring and to come in if my I become more symptomatic.

There seem to be good arguments on BOTH sides of the "Surgery: Now or Later" Question, and the risks for a third timer, on Coumadin, with Radiation Damage are NOT insignificant, even with a right thoracotomy...

'AL Capshaw'

 

[ruth]

Whew!

Whew!

Glad to hear you are fine. I've been thinking about you all day hoping for the best for you.

Wishing you well, Al.

Ruth

 

[savysmommy]

Glad to hear your ok.

 

[Phyllis]

Good news, Al- we're all relieved!