Trans Eosophageal Scan/Echo (TOE/TEE) Anyone had it?

[thefizz]

I have Atrial Fibrillation, AFib. I cannot take anti coagulants due to risk of internal bleeding. This makes me a high stroke risk.

I had a procedure under GA two weeks ago to place a device on the left atrium to stop clots going to my brain (stroke). Now I need a TOE to make sure the device is working and all that jazz.

When I was admitted to the hospital initially I had a TOE (and a cardioversion that didn't work!) I don't remember much about it, too many drugs and disorientation etc.

Anyhow, the next TOE will be done under sedation. I don't like the look of it from what I have seen online. Will I feel the tube going in, will I choke what the hell!

As you can see I am freaking a bit, any reassurance welcome. I will be talking to the team in a weeks time, but they think everything is a doddle, having done it so many times before. Ugh.

I had one a few months back - I had light sedation, and while it wasn't pleasant, it was manageable. My cardiologist sprayed an anaesthetic spray down my throat which tasted a bit gross/felt weird but meant I didn't feel the tube going in so much.

I didn't really understand that it would be a tube going down - I thought when I was told I would 'swallow' the cameral, it would be like a pill. Joke on me... but probably better not to know. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't be too worried. I would ask for the throat spray (it's probably standard mind you). She was sure to spray it really well & assured me it would make it easier. It was fine & I'm sure you'll be alright. Good luck with everything.