I have had a few transesophageal echocardiograms. Before ablation and before a couple of cardioversion procedures, and even during transplant evaluation. I'm an old pro at it by now.

The worst part for me is the numbing gel they may have you gargle and swallow before hand. They also have a numbing throat spray that tastes pretty awful. After you gargle, your lips and tongue also numb. But it's not long after that that they give you the sleepy meds and you shouldn't remember a thing! Maybe have a sore throat after but it's nothing a throat lozenge can't help.

Good Luck, BonnieLander

Any Questions, shoot them my way.
JKD

I didn't have one before my ablation. My specialist would have given the EP all my tests which I had done. I did have an angiagram the day before which was over in about 5 seconds. Best wishes, Ruth

Yes, I did have one before my ablation. The procedure was easy to go thru. I was in a twilight sleep, really don't remember anything except for the horrible numbing stuff they put in your throat.

Thank you all.Bonnie

Yes, I will be having a TEE prior to my ablasion. Apparently it is a standard procedure in the hospital I'm having my ablasion in.

I also had a TEE. They told me it was necessary for pts who had not been on coumadin for a long time before hand; the purpose was to make sure there were no blood cots that would be dislodged during the ablation (which would be quite bad).
I had the TEE the day before; different places do it different ways. It took maybe 2 hrs including recovery but you are asleep for most of it.
As has been said, the prep involves various numbing agents for your throat. This takes about 20 min and also I felt my throat was "thick" and pretty uncomfortable. After that I was given quick acting anesthesia and then I woke up. i was not aware of anything,. the MD who did it (he came and went), the prodecure itself, etc. I was very thirsty and coughing a lot after but they won't let you drink anything for 1/2 hr and you are still kinda out of it. But in another hour you can go home and you feel OK. I found the TEE actually more stressful than the ablation itself, so after the TEE (which is not really the worst, don't worry) the ablation was easy!

when are you having your ablation?

also your must get off your coumadin 3 days
before the ablation.

I had my ablation in November.So far so good, Ifeel fine and still am in normal sinus rhythm.

NYNM where did you have your ablation?

I had my ablation at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell. They are one of the best cariology depts in US. (It is the same place where President Clinton recently had a cardiac procedure). I also got oneofthe newer MD's (Christopher Liu) and only had to wait 2 weeks! He was great.

I also went for a consult at NYU which is also known for ablations, but it felt like a "factory" to me and I was not comfortable.

I am St.Louis,Mo.Missouri Baptist Hospital.I
only hope this 2nd ablation works.gaby61@aol.com