You were sedated during your transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Please follow these instructions to stay safe after you go home.
Please have a responsible person stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure, and to help you when you get out of bed for the first time. If you are dizzy when you first get up, call your doctor.
Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if:
- Your swallowing reflex has not returned after 6 hours.
- You have not urinated for 6 hours.
- You have bleeding from your throat.
- Any other emergency situation.
If you have any other questions or concerns, call 1.888.490.6121 to speak to a registered nurse 24/7.
How you may feel
- Your throat may be sore for a short time. Throat lozenges or cough drops may help your throat feel better.
- You may feel sick to your stomach after sedation or after you take your pain medication.
- The area where you had your IV will probably be sore for a few days after your procedure.
- You may have a slight fever. This is normal. Call your doctor if your temperature is higher than 101 degrees F.
Eating and drinking
- ONE HOUR after your test is over, take a sip of cold water. If you can feel the temperature of the water on the back of your throat, it is OK for you to return to your regular diet as tolerated. If you cannot feel the temperature, wait 30 minutes and try again.
- DO NOT drink any type of alcohol for the rest of the day. Doing so can cause harmful side effects after sedation.
Driving
- You must have a responsible person drive you home after your procedure. You cannot take a bus or cab home from the hospital.
- DO NOT drive the day of your procedure. You may drive the day after your procedure unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Activities
- You may feel dizzy and sleepy after your procedure. Rest when you get home and move only as much as you can without getting tired.
- DO NOT return to work or operate machinery or power tools for the rest of the day. You can return to work the day after your procedure unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- DO NOT make any important decisions or sign important papers for the rest of the day.
Medications
- You can take your normal medications unless your doctor gave you different instructions.
- You can take pain medication as prescribed.
- DO NOT take pills for your nerves (psychotropic medications) or medication to help you sleep for the rest of the day. Doing so can cause harmful side effects after sedation.
