Here is what I found about the echocardiogram ("ECHO") test that you already had vs. the transesophageal echo ("TEE") test that your doctor ordered. (I assume that the TEE is what the tube-down throat test is?)
According to Heart Site.org, your doctor may have ordered the transesophageal test to get a better look at your heart for many reasons (so, it may be "legit"):
"At times, closely positioned ribs, obesity and emphysema may create technical difficulties by limiting the transmission of the ultrasound beams to and from the heart. Since the esophagus sits behind the heart, the echo beam does not have to travel through the front of the chest, avoiding many of the obstacles described above. In other words, it offers a much clearer image of the heart, particularly, the back structures, such as the left atrium, which may not be seen as well by a standard echo taken from the front of the heart."
The TEE test itself only lasts 10-30 minutes, and you are given a sedative (given through an intravenous (IV) line) to help in relaxation and the throat is sprayed with an anesthetic to "numb" it. The TEE echo transducer is much smaller than the standard Echo equipment and is positioned at the end of a flexible tube.
I've been searching for "excess or increased blood flow", and am unable to find any information. Did the doctor tell you anything else that they are trying to "rule out"? Since you have asthma, do you have an allergist or other respiratory specialist that you see, whom you trust? You may want to give this person a call, to see what (if any) relation there is between "excess blood flow to lungs" and "asthma".
Susan C already gave you this resource, and it is still the best. You can learn the basics about heart and lung function, as well as specific conditions:
American heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org/hearthub/index.htm
Also, did you know (according to the Cleveland Clinic), that a woman's blood volume increases in pregnancy by 40-50%. Wow! However, this physiological change usually returns to pre-pregnancy baseline 3 to 4 weeks after delivery.
Lastly, try not to worry about something that you have no control over right now---it won't help you or your new gorgeous baby! (I know, easy for me to say!) :-) You are doing the right thing by asking for, and researching, information. During medical visits, be sure to ask your health care providers (including the nurse) to write down the names of tests, possible diagnosis, etc. that they mention. Ask what resources you should be researching when you go home, and ask for brochures, as they probably have written guides on "how to prepare" for the TEE (or other) test, including physically and mentally.
The good news: you may or may not have something "seriously wrong' with you, and if you are diagnosed with a condition, at least you are finding about it and can learn how to manage the symptoms. Hang in there, and let us know how your test goes! Let me know if you have any other questions, I am happy to do some more researching for you. (by the way..I am also 33 years old and have a 20 month old son. What a handful these kiddos are, but so much fun!) :-)
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Here is what I found about the echocardiogram ("ECHO") test that you already had vs. the transesophageal echo ("TEE") test that your doctor ordered. (I assume that the TEE is what the tube-down throat test is?)
According to Heart Site.org, your doctor may have ordered the transesophageal test to get a better look at your heart for many reasons (so, it may be "legit"):
"At times, closely positioned ribs, obesity and emphysema may create technical difficulties by limiting the transmission of the ultrasound beams to and from the heart. Since the esophagus sits behind the heart, the echo beam does not have to travel through the front of the chest, avoiding many of the obstacles described above. In other words, it offers a much clearer image of the heart, particularly, the back structures, such as the left atrium, which may not be seen as well by a standard echo taken from the front of the heart."
The TEE test itself only lasts 10-30 minutes, and you are given a sedative (given through an intravenous (IV) line) to help in relaxation and the throat is sprayed with an anesthetic to "numb" it. The TEE echo transducer is much smaller than the standard Echo equipment and is positioned at the end of a flexible tube.
I've been searching for "excess or increased blood flow", and am unable to find any information. Did the doctor tell you anything else that they are trying to "rule out"? Since you have asthma, do you have an allergist or other respiratory specialist that you see, whom you trust? You may want to give this person a call, to see what (if any) relation there is between "excess blood flow to lungs" and "asthma".
Susan C already gave you this resource, and it is still the best. You can learn the basics about heart and lung function, as well as specific conditions:
American heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org/hearthub/index.htm
Also, did you know (according to the Cleveland Clinic), that a woman's blood volume increases in pregnancy by 40-50%. Wow! However, this physiological change usually returns to pre-pregnancy baseline 3 to 4 weeks after delivery.
Lastly, try not to worry about something that you have no control over right now---it won't help you or your new gorgeous baby! (I know, easy for me to say!) :-) You are doing the right thing by asking for, and researching, information. During medical visits, be sure to ask your health care providers (including the nurse) to write down the names of tests, possible diagnosis, etc. that they mention. Ask what resources you should be researching when you go home, and ask for brochures, as they probably have written guides on "how to prepare" for the TEE (or other) test, including physically and mentally.
The good news: you may or may not have something "seriously wrong' with you, and if you are diagnosed with a condition, at least you are finding about it and can learn how to manage the symptoms. Hang in there, and let us know how your test goes! Let me know if you have any other questions, I am happy to do some more researching for you. (by the way..I am also 33 years old and have a 20 month old son. What a handful these kiddos are, but so much fun!) :-)
August 12, 2008 - 2:42pmThis Comment
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