Hi Evie,Welcome to HealingWell and please know I am sorry I am just responding to your post now. I was hoping one of our members would come along and advise you. I do not have a PFO. I did have a TIA 1 1/2 years ago and had all the testing for a PFO which included the TEE but my heart was OK. The TEE was a walk in the park as the meds they give you work very well so nothing to stress about re this test.
I am going to post a link to one of the best sites online that will cover most of your questions:
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/congenital/pfo.aspx
I also have GERD so I can understand how it is hard to know what is causing the chest pain but fainting 10 times is not normal and in my opinion may be cardiac related from what you have explained in your post. Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness. People faint because of a lack of blood flow and decreased oxygen to the brain.
I am glad you are set up to see your cardiologist and I hope you let us know what the outcome is of your test.
Again a warm welcome to you.
Kitt