Female Cystoscopy ~ DON'T worry!!!!!
Posted , 99 users are following.
I had a Cystoscopy yesterday afternoon. I've known for about a month that I would have to have one and I have been worried sick about it. Found some awful posts on the net about it, and then fortunately found many reassuring posts on this forum! Trust me that when the ladies on here say "Don't worry"....DON'T! I've been so anxious, that I've lost sleep and my appetite over it. I was in and out of Theatre in 7 minutes! I asked my husband to time it as I knew I wanted to do a review on here to help others, as it has been this forum that got me through it yesterday!
You are in the position for a smear test for the procedure. Knees bent and apart and feet flat and together on the couch. So no stirrups (which I was glad about, as I hate that restriction, and I had expected that!) First they swab the area down, then insert the local anaesthetic. That just feels slightly cold, but not uncomfortable or painful. Then the camera is inserted, and again, that didnt hurt either. The nurse holding my hand told me it was in and then let me watch on the monitor. Whilst the camera is in, the surgeon fills your bladder with water so that he can see it all clearly. Within a couple of minutes, it's all done! I honestly wouldn't even say it was uncomfortable. You are aware something is going on, but certainly no pain. And if the surgeon told me he was going to do another Cystoscopy on me, I wouldnt lose a moments sleep over it! I was given a cup of tea after the procedure, and sat and rested for a while, and once I had passed urine the nurses discharged me from the ward. I've been passing urine normally and it hasn't even stung, so I guess Ive been lucky. I had no pain until a couple of hours after the procedure, when I guess my anaesthetic had worn off. It was just like Period Pain. I took a couple of Paracetamol and it eased off, and today I am fine.
So trust my post here! I am the biggest softy ever! And if I can do this you can too. Don't lose sleep over it, it's just not worth it! Ignore the horror stories you might come across on the net. It's easier and much less uncomfortable than a smear test! I am happy to help anyone I can over this procedure. If I've missed anything out and you have a question, just post on here and I will get back to you ASAP. Jackie
21 likes, 377 replies
nicola825cat jackierc1
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jackierc1 nicola825cat
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LoisMae nicola825cat
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dawn62288 jackierc1
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Just found this post what a relief I'm having one on Monday and I've been worried sick . I thought I would be under a general anthestic . Your post is reassuring can I ask I know it's over a year ago but did you get results at time of the test .
Dawn
LoisMae dawn62288
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jackierc1 dawn62288
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Glad you've found it reassuring Dawn. You'll be fine. Don't lose any sleep over it tonight, it's simply not worth it! To answer your question, he told me at the time he couldn't see anything to worry about, and he confirmed that to me at a follow up appointment a couple of weeks later. Let me know how you get on tomorrow.
jackie23554 jackierc1
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I had a flexible cystoscopy only this morning as I've been getting frequent UTIs and awaiting knee surgery. I've had no sleep for days and even found myself getting palpitations this morning. My BP was sky high when they took it before the procedure The cystoscopy itself took less time than signing the consent form and I felt absolutely nothing after the local anaesthetic which was s a gel. The urologist talked me through it all and told me everything was healthy and normal, thank goodness. Afterwards I have no discomfort so can reassure anyone feeling very worried about having a cystoscopy under a local anaesthetic, it's very quick, painless and I already feel 'normal' again.
linda59603 jackie23554
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karina87 jackierc1
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PMSugh karina87
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No, not for me. The catheter was very very painful for me, this was more of a discomfort. I can't believe I even have to say this in 2016, but do not agree to the procedure if they to not give you a numbing anesthetic (meaning this is not the stone age like it was 20 years ago...I'm sure it is part of the deal these days.) We need to look out for each other!!! You will do fine! Please get some rest tonight, and try to relax when it's time. This will definitely help.
PMSugh jackierc1
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Glad to hear it went well for you! My experience was somewhat different, but not horrible. Just had a cystoscopy this morning. I was actually dreading it as the last one (20+ years ago) was a nightmare. It was a "rigid" as opposed to flexible scope, and the pain was literally worse than child birth. No warning that it would be painful not only during, but days afterwards. Today, my urologist asked me if I ever had this procedure done before, and he looked absolutely shocked when I shared my experience. He reassured me that things have come a long way in the past 20 years, and said that is NOT the way it is done anymore. Today's procedure was no walk in the park, but nowhere near as painful as in the past.I had the anesthetic beforehand, and even though she said I would not have any pain, I was extremely uncomfortable until it started working. The insertion was somewhat painful, and during the procedure (about 10 minutes), I felt several moments of discomfort and pain when he was "exploring". That may be due to other issues though, as went in today with with pain in that area! That being said, it was nowhere, and I mean NOWHERE as painful as before. Of course the anesthetic helped, but this doc thoroughly explained the before, during and after with me. I am very sore and achy in my pelvic area tonight, there is some pain, and I have an upset stomache, but I would do it again in a heartbeat if it gave me the piece of mind I have in knowing it is not a tumor or blockage or serious problem with my bladder and kidneys. Now that the urinary stuff is ruled out, I'm waiting to hear the results of my pelvic ultrasound, also done this morning (absolutely no pain with the vaginal ultrasound by the way...that space is a little roomier than the urethra!) I've had both endometriosis & fibroids before, but we checked the urinary stuff as well since I also have had kidney stones, and I haven't had a period due to menapause in three years. Oh, and my recent PAP was fine...just had it a few weeks ago. Sooooo ladies, please do not fret over this procedure. It is not fun, but like I said before, the piece of mind is worth it. Hopefully others will not hesitate to have this procedure done if indicated.
michelle32158 jackierc1
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I read your post. I've had a catheter inserted in my urethra and that burned. I can't imagine have a Cystoscope without light sedation. I have a low tolerance to pain. Have you heard of anyone who has had twilight sleep and having pain? I'm terrified. If you or anyone you no can give me some information
Thank you. Michelle
michelle32158 jackierc1
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Were you awake or on sedation. I once had a catheter inserted in me and I almost jumped off the table. I've had chronic pain and pressure off and on it seems from my clitoris area could be my urethra? I have a low threshold for pain. I'm seeing a few Urologist two said to take the Cystoscope test. I'm going to take an transvaginal ultrasound and see what happens. I have several other Urologists to see. I lose sleep have anxiety attacks thinking of the Cystoscope test. If I even ever was to have it I would want twilight sleep if it's available.
Any advice? Michelle
Merry Christmas
michelle32158 jackierc1
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My name is Michelle. Yes I'm worried. I had a catheter with anesthetic and it was so painful I thought I would jump off the table. I have a LOW tolerance for PAIN. Have you heard anyone having it in the hospital under twilight sleep?
michelle32158 jackierc1
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Hi my name is Michelle. I read your post, it sounded uncomplicated. Did you have the Cystoscope test awake and if yes when the doctor inserted the scope wasn't there pain? Have you heard of partial or twilight sleep or sedation? I'm terrified to have this test and have low tolerance for pain. Do you think it would be safe to have partial sedation? I heard your heart can slow down and blood pressure can drop. Your thoughts?