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Female Cystoscopy ~ DON'T worry!!!!!

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jackierc1
jackierc1

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

377 Replies

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  • alice030596
    alice030596 jackierc1

    Posted

    Hey,

    I'm 20 and have been suffering from UTIs for 7 years now. I recieved my appointment for Cystoscopy for 4 weeks and im extremely nervous. I am going to be under general anasthetic due to my age but its the pain and passing urine afterwards that worries me x

  • Floweygirl
    Floweygirl jackierc1

    Posted

    Hi Jackie, it's amazing that you experience the same thing I'm going through right now. I was told that I need to see a urologist four months ago, so they could look further into my bladder due to blood in my urine even though there's no UTI however a ct - Scan show tiny stones anyway when I found out that the sugeon inserts a camera into my urethra I have been sick to my stomach sleepless nights worring just the thought makes me cringe . I cancelled two appointments because of fear. I have two children therefore I know what severe pain feels like and everything They inserted Caterer it either was very painful or it had to be redone.

    This is raising my blood pressure I wish they would give me a twilight sleep or some strong pain meds.

    You made me feel less afraid but I'm still not quite relaxed.

    Thanks

  • lynn41704
    lynn41704 jackierc1

    Posted

    I was told this morning that I need a cystoscopy and was really upset. I was relieved to read of your own experience and have decided not to do any further research which like you would cause many sleepless nights and many wasted meals.  I have opted to have the procedure done privately as we have a holiday coming up and the NHS waiting list would involve months of waiting and worrying.  All the best Jackie and thanks again.
    • davidjk22
      davidjk22 lynn41704

      Posted

      No need to worry , they will use an anesthetic gel , it is not painful  may be a slight discomfort . I felt no pain at all and had very little discomfort after . Relax and it will be over in minutes .
  • diana80213
    diana80213 jackierc1

    Posted

    I had this procedure done today and I was unaware I could possibly be having one or nor had I ever heard of it. Unfortunately my experience was not a good one and I decided to google it and it is how I came across this post. I was in pain when they inserted the anesthetic and also in pain when he inserted the cystoscope. I've been bleeding since I left the doctors, I'm afraid of going to pee because it stings me really bad. In my opinion if the doctor has a flexible cystoscope it might help ease the pain of insertion, the one used on me was not flexible. I also think women should see reviews of the doctor performing the cystoscopy, the one I saw today didn't have good reviews. Needless to say I'm changing my Urologist because I would not do another cystoscopy with the same doctor if I was asked again.

    • davidjk22
      davidjk22 diana80213

      Posted

      You had a very bad experence , if you had a rigid cystocopy it should have been done under general anesthetic . I have had both , the flexible one was with local gel and was painless , the rigid one was with general , also painless and only very slight  discomfort  after .Change your urologist for one who knows what he is doing .
  • mindy_1974
    mindy_1974 jackierc1

    Posted

    Hi Jackierc1,

    I was reading these other replies and wanted to know if you can calm me down!! I have terrible IC and had my first uero dr. Visit earlier today. The dr. put in a catheter and I screamed! I couldn't stop crying for a few minutes. The pain was excruciating. It's still hurting and it was done hours ago. It must be bec I already have IC. She told me I need a cystoscopy and after just the catheder experience. I'm really terrified. can you please tell me what you think, I would be so grateful!! Thanks so much biggrin

    ~Mindy

    • jackierc1
      jackierc1 mindy_1974

      Posted

      Hi Mindy! Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience today. That will almost without doubt be due to your IC. I'm surprised the Dr. did that in the circumstances. Perhaps he didn't anaesthetise the area before he did it. They will do that for the Cystoscopy, so you should be fine. Hope that helps. Take some pain relief now to ease your symptoms. Hopefully by the morning, you will feel better. Jackie 

    • mindy_1974
      mindy_1974 jackierc1

      Posted

      Thanks so much! The dr. was so cold about it. She could care less if it hurt or not! I took some alleve.. she did tell me that before the the Cyto I would get numbing medicine but I was scared it would still hurt.

      Thanks so much for the pep talk!!😃

    • davidjk22
      davidjk22 mindy_1974

      Posted

      The catheter should have been lubricated , and if this was your first time the Dr should have used anesthetic gel . I have to self catheterise daily and it is never painful or uncomfortable . If you do have to have a cystocopy , if it is flexible you should have anesthetic gel and if it is rigid a general anesthetic . The procedure should really be painless , possible slight discomfort . Speak to your Doctor and explain your worries . I have had both flexible and rigid cystocopys and had no pain at all , and only very slight discomfort for 1 day . Don't worry it is over in a few minutes and the anesthetic stops any pain .

    • mindy_1974
      mindy_1974 davidjk22

      Posted

      Hi!

      I hear you... okay!! Feeling less anxious...

      Thanks so muchsmile I really, appreciate it!!

    • davidjk22
      davidjk22 mindy_1974

      Posted

      I was quite worried , but found there was no need at all to worry . The only bad part was the £35 fine I got for parking in the wrong car park .

  • lynn41704
    lynn41704 jackierc1

    Posted

    I am supposed to be going for a cystoscopy on Monday but I am am thinking of cancelling it because I am terrified of what it will find. My recent urine test was reported as contaminated so I had it repeated. At my pre-op check today I asked about the urine result, it showed no infection but there were white cells which you get with bladder/kidney cancer. I always thought that if something was wrong I would want to know but now I  am terrified of finding out and I don't think I am brave enough to receive bad news so it will be easier not to have the cystoscopy.

    • davidjk22
      davidjk22 lynn41704

      Posted

      Have the cystocopy , find out what the problem is . White cells can be and usually are caused by other things than cancer . Try not to worry , cancer is not top of the list of possibilities . The quicker the problem is diagnosed , the quicker it can be cured .
    • lynn41704
      lynn41704 davidjk22

      Posted

      Thank you for your words of encouragement. My husband spoke to the Consultants Secretary who spoke to the Consultant and his reply was that my problem could be bladder inflammation.  I still think I have got cancer but you are right I need to have the cystoscopy done but I still don't know if I am brave enough to go through with it.

    • davidjk22
      davidjk22 lynn41704

      Posted

      It is only natural to worry and think the worst , but have the cystocopy and enjoy the great relief when you find that you have been worrying unneccesarly . Cancer is low down on the list of possible causes for white cells in urine .
    • lynn41704
      lynn41704 davidjk22

      Posted

      Thanks again for your comforting words.  I know you are right and if one of my friends were in my situation I would tell them what you are telling me. I am not just worrying I am making myself sick with worry and finding it impossible to calm myself down. I will keep you updated.
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