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

Posted , 99 users are following.

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

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  • marie13049
    marie13049 jackierc1

    Posted

    Thanks for this is a re-assuring post am going to have one done on Monday and I am petrified.  I had a colonoscopy and that went fine and did not feel anything.  I just hope mine will be trouble free.
    • lynn41704
      lynn41704 marie13049

      Posted

      I am also due to have a cystoscopy on Monday if I am brave enough to go through with it.  I am also petrified, it's a pity we cannot hold each other's hands and support each other. I will be thinking about you, hope it goes well and results are nothing to worry about.

    • linda59603
      linda59603 lynn41704

      Posted

      No need to worry it is painless and fascinating to see the inside of your bladder on the screen
    • lynn41704
      lynn41704 linda59603

      Posted

      Thanks for the reassurance Linda.  I am terrified of the procedure and petrified that it will show cancer in my bladder.
  • tina00192
    tina00192 jackierc1

    Posted

    jackierc1 please do not worry.  I wanted to post because I just went through similar fears myself.  I have microscopic blood in urine found at routine physical and went back for numerous retests to find the blood is still there (with no bacteria) so it is not a UTI. Family Dr. referred me to a urologist who proceeded to send me for pelvis CT and prescribed cystoscopy.  I was an absolute mess for a month waiting for the upcoming procedure appointment.  I swore it was going to come back as bladder cancer.  Cystoscopy was performed yesterday and I swear to you the numbing was a slight pinch and a little burning (2/3 seconds) waited 5 min or so for it to kick in and then dr came in for procedure.  I told Dr not to talk to me during exam giving me a play by play and I didn't want to look at anything either.  I swear to you she said to me "ok the worst is over" meaning she inserted the scope. I FELT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!! If I ever have to have this performed again i will not have a problem with it.  Id prefer this to a pap smear any day........

    • lynn41704
      lynn41704 tina00192

      Posted

      Thanks for your reassuring post. My cystoscopy on Monday was cancelled by the hospital at the last minute and rebooked for 7th. Like you I have got myself in a state worrying about the procedure and petrified I have bladder cancer. Having read several reviews I feel a bit better about the procedure. After your procedure how long do you have to wait for your results?
    • davidjk22
      davidjk22 lynn41704

      Posted

      It must be disappointing to have the procedure cancelled and rebooked for a later date . I was given the result immediatly after the cystocopy , but every case is different . You should get  your results quite soon after . I know it's easy for me to tell you not to worry , but worrying wont help at all . You will feel much better once it is over and the result prove there was no need to worry .

    • lynn41704
      lynn41704 davidjk22

      Posted

      Thanks for your post. I agree worrying will not help but I cannot stop worrying. I just hope next appointment is not cancelled.
    • davidjk22
      davidjk22 lynn41704

      Posted

      Have you had your cystocopy yet ? . I hope it went well if you have .
    • lynn41704
      lynn41704 davidjk22

      Posted

      Thank you for asking. I had my cystoscopy on Friday and I was absoultely fine. Slight bleeding afterwards and discomfort passing urine but 99% settled now. Consultant told me results immediately - my bladder looks fine. Regards the White cells I got so upset about he told me "they are common in ladies of a certain age".  He is writing to my GP regards medication for my overactive bladder and also recommends a low dose antibiotic to be taken for six months.  He will see me again in 3 months to see how I am getting on. I am extremely relieved at the outcome of my cystoscopy and cannot believe I got myself in such a state that I nearly cancelled the appointment. Take care of yourself and best wishes

    • davidjk22
      davidjk22 lynn41704

      Posted

      Hate to say it but I told you so . Worrying over nothing . Gald all went and is ok .
    • lynn41704
      lynn41704 davidjk22

      Posted

      I don't mind even a tiny bit saying I told you so. I am so relieved its almost unbelievable. Thanks for being there to support me when I really needed it. You're a star. Best wishes and take care of yourself.

  • ella32372
    ella32372 jackierc1

    Posted

    My doctor told me I'm going to have to have one next month but he told me I was going to be asleep ! Xx

    • pam34048
      pam34048 ella32372

      Posted

      I was awake for mine, I was so scared.  There was no pain not an once.  The did not freeze me or anything.  They just wash you down so you don't get an infecion and they sip it in at the same time.  You don't even know they had done it.  The dr was still sitting at his desk while the nurses did the work.  Then he gets up takes a look no pain and says everything looks good.  Sceduals you for a follow up and all is good.  The only thing that bothered me is they don't warm the soap that's the only shocking part.  You'll do fine.

  • teri01976
    teri01976 jackierc1

    Posted

    When you said they insert the local anaesthetic what do you mean by that exactly? I'm having one done soon and very nervous about it. Thank you.

    • davidjk22
      davidjk22 teri01976

      Posted

      Anaesthetic gel is injected into the urethra? via a syringe? with no needle , it is completly painless , may feel cold or sting slightly . After a few minutes the cystoscope is inserted and you don't feel any pain , you may get stinging after when you urinate , but mild pain killers will help with that . The scope only has to travel about 4 to 5 cm in a female and about 20 cm in a male . The procedure is over very quickly and there is no need to worry at all . The worst part is the worrying before , but trust me there is nothing whatsoever to worry about . When it's over please come back here and tell everyone how easy it was .

    • teri01976
      teri01976 davidjk22

      Posted

      Thank you so much for taking the time to send me that. I feel so much better about it now! I will come back and let everyone know how it went. I have fibromyalgia so pain is elevated for me about more than the average person so that is what I was worried about which was the pain you feel during this. Again thank you so much!!!
    • davidjk22
      davidjk22 teri01976

      Posted

      Glad I could help , the worst part of cystocopy is the worry and not knowing if it will be painful . It is not painful and is well worth having the procedure to find out what the problem is and to get the correct treatment for your problem . Most turn out to be easily corrected or cured . As I said before worry is the worst problem , try to relax and get the problem diagnosed , and cured , then continue to enjoy your life . 

       

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