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
rylee59508 jackierc1
Posted
Hi Jackierc1,
I’m a female and suppose to get this done in a month. I’m scared to death but keep reading what you wrote. So it’s nothink to worry about? It’s not that painful? I want my dr to put me out but she won’t. Did you have an axciety pill or anything before? I’m thinking about asking her for something. Thanks!😊
davidjk22 rylee59508
Posted
Worry really is the worst part. You will be given numbing gel, the worst you will possible feel is slight discomfort not pain. It's usually over so quickly some have been known to ask when it is starting.
lynn41704 rylee59508
Posted
PLEASE don't worry, read the posts above from Sue to me and Me to Sue. I almost cancelled by appointment as I was terrified and my health anxiety made me a nervous wreck. HONESTLY it is uncomfortable but NOT PAINFULL, you don't need to ask your doctor for anything there will be nurses looking after and reassuring you. It's over in minutes and afterwards you will be posting on this site trying to reassurance other ladies.
Chill out, take care if yourself and please keep in touch.
rylee59508 davidjk22
Posted
Thank you! I think you are right that worrying and just imagining is the worst part! Thanks for making me feel more at ease!! 😊
rylee59508 lynn41704
Posted
Thank you!! This does calm my nerves!!
I think I just read some bad things and automatically think that is what it will be like. But I have read more positive postings and I like those much better!
It’s just the unknown but I’m trusting all these post and you’re right I will be posting something positive after I have mine done! Thank you!!😊
rylee59508 lynn41704
Posted
lynn41704 rylee59508
Posted
Yes you can do it and then you can come back and add you post to reassure others,
Keep calm, take care and please keep in touch.
lynn😄
davidjk22 rylee59508
Posted
When you have had the procedure come back and tell us how you went on. I bet it was no where near as bad as you imagined, and the results will have put your mind at ease. I had two, a flexible with just the gel, and later a rigid and dilation with a general. Solved my problems and I no longer have to visit the toilet several times a night. I would advise anyone to have the procedure, the thought of it is far worse than the actual cystoscopy. Don't worry for weeks for something that only takes minutes.
rylee59508 davidjk22
Posted
Thank you!!
I will post how it goes! I’m still scared but I am feeling much better reading these post! 😊
rylee59508 davidjk22
Posted
davidjk22 rylee59508
Posted
Don't be scared, there really is no reason to be scared. It's easy for me to say now that I know how easy it was. I was worried before, but I now know there was no reason to be worried. Most of the posts here are from others who worried and discovered they had no reason to worry at all. I can't wait to tell you "I told you so".
lesley86591 jackierc1
Posted
I'm due to have one this afternoon and am spaced out with valium at the moment but still terrified. After reading your report I feel a lot better and might not bail at the last minute, which is what I was thinking i might do. I've also been losing sleep and not eating out of sheer terror! I thought it was only me being a complete wuss, from this forum I see it's not that unusual. I'll let you know how it went. Thank you :-)
lynn41704 lesley86591
Posted
Lesley. PLEASE don’t cancel your appointment. It is uncomfortable but NOT painful. Make sure you tell ALL the staff exactly how you are feeling, they are there to reassure and look after you. The procedure only takes a few minutes and you will be so relieved you didn’t cancel.
Several years ago I had to go for a vaginal biopsy and was terrified with worry, not eating or sleeping. A friend of mine who I really trust but tells it how it is told me “you don’t have to be brave but you do have to go” so don’t feel you have to be brave but PLEASE go.
Take care and keep in touch.
Thinking about you - big hugs.
Lynn😃
lynn41704
Posted
lesley86591 lynn41704
Posted
Hi Lynn. Thank you so much for your reassurance, and your interest. This blog has helped me so much, and I've written in more detail below. In short though, it was painless and I would say to anyone, as long as you can have some gel first it's a breeze!