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
kthmiles jackierc1
Posted
I was not numbed or anything. This was the most painful thing I've ever been through, and I've had 9 major surgeries. Please verify that they will numb you or put you out. I bled for days after and the first 3 pees were just as painful as the procedure. Not exaggerating at all. I was referred to my doctor from my OBGYN and he is one of the best urologists in St. Louis, MO. I thought I was in good hands. He didn't go into detail except that it will all be over before I know it.
Debbie1203 kthmiles
Posted
lesley86591 jackierc1
Posted
Well.... I stumbled in high on Valium but unfortunately it didn't make me any less scared psychologically. However, the staff were lovely, they used a gel to numb me and I truly didn't feel a thing. I'd already decided I wasn't going to bail on the whole thing but that I could just say no at the last minute if I chose to. Because I could. But I didn't and I'm so glad I had it done. They told me after that there were no problems and I wouldn't have had that information if I hadn't gone. So thank you so much for the reassurance I got from your blog, it was invaluable. Lesley
lynn41704 lesley86591
Posted
I am so pleased that you didn’t cancel and that everything went well and there were no problems.
Take care
Lynn😄
davidjk22 lesley86591
Posted
Glad to hear that all went well for you. I had two, first a flexible with the gel then later a rigid with dilation but with a general anaesthetic. I don't understand why some doctors do the procedure without any sort of anaesthesia. Anyone going for a cystoscopy should be put at ease by the medical staff and have all the details explained to them, and be told of all the options. In almost all cases it is a very quick procedure, but it should also be a painless one. Fortunately it appears that most doctors do consider the feelings of their patients. Shame that a few don't and those are usually the ones that are mentioned most.
alan12675 jackierc1
Posted
Hi Jackie --
I'm happy to see what you wrote about your good experience. I'm 66 and had my first cystourethroscopy last November (2017) I have a wonderful Urologist (a woman) who took care of me in the same manner as yours did you. I also have no reservations about having another procedure done - it was painless, pleasant, and I was fortunate to have received a good report on the condition of my bladder. Thanks! Alan
ginamarie71 jackierc1
Posted
I am having one done tomorrow. I've been worried! Your post has put me at ease.
joan83466 jackierc1
Posted
Hi,Thanks for your post. . I am glad I read your post. It makes me feel some what less nerves. Tomorrow I am having my procedure and it is going to be done in her office. Did you have yours done in the Doctor's office? Did you need someone to drive you home? Thank you!
julie43102 joan83466
Posted
My Sister took me to the hospital to have it done. The only thing about driving is, you may need to wee. During the procedure you are filled with water that you will need to pass. I think I would have been OK to drive once my bladder was emptied.
Honestly Joan, the fear of the procedure is much worse than having it done. Good luck, be brave and treat yourself to something nice afterwards.
alan86734 jackierc1
Posted
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Your detailed account rings true! One of my four-letter 'F' words which I detest is FEAR. Your post does much to dispel this unwelcome guest. Which leads me on to another four letter 'F' word which is much more appropriate, namely FACT.
Warm regards, alan86734.
tina38750 jackierc1
Posted
It's good to hear that you had a good experience,me on the other hand had a cystoscopy done last friday Aug 10 2018,in urology,I was in so much pain when I got there, I just didnt care and never worried I was so thankful not having cancer from the ct scan.,but I knew they needed to know what was wrong.I have to say it was the most pain I have ever been in,I didnt get any sedation, just the topical anesthesia on my uretha.my bladder has been inflamed and burning for several months prior to my procedure.I was told it a little worse than getting Catherized.and that was a lie.I was in such pain it hurt my face.they said I have hemorrhagic cystitis, and I go back in a month.Im demanding sedation. It could have been the doctor was rough on me, I dont know, but it was absolutely horrid what I went through.
ladylinda55 jackierc1
Posted
Thank you so much! I am having one next week and worried sick! You have put my mind at rest!
karen04713 ladylinda55
Posted
Hello,there...thank you to all those amazing women on this forum who have taken time to reassure everyone from their own many experiences as to the unnecessary worry and chronic anxiety that the very thought of this procedure can bring about.
I'm due for my own cystoscopy in two days,late morning and when I've had it done I'll come back to report my own thoughts and experience; the many wonderful postings here have really helped to put my mind at ease for at least the actual procedure,if not the worry as to results but I realise nothing can be predicted for those,unfortunately!
I think seeing so many different reasons as to why a cystoscopy has been advised also must really help others having the same or similar symptoms etc. so I'll quickly try to explain my own here...
In early March I was suddenly admitted to hospital with what turned out to be pulmonary embolisms in both lungs for which no cause could be found and it was a pretty scary time..especially when I was told the one in my left lung was interfering with my heart...anyway,I was sorted out with initial stomach injections then sent home on Apixaban anticoagulants twice a day but with a warning to take care for quite a while until time was enough to allow pressure on my heart to recede.
For just over eight weeks I was absolutely fine on them,no problems whatsoever and if anything the very knowledge that the medication was protecting me from further PE was so uplifting and I was happily resuming normal life,though of course the fear of heart trouble was always there.....(but an ECG two days ago has reassured me I'm all great again that way).
Then,10 days ago,to say there was blood in the toilet is a bit of an understatement...it was just bright red pouring in my urine,I tolerated it overnight and it seemed to ease a bit but next day,a Saturday I got up from bed and it ended up with me being taken up to A & E by my husband because guess what...a Bank Holiday weekend with no GP until Tuesday!
The Doctor in A & E did all the usuals,blood tests,urine etc....all appered normal but she reduced my Apixaban by half dose....which in the next couple of days did ease things but not completely.
Saw my GP Tuesday who put me immediately back onto full dose as half is not enough protection for months yet....but of course,bleeding started up again,so she has referred me within the 2 week urgent appointment,which actually has been only 6 days to get me in for the cystoscopy this coming Monday.
I've been utterly terrified at what I'm to go through but these postings have just calmed me down completely as regards the actual procedure so I'm just hoping all will be okay.....unfortunately like so many here,I too have been reading anything I can find on the internet and have ended up frightening myself to death...it isn't the best idea,is it,girls??!
These past ten days have felt like eternity,trying to divert my mind with tv and books but lying in bed is the worst or waking in the night.
The mind can be our own worst enemy....so I'm now trying to be a little more postive but now I can't wait for around 11.15am for it all to be over and hope against hope I'm going to be ok....it's my Birthday next month and my husband keeps asking me what I'd like to do but for the life of me just yet,I cannot think even those few weeks ahead and just want it all to be over!!
Will pop back on Monday and give my comments once more...AND GREAT BIG THANK YOUs TO ALL HERE for such wonderful,positive comments and advice.
Karen xxx
lynn41704 karen04713
Posted
Please dont worry about the cystoscopy. Take care of yourself and try to stay positive.
karen04713 lynn41704
Posted
Thank you very much,Lynn,
I didn't expect such a quick response but I appreciate it very much; as the hours go by I'm both apprehensive and at the same time can't wait to get it all over with...I think it's the anxiety as to the results that are really bothering me really but I'm well aware that if things are not quite right it's far better to know early on,hopefully.
That's what I'm saying now but the actuality might be very different as we can never know how we will truly react until it happens!
Anyway,I'm trying to keep positive as you say and will be back,hopefully tomorrow at some point with how it all goes.
Thank you again,Lynn and everyone here with so much positivity and reassurance for others.
lynn41704 karen04713
Posted
Thinking about you Karen, I do appreciate how you are feeling as I always think the worst when there is anything wrong.
Try to get some sleep tonight and all the best for tomorrow.
Take care of yourself.
jackierc1 karen04713
Posted
Karen trust me, you'll be fine. I had to have another one a few weeks ago. Never felt a thing! I was in and out of Theatre within 10 minutes! Dont lose a wink of sleep tonight! Let us know how you got on tomorrow. Jackie
karen04713 jackierc1
Posted
Thank you so much,Lynn and Jackie for taking the time to send me such kind reassurances; it was through reading through so many of the postings here that have made me feel so much easier as to the cystoscopy itself now....I think the real fear is in what may result,if I'm honest.
I'm going to watch "Victoria" final this evening to try and distract myself but I'm sure sleep won't be too good tonight but I certainly will report back tomorrow evening with whatever happens.
Your lovely messages have been a great help regarding the cystoscopy..thank you both once again. x
jackierc1 karen04713
Posted
It actually sounds worse than it is. I can pretty much guarantee your post will be a positive one! I will look forward to reading your post tonight.
karen04713 jackierc1
Posted
Hello again,Jackie,
Well...how absolutely right you truly were! Just as you said,there really is nothing at all to worry about; the only thing I felt was a bit of a twinge when the initial bit of the camera went through but definitely nothing in the slightest to be concerned about......and the most wonderful thing was the outcome of a healthy bladder which led the clinician to think it is probably the Apixaban causing the bleeding...however just to cover all avenues he said I'll be receiving notification in a week or so as to having a CT scan to screen kidneys and behind the bladder itself so I'm keeping positive as best I can again.
This wonderful forum is going to be such a great help to so many who discover it as it is nothing but positive and helpful with such kind messages and reassurance.
Thank you so much yet again...apart from nipping to the loo every five minutes after drinking loads of water and a bit of stinging the first couple of times I'm absolutely fine and I feel so relieved this evening.
Warm hugs through these lines to all...and especially to you,Jackie and Lynn for personally responding to my posts.
Karen xx
jackierc1 karen04713
Posted
Brilliant news of your outcome Karen! I had to have a CT scan too, and the results of that were normal functioning kidneys and bladder. Take a couple of Paracetamol this evening if you need them. I did. I'm so pleased it all went well for you! You take care now Karen, have some rest, and enjoy a peaceful nights sleep tonight! I'm also pleased you can back up my posts to reassure others, that it truly is NOTHING to worry about!
Jackie x
karen04713 jackierc1
Posted
Jackie,I see you started all this off four years or so ago,yet here we are all this time later still finding great worries lifted in different ways for all the varied reasons that a cystoscopy is necessary.
There will be many more yet I'm sure who will always be grateful to you for ever putting online your very first posting which has led to so many more placing their own positive experiences all because you reassured them in the first place,meaning the messages continue to add over years and I am sure there will always be a need for others finding all that's posted here and all because of your detailed and warm message in the very first instance.
Without a doubt years hence there will be many more new postings added here and the vast majority will be uplifting for those yet to discover them.
Thank you for wishing me well and I do hope my CT scan will prove to be as great an outcome as your own.
You are a cystoscopy angel in disguise,Jackie!! x
lynn41704 karen04713
Posted
Excellent news Karen. Take the advice that Jackie has given, a couple of Paracetamol tablets, perhaps a nice soothing bath and a good nights sleep.
I am sure your post will be reassuring to others waiting to have the procedure.
Take care.
jackierc1 karen04713
Posted
Awww, thank you Karen. x
karen04713 lynn41704
Posted
Thank you,Lynn.. I know that's great advice and I definitely will do that as I'm looking forward to the best night's sleep in a fortnight!
To you and to Jackie,big THANK YOU again and might pop back when I've had my CT scan though I realise this isn't really the subject for here but nonetheless I've been grateful for all your support.
Goodnight to you both xx
lynn41704 karen04713
Posted
Would love to hear from you after your CT Scan.
Night, night, sleep tight.