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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 

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  • anne54405
    anne54405 jackierc1

    Posted

    Hi there

    Please please reassure me, I am due to have this on Friday and so scared, as I have read nothing bad bad things about it, did you feel numb and how can you pee afterwards if you are numb? So scared, I don't want stirrups.

    • jackierc1
      jackierc1 anne54405

      Posted

      Read through my main post Anne. I've described the procedure in full detail. You will be fine. The Dr puts an anaesthetic cream on first, so you won't feel anything. You can pee fine afterwards. And there are no stirrups. I was worried about that too as I hate feeling restricted. You'll be absolutely fine. X

    • anne54405
      anne54405 jackierc1

      Posted

      I have read through it, but I am still so nervous. Do you have to shave down there for them or do you just go as you are? And how can you pee afterwards if your urethra is numb?
    • jackierc1
      jackierc1 anne54405

      Posted

      No, you don't need to shave. The numbing sensation doesn't last long as the whole procedure is over very quickly ?? 

    • anne54405
      anne54405 jackierc1

      Posted

      ok...do you have to go into an actual operating theatre room then? I thought it would just be a normal room with a screen? sad

    • jackierc1
      jackierc1 anne54405

      Posted

      Well I was taken into a small operating theatre,  but it was all very relaxed and informal. 
    • di_25145
      di_25145 anne54405

      Posted

      Hi Anne I too am worried have mine Tuesday be strong as I will try to be lets us know how you get on xx
    • anne54405
      anne54405 di_25145

      Posted

      Hiya

      Mine is this friday and I am trying to keep calm but silly things are going through my head. I will let you know how mine goes though. If you want you can pm me and I can text you when it's done and vice versa. I know I like the support.

  • Sungirl1
    Sungirl1 jackierc1

    Posted

    I am scheduled for a cystoscopy in a week.  Needless to say, I am beyond stressed.  My husband has told me to stop "researching" because you find comments about how awful it is.  I was relieved to find this site and hear positive experiences about this procedure.  I had an UTI, blood visible, and now all is normal/ gone.  My issue is I feel discomfort after urinating at times.  This did not happen before the UTI.  My gynecologist sent me to an urologist and he did a pelvic along w/ urine sample from bladder using a catheter.  So far, all is okay.  I really hope someone sees my post because I see others being a year ago.  I do feel better after reading posts, so my fear has dimenished somewhat.  I am scared the tests are going to find something.  If anyone can add to what previous posts have said to continue to relieve my mind/ anxiety, I would appreciate it.  It is all I think about causing me not to be able to eat much and have bad headaches.  Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

    • di_25145
      di_25145 Sungirl1

      Posted

      Totally understand where you are coming from and yes it is good to read about others experience I too am scared tests are going to find something as well and get where you are coming from being unable to think about and not eat so you are not on your own
    • jackierc1
      jackierc1 Sungirl1

      Posted

      All I can say is LISTEN to your husband! Wish I'd listened to mine at the time! The experience is NOTHING like the horror stories out there! They are what lead me to my experience in detail, to try and help others. Don't waste any of your energy worrying about it. I made myself ill over it for nothing! I'd have another tomorrow and not lose a moments sleep over it! X

    • Sungirl1
      Sungirl1 di_25145

      Posted

      I'll be thinking of you.  Years ago, my mother had to go through really painful tests.  I once asked her how she got through it and she told me as long as I know it is to help me, I can deal with it, and I'm so thankful there are tests that can be done."  I hold on to that but at times like earlier, I start fretting all over again.  I think it is more of the unknown that is so frightening.  Again, I'll be thinking of you.

    • Sungirl1
      Sungirl1 jackierc1

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your encouragement.  I am going on with normal daily activities to get it off my mind.  I know worrying is useless, but it is so hard not to do so!  I am thankful for you posting your experience to help others.  You have brightened up my day!
    • Sungirl1
      Sungirl1 di_25145

      Posted

      Do you find it difficult to think of anything else?  My mother passed away about 3 years ago and she and I talked about everything.  She could always make you feel better even if the problem was still there.  I miss her so especially now.  I am thankful I have a husband who is so supportive, funny, level-headed, and so much more.  I wish the whole ordeal was over.  I'm trying to stay busy, but "it" is always in the back of my mind.  I sort of feel claustrophobic.

    • di_25145
      di_25145 Sungirl1

      Posted

      My mum died 2 years ago and yep when your mum is around it kind of makes it ok . It's only natural to think about something we've never experienced before glad you have a good husband so do I we are lucky girls x

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