Sedation for female flexible cystoscopy?
Posted , 13 users are following.
I am booked for a flexible cystoscopy in four weeks time, to try to find out the cause for microscopic blood in my urine. I am dreading the procedure but more so now after speaking to the clinics receptionist. She said I needed to bring a driver as I would be sedated and too woozy and uncomfortable to drive home. When I said I assumed it was just freeze gel they used she said she definitley wouldn't like to have it done without sedation! I'm now freaking out and feel like canceling. I have no other symptoms, just frequency about four months ago. No infections in urine or anything. I don't think reception staff should be allowed to give any details of procedures to nervous patients. A letter with details is on it's way. I just wanted to ask if sedation is normally used/needed with a flexible scope which is definitely what I am booked for.
Thank you all.
0 likes, 55 replies
davidjk22 caz11527
Posted
Nothing to worry about , a flexible cystoscope is done using a numbing gel local . Where did the receptionist study medicine ?, and what medical qualifications does she have?. Receptionists should not give advise on medical matters . A rigid cystocopy is done under general anaesthic , either only takes a few minutes . I have had both with no problems at all , and the scope has to go further into a male . Don't worry , relax and it will be over in a few minutes .
sally_phoe98784 caz11527
Posted
Please do not worry about this; I was completely terrified and almost backed out.
Same symptoms and all was well. The procedure is very, very quick and the gel is amazing - I honestly felt nothing and am a very petite person! There was also a nurse next to me and you have to try and think that they are doing you a favour - its your health that matters most, nerves are normal. I am a complete coward and spent weeks agonising and imagining what turned out to be a few minutes ( I think smear test is worse.) Good luck and hope this helps.
ChooChoo caz11527
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caz11527
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Hi all. I received an information sheet today from the clinic. It say I do not need to fast as procedure will be performed under local anaesthetic. Then it says I cannot drive for 24 hours as I will be undergoing a local anaesthetic!! I was unaware that having numbing gel would prevent me from driving. It keeps mentioning surgery and that it will be performed on day of admission. Talks about waiting a few hours before going to theatre. I thought this would be a quick 5 minutes in a cubicle! I am now thinking that I will ask my GP for a referral for a private 3T MRI scan which I know is around £250. This gives really clear images of any organ and my partner had one recently to assess his prostate. I think I will ring this place on Monday and ask more questions, although it says Flexible Cystoscopy it sounds to me more like rigid!! Thanks for the link Jackie, it is very reassuring. Thanks so much to all of you.
jimjames caz11527
Posted
Because of the confused signals you have been getting from this doctor's office, I would speak directly with the doctor for clarification before even showing up.
But be warned that if they start putting in an IV line, the next thing you will probably remember is being in the recovery area after the procedure!
There should not be any IV line, or gas mask, or spinal tap for a flex cystoscopy with a local anaethetic (numbing gel). The instructions you were given appear to be for some sort of fast acting sedation or general anathesia such as versed or valium.
Jim
Jim
davidjk22 caz11527
Posted
The information sheet you received is probobly a standard leaflet with general information , not specific to your case . If you are booked for a flexible cystocopy gel will be used to numb the urethea . It is not usual to do a rigid cystocopy without general anaesthetic . Don't worry , after it is over you will be on here telling us how easy it was .
caz11527 davidjk22
Posted
Lol, thanks David. I'm sure you are right. I don't think it's the procedure itself as such. It's just that the camera has to go into such a narrow space and I can't imagine I won't feel it! I'd like to arrive at my check in time, sign the form and get it over with. However, the letter says I will have to wait a few hours before going to theatre. I get so nervy sitting around. I'm still toying with the idea of MRI to give an idea of what may be happening and to clarify if cystoscopy is really necessary.
davidjk22 caz11527
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Caz . Please don't worry . The camera diameter is only 5 mm and the average female urethra is 6mm . The uretha will be numbed and well lubricated and should be painless . I was worried before my cystocopy , but it only took about 15 minutes from entering the room to leaving . I had very little discomfort afterwards and no pain .
carmen15316 davidjk22
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jimjames carmen15316
Posted
Hi Carmen,
What makes you think cystoscopy is more painful for a female? In fact, even rigid cystoscopies are sometimes done on females with only a numbing agent, but males are almost always put to sleep. With a flexible cysoscopy, in most cases it can be done with only a numbing gel for both males and females.
Of course this doesn't mean that some people don't suffer (male of female) be it flexible or rigid, and Carmen's story is terrible. Her doctor should be been reported for threatening to leave the room. But that doesn't mean one should necessarily ask to be put asleep for a flexible as anathesia has it's own risk profile.
Jim
jimjames
Posted
PS Sorry for the third person on "Carmen". I didn't realize you were the poster than responded to David.
davidjk22 carmen15316
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No need to shout. It's not a contest whether it is more painful for male or female. Male urethra is 20 cm long female 5 cm.
carmen15316 davidjk22
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carmen15316 jimjames
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davidjk22 carmen15316
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Debbie1203 carmen15316
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I am not sure if you are in the United States or not but she is licensed so even if she owns the practice she still has to answer to a medical board. I just filed a letter of complaint to my state medical board, whom grants medical licenses in my state concerning the injury and harm caused by the first doctor I went to.
Debbie
carmen15316 Debbie1203
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carmen15316 davidjk22
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jimjames carmen15316
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Well, you have a right to "shout" after what you've been through
Not sure what computer you have, but there's usually a way to change the screen magnification so you would be able to use upper and lower cases and still see them. As to reporting her, maybe a local medical board?
Jim
Debbie1203 carmen15316
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Even if it was done last year, you may still be able to file a complaint, I actually called and spoke with my state medical board, they verified that he was licensed in my state and then took the time to walk me though all the steps that I needed to take, I even questioned weather it was a violation of the law, which is required in my state and they insured me that it was as patient care is part of the law in my state. She then said she would be looking forward to getting the complaint. I filed the complaint so if nothing else he knows what he did to me and how it made me feel and hopefully he will not be able to do it to anyone else. Hopefully it will make him stop and think before he hurts anyone else and while the writing of the complaint was emotionally draining as I felt like I was reliving an attack I feel better now that I have done it.
Debbie
carmen15316 Debbie1203
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carmen15316 jimjames
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