Cysto/Hydro Test Questions

[littleQ]

Hi all,

Since both of my office cystoscopy tests and potassium test came back negative for IC, I will have the cysto/hydro test in the coming days. I am very nervous about it. As I am trying to prepare for the test on Oct. 4, I have the following questions. Please help!

1. Should I take any medication, such as pain reliver, muscle relaxant, before the test?
2. Do they normally take pictures of the bladder during this test or do I need to request the urologist to do so? How about biopsy of the bladder?
3. Is there a medically standard for this test as to how much fluid is pumped into the bladder?
3. What types of medication should I ask the doctor for after the test?
4. Are there any other things that I should expect to have, do or feel after the test?

Again, thank you for you inputs. As you can tell, I am very nervous about this test and am trying to do my best to prepare for it.

LittleQ

[ICNDonna]

1. Should I take any medication, such as pain reliver, muscle relaxant, before the test?
2. Do they normally take pictures of the bladder during this test or do I need to request the urologist to do so? How about biopsy of the bladder?
3. Is there a medically standard for this test as to how much fluid is pumped into the bladder?
3. What types of medication should I ask the doctor for after the test?
4. Are there any other things that I should expect to have, do or feel after the test?

1. You should be talking with an anesthesiologist before your procedure. You should ask the anesthesiologist about taking medications before the test. Usually only routine medications are taken, such as for blood pressure meds.

2. You'll want to talk to the surgeon about the pictures. Biopsies are usually taken during the first hydrodistention.

3. The amount of fluid instilled to "stretch" the bladder depends on the individual patient.

Your second 3. You may need pain medications for the first hours or even a few days afterwards --- your doctor probably has preferences in this area.

4. The first few times you urinate after the hydrodistention may be very uncomfortable --- and you may have some pain. And you'll want to give yourself some time to recover afterwards.

Sending warm encouraging hugs,
Donna

[XoChelsey03Xo]

To be honest my cysto/hydro went quit well. I really didn't have much pain afterwards. My uro gave me an antibotic to take 3 days after the surgery, urimax, and some pain pills. I actually didn't use to pain pills at all. I was more tired from the anesthia (not sure on spelling). I don't think you'll need to take anything before the surgery. My uro took pictures of my bladder. She took some before and after pictures. I'm not sure how much fluid they put in your bladder, but I know they put a lot in mine. After the test you might notice that when you pee you have some blood. It is completely normal. I didn't have a lot but I had some. Also, it will hurt to pee but that goes away after a few days. I hope this helps you. Let us know how it goes. Chelsey

[kelly McC]

LittleQ,
Glad you are getting your cysto/hydro done. I will keep you in my thoughts let me know how you are. Both of my cysto's went well. I did get pictures taken during the second one. I talked to the doctor before and after procedure about after pain control. I only had some discomfort for the first day or two. The few few urine trips were slightly uncomfortable . Take care and glad you'll finally have some answers.
Kelly

[Nicolat]

Little Q,
I too am having hydro/cysto on the 4th, and it's my first one. I, however am not nervous about it because my uro doc. told me that it wasn't any worse than the RIMSO/DMSO treatments I've already had. So let's try not to worry! I'm sure if we get some answers it'll be worth it.
IC has destroyed my quality of life over the past 2 years, I'm sorry we all have it but it's good to know that you all understand. I truly wouldn't wish this upon anyone - it's awful, soul destroyng, humiliating and not widely understood. I'm really grateful for this site.

[classics]

Before I had my cysto/hydro I asked the uro if he would instill marcaine into the bladder so that it wouldn't hurt so much when peeing after. (I got this suggestion from reading this forum-thank you!) He thought it was a good idea and agreed. I did have discomfort after the procedure, but it wasn't nearly as painful going pee as from another test that I had without any pain medication. I also made sure that the surgery procedure (the one you sign just before surgery) indicated that they would do a biopsy.

Also the urologist office sent me a list of drugs that I should not take and the drugs that were okay to take prior to the surgery. Maybe you will receive a similar list. If you are taking something that is not on the list, including vitamins and supplements, ask your doctor just to make sure.

[littleQ]

Hi all,

Thank you all your suggestions! Hey Classics, I will be sure to ask for marcaine. Yes, I did get a list of meds not to be taking before the procedure. Will keep you updated on the result.

Thanks!

LittleQ

[lynnie171]

I was just diagnosed yesterday and the urologist has arranged for this test for Oct. 18. I am really confused about this and would appreciate any info. I do not understand why, if IC has been diagnosed, why an additional diagnostic test such as this is required. The doctor explained that there would be discomfort afterwards and if it would help the condition I would not hesitate. However, if it is just to confirm what has already been diagnosed is it worth going through. I had never even heard of this condition before yesterday and am so glad to have found this forum. Thank you.

[shennan]

how were you diagnosed last week? a test? questions and answers with you and the doc?
what is your procedure called on the 18th of this month?


:)
shenna

[travelgirl007]

Wow- I had both of these tests done with no anesthesia! I thought it was odd that the information I was given to read about the tests suggested sedation / anesthesia for the cysto, but I got nothing prior to the procedures. I did have pics taken during this procedure, and in fact was able to watch "live"-watch the interior of my bladder start to bleed after being injected with potassium! A biopsy was not mentioned, though. After the procedure I had to request for pain relief, and a catheter was used and some type of numbing agent injected. I would have suffered tremendously w/o. It makes me a bit upset knowing I did not have to suffer through these procedures :(.

T

[ICNDonna]

For travelgirl007 --- Anesthesia is not usually necessary for a cystoscopy (the one done in thje doctor's office), but is needed if the bladder is over-distended (called hydrodistention or over-distention). The hydro is done in a hospital with anesthesia.

Donna

[travelgirl007]

Donna,

Thanks for helping to clear that up for me.

I have another question; what does the doctor do if a bladder is over distended?

One of the procedures I had done measured the strength of my "spincter". I found out that with an empty, or relatively empty bladder, mine is 3x stronger than it should be. Does that make sense? I'm trying to use the terms the doctor was using during my procedures.

One more question; What is stretching the bladder supposed to accomplish? I was able to retain 600cc of fluid during the test, and only was able to release about 220cc. It seems that stretching my bladder would be counter productive. Then again, I'm not clear as to the desired outcome of that test.

I appreciate your help, and welcome input from anyone and everyone!

Thanks,
Tracy