why both hydro and cysto?

[Haysmom3]

Hi there-
I have a question, if I had a hydro a year ago why did they do a cysto in June? My doc said that yes there were hemorrhages on the hydro but not on the cysto. The cysto was so painful that she couldn't get the bladder full enough (all 250 ml). I guess I don't understand why they need to do both. Any answers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[codyryonwoodward]

Hi an inoffice cysto (which I am assuming you had) is not going to show the classic signs of IC. Because as you said they are not able to enlarge the bladder to its full capicity. This is why they will do a hydro w/cysto under sedation. When this is done they are able to full distened your bladder and are able to see the hemmorages and ulcers that are common in the IC bladder but like I am sure you know you must be out of it. Sometimes I wonder why the do in office cysto this seems so barbaric and cruel. When I had mine early on in trying to get a diagnose it hurt so bad and of course it showed nothing. Not sure what they are looking for when they do this but I am sure they have reason for doing one in office. Seems that they would have done the cysto first in office then done a hydro w/cysto last not the other way around they way the did yours. Makes no sense to me.

[dyno]

Many times they can't see the hemorrhages on the cysto and until they do the hydrodistention and the bladder is really stretched out can they see them. As to why your Dr. did what they did, I can't answer that. Many times if an office cysto doesn't show anything they will then do the hydro with anesthesia at the hospital. In order to get a good diagnosis the hydro is very beneficial because of additional tests they can do as in biopsies and sometimes they will also do a treatment of DSMO etc.

I hope that helps you understand a little bit more.

[desolationangel]

Hi an inoffice cysto (which I am assuming you had) is not going to show the classic signs of IC. Because as you said they are not able to enlarge the bladder to its full capicity. This is why they will do a hydro w/cysto under sedation. When this is done they are able to full distened your bladder and are able to see the hemmorages and ulcers that are common in the IC bladder but like I am sure you know you must be out of it. Sometimes I wonder why the do in office cysto this seems so barbaric and cruel. When I had mine early on in trying to get a diagnose it hurt so bad and of course it showed nothing. Not sure what they are looking for when they do this but I am sure they have reason for doing one in office. Seems that they would have done the cysto first in office then done a hydro w/cysto last not the other way around they way the did yours. Makes no sense to me.

On the typical in-office cysto they are looking for other things, such as bladder stones, that could be causing your symptoms. Remember that IC is a diagnosis of exclusion. They put me through all KINDS of kooky things to get my dx!

[codyryonwoodward]

Hey guys...Thanks desolationangel I knew someone would know what they would look for in a cysto done in the office. It was soooo long ago when I had mine done and I dont remember the reason why they did it or even if they told me why. Thanks again...

[ICNDonna]

The office cysto can also show things like polyps (I had some), tumors, or just inflammation --- mine did --- and in my case it was after the cysto that the recommendation for the hydro was made.

Donna

[Flarin-up Vicky]

I had gotten 2 cystos done on me by the third time, I was in the hospital and thought another cysto,but why here? I wasn't told I was going to have a hydro,even if he would have told me,I wouldn't have known what it was. My old uro was like that,infact,I didn't even know I was going to have a cysto the both times until a few minutes before,he never told me anything, not even what was wrong with me even though he knew!!! Next thing I know,I'm put to sleep,when I wake up, Lord have Mercy!!!! I was peeing red in a bed pan,it hurt sooooo bad,I was even scared to pee!! Iwould start crying even before a drop came out because I knew how bad it was about to sting!! It hurt like that about 1 week. I will never forget it!!

[Laurie248]

Help, guys.

No way on earth I'm going for this cystoscopy now. I've read nearly half a dozen posts like this of pain, bleeding, misery..... : ( My morning has literally gone from bad to worse. I was reading the posts of people who had this diagnostic done who said it was tolerable. They were back to work the next day, etc. Now the more I read, the more petrified I become.

And what's worse, I'm sitting here in physical pain as well, today. My whole lower abdomen is burning. I think the stress of the diagnostics for this is making my symptoms worse.

Don't know what to do anymore,
Laurie

[Haysmom3]

Hi Laurie
Please have your test done. They have got to do tests so they know how to treat you. I admit it was painful but you know what you are walking into I didn't have any idea. I was only off work the day after. The thing that freaked me out is that my uro didn't tell me anything. She said she was going to fill my bladder. OK, I thought she was going to fill it slowly. She didn't. So my low capacity bladder was at the "breaking" point before I know what was going on. You just need to communicate with your doc and tell him/her that you are terrified and to tell you what they are doing every minute. My doc doesn't communicate, that is why I am changing uro's. I wish you good luck and I will be thinking about you. I will probably be on here in April when my new uro decides she wants to do another one, but at least I know what I am doing now. GOOD LUCK!!

[ICNDonna]

I'm very sorry you have read posts which discourage you from having a cystoscopy with hydrodistention. There is a good side to having this done. First of all, it's a valuable diagnostic tool in confirming an IC diagnosis --- plus it rules out the really bad stuff, like cancer. And for many, including me, hydrodistention relieves my symptoms for six months or longer. I was diagnosed in 1975 and have had 37 or 38 hydrodistentions just to keep my IC under control --- this one thing has made it possible for me to live a normal life in spite of IC.

When I have a hydrodistention, I do have pain for up to a few days afterwards, but not the severe pain the IC causes --- and after that goes away, I feel good with only occasional flares, for at least six months. I think it'w well worth it for me.

I have read that something like 50% of IC patients benefit.

I encourage you to discuss your fears with your urologist.

Warm encouraging hugs,
Donna

[Laurie248]

Thanks, all. I made an appointment with my urologist for February 16th, the day after I do the hospital pre-admissions bloodwork testing. I'll discuss my fears with him. The procedure is scheduled for the 23rd of February (I have no clue how I'm going to last until then, I'm burning so badly :( ). We'll see what he says.

Gratitude,
Laurie sends