To scope or not to scope?

[kathyfitzner]

I saw the urologist yesterday re the transitional cells that showed up in my urine. My GYN thought it indicated cancer. The urologist did say that a kidney stone could slough off the cells of the bladder and cause them to be in my urine so it is not a slam-dunk, which was a relief. So she set me up to have a buch of tests, CAT scan with and without contrast, tomorrow. Then she wanted to do a cystoscope in the office and I put my foot down and said no, not without some kind of anesthesia. She said she used a pediatric scope, but I was not convinced. I want to be knocked out. How do most of you have your scopes done? In the office without anything for pain? I also start swallowing barium about 9am-YUK-but at least it is swallowing and not enema!Anyway thanks everybody for your support.
Kathy in GA, IC,endo, history of melanoma, arthritis,fibromyalgia.

[massagedoula]

I just got the CT scan w/o contrast last week. It was very simple, though I did not have to drink Barium...yuck!

I am getting an in-office cysto on July 5th. At first I was very nervous about it, but I had a long talk with the nurse when I booked the appt. she said that she had it done (didn't say why) and she thought that the lidocane gel made it numb enough that all you feel is pressure, and she assured me it would be over in a few minutes. I was still scared, so they are calling my pharmacy to give me one valium to take before hand. Maybe that could be an option for you?

They did offer to do it under anesthesia and do the whole cysto/hydro procedure. For me, I am not so interested in getting a hydro right now, as my whole focus right now is on healing and I don't feel that getting a distention would be very healing to my bladder. However, if you plan to get a hydro eventually, then it would make sense to do it all in one swoop, and not have to do an in-office cysto then a hydro/cysto under anesthesia.

The cysto is something that definetly needs to be done, especially if they are considering cancer as a possibility. You just need to talk with them and decide with them what is best. If you do choose to just get the in-office procedure, I have heard from many people that it is not too bad. A few did have bad experiences though, but the same can be said for the hydro. I have stopped worrying about the cysto and actually looking forward to getting it so it is all put behind me!

Check out this thread, it made me more relazed about the procedure after I read it...
http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10025

[Sarojini]

I've never had an in-office scope; I had a cystoscopy with hydrodistention in the hospital under anesthesia. However, many on the boards have had the in-office scope and report that it is often not bad -- rather like having a catheter inserted, and it really takes like 5 minutes, if that. I know because I was having some things done at my uro's office and she said, "Okay, just rest here, I am going to go do a cystoscopy on another patient" and she was back in about 10 minutes, and that included her prep time and scrub time.

They say relaxing your abdomen and pelvic floor muscles helps, and deep breathing can help you get through the procedure. It should be very simple. Good luck :grouphug:

[sue1]

Hi Kathy,,,
I had a ctstiscopy in the specialists office. I was really freaked out about it, so I took half a valium before & some tyl.
From reading the posts here,,I am wondering IF he used some kind of potasium solution in my bladder? I mention this b/c it did burn quite a bit..I made sure he Knew that!...lol
He never mentioned "potasium",,maybe he thought i would freak out more? :(
The good news is it only took about 5 minutes to do...Im glad i had it done b/c other wise I never would have found out whats wrong with me~~
Yes, i would take something to calm you & try to relax. Good luck to you~~
Sue

[ICNDonna]

I have had several cystoscopies in my uro's office over my 30 years with IC. The procedure only takes a few minutes --- not my favorite pastime, but not horrible either. I find if I concentrate on relaxing and breathing deeply it helps.

One thing I have learned in my years on these boards (and some other internet sites as well) is that for each and every procedure, there are some horror stories out there.

Sometimes after the office cysto, a phyjsician will recommend the more invasive cystoscopy with hydrodistention and biopsies and in that case, the procedure is done in a hospital with anesthesia.

Donna