dilation monday & worried

[jeanmary]

I just called my uro and they "happened" to have a cancelation monday at 9:00 am. and scheduled a dilation. I was just wanting some pain meds to help me sleep but they don't like to do that without seeing me. I am on pyridium for urethral spasms and low dose of cipro (nitrates were high). I cannot get decent sleep because of spasms. Anyway, I am concerned if all of my burning,pain spasms are in the urethra will the dilation really help or do I need an installation of marcaine or something like that? WHat do you all recommend? I do not have bladder pain, no frequency, some urgency.
Jean :help:

[ICNDonna]

If it's been determined that you have a urethra that's extremely small, or if you are urinating a tiny stream, this might be an answer for you. It isn't done often, but sometimes it's the best route to go.

You're the one who needs to make the decision about whether or not to have the procedure done. I do think it would be a good idea to ask questions. You can always have it done later if needed --- and it may be your doctor has a good reason for doing this.

Donna

[kelly McC]

definately talk to your doctor I did have dilation early on in diagnose. Mine was done because doctor thought I might have a urethral stricture but I didnot. I did have more discomfort after wards more than when I just had cysto/ hydro done. I did however have both procedures done on same day...
Kelly

[Romans8:28]

Dilations are definately a personal and best an educated decision. I had one done 7mos ago and it did help my urethral pain but I ask lOTS of questions first. I took pain med first and my doctor used lots of lidocaine. He is very gentle too! Not all doctors are. he told me if I couldn't handle it he would stop, to me from the things I read here, that was very reassuring! I hope that helps you!

[jeanmary]

Thank you all sooooo much for your replies. I am trying to decide if I need the dilation or just a marcaine type installation to help the nerves relax. I do notice a somewhat "tight stream" when I urinate, but it could also be inflamation. Will the doc be able to tell if I have some type of stricture if he performs the dilation, or will the result tell me? What a crap shoot.
Thanks All
Jean

[Cheries]

From what I have read over the years dilations are NOT recommended for IC. Also strictures are extremely rare. I think you need to do more research before jumping into this. Sometimes the doctors just want to do this because they don't know what else to do.

[auntienance]

Yes, yes, ICNDonna is right, ask your questions? Is this what you encounter when you have a flare up?? I have not had a dilation. Is dilation another word for hydrodistention? I am wondering because it sounds as though you may have an actual UTI? if that has not been ruled out yet. I am not a doctor, I had UTI's growing up and even still get them occasionally even having been diagnosed with my IC. Another symptom to look for . . . . is there an odor or if your urine cloudy? There are so many different combination of symptoms when you have a UTI. I have not had a dilation or is that another word for hydrodistention?? How long and is the dose of your Cipro high enough? My suggestion to help you sleep, ask the doctor about an antihistamine like Atarax. Believe it or not, its supposed to help you sleep especially when you are so uncomfortable. Good Luck and Try Not to Worry - I know that is easier said than done!! Hope you are feeling better soon!!

[Romans8:28]

I ask my doctor to do a cystoscopy first, which just means to look in the bladder, I did not have a stricture but it did still help! Both a dilation ad cystoscopy can be done in the office, and you are a awake. With a hydrodestention, you are in the hospital asleep ususally. I have also found other things that help to keep urethral pain under control, ice warm baths and especially MSM gel. This has helped tremendously and I use every time I go to the bathroom. Others have suggested almond milk, both drinking it and externally.
Good Luck and just make an educated decsion, that makes a big difference in your feeling about it later!