Rigid or flexible in-office cystoscopy question

[Pipcat]

Hi!

I have been reading the posts here and am new.

Have researched on diagnostics until blue in the face.

Think I have had IC since early childhood...mild case.

For the in-office cystoscopy to rule out other things, do they always use the rigid steel thing to insert in to biopsy tissue, if they see something?

Or, can they do a biopsy with the flexible device also?

Is the flexible less painful or discomforting than the rigid cystoscope? (I know for men, they say to run if their uro insists on the rigid...makes sense, but us women need less pain too).

Do they always put in a catheter? Isn't there some type of catheter that is safer to use other than latex (less risk of infection)?

Is the in-office cystoscopy less risky than the hydrodistention cysto (less likely to have wall perforation)?

I had an in-office colonoscopy done recently and they injected something to 'knock me out'. I still was aware during the procedure, but felt NO DISCOMFORT AT ALL. I wonder why they can't do that for a cystoscopy, besides the lidocaine numbing or in place of it?

Had a cystoscopy to take a stent out after a total hysterectomy some years ago...did not like it, although survived. Older now, and more knowledge I have, more afraid of a setback from these invasive things.

Well, posting this, in case someone has some answers.

Thanks for any insights!

Pipcat :bunny:

[ICNDonna]

If you can concentrate on relaxing, a cystoscopy isn't bad at all --- not my favorite pastime for sure, but not horrible either. Biopsies aren't usually taken during an office cysto. My biopsies were done during my hydrodistention.

I have to say the office cysto is less risk than the anesthetic for a hydrodistention. In this day and age, neither is high risk. I like to avoid anesthesia when possible, simply because I don't like the way it makes me feel.

Donna

[massagedoula]

I had a rigid scope for my in office cysto and I had no discomfort or probs with it. I also requested a non latex catheter. You should be fine, if you have a similar experience to my cysto. I was very scared before it and now looking back it was not so bad at all....

[Pipcat]

Thanks for your input!
Pipcat

[Katrina]

Just want to add a warm :welcome: to the ICN!!!!! My in office cystoscopies were worse for my urethra when my IC was bad than after I had some treatment...so if you feel you are mild case I suspect although uncomfortable and somewhat unpleasant it is bearable.
http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ this is an essential link for everyone with IC. It is very informative on meds, living with IC, and self help....take a look!!!



http://www.ic-network.com/forum/sho...90935#post90935 Newbie kit from the oldies to the
newbies

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7562 this link is a pain managment post.
The second page has 4 attachments...the last one is a list of ideas for IC pain.....take a look if pain is problem for you

[Pipcat]

Thank you, Katrina, for your warm welcome and websites!

Pipcat