Just had cystoscopy, NEED ADVICE! :)

[froelica]

Hello all-
Hope you're all feeling well today.
I have posted a few times, my Urologist has suspected IC for a month now, and I just had my cystoscopy today.
It was in office, no anesthetic that I can remember (OUCH!)

I got to watch, which was kind of cool, actually.
He did see a couple of things. There was a reddish blotchy area and a small-ish red spot. He said the red spot didn't look cancerous to him, and that at my age (22) bladder cancer would be extremely rare. He said it looked pretty normal except for these two places (and something else I will get to in a bit) and stressed IC once again. I'll get full results on Wed next week.

The part that bothers me is that there was a large bulge on the top of my bladder, which he said was my uterus, and it was enlarged. He said he wanted me to get a pelvic ultrasound just to make sure its not anything bad, but that usually when he sees that its uterus fibroids, which are benign, and that its quite common. (My mom and grandma both had them too, I heard). It concerns me because:
a) I'm a worry-wart and
b) I have a history of HPV and an abnormal pap test a few years ago, which was found to be non-cancerous in a biopsy.

I was wondering what thoughts you all had, maybe its more common than I thought. It just looked so big and bulgy against my bladder! I should also mention that I just had a pap smear a couple months ago, everything looked normal, and a vaginal exam a week ago, which she said everything looked healthy (but fibroids would obviously not be seen here). I also have a long history of vaginal pain and irritation that was long misdiagnosed as recurring yeast, but now my doctor thinks I am just very very sensitive. (I think vulvodynia was mentioned). I should also mention I am on my period...

All of this just seems so overwhelming right now and I just want to know what's going on in my body! Any thoughts would help greatly, thanks!!

[glassd18]

I have a fibroid too, and also had dysplasia or HPV, and had cryotherapy to have it removed. Please try not to worry too much. I think a large fibroid can be felt in a gynocological exam if they push around your pelvic area which is what they do when I'm examined. Are you pregnant? Sorry just had to ask because that too would enlarge your uterus. My fibroid is pretty small. I hope your ultra sound goes well. Please let us know what the result is.

[froelica]

Well, as far as pregnancy goes, I'm on birth control and I am just finishing up the last days of my period, so I don't think that could be it.

[L. Thomas]

O just wait until the good old days are today. Live long enough and everything will happen, if not to you to someone you know. :cussing:

I had fibriods and the first time they "found something" I worried myself right into an anxiety attacki! :rant: They really are nothing to get excited about. (I call them big pimples)

:confused: But I didn't know that then.

As I am older than dirt when I started having weird sounding diagnosis, like endometrial hyperpalsia, I really did panic. That turned out to be just a big name too.

:confused: But I didn't know that then.

I really do try to get my head in gear fast enough to ask questions but sometimes my mind won't think faster than my head.:loco:

Just to let you know that experience may or may not help when it comes to when to worry.:bonk:
________
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[ICNDonna]

I'm also older than dirt! I also had fibroids. They are not at all unusual.

Donna

[VickiB]

Okay, I need someone to tell me just how old dirt is? Careful,....it's dangerous territory!

My urologist gave me a guided tour of my bladder when I had my cystoscopy. I saw the same bulge which he non-chalantly said was my uterus. It was 'enlarged' and really putting a dent in the bladder wall! So I went to my GYN ('cause I tend to worry too) and had him look under the hood. Via ultrasound I had virtually the same tour of my uterus and it was full of fibroids, many were pretty good sized. Next they suggested a uterine biopsy and that really scared me! When it was all said and done, no cancer found, they told me these fibroids are quite common and I should just think of my uterus like a bag of marbles! HUH?

Next time you see your GYN you should ask about it, just to be sure and to put your mind at ease.

Let us know how your results turn out on Wednesday!

Vicki

[froelica]

Thanks guys! You've helped ease the mind of an anxious hypochondriac ;)
I'll post an update as soon as possible.
Stay healthy all-

[froelica]

Also, the Uro mentioned that there were several possible reasons for an enlarged uterus.
Fibroids were his first guess, but he also mentioned that menstruation can cause it to become enlarged (as I mentioned, I'm on my period). Also, come to think of it, I've felt more pressure on my bladder this last week that I've been on my period than I have for weeks now. (I also have been bad with the diet this past week).

I guess what I'm asking is, do you think my period could enlarge my uterus enough to put significant pressure on my bladder, clearly visible on a cysto?

I understand it could very well be fibroids (or something worse, *gulp!*), just trying to think of every possibility. Any thoughts? Thanks!!!

[Sedna]

I love this thread. I believe I will be experiencing all of this in December when a Urologist comes to my city and starts poking and prodding. Great to know what I can expect! I feel better already.

[VickiB]

I don't know if one's period enlarges the uterus, and am hoping someone 'in the know' comes along to answer you on this! It does seem like there's some kind of engorgement or downright bloat at that time, which I always attributed to water retention.

I'll be watching to see if you get an answer on this!

Vicki