First Visit To Uro..Schedules Urodynamic test HELP!

[micheleconfused]

i have no clue about this procedure. i really just wanted to do the scope test, and that's it...i don't understand why he is doing this one on me next week, and not the scope. is it protocol to do urodynamics first? can anyone who has been through it tell me how much info it yeilds, how the procedure is done, how long it lasts, is it painful etc?

iam new to all this, and really appreciate any and all info.

hugs, michele

[Stacey65]

I had an ultra sound, a urodynamics test and then a cystoscopy for my first 3 appointments with my Urologist. The first time I had the urodynamics test i didn't have any pain. I did with the 2nd one though, but I was already in pain on that day. It measures how much urine you can hold, it also shows if you are having any spasms (over active bladder) and it measures the speed of your flow and also checks to see how much urine is left in your bladder after you pee.

[L. Thomas]

Urody: First you pee and then a catheter is inserted and the residual is measured. Then the bladder is filled. They will ask you the tell them when you first feel the urge to go to the bathroom. Next you will tell them when you "really really" have to go, then when you will yell "stop or I've going to pee in the floor" (which you acutally can't because you have the cathater) They will not overextend the bladder so if you don't get to the "stop or pee in the floor" don't worry. After that they will ask you to cough and push as hard as you can. This is checking for stress inc. After that another catheter is used. It has a fiber optic fileld inside the catheter so the MD can see the lining of the bladder. He may have a monitor so you can see and may explain what he is seeing and what it means. The test is to test bladder function.

The test takes about 30-45 mins. I have never had any problems with pain after the procedure. Remember to inhale before the catheter is inserted and exhale through your mouth as it is inserted. It is impossible (or it is hard) to tighten your muscles when you exhale through your mouth.

[Sarojini]

You've gotten good info on the urodynamics test already -- I'm having one done on Dec. 7 myself as my doctor thinks perhaps my bladder is not working properly anymore. So we are in the same boat!! :grouphug:

[micheleconfused]

thanks so much for explaining everything. it doesn't sound awful. i just had an HSG test a week ago, and that was nothing though some women say it's awful, but i really wanted the scope test. isn't it easier just to get a looksy in there and see is it IC or not? i guess it shows up by their view somehow...why this urodynamics test first? is it for $$ purposes you think, or is this protocol for dr's to do this?

iam interested because i know i have 1 of 2 things, which can mimic eachother...endo or IC, and iam hoping IC , at least i'd rather, as we are ttc, but if my bladder hurts and pee hurts like this, and it's not IC, maybe the scope could see endo, if it infulltrated inside of my bladder, or course not if it's on the surface, but at least it would rule out one thing. getting cut open to check for endo is my biggest fear, so this is my first step and hopefully i can avoid that and get answers.

thanks again, michele

[L. Thomas]

I have had 3 urodynamics. 1 before surgery for pelvic prolapse and 1 after the surgery. I was referred to another urogyn after surgery who wanted to check the baldder function and compare function after the surgery ( I was having some problems that could have been related to bladder function). I recently had a 3rd urodynamics. This time it was to see if surgery was indicated for a valut prolapse (this sometimes happens after extensive pelvic repair).

I don't think the test is done for $$$ but if you do have symptoms that indicate problems with bladder function, it is quicker, easier, and less $$$ than surgery or out patient procedures.

[micheleconfused]

thanks guys and girls, iam just curious to what information this test will yeild. i mean it won't tell him flat out if i have IC or not correct? iam just wondering, if there is a way to say YES or NO, why they just don't resort to that, but if it's protocol and not just my dr. i won't think it so strange. not looking forward to the pain though:(

hugs, michelle