It's A Go - My Way

[DIANA MARY]

Hi Ladies,

I posted earlier about "skipping office procedures". Well, I saw the Urologist and have been set up for a cysto/hydro under general anesthesia at an out-patient facility. I had NO office procedures :woohoo: Because of a letter my uro/gyn sent, the urologist told me he knows I don't like being cathed so I will get mild sedation to help me relax while he does a CMG before I get the general anesthesia for the cysto/hydro. Okay, so I like this doctor - so far. He listened and respected my feelings and is working with me - what more can I ask for??

I have a few questions:

I googled CMG and read how it is done, but just how painful is it? Need to know from ladies who have been there, done that - medical sites say it can be "uncomfortable" - translation - hurts like the dickens?

How long does the cysto/hydro take?

I know everyone is different but how bad is the post-op pain and for how long?

Any tips to lessen the pain when you urinate?

This site is a life saver - thank you everyone!

[traceann]

Hey there Diana Mary! I haven't had experience with a cysto w/hydro, but I wanted to say good for you on having your wishes respected and finding a doc who respects them!! ;)

[littlemyrn]

The cysto/hydro doesn't take long. My dr. always gives me pyridium/urelle/or Prosed to take after and pain meds. For about 2 days I feel yucky, and sometimes for about 2 weeks until everything settles down. But they give me so much relief regarding freq./urgency that I find them worth it. But that is just my opinion. Donna has had many, you may want to pm her to get more thoughts.

[ICNDonna]

The actual procedure takes about five minutes, but by the time they ask you questions (your identity and planned procedure will be verified by each person who does anything to you before surgery), start an IV, give you the anesthetic, etc., you will be in the surgery room about a half hour.

The first couple of times I urinate after a hydro, it feels like I'm turning inside out. You will need to drink a little more water than usual for the first couple of days. By day three I usually feel pretty good, but kind of worn out. To me it's worth it because it helps my symptoms for many months.

Good luck,
Donna

[muxerr012]

Do these procedures (hydros etc) have any long term effects like tissue scarring etc? It's good to see that they provide relief for a few months but does this aggravate the over-all bladder condition in the long run? I had a cysto but not the hydro. Just curious to know these things before I have my first appt with the UROGYN specialist next month. Thanks.

PS...So hydros are done for 2 reasons??? One to diagnose IC and two to help with the symptoms/pain? Also I keep seeing DMSO as a treatment on these forums. What is that?