Cystoscopy+Hydrodistension

[bladderGirl]

I am schedueled for a cysto and hydro on Friday. I have been taking a sulfa antibiotic now for a couple of weeks with no relief (doc thought it might be a bladder infection). He tested my urine and everything looks good on paper. Since I am still having the urgency and burning, he wants to do these procedures.
I have had a cystoscopy before, while I was awake and it hurt SO much. I have never a hydro. I am so scared. I am afraid I will not be able to care for my son after this is done because I might be in pain. I am seriously freaking out here. From what I have been reading some people are in a lot pain after this. This couldn't have come at a worse time for me. I have a major exam in 1 week and need to concentrate on my medical anatomy and phlembotomy studies.
Anyone have any reassuring words for me?
What is your experience with cysto/hydro?
My doctor says I am too young for this (27).
I was already diagnosed with IC in 1998 following the cysto, and was put on a low dose of anti-depressant. The symptoms subsided after a year and a half, and stayed that way until just over a month ago.
When I told this to my Uro, he asked if I was depressed and if my future looks bright to me:loco: of course it does!!!
He is good a doctor I believe, although he made me feel a little uncomfortable with those questions.
Thank you everyone for your support, this site is amazing.
I am asking Santa for a new bladder this year.:toilet:

[dverba]

Girl, you read my mind. I am scheduled next week for my first cysto. and I am freakin out too. My dr does not like to give out pain meds. what happens if there is alot of pain after? I have 3 kids to take care of. I'll pray for you and you pray for me? Please keep us informed, it is not so scary when you can hear others going thru the same stuff. I know you'll do fine.
DeAnna

[bladderGirl]

I will definatley prey for you!!!:pray: I will also tell you how it goes. Good luck!!!

[ICNDonna]

I'm not sure if I can help, but I do know it's natural and human to be nervous about any surgical procedure. That said, I have had many hydrodistentions and they have always helped with my IC symptoms. You will probably have some pain for a day or so, and the first few times you urinate after the procedure will not be fun, but after that it isn't too bad. When I was working, I would be back at my job four to five days post op.

Donna

[leelee88]

((((hugs)))) for both of you...:angel:

[dverba]

I was hoping to be back to work the next day. Is that unrealistic?

[Claredale]

It was for me. Between the nausea due to my sensitivity to anesthesia and the pain, I didn't go to work for several days. I still have my surgery after care instructions and it said for me to stay in bed as much as possible the first 24 hours. I normaly had my procedures the middle of the week and was able to go back to work by Monday. I know I was in bed for several days. My pain was better before my nausea. My doctor made sure that I went back to work when I was ready. I certainly didn't take advantage of it, but she told me to get the best out of any treatment was to get the rest you needed.

[runningemiles]

Well maybe I can help. I had a cysto too and was awake and they sent me home w/ no pain med. My doctor too says he doesnt' want to mask the symptoms w/ pain meds and I understand that but there is sometimes you need them. However, after the hydro.(I had been in bed for a week feeling so bad) that I was actually feeling much better afterwards. They put me to sleep w/ just an IV so I was only out for a short period of time. I told the nurse how miserable I had been that week and she put pain meds in my IV and then sent me home w/ two weeks worth. So, honestly my pain was finally managed and I felt better than I had previously w/ the flare up. I was a little nausated and sore but it did not hurt as bad to go to the bathroom as it did w/ the cysto. I felt like I was urinating broken glass that day. I was very nervous and curious about the whole procedure and it was much better than I thought. I had mine on a Friday and was back to work on Tuesday w/ mild pain pills. Hope this helps b/c sometimes the anxiety is worse. I will say it helped my doctor see the degree of how bad my IC was. I had ulcers and my bladder was not filling up and emptying probably. Not to say I have had a whole lot of relief but some people say the hydro helps their pain. Good luck and please feel free to ask more questions if you have any.

[gopher7895]

I had a cysto/hydro back in May and it really wasn't bad for me. My urologist gave me two different prescriptions for afterwards. One was for pain and the other for bladder spasms. I never took either of them because I didn't need to. I was tired and crampy and had a bit of discomfort but no real pain. I've felt a lot worse with flares before.

They made sure I could pee OK before I left the hospital. It burned when I first went and looked a little pink. After that the burning was less each time I went and was gone in 2 days. I took it easy and didn't go back to work for 4 days but I could've gone back after 2 really.

It's normal to be nervous. I know I sure was but I needed a definite diagnosis and am glad I did it. Later I found out my urologist didn't treat many IC patients and I found a gyn who does. I was glad I had my bladder pictures from the cysto/hydro to bring to my new doctor to confirm my IC diagnosis. Best of luck...Sue

[dverba]

Wow! Great info. Had no idea. your right, knowing helps alot. I know I'll have lots of questions after my doctor firms up a date next week.Thanks a bunch.

[bladderGirl]

I am so scared I almost don't want to go.
From what I have read, most people feel worse, but I would look like the biggest idiot if I didn't go, and then went back to the Uro because I am in so much pain.
I am such a chicken.:bonk:
I just don't want to feel worse than what I already do.
I'm probably going to cry the whole way to the OR, like a wimp.
I am going to be so scared when they put me under, for fear of waking up in more pain.
I really hope I am one of those people who gets relief from the Hydro.:pray:

[Dreamlove15]

HI bladder girl, I just had mine dome today. Although, any surgery is scary, this one wasn not that bad. I was scared i admit, but i just knwong it could help made me feel a bit more at ease. I think the worst part ins waking up but if they give you pain meds you will do ok...trust me...have faith alright...yes there is pain involved but just try to stay calm and relax. I know that's hard to do, but just try to think about how it will help you. I am young as well...just turned 23 last month...i just randomly got sick 3 months ago with what i thought was a stubborn UTI to finding out now that I have IC. I will say prayers for you. Just stay strong and you will do fine. Its just one more step in the right direction.

~Jamie~

[mbhbarb]

I also have had a good experience with the cysto/hydro procedure. I was under anesthesia for the procedure and had only pyridium as a pain med for afterward but that was enough. The only pain I got was urethral. The hydro actually made all of my bladder pain and spasms go away for a couple of months. Not what I was expecting but certainly a welcome development.

The uro found a growth and another abnormality that needs to be watched so in addition to the pain relief, it was good that I had it done for diagnostic reasons too.

Best of luck with your procedures.

barb

[mary124]

Its normal to be scared about any procedure; I have had a few hydro's done --they are one of my treatments and I usually have them every 6-8 months. Like the others have said, it hurts to pee for a day or 2 but drink plenty of water and you should start to feel better soon.

I don't know if it was you or someone else asked if it was feasible to go back to work the next day. I would say no, you really should heal for a few days, as you really don't know how you might feel - you might feel fine in the morning when you get up but will you still be fine by afternoon? could you go home and not have any troubles with your boss? I don't know what kind of job you have so that might not be a problem. I know some of the gals here do have problems with their bosses- which to me if you are sick then you are sick. For me, I'm the only one who does the kind of work that I do in the State of Texas for the agency that I work for and if I am out then it doesn't get done. (of course if I'm out for extended time then it might to a certain extent do my work--then I have to figure out what they did when I get back to the office!!)

If you can schedule your hydro on a Thursday you might be able to go back to work on Monday. Good luck.

[sickofmybladder]

I agree with Mary - I think it is a little too much to expect to go back to work the next day - I had exploratory laproscopic surgery at the same time as my cysto/hydro and I took a week off - (and was very grateful for the extra time - even though realistically I could have gone back sooner....) -- if nothing else I would suggest you see if the DR can schedule for a Thurs or Fri and that way you have the weekend to recover.

[dverba]

He said he only does them on Thursdays, I see now why. Great news...I found a dr about 30 min. away who specializes in IC!!! I found him in an article here on this site. Dr.Robert Evens in Greensboro NC. From his article I see that my current dr is following the correct diagnosis steps. That makes me feel better. I am planning to let my current dr. do the cysto and taking the results with me to see Dr.Evens. I even got an appt. for 12/7. I see a light at the end of the tunnel, a tiny little light but I'll take it.

[sickofmybladder]

Alot of people in my area - drive to see Dr. Evans - he apparently is really good :woohoo:

[dverba]

COOL! Have any of your friends talked about his bed side manner?

[sickofmybladder]

I have heard nothing but good things about Dr. Evans - I always keep it as an option to go to him if I need too - but I haven't convinced myself to make the drive - (it would be about 100 miles one way - geez this state is HUGE isn't it.... and with work I just can't seem to wrap my brain around it - but never say never.....)

Let us know how it goes.....

[bladderGirl]

So I had my cysto/hydro yesterday afternoon. It wasn't that bad! I came home and was little out of it from the morphine. I did not pee any blood, and it did not burn. I did feel like I had to go really bad though right after. From the time I fell asleep till the time I woke up it had only been 40 minutes.
Today my bladder is tender, there is a little stinging, but nothing major. I have really bad frequency though, but am not surprised considering all of the fluids that put in me through IV and the procedure itself.

The Uro found petechiae (small pinpoint hemmorages) covering half of my bladder,and told me I have a small bladder, it is very inflammed and I have IC.
I have to call him on Monday to book my follow-up appointment, where he said we would discuss treatment.
I have been given more pyridium and percocets for the pain. I am fine with just the pyridium.

I was so worried about this whole thing. I am glad everything went ok, and I now have a diagnosis and can begin treatment.

Thank you everyone for your help!!!:bunny:

[Dreamlove15]

I'm glad your procedure went well. I wish my experience was like yours. I woke up in a whole lot of pain on wednesday. I thought everyone bled afterwards...but I guess not everyone has biopsies right? I know i did and it was scary. Mine was weds and im still barely able to walk, sit, sleep without pain. The pain seems more intense than it was before the surgery...grrr..But I Hope your recovery is quick. Get well.

[bladderGirl]

:( Dreamlove15, I feel so bad for you. Maybe you should see the doctor again? Maybe u got a UTI from the procedure? Were you prescribed anything for the pain?
Sometimes when I am in a lot of pain, epsom salt baths work a little bit.
Please go see the doctor again.
I really hope you feel better soon.

[Dreamlove15]

Thanks for your kindness. I will be ok, I'm trying really hard to stay tough. I use to think I had a high pain tolerance, but this is beyond what I can handle. If the pain continues on into next week im going to call my doc and get some better meds. I guess when your bladder is not use to be stretched to an extreme you can expect to be in pain, and it also depends on the person too. The first pee was HORRIBLE and so were the next 20...but its slowly gettin better...still pain tho.which is NEW? The doc said mine was REALLY inflammed and large...and i bet its irrotated more...GEEEZ...so maybe I just need a couple more days of doing nothing and being lazy...like I haven't been doing that. I'm glad your ok though. Im not so sure I would do this again, but maybe I will change my mind in a couple weeks? Time will tell. Take care.

~Jamie~

[bladderGirl]

Dreamlove15????? are you feeling any better today? I hope you are.

[Dreamlove15]

Not really. I've slept most of the day and now im wide awake. This pain is getting worse. And I took some OTC uristat until I can get to the pharmacy and now my bladder feels like its on fire. UGHHH. The doc did say after the procedure it gets worse before it gets better who knows. but all i know is this is not what i wanted to be feeling...:( Hopefully you will tolerate your hydro better than me. Everyones is different. I think mine was just really inflammed befores o it just made it worse. who knows? Im praying for relief soon.

[bladderGirl]

I had my hydro/cysto on Friday. Friday night I was ok, Saturday I was ok, Sunday too.
Today it was so cold outside. Everyone was drinking coffee on break, and we all went to Tim Hortons. The coffee smell was like heaven to me. So I did the unthinkable, and ordered a large coffee, three cream, three sugar.:loco:
I must have thought I was super woman or something, and chugged back the coffee like a champ.:bonk: It was so good.
I love coffee, and have been missing it so much this past few weeks.
Well, about 1 hour later I was in a lot of pain (still am).
Now I am having a massive flair from my own stupidity.:tsk:
Maybe now, I will never know if the hydro/cysto worked.

Dreamlove15, have you tried the baking soda and water recipe?

[Dreamlove15]

I just looked in my cabinet and I dont have any...UGH. just my luck.
I will go get some tomorrow and pick up my pyrdium and Urispas. Im hoping tomorrow will be better. so did you have any pain after your hydro? did you have any bleeding? I wish I could say the same...

But, Boy would I love some starbucks right now, but i know that would put me over. I hope you feel better soon.:angel:

[sleepyangel30]

i've had it done twice while asleep.. After waken up I felt alittle pain it wasn't to bad. Don't give up hope I'll keep you in my prayers.