step by step cystoscopy

[browneyedtxgirl]

My uro does cysto in office. I have heard horror stories and I am terrified. Can someone tell me step by step (and how each step feels) what is going to happen. What will happen if I chicken out and never have this done?

[Jeanne D.]

I am probably one of the rare ones, but I have had over 100 cystoscopies done in the doctor's office. I have EC and had to have the cystos done so the hemorrhaging ulcers in my bladder could be cauterized. Yes, I had this done in the uro's office, with no anesthesia! The cauterization was needed so frequently that hospitalization and a trip to the OR for anesthesia and this procedure was out of the question.

Usually the urethra is numbed with an anesthetic gel. A cystoscope is then inserted into the urethra and up into the bladder. The inner part of the scope is removed and the bladder is allowed to drain. A telescope is then placed into the indwelling cystoscope. The scope is connected to a light source and a water source. Sterile water is slowly let into the bladder (to inflate it) so the MD can see the bladder and ureteral openings. Once the examination is complete, the water is drained from the bladder, and the cystoscope is removed. You will be placed in the same position as you would be for a gyno exam, but your legs will be supported, your feet will not be placed in stirrups.

I can honestly say that I did not find the cystoscopy painful -- just mildly uncomfortable. The cauterization is another story. As I said though, I have EC not IC. My bladder holds a normal amount of fluid, and I do not always have the same glomerulations an IC patient has. Sometimes my whole bladder is wildly inflammed and ulcerated, and at other times I may just have localized areas of ulceration. The discomfort I feel is usually related to the state of the bladder when the cysto is done. The more inflammation, the more discomfort I feel. Sometimes after the procedure I experience mild burning, bladder spasms, and the urge to void. I have not needed to take any pain medication to get me through the cystoscopy, but on occassion I have had to take pain meds after the cauterization.

The procedure will be more tolerable if you are relaxed, and not in a lot of pain or discomfort beforehand. At this time my bladder is so wildly inflammed that my uro would not even consider doing a cysto. Better to have this procedure done in the office when the bladder is relatively calm. If in a flare, it is probably better to have it done with anesthesia so a thorough exam can be completed.

Unfortunately, if you chicken out and not have it done, you may not get a proper diagnosis. If you are opposed to having it done in the office, speak with your uro and see if he will consider doing it in the OR. You have nothing to lose by asking.

Good luck to you. I hope everything goes in your favor.

Jeanne

[ICNDonna]

A cysto is about the same as being catheterized. If you concentrate on relaxing, it's not bad. The way I handle it is to concentrate on relaxing my abdomen and breathing slowly and deeply. Others have different relaxation techniques.

Sending encouraging hugs,
Donna

[jen_dahling]

Just wanted to say thanks for posting this information. I am having an in office cyto on Wednesday and I think it really helps to know what to expect.

[Mishka]

Hiya,

I just had a cysto done 2 weeks ago. I was very nervous as well, but it was a piece of cake!

The only part that was uncomfortable for me was the anesthatizing (sp?) gel. That burned. But when he put the scope in, I didn't feel a thing. He was in and out in under a minute. I was surprised it was so fast and easy.

Good luck! :)

[michelleskw]

I have IC but I opted not to have the cysto. Is this a bad idea?

[Daniel]

Jeanne: What is E.C.?

[ICNDonna]

Question for Michelle If you haven't had a cysto, how was your IC diagnosed?

If you were diagnosed by symptoms alone and both you and your uro are comfortable with that, it's fine, but some people feel better with a definite diagnosis.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[molzee]

HI! :hi:

i am also from houston and i want you to know that i had my first cysto done on july 8th. it wasn't bad at all....numbing done first with some type of cotton swab...that was a sort of preview of how it would feel to have something going up your urethra i guess. the scope is next after you have time to get numb. it is not comfortable, but it is fast....about 30 seconds really. my uro said if it ever got too uncomfy for me that she would stop. that helped alot. by the time i thought it was bordering on too bad, it was over. i felt so reassured to know that she saw nothing bad in there! afterwards she gave me a big huge cipro antibiotic, so i would suggest not going on an empty stomach like i did. i also recommend taking an over the counter bladder analgesic such as azo standard afterwards. urinating is a little rough for a day or so, but nothing horrible. to me, this is the easy way to go...no fanfare of doing preop testing or general anesthesia like if you were to go the hospital route.

good luck and don't let fear stop you from doing this test....it is nothing that bad. let us know how you do.

molzee

[Aspencad]

Is it general procedure or can they do a biopsy of the bladder during the cysto. For you ladies that have had that done (biopsy) is there any pain associated with this.

[jen_dahling]

I am having the cyto done today for the first time. Since cancelling the cyto/hydro in the hospital, my euro said that the only difference was that a biopsy won't be done along with the hydro to relieve pain.

[Jeanne D.]

Daniel:

EC is eosinoplilic cystitis. It has many of the same symptoms as IC. It is diagnosed with biopsy. Eosinophils are found in the bladder tissue. It is sort of like your bladder is allergic to itself. I have huge Hunner's ulcers and a red, raw, bleeding bladder all of the time! Like IC, there is no cure. Unfortunately for people with EC, treatment is difficult, to say the least.

Jeanne

[Jeanne D.]

Bladder biopsies are generally done while the patient is under some type of anesthesia. The biopsies are taken during the cystoscopy.

I have been biopsied without anesthesia, but that is not usually the norm. I only felt a small pinch.

There may be some pain after a biopsy but I usually didn't notice the difference, unless the trigone was biopsied (area of the bladder where the ureters enter). This area is more sensitive and responds more to pain and irritation.

Jeanne

[photomom]

I had cysto and hydro done 2 times with out anthesia..... I als had the potassium test too..... I can say I will never attempt to do the potassium test again, but I can indure the hydro and cysto.

I am having another one in 4 weeks but I will be put under as I will also have a D&C done too

Good luck!