how is a cystoscopy is done??

[musiclover]

Hi, I have a question. I had my first appointment with a Urologist on Wednesday. In a month I'm going back for a cystoscopy. Does this mean they will be doing the hydro thing? Do they need to put water in the bladder to do a cystoscopy? She said she would be looking for ulcers or bleeding. I'm confused about the cystoscopy.

Thanks!

[Julie B]

Hi there. Are you going under anesthesia, usually in a hospital? That would signal that you are probably going to have a hydrodistention where they stretch the bladder by overfilling it. You would not want ot have that done without the anesthesia.

If not, then the doctor is likely going to just take a look and see what he sees with your bladder as it is normally.

One way or another, you should contact your doctor for a complete explanation so that you know what to expect. I am surprised that this was not discussed before the appointment was made.

Give them a call on Monday, ok?

Gentle hugs,

Julie

[musiclover]

Thanks for writing. It is going to be in the clinic, so there won't be any anesthesia. So it must not be hydrodistention. Too bad, I was kind of hoping for that so I could see if it would help. I really am starting to think this may be PFD, though. I'm just not sure! And they don't do potassium sensitivity tests at Kaiser, my HMO.

Thanks again!

[ICNDonna]

To answer your question about the water, they usually do put water in the bladder during a cystoscopy, even if they aren't doing a hydrodistention. The reason for this is that when the bladder is empty it collapses, much like a balloon with no air --- so the water is used to fill the bladder so the lining can be seen. They can also measure the capacity of the bladder with the water.

I do have a suggestion and that is to practice relaxing beforehand. When I have had cystos, I found that if I concentrate on breathing slowly and evenly and consciously relaxing, the exam is much easier.

Donna