I just cannot get rid of this constant uti no matter what I take.
I went to see a urologist and he recommended a cystoscopy performed under a local because they won't do a general anaesthetic if your gfr is under 45 and mine is about 22.
I have read that if you have a constant uti you are not supposed to have this procedure done because of the risk of infection being carried to your kidneys.
Is there anyone out there who could help with some info (ps I am terrified)
Thanks for reading.
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fartikins
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Have you talk to your nephrologist to see their thought of you getting the test. It been so many years since I had this test but I do remember being apprehensive about having it but now I cant even recall why I had it it was either for constant uti or blood in the urine but it was like 30 years ago so sorry can’t recall. My efgr was not bad then. I know sometimes they will give you antibiotics before you haVe this test.
Did you bring up your question to the urologist you really should if you have to call the office of the urologist or your neurologist and tell them you have questions. Write your questions down so when you call you have them. They may feel this is needed to fine out why you are having uti like is the urine being block off there could be lots of reasons that only one but none of us are doctors here so you and your doctor have to weigh in on the decision of having it. I know it scary I am going through some apprehension with some stuff I call the surgeon office spoke to his nurse she help with all my questions.🙏prayers lifted for you let me know how things go.
Thanks so much for your kind reply. I have a constant uti which just will not go away so they are going to have a look inside my works to see if there is anything obvious. I was just worried about getting a worse infection and also difficulty in passing urine after the test. Its being done with a local because of my low gfr - they will only give you a full GA if your gfr is over 45 - really nervous about this and two weeks to wait as well.
My hubby had that done a few months ago as an outpatient procedure. He was numbed and said it was uneventful. My hubby's utis started when he was on dialysis and continued on following his transplant. (His first transplant opportunity for a transplant was cancelled for this reason - yup, he had another uti!) Besides the discomfort, my hubby started to worry that these infections (of various sorts) would travel upstream and harm his new kidney. And he didn't like being on antibiotics. So a cystoscopy, which uses no dye and simply takes pics of your bladder, was ordered. After reviewing the results, his diabetes was determined to be the root cause. He was scheduled for yet another procedure later that day which was dropped since the scan provided sufficient answers.
I have had this procedure as a part of the identification of my kidney disease.
As Darlenia's husband agreed, it was relatively quick and painless. It's actually easier for females as the distance is less than for men.
Mine was done in the urologists office. Be prepared to give a wee sample before you arrive.
I was given an antibiotic prevent possible infection, then the nurse used a thin tube to locally numb the area that the thin camera tube wound pass through.
I was able to watch on the monitor as the doctor performed the procedure. He also explained what he was doing and seeing as he went.
Once finished, he and the attending nurse left me to get dressed and spoke to me after; this included the results found in the wee sample.
Results were sent to my nephrologist and we went from there.
If this is a next step to identify why you are repeatedly getting UTI's
isn't it worth 15- 30 minutes to cover this base?
Reward yourself after and let us know how it went.
Hello - thank you so much for your reassurance. I have a constant uti and that is what they are investigating so I was concerned about gettting an infection after the procedure.
The attending urologist told me that he was giving me an antibiotic prior to actually beginning the procedure to prevent a UTI. Make sure that you are able to give a wee sample prior.
As CKDgurl agreed, it's a quick procedure and easier for women. Highly unlikely that you will get a UTI from the procedure as everything is sterile.
Follow doctors directions after. Due to your history of UTI's your doctor may opt to give you an antibiotic as a preventative. Ask.
It will be behind you soon. Let us know the results!
Thanks for that - I am a bit worried that because I have to take antibiotics every day if I get a powerful infection it may not clear it - that's the reason I am somewhat concerned.
My thoughts; if you have ANY concerns or questions, discuss them clearly with the urologist who will be performing the procedure prior. Bring a list of all medications and supplements that you take to the appointment and let him/ her review them.
You won't be given any unnecessary or incompatible medication.
Remember that your nephrologist or GP referred you to this person to try to find out the root/ cause of your re-occurring UTI's so they will have your records.
Every person has their own way of communicating and personality.Nervous before a procedure is very normal.
I wish every medical person was warm and friendly but unfortunately they are not.
Don't let this urologist intimidate you. I'd rather have a competent physician than a buddy.
Mum and I saw a gyn for years who had no bedside manner; I mean staff would salute her when she walked by. However, she was highly knowledgeable in her field, competent and a skilled physician.
She performed Mum's hysterectomy in record time. Mum was sitting up within 12 hours and had a scar as thin as a pencil line and no unusual discomfort.
The woman scared the begeebers out of me; she's retired now and I wish that I still had her candid and competent care.
I have had many because I have had bladder tumours removed; a cystoscopy was how I was diagnosed and how my urologist rechecks me for cancer since bladder cancer has a tendency to reoccur. I just had one in December. It's a simple procedure, much easier for women than men my brother also has BC, and he is not fond of going for his check-up).
I've never had any kind of anaesthetic. It's not painful, you feel a little pinch when the wand is inserted but after that, you can carry on a pleasant conversation with your urologist and watch the screen to see what's going on in there!
I always get a prescription for antibiotics after, in case I get a UTI, but I have never needed them. Sometimes I've had a little visible blood in my urine the next day, but that's normal.
I have to get them regularly, I have no choice, it's the way my urologist re-checks for tumours, so my neph is completely behind it.
gosh you are brave. I am so sorry you keep getting these tumours and having to have all that treatment. I am scared of getting a super infection because I take 250mg cefalexin every day because. the uti doesn't go away. I think I read too much......
Thank you. I don't think of it as "brave" you just do what you have to do to continue living. Flipping the script really helps with anxiety, and makes me feel in control of my situation. Being a bit of a control freak :-), this is what works for me! Good luck.
My husband had a cystoscopy for UTI's in the urologist's office with no anesthesia - he said it didn't hurt at all! I was in the room and the doctor explained everything he was seeing on the screen.
I have a couple of questions about your UTI's, if I may? Are you happy with your urologist? Have they ever done a Urine PCR test? Why are they keeping you on the same antibiotic if it's not working? It may be time for a second opinion. Ask your nephrologist if you can safely take D-Mannose and Biofilm Film Defense (OTC). The two combined have kept my husband UTI free for 6 months so far - and he was getting 1-2 a month! Even his urologist was surprised, after initially poo-pooing the idea.
I know you suffer with anxiety, and I can relate. What helps me sometimes is asking myself, "how is my anxiety serving me? What would serve me better?" It doesn't always work, but it is just one of my coping skills. Have a plan for when anxiety takes over, and make a list of 5 ways you can cope. Another one for me is having a list of 'happy thoughts' that I can use to change the script in my head. My favorite is when my 2-year old niece smacked my butt in a store because I was talking to another baby! She was jealous, and it made my heart full! She wanted me all to herself. ♥️ You can google tips for coping with anxiety, and write down at least 5 you want to try. Having a plan can help!
Please let us know how the cystoscopy goes - I'll be praying for you!
Thank you so much for your kind reply. I am in the uk and we have no medical services you can rely on - its dreadful. I try and get regular urine tests but that is like climbing Mount Everest - I Havant had a test for 10 weeks now but I still keep taking my antibiotics. I am not really sure about the consultant - you are not supposed to have this cystoscopy done if you have a uti - mine never goes. I am so scared of getting a worse infection than the one I already have. I can't imagine waiting down at our a and e for 24 hours with sepsis - now you know why I am scared.
You know my philosophy; until the doctor says it's so, it isn't.
The percentage of people who develop infections from this procedure is slim.
Re.ember that you were referred to the attending urologist; therefore he/ she has access to your records and health history, so the frequency of infections that you have been experiencing will be visible.
Make him/ her aware of your concerns about infection and ask for a preventative.
It will go smoothly and you will finally have answers.
Yes, I took Cranberry/d-Mannose for years before the transplant and it kept me UTI free. But not certain now after the transplant if they will OK me taking it now. They took me off all supplements. Ask your urologist. I trusted my urologist and it was ok and necessary for me to get the cystoscopy. They were very sanitary, and took many precautions. All the best and take good care of yourself. BB
thank you all for your wonderful replies. I. did actually ring his secretary and told her my fears. She said she would have a word and call me back. I know I am going to be a troublesome patient because I can't pee to order and I suffer with dreadful constipation - which is something you have to watch for after the procedure.
My hubby, with a transplant, takes Cranberry/Mannose for his issues. He just returned from another urology visit last week. He always has a constant, low level uti but that supplement keeps it there and keeps him symptom free - it isn't harming him or his transplant. Both the transplant center and urologist are fine with his supplement as long as he takes at 1/2 the recommended dose. It gives him a wonderful quality of life - no need for antibiotics.
That sounds horrible! I'm sorry you have to go through this. And since you have to be off the antibiotic for two days before they can test your urine again, you're in a real tough spot. Your urologist wants to do the cystoscopy with an active UTI?
I had it done to look for tumors. I am a male. They did squirt some numbing gel into my pee hole, but I still felt the whole thing. I had burning sensations and bled afterwards which I was told was normal. My blood in the urine stopped the next day. I couldn't leave until I urinated, which took a while. My body wasn't exposed to the world, but 4 nurses and a doctor were in the room with me. I had a gown on. I did get to see it on a screen. I did request no nurses, but my request was denied. I didn't have any bad pains during or after, it was just a strange feeling. Before the procedure, I was given 14 days of antibiotics for a possible uti.
It took maybe 10 minutes from the time the numbing gel was used until he removed the scope. I would do it again if I absolutely had too. I was more worried about the scope rupturing something than anything else. My anxiety was through the roof lol, but it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I was expecting. I was told just before that I will likely pee blood and have pain for a couple of days. I never had the pain. Just pink and orange urine. It's like knowing you have to go get a tooth pulled. I fear doctors that have torture devices lol. Seriously though, if it's to potentially save your life, I would just go and keep repeating, "it's just 5-15 minutes". My wife had to pretty much drag me in lol, but when it was over with, I joked with the doctors and nurses. I told the doctor he has boldly gone, where no man has gone before and that he handled me well. I told the nurses after I put on the gown to be prepared, that I have an anaconda behind the gown. Once the doctor exposed the part, I said wow, it ran away and a baby anaconda was born.
I had a cystoscopy to remove the stent in the new ureter 2 months after transplant. The nurse was very kind and held my hand while it was done. The sanitary process prior was extensive and I asked for the nurse to rub lidocaine in the area prior to numb it. The actual procedure was maybe 1 minute or so. Yes, painful and yet quick. Very necessary procedure for me. I did take Keflex antibiotic the day of 3 times that day. And did not need any more the next day, did not have any bleeding or infection. So, talk to the nurse and urologist and ask for help. Too bad an antibiotic will not take care of the UTI. Have you tried Keflex? All the best to you. Escalate this care and your concerns if you have to, I have learned to be assertive with the doc and nurse team and ask them to help me. Sometimes almost aggressive. It is ok to ask and speak up for yourself in this current medical system, almost demand good medical care. We deserve it! BB
Yep, had the cystoscopy and like I've posted to you a few times before:
I've had years of incredible bladder pain & urine tests showing blood.
After years of drs, Hospital Emergency rooms and specialists, I was finally diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis and put on permanent antibiotics. (Despite not always having any signs of infection.)
For my situation, interstitial cystitis is likely to be an immune response.
The solution for me? Interstitial Cystitis diet. I can't find the original website referred by a past hospital specialist but this one seems close: primehealthdenver.com/inter..."
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Very concerned. New to all of this. 
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