Cystoscopy or not to cystoscopy

[gillsky8]

The urologist who referred me for the Ultra sound scan and cystoscopy is now away until the 29th August however the NHS have sent me an appointment for the cystoscopy next Friday, 16th.

The urology department when making the appointment remarked that the USS had come back normal with no focal lesions visible either in the bladder the liver or aorta or the kidneys. Normal size spleen, gallbladder and pancreas . All blood tests also normal and since then I have given another urine sample which has returned "normal"

So the nurse I spoke to is now querying as to whether there is any need to go ahead on Friday, as she stated the cystoscopy is much more invasive, when all looks well ?

I am between a rock and a hard place to make a decision, I guess this is all re-assuring however I am thinking the camera test wouldn't be bad just to really be thorough ? At the end of the day I just want to draw a line under the whole thing.

has anyone else been in this position please ?

any advice or help once again much appreciated

[piglette]

It is very much up to you and how you feel. You can always postpone your appointment until your urologist comes back from hols and see how you go.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I have had regular cystoscopies for the last 40+ years, regular as in every 10 years!!! Why?Because after the birth of my second daughter (both by semi-emergency c-section) I was having repeated UTI symptoms. The first cystoscopy found I had a very narrow urethral opening, the urologist decided that could well be the problem as it can result in incomplete emptying of the bladder and promptly deal with it by doing what is called a urethral stretch. Bit nippy at the time since in mainland Europe they don't bother with niceties like anaesthesia to do such things but it worked a dream - no problems for about 10 years. The next was done in the UK - I declined anaesthesia so it could be done without waiting for an anaesthetist to come down to Day Surgery. The poor nurses couldn't believe it, they were in more pain than me! Each step of the stretch is seconds, like a bee sting maybe, so perfectly bearable, and far less horrid than period pain!!! Had one about 12 years ago here in Italy and another 3 years ago. Never been anything found on ultrasound so I would disagree with the nurse and say she maybe has never had one - I have had far more painful and "invasive" procedures. Like my smear test ...

[Maddanj in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMRpro.

Did you have have the rigid cystosopy? much bleeding or soreness after the procedure? I'm not happy doing this just before Chrismas.

I have a rigid cystoscopy in 8 days under anaesthetic to look at a urethral diverticulitum and position of vaginal mesh / TVT I had 20 years ago. I've asked the consultants if they would do a flexible one so I don't need to be put out.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Maddanj]

No idea to be honest but I imagine it was a flexible one. I had no problems after the procedure but I'm not sure I'd be ecstatic at the idea of having a just a week before Christmas although better that than having to wait ages!

It does depend what they think may have to be done - if there is the possibility of a procedure, then it probably needs the rigid one.

uhsussex.nhs.uk/wp-content/...

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FWIW I would go for the thoroughness approach. Ultrasound wouldn't pick up on tiny bladder cancer or non-infective cystitis ;if you were to have persistent cystitis symptoms or bigger numbers of cells going forward the concern would remain if you didn't have the cystoscopy.

[Rugger]

I had a cystoscopy a few years ago (since starting on pred for PMR). I agree that it should be relatively painless and not as uncomfortable as a smear! I would go for it, for reassurance but it's your decision, of course.

All the best.

[Pusph]

I had one a few months ago - wasn't as bad as I thought and hopefully it will put your mind at rest!x

[Macas]

I had a Cystoscopy a couple of weeks ago. I had blood in my urine and was put on the two week cancer pathway which was scary.

I was dreading the Cystoscopy but it was just a little uncomfortable ,it was over in no time and thankfully it was clear.

[gillsky8 in reply to Macas]

was the blood visible or just found in urine test. Mine seems to be on and off , scanty signs and then shows up on next sample. Nothing visible when I go to the toilet. As my ultrasound showed no obvious abnormalities, am hoping the cystoscopy with be the same.

thanks for your reply.

[Macas in reply to gillsky8]

Blood only seen in Urine text. In all I had 4 tests at different intervals and they all showed blood in urine. I’m satisfied having had the Cystoscopy that all is clear. I should add that I haven’t had any UTI,s

My Scan showed a very small stone in the kidney.

[Maddanj in reply to Macas]

Hi Macas,

Did you have a flexible or a rigid cystoscopy?

[Macas in reply to Maddanj]

Maddanj firstly my apologies for late reply. My email account has been down for a week . I had a flexible cystoscope . I was dreading it but it was fine. It was all over quite quickly and I didn’t have any after effects.

Mine was due to blood in my urine so they were looking for cancer thankfully I was all clear.

Best wishes Mx