Cystoscopy (cystourethroscopy) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a cystoscope, which is an endoscope especially designed for urological use to examine the bladder, lower urinary tract, and prostate gland. It can also be used to collect urine samples, perform biopsies, and remove small stones.
Cystoscopy is performed by urologists to examine the entire bladder lining and take biopsies of any questionable areas. Cystoscopy may be prescribed for patients who display the following conditions:
Blood and urine studies, in addition to x rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, may be performed before a cystoscopy to obtain as much diagnostic information as possible. During the cystoscopy, a retrograde pyelogram may also be performed to examine the kidneys and ureters.
There are two types of cystoscopes used to carry out the procedure, a rigid type and a flexible type. Both types are used for the same purposes and differ only in their method of insertion. The rigid type requires that the patient adopt the lithotomy position, meaning that the patient lies on his or her back with knees up and apart. The flexible cystoscope does not require the lithotomy position.
A cystoscopy typically lasts from 10–40 minutes. The patient is asked to urinate before surgery and advised that relaxing pelvic muscles will help make this part of the procedure easier. A well-lubricated flexible or rigid cystoscope (urethroscope) is passed through the urethra into the bladder where a urine sample is taken. There may be some discomfort as the instrument is inserted. Fluid is then injected to inflate the bladder and allow the urologist to examine the entire bladder wall. The cystoscope uses a lighted tip for guidance and enables biopsies to be taken or small stones to be removed through a hollow channel in the cystoscope.
During a cystoscopy, the urologist may remove bladder stones or kidney stones, gather tissue samples, and perform x-ray studies. To remove stones, an instrument that looks like a tiny basket or grasper is inserted through the cystoscope so that small stones can be extracted through the scope's channel. For a biopsy, special forceps are inserted through the cystoscope to pinch off a tissue sample. Alternatively, a small brush-like instrument may be inserted to scrape off some tissue. To perform x-ray studies such as a retrograde pyelogram, a dye is injected into the ureter by way of a catheter passed through the cystoscope. After completion of all required tests, the cystoscope is removed.
Patients may be asked to give a urine sample before cytoscopy to check for infection and to avoid urinating for an hour before this part of the procedure. They wear a hospital gown during the procedure and the lower part of the body is covered with a sterile drape. A sedative may be given about one hour prior to the operation to help the patient relax. The region of the urethra is cleansed and a local anesthetic is applied. Spinal or general anesthesia may also be used for the procedure. Distension of the bladder with fluid is particularly painful, and if it needs to be done, as in the case of evaluating interstitial cystitis, general anesthesia is required. A signed consent form is necessary for this procedure.
After removal of the cystoscope, the urethra is usually sore, and patients should expect to feel a burning sensation while urinating for one to two days following the procedure. To alleviate discomfort or pain, patients may be prescribed pain medication, and antibiotics may also be required to prevent infection. Minor pain may also be treated with over-the-counter, nonprescription drugs such as acetaminophen . To relieve discomfort, patients may be advised to drink two 8-oz glasses of water each hour for two hours and to take a warm bath to relieve the burning feeling. If not able to bathe, they may be advised to hold a warm, damp washcloth over the urethral opening.
Patients who have undergone a cystoscopy are instructed to:
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved with a cystoscopy. Complications may include profuse bleeding, a damaged urethra, a perforated bladder, a urinary tract infection, or an injured penis.
Patients should contact their physician if they experience any of the following symptoms after the procedure, including pain, redness, swelling, drainage, or bleeding from the surgical site; signs of generalized infection, which may include headache, muscle aches, dizziness, or an overall ill feeling and fever; nausea or vomiting; or difficult or painful urination.
Cystoscopy is a commonly performed procedure, but it is an invasive technique that involves small yet significant risk. If anesthesia is required, there is additional risk, particularly for people who are obese, smoke, or are in poor health. Those undergoing anesthesia must inform the doctor of any medications they are taking.
A successful cystoscopy includes a thorough examination of the bladder and collection of urine samples for cultures. If no abnormalities are seen, the results are indicated as normal. In this case, the bladder wall appears smooth and the bladder is seen to be of normal size, shape, and position, without obstructions, growths, or stones.
The treating physician can tell the patient what was seen inside the bladder right after the procedure. If a biopsy sample was taken, this will take several days to be examined and tested.
Cystoscopy allows the urologist to detect inflammation of the bladder lining, prostatic enlargement, or tumors. If these are seen, further evaluation or biopsies may be needed. Cystoscopy with bladder distention can also evaluate interstitial cystitis. Bladder stones, urethral strictures, diverticula, or congenital abnormalities can also be detected.
There are procedures that can provide some information about the lining of the bladder, for example, x rays; however, none of these provide as much information to the doctor as a cystoscopy.
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Jennifer E. Sisk Monique Laberge, PhD
Cystoscopy is typically performed on an outpatient basis, but up to three days of recovery in the hospital is sometimes required. The procedure can be performed in a hospital, doctor's office, cystoscopy suite, or urology office, depending on the condition of the patient and the anesthesia required. If general anesthesia is required, an anesthesiologist is present to administer the anesthesia and monitor the patient. The cystoscopy procedure is performed by a urologist, urologic surgeon, or urogynecologist, with assistance from nurses experienced in urologic procedures. If x rays are taken during the procedure, a uroradiologist or radiologic technologist is required to operate the x-ray equipment. Biopsy tissue samples are sent to the clinical laboratory for examination by a pathologist.
catheter was installed .2 days later it came out and all was ok for 5 hours then another spasm and that was it i couldnt pee.
back in again for another catheter . it was taken out 2 days ago
i now have pain peing and in th eperineal area but so far no spasms.
one common factor that may explain why i have not had a spasm this time is .previously the nurses all said drink 2-3 litres a day of fluid which i did ,
on the last removal a district nurse said to me drink normally as i would every day so i have been drinking a lot less in fact not much at all and i only get a small stream due to the amount of drink im taking.
i may be wrong but i think the bladder needs time to recover slowly and over working it with loads of fluid intake may not be a good idea .my system had previouslt been flushed out so many times the urine was clear after initial bleeding,
my surgeon said i was unlucky .the district nurse who treated me was the ONLY one who seemed to care who regualry called me on the phone and who has now discharged me ,i still have burning pain and perineal pain and im hoping it will go soon.i am on diazapan and oxoflacin curently .
i am not over this yet but every day brings more time for the bladder to recover .i am hoping i never get a spasm again as not only is it painful but it tightens up your blader and you cannot urinate.
my experience is not typical so i hear but its happening to me
thank you for reading
was advised that I was gonna get some morphine
who was responsible for making sure I was sedated because
I'll tell you what, I'm still bleeding to this day when I urinate
what can I do ????????
to those of you who state that it wasn't so bad with no meds
stop talking bull s***t because it hurt like beyond hell
HOWEVER I MOVED TO FL 3 YEARS AGO AND DECIDED TO HAVE MY ROUTINE CYSTOSCOPY HERE AT A WELL KNOWN UROLOGIST OFFICE. I THOUGHT I HAD GONE BACK 15 YEARS OR BEYOND. THE EXAM WAS EXTREMELY PAINFUL, AFTERWORDS I HAD SUCH PAIN URINATING I COULD HARDLY STAND IT. THIS PAIN LASTED FOR OVER 2 WEEKS.
I NOW FLY BACK TO ST. LOUIS FOR MY EXAMS AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PAIN AT ALL. THE FLORIDA DR WAS A PROSTATE SPECIALIST, I DOUBT THAT HE DID MANY CYSTOS and his equipment was old, larger, and much more invasive. my advise find other patients in your area and get their experience AND ASK THE DR HOW MANY CYSTOS HE DOES PER WEEK.
I am a female that had a cystoscopy five days ago in the office with a local using a flexible scope. Had no pain whatsoever, he filled my bladder up which was uncomfortable as I have possible IC. Burning on urination for about six hours after. Burning bladder for three days. Today am bleeding a bit. Nurse told me that it is worse for men!
I had a urologist appointment this week recommended by the ER doctor due to a UTI that just won't go away since December. I was expecting a consultation and maybe a quick exam, being that it was the first appointment. Following the consultation Dr. says okay let's go get you examined and when I asked what will be done he replied internal and cystoscopy. Before going, I had read some things about a cystoscopy and my anxiety hit an all time high! I asked for a valium and he said it's really no big deal and I don't need one. Following the manual exam, Dr. notices I am very anxious and says, you've been catheterized, right? I said no, start crying (I am so embarrassed, 39 yr. old woman crying in the doctor's office like a two-year-old) He then says, okay, let's give you 3 more days on the Bactrim and if you're still in pain then you have to get the cysto but we'll do it at the hostpital under twilight.
Here's the problem. I am even more afraid of anestesia - had twilight once for oral surgery and right beforehand I had a breakdown in the waiting room, crying, again. (Please don't laugh- ok you can laugh but don't make fun of me I know I am a big baby and a horrible patient)
I think if I can have some anti-anxiety meds beforehand, and if they give me lidocaine, I can relax enough to let them do the procedure. Give it to me straight - what's the pain level from 1-10, and how long does it last? Also I couldn't help but notice the instruments and they are angled at the tip!! How in the world do they insert that without it hurting?? Someone please answer I am losing sleep over the prospect of this exam :(
Called the urologist's office and they told me to come right in and that I would need to be catheterized. I was awake for that and it took them 3 tries with different sized catheters to get one in. To say the process was excruciating is an understatement, its been 3 days and I get the catheter out in 3 more days, hopefully.
I am not sure I can voluntarily go through that again without being put to sleep, it backs up my reasoning for wanting to be unconscious for the cysto itself.
what do we advice the patient is it bleeds heavy
after the procedure..
I understand that normally it bleeds but if it bleeds non stop?
I was talking to a guy who had been in before me and he said it wasn't too bad, but i guess everyones different.
Google is your friend here you can look up the more modern equipment online ask lot's of questions such as. What type of anesthetic are you planning on using? If your a younger patient 45 and under my urologist recommended putting the individual asleep for the procedure. He stated older individuals can generally get by with properly administered local anesthetic. But younger individuals had difficulty relaxing and damage could potentially be done so putting the individual under entirely if possible is the best option.
Currently tumor free with clear urine. :)
Anyways, I'm very sorry if I scared you, but my experience was absolutely terrible. I have a few recommendations which I think will make this procedure MUCH more bearable:
1) Make sure you trust your doctor, and that he has good bedside manner. If he takes 10 seconds to explain the procedure, and seems irritated when you ask a question about it, see another doctor. Also, they should give you papers or something which explains the procedure. Make sure you educate yourself on the procedure! Don't be naive like me.
2) Ask your doctor if he's using the right size scope. I have a feeling that mine didn't.
3) ASK FOR A SEDATIVE!! And have somebody drive you, so you don't have to drive yourself. My 20 minute drive home was terribly unpleasant.
4) If your pain was as bad as mine when you urinate afterwards (and for your sake I hope it isn't) - please remember that the initial shock is the worst. If you keep tightening up, well that's about the worst thing you can do.
It's been about 36 hours now, I can finally urinate with only a slight stinging sensation. Unfortunately it feels like every tube from my urethra to my bladder to my kidneys are incredibly irritated... but I'm just happy I can go to the bathroom now without keeling over afterwards.
Yesterday was one of the worst days of my life... please follow steps 1-4 above and I'm sure your procedure will go MUCH better than mine!
This is unbelievable. Peeing up tissue after the procedure! Please, oh please, if anybody knows something about this stuff, please respond to this. I'm in hell right now.
thankss Adnan
Firstly, the specialists experience when performing such a sensitive operation and secondly to put it bluntly, if your not very big downstairs then, assuming that the implement they use are all a standard size, then logically smaller men will suffer most.
Now I don't mind admitting when at a relaxed state I probably fall in to the later therefore the pain during and after my procedure can be best described as, someone going up my manhood with a chainsaw, seriously, I feel like ive done 10 rounds with Edward scissor hands naked. Nobody told me that you could even be put to sleep, the nurses need Oscars in acting skills as they made me feel like I was preparing for a date with Rihanna when all along they knew exactly was in store, got to hand it to them, they really had me fooled, comes to something when the group of trainee women lined up all turned away, talk about embarrassment, they didn't mention anything about an audience. If it weren't enough being exposed in front of group of female onlookers, they had me thread my pinky through a hole in a blue surgical blanket, talk about drawing attention to the vital area, it must have looked like a new shoot coming through at spring.
There was a tv screen on the side while I was lay down, how awfully considerate of them to provide me with a little light entertainment while they had a look round, I soon realised that the purpose of the tv was so that I could actuality witness the horrors that took place before me. "I'm just putting some solution around the area sir" the specialist said, he kindly showed me a long set of metal tongs with a towel hanging off it and went about bashing my parts about like he was in a casino playing a roulette wheel, It was at that very moment that I realised all was not I was led to believe previously by the nurses. All I could do was take a deep breath and hope for the best O MY GOD what's he doing, I let out a screech and clenched my bottom while a nurse pinned my head down on the pillow "just putting the numbing gel in sir, it will soon be over, there's no need to worry", ah ah ah OUCH what the..."we are nearly in the bladder sir take a look at the screen if you can". Looking at the screen wasn't at the fore front of my thoughts while I was what felt like being ripped apart with a chainsaw. Apart from the pain levels bursting it's barriers there was more embarrassment to follow, o yes, indeed I was uncontrollably wetting myself like a new born on a changing mat. "ok sir we are on our way out its nearly done", some one hit my head with a hammer I thought this is truly unbearable, no no AH AH AH. "There's no problems to report sir, nothing to worry about at all, your all clear", like that was supposed to be of some comfort at this particular time of being a victim of brutal torture. Nobody told me that going to the toilet would present exactly the same pain as the operation, apparently the feeling of barbed wire being dragged through your stomach is perfectly normal.
If you are reading this before your cystoscopy I apologise if I have alarmed you, for all the above is a load of nonsense, but it just goes to show how people can interoperate things differently, its inevitable the there is going to be pain when performing such an operation, whilst I admit it did test my boundaries, the whole thing was lets say, a manageable experience. Obliviously there's going to be some embarrassment along the way but over all, it really isn't as bad as the above post would have you believe. Go and get your op and put your mind at rest.
Lastly, the NHS in England often get bad press but I have to say that the service by the all staff involved was nothing less than commendable, they where ver (...)
So go in being realistic. Yes, it very well may hurt due to the nature of the procedure. My boyfriend had a flexible cystoscopy done under local recently which he says was very very painful. But just try and be prepared with meds and keep it in perspective. Assumably everyone is in pain due to the condition which they are being investigated for- I certainly am. What's a few days of possibly worse pain if you can get diagnosed and treated?
Be brave, be prepared, be realistic - not everyone has such bad experiences. But if you do, you're still one step nearer to being treated and maybe even pain free for the rest of your life.
Best of luck to you :-)
BUT, during wasn't much at all, similar to the discomfort of a pap. But afterwards for about 3 hours...owww it burned. and they flushed my bladder with an antibiotic i had to hold in for 30 minutes. Now it burns like hell when I pee. drinking alot of water helps , as it dilutes the urine. I never had any blood though. should that be coming soon? I did not have a biopsy.
also, the doc could tell that i did not have IC. how can they tell that??
My brother died of bladder cancer and I was having some alarming symptoms, so having this done to make sure I'm ok was worth the time, cost, and discomfort in my opinion.
Other than high blood pressure I am in good health and feel fine. A CT scan showed nothing -- but my family wanted to know for sure that I am fine, so I finally made an appointment with a urologist and he recommended a cystoscopy. I had to wait about 3 weeks before the procedure and it was a really long 3 weeks. I did a lot research and I think I've read the comments here on this site about 10 times.
The procedure took place early Friday morning. The male nurse put a numbing lubricant inside me and clamped it shut. This stung a little bit but it wasn't bad. Then the doctor came in with a flexible scope and began to look around. It was a tiny bit uncomfortable, but easily manageable. Fortunately, the monitor was turned so I could see it. Pretty interesting trip down my urethral canal!
Unfortunately, the trip was interrupted by a stricture, which looked like two smaller tunnels with cobwebs hanging in front of them. The urologist tried to navigate through the stricture six or seven times with no luck. The last few tries hurt a bit.
The doctor then told me that I had three options: allow him to use a tool to widen the stricture, schedule an "operation" to "fix" the problem, or just forget about it. (He said the blood in my urine could be caused by the stricture.) I didn't want to have to come back so I told him to try and widen it.
Not sure what tool he used, but it was some kind of rod. No camera attached. The rod may have been bigger because it hurt a bit more going in and it became quite uncomfortable when he was trying to widen the stricture. After several minutes we both felt a "pop" and he went back in with the camera. There was a lot of blood now, which made visibility difficult. After several more minutes of trying he told me that I would have come back in and go under general anesthesia. I was NOT happy about this. I thought he was about to give up when he suddenly said, "And there's your bladder!" He looked around and everything looked great!
Because of the blood they decided to put in a catheter and this was pretty painful, but over in a few seconds. Once it was in the stinging was pretty bad and I thought there was no way I'd be able to take that for 3 days. But after about 15 minutes or so it felt a lot better and I was able to drive myself home.
The catheter was a little uncomfortable at first, but only when I moved around. I've read horror stories about catheter removal and painful urination after, so I was pretty nervous this morning when I pulled it out.
After taking a couple of Percocet and one of those pills that dye your urine to reduce stinging, I cut the little tube that keeps the balloon inflated. My research told me that there are two ways to remove the catheter. One smooth tug, or slower. When I first pulled it was uncomfortable, so I stopped and the pain went away. Then I eased it out a little bit until I felt some pain and stopped. Kept this up until it was completely out and it didn't really hurt much at all. (I've heard it can be worse when the catheter has been in longer.)
Now my only big worry was would I be able urinate, and how bad would it hurt? I've been drinking lots of water all morning and about 20 minutes ago I felt the urge. To my great surprise it didn't hurt at all!
So that's my story. If it hadn't been for the stricture (they are supposedly rare) it wouldn't have been a terrible experience. Not even close to what I had been imagining, anyway. I hope my experiences are helpful to someone else about to go through this procedure!
Good luck, you have no reason to be nervous, the people looking after you are trained proffesionals.
Hermione xx
I had a cystoscopy under general anaestetic on Tuesday 13 December. Personally, the procedure didn't hurt. In fact, when I woke up I felt fine and actually wanted to go home right there and then! I was kept in hospital for the next 1.5 days. The day after I was able to walk to the bathroom and take a shower and on day 3 they took the catheter off and then I was able to pee normally.
There was a little stinging but I didn't think anything of it as some Ural will take the sting away as well as Yarrow tea (drink at least 3 cups a day).
Due to the lab having inconclusive results of my biopsy, I had to have a CT scan on day 3. For the next few days I slept a lot as I felt quite tired (Thursday), then on Friday I had to have an internal ultrasound (they found two cysts) but still no news about this abnornal cell inside me.
On the 23rd Deecember I felt uncomfortable 'down there' and went to the Chemist to get some thrush cream (it alleaviated all discomfort) however, I started bleeding. I phoned my specialist who asked me to pick up some antibiotics and do a urine test. It is day 6 of antibiotics (tomorrow is the last day) and I will have a little burning feeling when I pee.
TAKING CARE: After the cystoscopy I was told not to drive for about 4 days; Not to lift anything heaving and to Report any unusual bleeding.
Ask any questions that may concern you, read about books, natural medicines that may assist in healing post procedure.
Good Luck!
I just had a cysto/biopsy done on Thursday (general anesthesia)and haven't
had any problems. They told me I'might feel sick, and for me to eat only soup the first
2days... I had a chicken sandwich from Chic-fil-a right after surgery :) (I know I'm bad)
Only thing I hate is that I have to wear this catherter for 9days!
I also had a cysto on April 30th in the dr's office(they used a numbing gel)
And went to work right after... no problem.
Last year I had a cystoscopy in the Dr's office, BTW, he was higly recommended. Only received numbing gel and a local shot in the area for pain. I can't say it was painful, but it was REALLY almost unbearably uncomfortable, and I did not watch the TV screen. Had things called "fronds" in my bladder. Dr said they are not polyps or indicative of precancer. But because a FISH test indicated a propensity for bladder cancer, he wanted to do a biopsy even though the cystoscopy didn't reveal anything troubling. I said I would have to be knocked out for that. Had day surgery for the biopsy and all the fronds were cauterized off, a couple sent to pathology. No precancer or cancer evident. Went back for a 1 year follow up this week. Microscopic blood still present in urine. Dr wants to do another cystoscopy in office. I am devastated. Do not want to experience that again. But day surgery was no walk in the park, either. Was sick from anesthesia for 3 days, had to have a catheter in for 24 hours, and it hurt like hell for three days or more to pee once it was removed. That red pain pill that is supposed to help with pain while peeing had such negative side effects for me, I opted not to use it, but then I had to deal with HORRIBLE pain peeing for 3 days. I will probably go through with the cystoscopy in the office, but I am hoping something like mamography will be available for bladder issues. If a 3D image of breast tissue can be achieved by a technique that isn't invasive, why can't a similar technique be used for bladder tissue? I hope someone develops the technology soon, or if it is already out there, someone please tell me where. I guess I'd rather put up with the discomfort than terminal bladder cancer, but the screening and detection processes are similar to medieval torture and in the 21st century I wish less tortureous procedures were available. I stand in solidarity with each of you, so next time you have to go through this hell, know someone is with you in thought and sends you strength.
Today I finally got around to having a cystocopy. My pain threshold is pretty high, but I gotta tell ya, this was one of the most excruciating things I've ever experienced. Even the Lidocaine the technician inserted was painful. The probe thing that filled my bladder was so painful the doctor suggested we stop and do the camera thing some other day. I told him if he didn't do it now, I knew I would never come back. More Lidocaine, more pain, cold water, more pain and the insertion of the camera probe felt like he was sticking a razor blade through the urethra all the way to the bladder. I was pounding on the table, kicking my feet, yelling and practically in tears. I've never felt anything so painful. Had I known it would be this bad, I'd have prefered wearing friggin diapers for the rest of my life instead. I expected some discomfort (I understand that despite my experience, the vast majority of men having this procedure done experience only some discomfort; I only wish I was one of them.) I felt pain for a couple of hours afterward and as everyone else mentions, it has been painful urinating since, but it is getting better the more often I go.
The doctor told me the amount of pain I was feeling was "profoundly unsual," but of course couldn't or wouldn't tell me for sure why that was the case. He said he wanted to wait until tomorrow to provide his complete diagnosis. Of course now I'm worried it's something serious. Well to be honest, I'm more worried that I'll have to get this test done again. If I do, they are going to have to stick IV drips in both arms and pump me full of anesthesia before they come near Mr. Hose Monster again.
So apparently somethin's wrong up there which is why the procedure hurt so much. I know plenty of other guys who have had the same procedure and none of them felt anything more than a little pain and discomfort. If you're scared, I recommend taking a Xanax or two before you go, but it's probably going to be less painful than you think. Unless you have whateverthehell it is that I have wrong up there, then don't worry about it.
I am still peeing blood, I have pain also, I have a stent in my left kidney that will require removal in a few weeks. I guess every body is different with their situation. I hope the pain stops soon, I am taking 2 panadiene forte every 4 hours, it does help.I am also taking ural satchets for the burning, it is good. I was told I would get more stones in the future due to my lack of hydration as I have no large bowel or rectum which causes terrible loose stools.
The only benefit I can see is that if you are inflicted with more pain then it will take your mind of your initial sympton.
For those on this forum who did not feel any pain I salute you as you must be hung like a donkey whereas for me magnifier and tweezer are the order of the day.
I have been on various web sites to read about what the procedure involves and shoving a pencil size probe up your urethra will bring water to most peoples eyes, it does mine just thinking about it.
it's not happening this year.
Thursday into Friday, I'm in my 22nd hour since the surgery. I was put to sleep so the surgery itself was painless. The doctor used a rigid scope, I didn't have a say in the matter, he said he will use a flexible scope under local anesthetic in the 3 month follow up visit. I had a small superficial tumor remove from my bladder, the 1st 8 hours was very painful to pee, I yelped like a dog at the beginning of each pee, once the pee was flowing I was ok. The color in the first 3 hours was reddish but color is normal now except I usually pass a blood clot or tissue with most every pee I have visible bleeding at the finish of the pee, blood drops. I have to use my wife's incontinence pads because the bleeding soils my underwear, now I know what it's like to be on the rag. I just hope the bleeding stops soon, update to follow.
Felt like sliding down a sword right on your sensitive parts. Cysto`s and Catheters should be renamed `DEATH SWORDS`.
Didn`t have anything for the pain except some local gel at the start. Flex cysto was shockingly painful. Fulguration was just uncomfortable (being electrocuted on your insides doesnt feel good, but I was forcing myself to laugh through it (distracted the doctor even because I was laughing out loud going `YES BURN IT MORE BURN IT GOOD!`(lol)
Doctor was great but kept saying `relax, dont tense up youll make it hurt more`. For the record, when you have a tube inserted where a tube should not be inserted, you CANT RELAX.
Catheterization no.1 was ridiculously painful, the worst one. Doctor lady was in a rush and used only minimal gel, then proceeded to jam it in like she was stuffing a turkey. I will never forget her face, uncaring and robotic.
No.2 Was complete opposite, i didnt even know it was in and done, Nurse used alot of Urojet (lube+painkiller), she was a 25 year veteran nurse. Literally I was so tense I was hurting myself, expecting it to be the horrible pain from the first time, but she just said, relax, its done. I didnt believe it til I looked down to see. Was almost nearly painless. I was almost crying with relief. Morphine may have helped.
No.3 Was brutal, the UroJet is a MUST. Also ask for little packets of lube if you can and slather that all over the hose periodically throughout the day, it will take the edge off (everytime someone bumps the bed its like electrical fire in your privates, my god)
GUARD YOUR CATHETER TUBE like its your lifeline. Someone tripped over my catheter line and if I wasnt gripping it with a Deathgrip it would have been ripped out of me (with balloon inflated inside, no less)
Rigid cysto was done while completely knocked out, thank goodness. Was the best procedure, woke up instantly (from my perspective), without even 1 second passing. Scariest part was signing the pre-op forms where you have to write that you understand they can permanently perforate your bladder or damage your ureters or other such bad things.
Luckily the surgery seemed to go well :)
2 months later I`m out, but still have periodic twinges of pain from urinary sphincter. Not sure whats up with that.
PS. IRRIGATION IS THE ABSOLUTE WORST. (power-washing then suctioning your bladder vigorously thru tube. Its the worst thing EVER, even worse than catheterization and cystos. PRAY YOU DONT HAVE TO BE IRRIGATED.)
moral of the story: ASK FOR UROJET (not sure on spelling), Get packets of Lube from nurse. Be kind and sympathetic to your nurses and doctors, give them no reason to be brutal with you!
I am sure that some people experience some pain but that is a little price to pay if it's going to save some ones life.
I'm a 50 year old male who is happy to say he can still achieve an erection at the drop of a hat anytime anywhere if need be and even if need not be. Except now, after three torturous cystoscopies, I feel like Jack after he went up the hill with Jill and broke his crown. Now, when I get an erection, it hurts like hell and it hurts even worse when I ejaculate - as thought I'm ejaculating battery acid after my utrethra's been filleted by a sadistic master butcher. It literally hurts so bad the combination of pleasure and pain associated with orgasm almost knocks me out and leaves me feeling weak-kneed and depleted. Now I know what a sadomasochist feels - but I don't like it - not one bit.
I'm not sure what to do at this point. I went into the urologist for another issue and now I have this issue. My manhood's broken and I don't know if it will ever be fixed or healed. I know I don't trust this urologist to make it right, but now it's made me distrust all urologists and physicians. Are they just glorified barbarians who have more schooling? Aren't they suppose to heal rather than causing more harm?
I know this - I'm at wit's end and I have no recourse. I'm looking at the prospect of never enjoying sex again because a clueless urologist permanently damaged my penis. Let this be a word pf caution to anyone considering this procedure. Think long and hard before having it done, and I would suggest not doing it unless it's absolutely necessary - for example to have bladder tumors and growths removed.
If anyone else has had a similar experience please share it. I am six week now since the last cystoscopy and there's been little to no improvement with the erection and ejaculation issue resulting from it.
But today was different. The pain was so unbearable that I had to yell stop stop. and he just could not finish it.
Next time I am asking for a general anesthetic.
I did go to the bathroom and I felt nothing farther up inside but it stung a lot around the tip. I had to urinate twice within ten minutes before I left the hospital, then took my ride home. Before I left I took another Tylenol Ultra and Motrin about 30 minutes after the first two and another 500ml of bottled water (this is not consistent with the directions on these drugs but I didn't care). At home I drank lots of water, let's say 500ml every hour, right up until I went to bed. I also took the Tylenol Ultra and Motrin every four hours at maximum dose for each. As the local anasthetic wore off, there was definitely a burning sensation when urinating and urination became quite frequent (but then of course I was drinking water like a fish). So before I went to bed, I took some old Tyelenol 3 from a different procedure.I had to get up once during the night to urinate and this was the most painful urination so far, I did feel a bit of the "razor wire" effect from my bladder neck through to the penis head that many guys talk about. But it was with dulled blades if that analogy makes any sense, because of course I had been popping Tylenol Ultra and Motrin Extra Strength and drinking water like a fish all day and now was doped up on prescription strength Tylenol 3( Tylenol plus Codeine) too. Then I drank more water and went back to bed.
Next morning the pain was less than it was the previous night, and focused back around the inside of the head; there was no more deep interior discomfort at all. I now switched my drug regimen to Tylenol Extra Strength with Motrin every four hours because I didn't want to irritate the urethra with too much caffeine (Tyelenol Ultra contains caffeine). I kept drinking lots of water and kept urinating every hour or so, with pain steadily decreasing throughout the day to just a mild stinging around the tip by nighttime. I also took two concentrated cranberry pills with water, one in the morning and one in the evening. The next morning I woke up and took a Tylenol Extra Strength but no Motrin and a cranberry pill, and cut down on the water. I had only some mild stinging around the tip in the morning and so went to work. It is now after work and I have had no pain or discomfort of any kind while urinating today.
And yes, my package works fine and is not made of wood and rubber as some have suggested is the case for those who don't suffer eternal rather then brief pain from this procedure.
I would certainly advise general as local dosent sound all that nice. It may be more time consuming but it's certainly no way near as painful. Either way though I presume the razor blade pee for 24 hours or so is still the same, but it does get better honest. If it's still severely burning after a few days, go see your GP as the surgeon might have damaged ur urethra or there might be a minor infection
Hope that helps!
I realize that many people have bad and painful experiences with this, so I am not trying to minimize it, but please realize that there are also those of us that had absolutely no trouble with the procedure, so please don't worry too much! My worrying beforehand was definitely the worst part.
So I imagine these meds helped my pain and discomfort wise during and after the procedure.
Expect some soreness and to feel like you 'need to go' even when you don't or can't for a while, everyone is different so I'd always advise patients to call their healthcare provider when they feel something needs outside attention beyond what they feel they can deal with.
On arrival home trying to pass water was not happening even after 2 litres of fluids taken in 1 hour including the fluids used in the cystoscopy - I had an unused sealed in date, sterile catheter in the home that I could have put in by myself prescribed for an emergency situation if I went into retention, which was at one time random and common.
I was trained by Nurses on how to do this 9 years ago and it had saved me a lot of time and stress 2-3 times and also stopped my calling them out at 3am if I was ever in a situation where I simply would have had to wait hours and fill up so much I’d be very uncomfortable. Only ever do this if you have been taught how to though and feel well enough to do it. If I was running a high fever and required a catheter inserted I would never do it myself as fevers can affect concentration,judgement and fine hand movements.
It would not be impossible to get a nurse to come out but as I was discharged from in the home treatment ,it may have meant I could have required a hospital visit and the associated travel, waiting and having to tell 5 people the same thing over and over can be really difficult when very uncomfortable.
I was exhausted - possibly because of sedation and was looking to deal with the situation myself and call the hospital if I got in trouble.
I'd not had a catheter in situ for over a year and was determined to not go back to the frequent UTI's and on a few occasions dangerous associated fevers even when using the most aseptic techniques, this is a foreign body and bugs tend to gather on or in the exit holes of catheters - in my opinion they should be changed at least monthly, not 3 monthly in people like me.
Costs of devices often make local health teams perform bladder washouts where complete replacements would be more prudent in the interest of getting any bugs out of the body that were on the already installed indwelling catheter - rather than push any infection further upwards towards the kidneys with force from a washout.
So anyway I decided to wait it out pressing lightly on my bladder area, and trying to relax myself as much as possible In the area of the bladder, exercising the muscles inside that cause a stop and start passing water and- eventually 30 minutes later I passed water but did start to sweat, quite a lot, a little like when one has a uti.
I tested the water and it has no leucocytes or nitrates were in it but some protein and an acidic pH was apparent. This got weaker the more I drank and passed water.
Diagnosis at cystoscopy was urethral stenosis and the Surgeon mentioned I will need another op. The pain I was already experiencing he said is probably from scar tissue from the first op and did mention that it may not go away even after the next surgery.
My tolerance of pain may be heightened because of the amount of time I had been on internal devices in the past and obviously the meds used.
It’s now 5 hours on from leaving the Hospital and a 7/10 pain has a 3/10 - so I think an early night is in order.
Thank god I had an incredible nurse! She oddly had to whisper to me about the pain I was going to be in and the blood that will most likely follow. She said she understood because she went through something very similar even though the doctor claimed it wouldn't be painful. I was so confused as to why they didn't give me any anesthetic. Then I get my discharge sheet that says everything is normal even though the doctor told me I needed to see another Urologist (I'm in the middle of a move) to determine what to do about how small my urethra is claiming that may be the root issue of all of my urinary pain. He straight up said the urethra was not normal size, but the report says otherwise. The report also says I consented to things that I never consented or signed off to and that I was told about what would happen before and after when I was not. Now I'm home in terrible pain. Urinating feels nearly impossible but the urge is more frequent that I've ever experienced. Blood is coming out as well. I plan on calling tomorrow if still in excruciating pain and demanding for pain killers. I will NEVER do this again unless I'm under, and I sure as hell will never be seeing this doctor again.
I am a special case though where my urethra was too small for the scope. But the doctor was terrible and made poor decisions regarding my comfort.
Glad I did not read this before as I was already nervous. Had it done due to recent low urinary and BPH concerns. My doctor used the flexible type. After the initial pain relief on tip. He started
I took a small jolt. The worst part when he reached or passed by the prostate section. I was expecting pain but it was so fast of a pain that I actually yelled for a sec. I am not the kind to yell in doctors office c aught me by surprise.
Then he made it to blader and the worst seemed over. When he pulled out it was no pain like before.
Now every time I go to bathroom it hurts real bad
It's been 24 hours hope I start to improve soon.
Glad I did not read this before as I was already nervous. Had it done due to recent low urinary and BPH concerns. My doctor used the flexible type. After the initial pain relief on tip. He started
I took a small jolt. The worst part when he reached or passed by the prostate section. I was expecting pain but it was so fast of a pain that I actually yelled for a sec. I am not the kind to yell in doctors office c aught me by surprise.
Then he made it to blader and the worst seemed over. When he pulled out it was no pain like before.
Now every time I go to bathroom it hurts real bad
It's been 24 hours hope I start to improve soon.
I was at this point feeling queasy; he didn't spray water into the bladder for long (I hardly felt it) - maybe 60 seconds in the bladder - and then he removed it. This time I felt nothing - I think it had pushed anaesthetic into the upper part of the urethra around the prostate, and that had had time to work. On the way out, he pointed out spots on the inside of the urethra where it went through the prostate (indicating possible recent undiagnosed bacterial prostatitis). Getting off the couch, I felt still more dizzy and semi-fainted and was asked to lie on my back with my legs up on a chair; how embarrassing. A biscuit later, I had the first pee (they leave in you, the water they put in); painless. But in doing that, you are peeing out the precious anaesthetic; the end of my penis began to feel sore, and I realised that the next "first" pee, excluding that very first one, might be tricky. He had given me a 100 mg diclofenac suppository (painkiller) to put up the rectum an hour before, which I had, and I asked for more. You'll be fine, he said, but you can take ibuprofen if you like. 45 minutes later, I tried to pee at a public loo on the way home - too painful so after two attempts, each time only expelling a few drops, I gave up and got home just as fast as I could. Next time, at home, I read to first get in a shallow warm bath; then get out and pee in the loo. So I did. I found that if you can pee THROUGH the initial sharp pain, the pain is much less once you've got the flow going - although I still whimpered a little. In truth it was NOT unbearable. I was motivated by the thought that putting a catheter into such a bruised urethra would be bad indeed. I drunk plenty, as all sources say that the pain is because of the salty urine flowing past the bruised urethra tip, so diluting it helps. This worked - next time was less bad. Third time just strong stinging, but really not bad. Overnight, I had drunk less, and the pain level was therefore not less as the wee was less dilute - the reduction stopped (but it was quite OK). Next morning I drunk a lot, and by mid-day I was peeing weak pee without any pain. At no point did I pee any blood, not even pale pink; but in between pees, the first day, I leaked a little stuff (clear - and I don't think it was urine; it was something from my slightly outraged urethra, I expect). The only part of the urethra that ever hurt when peeing for me was right at the end (of the penis) - I think this is so for most men. If I needed one again, I'd do it - but get a lot of sleep the night before, and eat a biscuit or sweet tea right beforehand, to reduce the risk of fainting.
I am 26 year old female who has blood and protein in my urine and was to receive this procedure in order to rule out any bladder issues that may be the cause of this.
A few hours prior to the procedure I had a renal ultra sound to check over my kidneys.
Now 100% the waiting around, worrying, over analysing, torturing myself thinking it was going to be horrifically painful was certainly the worst part! The first thing I said once the surgeon was finished was is that it?! So this shows it was not anywhere near what I had build up for.
I had urine and blood checks prior to the procedure and also a consultation with nurse to go over any concerns I may have. Then asked to change into gown removing everything on my bottom half but I got to keep my top half of clothes on which to me, made me feel slightly more comfortable in some sort of my own clothing. Just before being taken into the surgical room one of the nurses who would be helping the doctor came to talk to me and take me round to the room.
Every one of the nurses doctors everything were so welcoming and really helped keep me calm. Spoke to me during the whole procedure which I will say amounted to around five mins!
Once in the room I was asked to lay on the bed, bend my knees bring my feet together and then just let my knees fall to the side very much the same position females have during cervical smear tests. Then large sheet with square hole was placed over the area one nurse wiped the area with antiseptic gel. Now all of this was explained step by step before they did anything to make clear to me what they where doing.
Then doctor injected local anaesthetic gel into my urethra with no needle just the syringe. Then immediately afterwards he inserted the scope.
This was very very uncomfortable. Not painful as such just uncomfortable. Once it was in the nurses spoke to me a bit to keep my mind off it but as u can imagine that was a hard task. The doctor filled my bladder up to enable the scope to check around my bladder. Again the turning of the scope was uncomfortable I could feel the movement. Then he said ok am going to take it out. Count to three. I did and it was over.
The sigh of relief that it was over so quickly was an amazing feeling. Straight away before I could even get up he told me everything looks normal and ur kidney test is normal so no follow up everything's as it should be. Thank goodness for that!
Before I was able to leave the hospital they had to make sure I could pass urine which I did. Mild discomfort at that point but no bleeding or stinging. And after having a consultation about aftercare I could go home.
Once home I experienced stinging and a bit of pain around two hours later and each time I went to the toilet. Also early this morning I woke with sudden huge urge to pee. During the toilet it was stinging and a bit painful just like having an urine infection.
One thing I felt had worked a little to help the pain is having a jug of warm water and pouring the water over my pubic area slowly as I urinate. The warmth and the fact I am concentrating on the water seems to be helping. I have got a cramp feeling this morning and as thought I need the toilet all time but this isn't hugely painful more uncomfortable. And hopefully should pass by later.
I have had no bleeding what so ever since having this procedure done yesterday!
Now this experience for me I understand will be totally different from others. But I wanted to share as for any young female around my age may have a fear of this and scared so ur not alone I did to. But the pain and discomfort is worth it knowing that you get ur results.
The only uncomfortable part was urinating other than that no complications
I'm glad I didn't read any of these post beforehand I would have been scared to death
I though they do not do that on those small of kidney stone but probably he does
I just hope the goes away for every and never comes back
I hope this work that way I can tell him how much better I feel and their no pain from the stone that it is all gone just hope I see the doctor after because that way I can tell him that pray that I can tell him that .
I had my camera up almost 2 weeks back and I didn't feel anything apart from a very very very tiny pinch now and then. The only thing that I had was that it burnt a slight bit after when I needed to go for a wee.
It was that pain free I wandered what all the panic was about.
Hope this helps :)
As the consultant remarked the procedure is easier if you haven't got a prostate!
Apart from very slight initial discomfort there was no problem at all and I was able to look at the screen and we discussed the images.
Slight burning sensation on urinating for a day or so. But nothing painful.
I do wonder whether the skill of the operator is the determining factor.
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The strange part was the water they put in your bladder to check if it fills properly then comes out when you stand up, so that was a bit messy.
The worst part was that the dr did not provide any after information so when I left I had to urinate and went to the bathroom in the building. I literally almost passed out from the pain and started sweating the burning was so bad. It literally felt like peeing glass and I've had many UTIs and kidney infections, which is why I needed the procedure. Worst pee of my life!
Anyway, that made me terrified to pee again, but it was significantly better after that, especially since I picked up AZO, which the doctor finally recommended. I had to go back to the office to ask if the pain was normal and was told yes and to pick that up.
I was planning on going to work after, but there is no way that was happening, so headed home and slept most of day. I think my body was in trauma from the shock since I had no idea that was going to happen this morning. Some pain tonight with some blood, but much better.
The only other part I wish someone told me is my urine is orange. I thought it was from the iodine used, but it's actually from the AZO, so that's normal too.
Overall, easy-ish experience for this 34yo female, no children. The worst part is that first pee afterward and it'll improve from there.
Now, the procedure itself: the more clinically and efficiently done, the better you will cope. By clinically and efficiently, I mean that the doctor and accompanying nurse cutting to the chase and getting down to it rather than dilly dallying by making small talk and calming your nerves. In my instance, I found the performing doctor to be refreshingly brusque with a touch of humour. The lidocaine gel stings as it is deposited in your urethra, but the sting is quick. What I found particularly helpful during the minutes long procedure was focusing on my deep breathing. The nurse and doctor also tried distracting me with chatter (which is when small talk does help!), which was useful for taking my mind off what was happening downstairs. And then it was over. Nothing unusual was found by the doctor.
The first few times I went to urinate was very painful, taking ten minutes at a time. Sharp stinging pain. Drinking copious amounts of water and taking paracetemol for the duration of the day helped immeasurably, so much so that by the fifth and sixth time going to urinate, the pain had nearly completely subsided. The next day, the pain with urinating had disappeared and normal daily activity could be resumed. I consider myself quite fortunate in that at no time did I experience blood when I urinated, something which is quite common I was told by the doctor.