Cystoscopy Fri am SCARED Help!!

[Tami1975]

Hello All! I am a wreck right now! I went into the new doctor two weeks ago. I have had the Ct Scan and Pelvic Ultrasound already done. He also did a scan while I was in the office. According to him I have IC. He started me on all the medications and has me scheduled to return for a (in office Cyst), this FRiday. I am a wreck over it. All of this has been to much on me. He does not take my insurance, so I am paying cash also. I told my regular doctor that I have been under so much and my pain is so intense, that the thought of this procedure is overwhelming. She suggested that I tell him to give me a sedative prior, so that I don't tense and I can relax. I called there and they said that he is not going to do that. They said they will use numbing gel. Well that is not going to get me to make me not tense. I don't know what to do?? I know I need the procedure to make sure nothing else is going on as well as the IC, but the emotional and physical pain I am already in is too much some days. So any advice would be great. I cannot afford Cysto/ w/ Hydro--no way. Please help!! I just don't know what to do?

[petrie86]

Tami,
I took my pain medication before the test so Iwould be in alot of pain after. The test made me very nervous too but you got to look at it this way. In the end this test will help you and finally diagnose you with IC. (if you have it) It's a good thing to have this test done. Just keep your chin up and try not to worry so much about it. Worrying might make you flare from being so stressed out. Go take a bath and try to relax and get your mind of it. We are all here for you if you need to vent or be calmed down. Good luck sweetheart!!! Lots of huggs!!

Rach

[GriffsMommy]

Tami,
I am so sorry to hear that you are in so much pain and so nervous about the cysto. I had one done in Feb I think. I am not going to lie, it was uncomfortable but I did okay and I was scared to death. First of all they do use numbing gel which does help with the discomfort. The one thing the nurse told me to do was to make sure I was breathing OUT when he put the scope in, she told me when it was going to go in. She had me do this because it is not possible for your muscles to tense up if you are breathing out. This really did help a lot, much better than the first one I had a couple of years ago. If I told the dr that I was uncomfortable then he did whatever he could to ease it and finish quickly.
The other advise that I can give you is if you work, you may want to take the day off, I was really sore and had a lot of burning afterwards so I was glad I did. And once you get home start drinking LOTS of water, that is the only way to help the burning stop fast, it totally worked for me. Good luck!

[patricia1]

Being scared is normal and I think everyone has been there. I hate those things. Most doctors (uros) dont prescibe anything for pain or to help with the tension during the in office cysto. I was given a small script for antibotic afterwards but nothing else. The thing that hurt the most for me was the first time going to the bathroom afterwards.

Maybe since your regular doctor said maybe they could give you something to help you relax, maybe you can call her back and tell they said no and ask if she could help you.

Hugs to you and I hope all goes well.

[cia]

Is it too late to get your regular doc to prescribe you some Valium or something in the morning, just to keep you calm. I know if I have an MRI or something that she knows will make my claustrophobia kick in she has me well prepared. I hate it when Drs don't realize how nervous we are about these procedures and the possibility of pain. There is really so much more that they could do to help.

[icnmgrjill]

I've had two cysto's in the office and, compared to the more intense hydrodistention, these were a breeze. It's basically just a quick looky loo using a cystoscope... gives the doc a chance to view your bladder.

I agree with the previous suggestions. Lidocaine jelly makes it more comfortable. Breathing out! Afterwards, I went and soaked in a warm bath that had some baking soda in it for some soothing effects.

I've found that I do better if I drink a glass of water afterwards so that when it's time to urinate the first time, I have a good volume so that I can just bite my lip and let it go in a solid stream. Dribbling urine out seems to make the urethral burning last a tad longer IMHO. But, after a few voids, that should improve dramatically!

Good luck!

Jill

[jen74]

I insisted on being sedated for my last cystoscopy. The first in office one I had was just to painful. Not all uro's do this test awake, especailly with IC patients because it is too painful. Yet there are some that do just fine with it. You may be one of those who have no poblem.
Try not to worry yourself sick over it. If you have any ativan or anything at home, you could take one before you go. Or ask your regular doc to prescribe you something to help you relax before the test.
Good Luck and Big hugs to you.
Jen

[ICNDonna]

I find that if I concentrate on breathing slowly and evenly and relaxing as much as I can, it's much easier --- uncomfortable, but not horrible, and it only lasts a very few minutes.

Donna

[humpieumpumkin]

It all depends on who does the procedure. My first uro was not gentle and didn't wait for the lidocane to kick it, so yes it was painful, although quite breif. My second uro who I love did it, but waited for the lidocane to kick in. I felt the pressure of the scope entering and exiting, but not a twinge of pain. He numbed my urethra all the way up, so it didn't even pinch when it went past the bladder neck! :woohoo: I have a whole new out look now on those. The office cysto hurt less than being cathed! Dont worry about it you will do fine!

Erika

[Tami1975]

Regular Dr Said "NO WAY"

Well after a worried and wreck week, my regular doctor called me late yesterday afternoon nad made me cancel the appt. She said that, if he said he was not going to make feel at ease, that there was no way possible that I can do it. She agreed to find me another doctor who is more understanding and is willing to do pre-pain management. This doctor told me that he does not believe in "masking the pain!!" , so I have enough meds, "thank you GOD!!" , so she is finding me a new DR, AGAIN-- , but when I do this it will be done right and by a compasionate DOCTOR-- Thanx all , your support gave me this decision to stand up for me- that meant the world Tami

[Sarojini]

That's great that you have such a good relationship with your regular doc! That is going to make things a lot easier as you go down Diagnosis Road -- with her on your side, it sounds like this road won't have so many bumps on it!