Flexible cystoscopy what to expect?

[Joneseygirl77]

I've got to go in for one of these shortly and I'm terrified! Has anyone had one? What should I expect?
It's under local and my urologist has told me it shouldn't take more than 5 mins.
Just wondering if I'll feel any discomfort afterwards?

[PinkDaffodil2]

They are uncomfortable but shouldn't hurt. You'll change into a hospital gown and hospital paper knickers I think, and the procedure will be done with you lying on your back. The doctor uses a tube with a light and camera on the end to have a look around the bladder. To make it less uncomfortable, they take some numbing lubricating jelly and syringe it up the urethra then leave it a minute or two before the camera follows.
The doctor doing them probably does dozens a week, and will spend most of the time looking at the video feed on a TV monitor. You can ask to watch if you want but not everyone wants to.
They can be uncomfortable, but women are generally fine - men can be more tricky.

[PinkDaffodil2]

Should have added I've never had one myself, but have seen loads as a junior doctor and done a few under supervision. Hope it goes well x

[Schoolchauffeur]

My Dad has had several of these and says the numbing gel does really work- it feels a little bit odd, but it's over very quickly- about 5 minutes. He's found it a bit stingy to wee afterwards for a day. He's a total wimp usually about anything medical, but even he didn't complain too much about it! Good luck!

[Joneseygirl77]

Thanks.

I've managed to cope with labour and smear tests but dreading this!

[Greenteandchives]

I have had one and it was honestly fine. Weeing was, as a pp has said, a bit stingy for a while, but only 24 hours or so. I found it interesting to see the inside of my bladder.

[Tanfastic]

I had one recently and was shitting a brick, I'm the biggest wimp when it comes to stuff like this but honestly....it was fine! It really wouldn't worry me to have one again.

I got into a hospital gown, had checks done bp, temperature etc and then went into a theatre with two nurses and a consultant. You basically lie on your back in the smear test position. They then insert a tiny camera into your urethra and have a look around. There was a big screen at the end of my bed so I couldn't miss what was happening. It was quite interesting actually.

I was told I was going to have a local but all they did was put lubricant on the end of the camera, no numbing gel. I actually asked at the end if they used numbing gel but they said it wasn't so don't be surprised if you don't get it. It did sting for a few seconds until the camera was in but that was it. I wouldn't say it hurt, just made me draw in my breath briefly.

You get the results instantly too. Good luck op!

[Tanfastic]

I didn't find it stingy afterwards really, maybe the first wee slightly but nothing after that.

[Joneseygirl77]

Thanks all.

I had it done today and you were all spot on with your advice. It was uncomfortable and made me have a sharp intake of breath but was over in 2 mins. All clear as well which is the main thing!

Definitely got the stinging when weeing though but have drunk loads of water so hoping that will have gone by tomorrow. Did bring back the horrid memories of having a catheter post giving birth!

[Tanfastic]

Glad it went well op

[LydiaH123]

Got the cystoscopy tomorrow very scared please help