Any positive experiences? Cystoscopy and urethral dilation

[stirling]

Hello,

In a huge dilemma here and really would appreciate some advice. I've been waiting for a referral to urology for 3 years - (nightmare back and forth and arguing with doctors) for what started as slow flow of urine and very frequent trips to the loo including several times at night. There were also burning /awareness of bladder, not quite the full stinging you get with UTI and no bacteria ever found. (12 years ago I suffered with recurring bouts of cystitis)

The strange thing is that at times, over the last 3 years, symptoms would dissappear for a bit.

Over the weekend I ended up at UCH hospital because my bladder was barely emptying - just a drop, and I was in pain. They told me I'd be referred for MRI and urodynamics testing but could take a couple of months.

Meanwhile my appointment for urology finally came through at local hospital - he said we need to book you in straight away for cystoscopy and urethral dilation. Under GA. (not happy about that) and gave me a surgery date for 3 weeks time. I barely had a chance to ask a question.

I'm not sure whether to wait (a long time?) for UCH's less invasive approach of investigating first... Or just be grateful something is finally happening and bite the bullet + have the procedure at the local hospital.Also need to get off the system of 2 hospitals and decide.

Trouble is I read so many scare stories of cystoscopys and urethral dilations gone wrong on the bladder health forums last night....feel very uncertain.

Any advice appreciated. Thanks

no worries! How did the appointment go?

Sorry for the late reply Stealingyourwifi - it went very well. I mentioned it and he agreed! I'll be having it (the cystoscopy and urethral dilation) under local anaesthetic. With a flexible scope.

He did say that he won't be able to get as good a result - ie stretch as much as if under GA. Something about, if I'm a size 16 (!) I can only go up to an 18...
So I'm slightly tempted to say, oh just go for it under GA, let's get it over in one go...- but think I'll stick to my decision for now. Less likely to be injured. I made the grave mistake of Googling flexi as opposed to rigid cystoscopy - the image of the rigid device was scary.

Thanks again

Brilliant! Good for you, hope all goes well.

Had urine retention for years swollen ankles I simply put it down to diabetes and ageing .my diabetic nurse was always on my case regarding healthy eating ,I tried in vain to explain how healthy I ate but she was very dismissive as my blood glucose was always raised .
I was sent to see a gynaecologist for pelvic floor prolapse, he noticed a problem with my urinalysis. I was transferred to a urologist who ordered scans and urodymanic testing . I was soon diagnosed with a stricture plus my urine tested positive for sugar leukocytes and blood. I was soon in the operating theatre having ridged cystoscope.
Scan showed my right kidney was enlarged and contained urine so things happened quickly.
I had a general anesthetic therefore I was unaware of the procedure. I was sore for a couple of days paracetamol taken at every 4hours (do not exceed taking more than 8 in 24 hours ) this kept the edge off any discomfort
My diabetes is now controlled due to me emptying my bladder my weight no longer fluctuates plus no more swollen ankles .
I was anxious about the cystoscope as I read all the horror stories on websites .
Moral of my story is listening to the right consultants and excepting their professional advise and follow all investigations . I was dealt with reassurance and professionally , they also saved me from kidney disease and renal failure.
So glad I went ahead with all the investigations it saved my life

Hi
I am due to have an operation which is a urethral dilatation and cystoscopy on 31st May. any idea how long I would be off work. Also how long before I can drive. Don't know how to get this info

Hi Tomlolajoe1,
I had a cystoscopy this morning and have been told that I need to return for dilatation under general anaesthetic. They found diverticula and scarring, so are going to need to stretch the neck of the bladder to stop the pressure which causes the diverticula (and my kidney pain). I was wondering if you could let me know how your experience goes on 31st? I can't find the recovery time anywhere either! I need to know how much time I will need off work. I currently have mild pain in my urethra from the cystoscopy and have the feeling that I need to wee all the time... I hope it will feel better by tomorrow!

Hi, what was the diagnosis and treatment, did you fully recover? Thanks.

Hello , I really regret having it done
Barbaric procedure , cystoscope was forced in. Permanent scarring to my urethra. Ic diagnosis which doesn't really tell you anything.
In the end all I needed was systemic hrt and a fantastic antihistamine called Hydroxyzine to manage flares.

Hi, how long do you need to use the hydroxyzine and hrt therapy for? I am assuming these treatments provide temporary relief rather than full recovery, is that right?
Thanks.

Yes that's right. Hrt took several months.