Repeated microscopic blood in urine, worried about potential cystoscopy

[RealLifeClanger]

Gp has referred me to urology due to repeated microscopic blood in urine. I've been waiting quite some time so she's now done a 2 week referral to see if we get anywhere with that but she said it may get rejected due to my age.

With microscopic blood, is the standard procedure to do a cystoscopy? I'm absolutely terrified of having one due to having many difficult uti's with unusual bacteria. I have lichen sclerosus as well so the urethra is very small due to fusion. I'm so scared about getting a infection afterwards. Are there any alternatives to a cystoscopy that could provide some idea as to what is going on?

I recently had a cystoscopy for the same reasons. I was a bit nervous about it because I’d read so many horror stories but it was honestly fine. They used some numbing gel which they allowed to work for a minute or two before they inserted it. I didn’t feel anything at all. The urologist showed me everything inside my bladder and explained it all. It was done and dusted in about 3 minutes.

They tell you to drink plenty of water afterwards.

@TheFairyCaravan were you in pain afterwards? I imagine it must be very sore after the procedure.

Cystoscopy was absolutely fine for me and you get a tour of your bladder on screen too! I was scared too but it was a walk in the park. Yes you’ll probably be a little sore afterwards but nothing to worry about.

@RealLifeClanger no I wasn’t in any pain at all. The first wee was a little bit stingy but apart from that it was fine

Try not to worry too much. I had the same as you about 8 years ago and I had a cystoscopy and was found to have some inflammation on the bladder lining. Basically Interstitial Cystitis or also known as painful bladder syndrome.

Thanks all, I have an outpatient appointment next week so will see what they say then as well. I can't even have sex anymore because of all my issues so putting a camera up there is not really something I want to do.

I contracted an antibiotic resistant uti from a catheter once as well so I'm really hesitant with regards to anything going up there at all.

I had the same thing for the same reason. It was fine, not painful apart from slight soreness. I'd drink plenty afterwards and maybe wear a panty liner in case you leak a bit.

I had mine done under general anaesthetic, might be an option if you're worried (and have someone to babysit you for 24 hours afterwards!). First wee a stung a bit but otherwise fine.