Anyone had a cystoscopy? (Camera in bladder)

[Isometimeswonder]

I have to have a cystoscopy and I'm terrified.
Of the procedure and the results.
Symptoms are frequent urination and miniscule blood in urine.
No infection.

I think I had one over 30 years ago along with a bladder biopsy. It wasn't particularly bad in terms of the procedure. I had a general and when I woke up I felt a bit sore and like I needed to urinate even though my bladder was empty. They were looking for interstitial cystitis in my case but didn't find it.

I have had it. It wasn't that bad.

You could have interstitial cystitis. If nothing shows up on the scan, they will probably suggest that is it. If so, shoot me a message and I'll give you tips on handling cystitis. I have had it since I was a child. It can be managed.

I have had two and found them both okay. Think cervical smears are worse tbh so if you have had a smear before, I think you’ll be fine. Just take big deep breaths.

@Trytobekinder it's local anaesthetic... !

@XChrome thank you, that's very kind. It's in a few weeks.
@space99 yes, I have had smear tests before.

I am late 40s.

I was to and fro from the doctors for 4 years with cystitis type symptoms but no infection and later blood in my urine. Was fobbed off over and over - it's your age they said (I am much older than you), the blood's coming from your womb they said (I said it wasn't but was dismissed). I was never offered a cystoscopy - I would have jumped at it.

Eventually there was so much blood it couldn't be dismissed - I eventually had that cystoscopy. Bladder cancer - so advanced I had to have my bladder removed. Same thing happened to the other lady on my ward, she'd been fobbed off too - except hers had spread to her womb. It's generally later diagnosed in women than men... Hmmm...

The cystoscopy is not pleasant or painful, uncomfortable for a couple of days, but not scary.

Go for it. 99% it will put your mind at rest. 1% - if it's cancer and caught early the survival rate is very good.

I had a cystoscopy about five years ago and I really don't remember it as being painful at all. I think they may have applied some local anaesthetic, but I don't remember them doing so. I drove myself to the hospital and then home again immediately afterwards and didn't need to rest or do anything different at all. I think I was told when they carried out the procedure that my bladder was severely trabeculated which was causing me to wee more frequently. I agree with a previous poster that it was less uncomfortable than a smear test.

I had one with local was painful but bearable for getting investigated

Had one under general and got another under general next month

Yes I’ve had several. I have interstitial cystitis as a result of an auto immune disease.

Theres a mild bit of discomfort when they go round the bend (they will let you know when this is going to happen), but it’s not bad at all. I usually chat away to the nurses while it’s happening.

I went in with my mum when she had one (didn't watch, obviously) as she was terrified, but she said it was fine. The person doing the procedure said it was one of the very few procedures which was significantly worse for men....

I was terrified before mine and held the nurse's hand very tightly as the scope went in, but honestly it wasn't too bad.
I actually quite liked looking at the inside of my bladder on the screen, fascinating....
They did put in quite a lot of water and I was sent home in disposable pants and a huge thick pad, with the warning that the volume and the local anaesthetic might cause me to lose control, but this was not to be.
I think I'd rather do that again than have my boobs squished in the screening machine.

Yeah I've had one. I hate smear tests and find them really painful so I was nervous, it was totally fine and I couldn't believe it when she said it was done!

Thank you everyone who has responded so far. Going someway to reassure me!

@Exx I'm sorry you had to go through all that. I hope you are as well as you can be now.

Yes, I had one in my mid 20s.

I had been to the doctors about the constant urge to pee, even when only very small amounts. Bladder just constantly felt irritated. I suspected interstitial cystitis, or something along those lines.

Mine was done under general anaesthetic and the procedure itself was fine. However upon waking up was just told "couldn't see anything" and that was that.

I can remember crying with frustration as I was constantly in discomfort.

Years down the line, I've just lived with it.

I don't know what causes it.

I can remember a GP suggesting it was a psychological issue, rather than physical. I didn't even consider that at the time, as the physical discomfort was very intense. However there is no denying that it does get worse when I am stressed.

However, it did start around the time I became sexually active, at 18. Prior to that, I would pee around twice a day (!) with no issues. So I suspect some kind of infection.

I just don't know.

I have found a really low acid diet really helpful for flareups. I just have loads of water and brand miky drinks and avoid fruit, tomatoes, coffee, wine for a few days. I take antacids too. The vast majority of the time I'm utterly fine with an unrestricted diet.. This was a life changing discovery for me. I also discovered that the low dose antibiotics I was taking for adult acne caused flare ups and I had roacutane treatment instead.

I had one about 15 years ago. I was so nervous! I didn't really feel the procedure itself. They put some kind of numbing gel on.

It was a bit sore afterwards, like having a UTI but a hot water bottle really helped. Could you take one with you? And a flask of hot water? After that, nurofen for a day and I was fine.

Good luck, I'm sure the worry will be way worse than the procedure!!

I had one a few years ago for the same reason as you. It was fine. They apply a bit of lube and insert the camera (slightly uncomfortable) and once it's in they just have a good loom around. I got a guided tour of my bladder 😂.

I found it about as unpleasant as a smear but wouldn't worry about having one again.

I also wouldn't worry about the results. It's very unlikely it will be anything sinister op.

Honestly. The trick is to breathe when going in. On the way out it just feels like you're peeing yourself. Not painful just uncomfortable

I had one last year, honestly no problem at all, gel applied and that stung a bit but that was it, didn't feel the camera go in at all.
Hope all goes well for you OP

I had one and it did sting going in and coming out but they were super quick and nothing was found of concern.

Sorry for jumping on this thread. Found it in the search. I have had invisible blood in my urine for the last few weeks and they are referring me for a kidney scan. I've always had a trace of blood but this is a bit more so they are checking. I've been on antibiotics and its not showing signs of infection or anything else. Problem is, I have health anxiety so I've immediately gone down the route of cancer. Any advice welcome thanks.

Yep, the weekend before Xmas 2 years ago, they camera insertion wasn’t too bad, it was a bit sore for a couple of days once the local anaesthesia wore off, so have some ibuprofen or paracetamol just in case. The procedure was very quick and they told me straight away that there was nothing sinister. And some patients kidneys leak a few blood cells. Try not to worry, it’s quite straightforward.

Thank you to everyone who replied.
Had the cystoscopy today... was so much easier than I built it up in my mind.
It was a little uncomfortable but not painful. Stings a bit when I wee now.
Good news, nothing seen on screen, just have to have ultrasound.
@Choccymumma please don't panic, get checked. There are many things that it can be, don't assume cancer.

Hurray! Glad it went well.