Cystoscopy coming up

Hi, I've had this procedure several times and it's really not too bad at all. Bit embarrassing of course but they are very respectful usually. They squirt a bit of numbing stuff in first so there's no pain when the camera goes in. It's usually over in about 5 minutes and if you want you can see it on the screen. Is it coming up soon or are you having to wait a while?

I had my third a few weeks ago. I was lucky because a urologist did it, not a specialist nurse. Not painful at all. Drink lots of water afterwards.
Good luck.

Please don't be scared Sallywally1, it doesn't hurt at all. I have had two at different hospitals and both where completely painless, and you are given paper pants to wear for the procedure.

No dont be scared, i found it painless,and found it fascinateing watching the procedure on a screen
And pointed out what had been my problem for months(interstitual cystitus) i could see infection like looking at a rash of tiny pebbles on the wall of my bladder.
I had a nurse sit next to me.
Only thing that surprised me i had some numbing cream and the camera was in with no warning, i think that was the best way didnt give me a chance to tense up.
Good luck.

As others have said - don't be scared, it will all be fine, painless and over in a flash

Thanks. It’s in two weeks. I think I’m a bit scared because the hospital advised me to take some painkillers half an hour before the procedure! I agree these things are often interesting to watch on the screen.

I've had several. Occasionally slight stinging afterwards so you might be glad of the painkillers. You might also need to rush to the loo immediately afterwards. The staff are always very considerate. I did see the image on screen the first couple of times but since then have preferred not to.

Sallywally - I haven’t had one, so no advice, but its comforting to read the opinions of others.
Good luck !

Sally I had one recently and it was a doddle, painless. The staff were amazing, kind, urologist was gentle.

I didn't look at the screen, but he talked me through it having asked me first. He ended by saying "Your bladder is unremarkable" 😆

It's always a good idea to take painkillers before any procedure.
Its awful being really scared though.
There is lots of support on here if you want to post right up until the last minute.

People here have really lifted me up when I've needed it.

Even though I have a very small urethra tube (urologist says) it was not painful for me at all. Had this procedure quite a few times, never was even uncomfortable! Just relax and you won't even feel it!

I have had so many of these I have lost count, over a dozen for sure as I have a recurrent bladder cancer. It doesn't hurt, never needed painkillers but do be warned they do put water in the bladder to enhance the view and so you will need a wee afterwards, or leak! I think it might be uncomfortable if you were male. I find watching this on the screen utterly fascinating. It may seem a bit embarassing but to be honest it is over very quickly.

Aah no need to be scared Sallywally - I've had three cystoscopys over the years and have never felt any pain or discomfort. I too found it fascinating seeing inside my bladder (weird I know!) but as others are saying, the staff are so lovely and very good and understanding if you are nervous. They usually distract you by chatting or making you laugh, and before you know it, it's all over. Good luck 🥰

Northernsoulnanna

No dont be scared, i found it painless,and found it fascinateing watching the procedure on a screen
And pointed out what had been my problem for months(interstitual cystitus) i could see infection like looking at a rash of tiny pebbles on the wall of my bladder.
I had a nurse sit next to me.
Only thing that surprised me i had some numbing cream and the camera was in with no warning, i think that was the best way didnt give me a chance to tense up.
Good luck.

I have taken to always asking staff to 'just do' injections etc. with no warning.

The camera pointed at my eye clicked a countdown to the flash. I found it impossible not to blink. Apparently no way to turn the click off!

The fact that nobody has come up with a painfull experience says a lot. Take heart from that.
I've had several, with the first one I took the painkillers and after that I didn't bother. There was no difference.

I meant to say that none of the cystoscopies i had, here and abroad, were painful

My hubby has one every 3 months ( bladder cancer) the only issue he has is that his bladder is a bit incontinent for a few days after . God bless Tena pants!

Hi Sallywally,
I’ve had a few cystoscopies and the best thing I can say is that I’d have no concerns if/when I have to have another. No one has ever suggested taking painkillers beforehand, but if you have no problem taking them, why not? You might feel some stinging the first time you wee afterwards, but that should settle quite quickly. I hope things go well for you.
All the very best!

Roswell Why the snarky comment about "not a specialist Nurse" Absolutely no need for it! I'd rather have a specialist nurse who has probably done 15 to 20 each clinic for years than a Dr. who hasn't done very many! How do I know these numbers cos I was that specialist nurse!