Apprehensive about upcoming Dr. appt.
I am going in for a ??cystoscopy ?? next month ,I was told I would have a catheter inserted and the Dr. would look to see if my bladder is healed enough to start BCG.
I am feeling apprehensive about the catheter and camera .
Does it hurt ,how long will it be in , I had one in the hospital and during surgery,but I was knocked out so I wasn't aware of it until after surgery.
I came home with it and had it from Saturday until Tuesday and it was very uncomfortable. Anyone have experience with this procedure? Thanks for any replies in advance.
@zip316 - a cysto is usually done in office and does not take long at all. 10 minutes or so. They generally provide a numbing gel prior to inserting the equipment. I had minimal discomfort with mine. I think you will find that the majority of us have had at least one of these as it is used as to view the inside of your bladder for issues. I don't recall if I came home with a catheter or not as it was years ago. Try not to stress as it will be over before you know it. My best to you. Linda 9 Moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
Thanks that eases my mind some.
@zip316 - try not to stress about the test though I know that is much easier said than done. I honestly feel that the more relaxed we are going into these things the better. Just know that you will have some answers. My best. Linda ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
As a woman, I was petrified the first time I had a cystoscopy. However, I was pleasantly surprised that it did not hurt at all and I was mesmerized by the image of the inside of my bladder on a computer screen. As Linda said, they apply a numbing agent before inserting the equipment. You do not go home with a catheter and the procedure is short. In the past, I went home with a catheter, but that was after a TURBT in the operating room. Good luck with the cystoscopy. I hope they will not find anything for you to worry about. I have another cystoscopy next week, one of many that I have had in the doctor's office. I, too, will be starting BCG maintenance in a few weeks if all is well. 
thansk so much for sharing your positive experience and advice. So helpful for others. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net @laureldg3 - thank you for always sharing your positive experiences and results. It is always helpful for those with upcoming testing and procedures to hear that things may not be as bad as we imagine in our minds. My best. Linda ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
I have had BC for 2 1/2 years and have had at least 6 cystoscopies. With a numbing agent it is a bit uncomfortable but as a pt, you know it’s necessary. You will get through it!!!
