Before diagnosis

hi. I am not medically trained so can’t give any specific medical advice. I think it is positive the ultrasound was clear. It is good they are keeping an eye on things and doing further investigative procedures to try and work out why your inflammatory markers are high. I know waiting for things like this seems so long. I think it is the best next step and will give them a clear view of the bladder to see if there is anything needing attention. While a large percentage of people are older, I was just 40 at diagnosis. However, please bear in mind there can be other things causing these symptoms which are not bladder cancer. This article might be helpful, talking about different diagnostic procedures. Wishing you well and hope you get some answers soon. Let us know how you get on. https://bladdercancer.net/diagnosis Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net

I am not a medical professional but know that there are many symptoms for cancer that may also be something else. Blood in the urine is the one that is mainly seen but that can also be another diagnosis. I think that what you are currently doing is an excellent start to find out what is going on. Trying to move up your appointment for the cystoscopy is something that I always recommend. I wish I had other suggestions but feel that you are currently doing all that you can. One thing I might suggest is tracking your symptoms so you are able to accurately tell the urologist what has been going on, when it started, any changes etc. I understand that not having the answers sooner is difficult but hope that you are able to have test sooner than 2 months out. Please keep us updated and know that we are always here for support and knowledge from our personal experiences. My best to you. Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)

Thank you for your welcoming & informative replies, & .


I have read about a test called a urine cytology. Do you know if this is something a GP usually orders or the urologist?

Hi everyone,


As promised, I am back with an update.
I underwent a flexible cystoscopy a few weeks ago. For those who haven’t had it done before and are anxious about it like I was, let me reassure you & say that it was not painful for me. Just some uncomfortable pressure & prodding.


I was able to watch the procedure on the screen & chat with the urologist while she performed the procedure. My husband was also in the room with us and got a good lock at the inside of my bladder.


Thankfully it all looked pretty normal and there was no obvious cause for the bleeding. The urologist said that 8-15% of people have unexplained microscopic amounts of blood in their urine which is benign and that I must just be one of those people. I’ve been discharged from her care, but advised to return if the blood becomes visible.


It still concerns me that I have this unexplained blood in my urine, but having checks of the kidneys and bladder has provided some reassurance. I plan on trying to get on with life, not worry about it too much, as I have a plan in place (i.e. monitor and return to specialist if it becomes visible). Should that happen I know there is an incredible group of people on this forum who I can reach out to who are kind, generous, knowledgeable & supportive.


Thank you so much to those who replied. I wish you all the best on your journeys and in your healing.