Painful Scope
Changed Doctors about one year ago because Doctor retired, never had a problem with the 6 month scope to look into the bladder but at the new doctor's office the first time was very uncomfortable and the next one was almost unbearable, After looking at the new Doctors equipment nothing look the same, has anyone experienced this and what did you do as far as changes switching Doctors, etc., I I said before I have had at least 20 scopes with little pain prior to this Doctor--Please help I am dreading my next checkup in 3 months-he did mention I could get it done at the hospital but I have never had to do this, always a little discomfort but nothing like this Doctor's office and equipment.
@bill6047 - I wish that you were not having painful testing. It is common for a numbing gel to be applied to the tube insertion area. Was that done with your prior doctor and is not being done now or is the pain during the actual procedure? I hope that you have discussed with this your doctor to hopefully ensure that future testing is not painful. Keep us posted on how things are doing. Wishing you the best Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
@CommunityMember43fb35 - Great news that you found a caring doctor who was able make sure that your tests are not uncomfortable. I feel personally that having painful or uncomfortable tests or procedures in any area of the body can easily become a reason for patients to discontinue necessary tests and treatments which have adverse effects. I am happy that you were able to get a referral and have been doing well with it. Congrats on making a necessary change for your health. My best and thank you for sharing. Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
Glad to hear you have found a more suitable and caring doctor. How are things going this week? Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net
Hi. I only had one scope at the start of my journey, other methods for testing was used post my surgery as mine was quite a complex case. I think experiences can vary but they should be able to carry out testing, while managing pain. Here is the experience of some others. https://bladdercancer.net/living/community-feedback-cystoscopy-experience perhaps others can chime in here about any changes they have noticed if they changed doctor recently. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net @bill6047 How are you doing today? I hope that prior to your next cystoscopy you have some of the gel provided and possibly other options to reduce the pain you have experienced with your prior scope. I often wonder if others who have had painful or uncomfortable experiences such as yours choose not to continue with important testing in the future. I assume that some may take that route which would be detrimental for them. Please keep us updated on how you are doing. Making sure that your providers know of your painful experience should make them aware to ensure that it does not happen that way again if at all possible. My best to you. Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
I had at least 3 or 4 scopes last year, two of them for stent removals. I noticed it made a huge difference when they waited several minutes after the numbing gel was applied to insert the tube, virtually only slight discomfort and no pain. you are doing amazing so soon after such a short time. Wishing you a continued good recovery. Step by step. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net
so sorry for the painful scopes you've been enduring! Would it be at all possible to reach out to the former doctor or their associates, to inquire what scope equipment they used? If you explain your experience, I'm sure they would try to give you as much information they are legally able, to inform your new medical Team. I hope this is some help and that you get some relief quickly! How are you doing otherwise? Sending my best, Charles (Moderator / BladderCancer.net)
