It's not the cystoscopy that bothers, it's the UTI'S
About eight years ago I had the tumor removed from the wall of my bladder, several BCG treatments and semi annual or yearly Cystoscopies. During the first few years I guess I got used to "being handled" and except for the cold numbing material and the very brief stinging when "the camera crew" enters, it's not a big deal comparing it to what, if any, life I might have had if it hadn't been found.
But there still is one complication I face. I don't remember it at first, but for years I have had a UTI in the week after. Burning feeling alerting me to go (4-6 times a night) and many times during the day. Then at its peak, burning during urination, accompanied by low grade fever, back aches in my kidney area and seeing tiny, red spots in my very cloudy urine that I expect are blood traces. They prescribe an antibiotic pill, but often after the 5 days run out, my discomfort is worse and I need a stronger medication. Eventually it clears up, but it removes at least a week of doing things I want to do while I still can.
@rb36 - as I have only had 1 cysto and never had BCG ( went right to RC/IC) I cannot comment on post cysto effects. I assume you discussed this with your doctor. In my opinion, I could see irritation following an invasive test but the infection regularly would suggest I press harder with my doctor as to why this is happening each time. I know that making sure that you are drinking plenty of water post cysto is important. Irritation may be normal but continued infections may need further and deeper investigation. I hope that you find some answers to this soon. My best. Linda ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
Linda, Being married to a retired RN I find she sings the same "Drink More Fluids" song. However I admit that I'm rather stubborn about my routine. I will do one thing: I have another Cystoscopy scheduled for six months and I WILL discuss it with my Doctor. Who, by the way, is one of the leading Bladder Cancer physicians in the world. We often discuss where he has traveled recently to provide training (China, Africa, Europe, eyc).
Linda,
You, and my retired RN wife sing that same fluids song. However, my stubborn, Irish bladder, and I, tend to follow our daily routine . I will commit to asking my doctor at my next Cystoscopy In six months. I have a great deal of respect for his expertise. My local Urologist found my tumor while removing a Bladder stone and declared I had Stage 3 so he referred me to the head of the Bladder Cancer department at a nearby University hospital. Just by meeting with me and looking at test data this Specialist declared that it wasn't that serious. Not long after he removed the tumor and declared me healthy (with the stipulation of routine Cystoscopies). This EXPERT travels the world teaching other Doctors about this Cancer. If he says "drink more fluids" I will!
sounds like you had a great medical team and there’s worth it’s weight in gold. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net @rb36 - well your doctor would certainly know what you need and it sounds like you are very pleased with him. Linda ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
Hi
, I wanted to let you know that we featured your question on our facebook page also and other's could 100% relate. If you'd like to see the responses you can copy and paste this link into your browser:
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Glad to hear you're down to 2x a year cystoscopies! Things are looking up. Sending you my best! -Jada (BladderCancer.net team member)
