topic Re: Cystoscopy in Wellness

Cystoscopy

hick — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 11:59:02 GMT

I have been dealing with chronic UTIs for the past year. Clears up with antibiotics and a week or so after completion of the meds, the UTI is back.

Urologist suggests a cystoscopy.

I've heard and read that it's not a pleasant experience.

If you have gone thru this procedure, I'd be interested in your experience.

Thanks

Re: Cystoscopy

m0rgan — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 12:56:16 GMT

I had this years ago. It wasn't bad. If you are a woman it's kind of like going to the gynecologist. I had some suspecious spots so he did biopsy and that was uncomfortable but not terrible. I wouldn't hesitate to have it done again if necessary.

Re: Cystoscopy

CalminHeart — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:02:58 GMT

Are you seeing a urologist? Has a scan been done to see if there is a cyst, kidney stone, or something causing these infections? If not, I'd want it first. There are a million reasons UIs can occur so often.

My personal experience and not to scare you - I had UIs every 3-4 months for most of my teen years. Finally, I went to a urologist and tests showed 1/2 of one kidney was not functioning. That half was removed when I was 19. I haven't had another UI in 52 years.

Re: Cystoscopy

kitty60 — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 14:34:44 GMT

Had it several years ago. I would say slightly uncomforable but didn't really take long. I honestly feel that UTI's often reoccur because they didn't totally clear up. I had a dr. who has since retired who said you needed another test done after completing antibiotics to be sure it has cleared. No one does that.

Re: Cystoscopy

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:34:58 GMT

I'd ask for a CT Scan or MRI first. I don't say this to scare you but I had a UTI around Thanksgiving 2023, followed by another January 1, 2024. I hadn't had one for MANY YEARS prior. The second one landed me in the ER that night because I just couldn't stand it. One thing led to another and the ER doc suggested a CT Scan. I believe she got a shoulder tap from God because CT's aren't the typical protocol for a UTI. The CT Scan revealed a large tumor on my kidney. I would have never known it was there otherwise. I had the kidney removed and pathology confirmed it was cancerous.

Re: Cystoscopy

vcdrt — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:53:54 GMT

I don't know your age, but thought I would share my experience with chronic UTI's in case you might be menopausal. Mine were caused by menopause. Decrease in hormone production that occurs during menopause was the culprit leading to chronic UTI's in my case. I was put on prescription estradiol over a year ago and haven't had any more. My sister also had the same experience. I found out it's more common than I thought in menopause.

Best wishes to you and I hope you get some answers soon.

Re: Cystoscopy

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:58:31 GMT

One more thing...

I take D-Mannose to prevent anymore UTI's, just in case. I cleared it with my Urologist.

Re: Cystoscopy

AuntG — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:03:38 GMT

Yes, just once. It didn't take long and was mildly uncomfortable. I'm embarrassed by tests like that, but I know they are routine and the medical professionals are doing what needs to be done.

Re: Cystoscopy

Mimi NY — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:57:21 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:
One more thing...

I take D-Mannose to prevent anymore UTI's, just in case. I cleared it with my Urologist.

After a severe UTI, I never had them before only now as a senior .Was treated with a load of antibiotics first round did nothing .I started doing my research and religiously am also taking Cranberry D Mannose,plus drinking a lot of water and have to say it works. Only wish more physicians would belive in talking about prevention methods like Cranberry D Mannose and not wait for the need to visit the doctor office for antibiotics, but know they work for the pharmaceutical companies.

Re: Cystoscopy

Icegoddess — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:03:39 GMT

@vcdrt wrote:
I don't know your age, but thought I would share my experience with chronic UTI's in case you might be menopausal. Mine were caused by menopause. Decrease in hormone production that occurs during menopause was the culprit leading to chronic UTI's in my case. I was put on prescription estradiol over a year ago and haven't had any more. My sister also had the same experience. I found out it's more common than I thought in menopause.

Best wishes to you and I hope you get some answers soon.

@vcdrtI'm just curious, but what happens when you have to stop taking the hormones? I know my gyn was insistent that I be off them by 65. I was not taking them for UTI's, thus the curiosity question.

Re: Cystoscopy

mrshckynut — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:43:06 GMT

@hick i have had a cystoscopy along with a complete Euro-dynamics testing it was suggested to me by my doctor leaving that choice to me i have had several other medical procedures that were much more unpleasant than that cystoscopy and to me it was very similar to having a catheter inserted would my doctor think i needed another i would not hesitate

mrshckynut

Re: Cystoscopy

vcdrt — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:27:41 GMT

@Icegoddess I don't know if I will ever be able to stop using estradiol. It's a synthetic hormone vaginal cream that I use 3 times a week. Prior to using estradiol I had not been on any hormone replacements, etc. I did try other non-prescription options but they didn't work at all.

Re: Cystoscopy

Icegoddess — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:16:22 GMT

@vcdrt wrote:
@Icegoddess I don't know if I will ever be able to stop using estradiol. It's a synthetic hormone vaginal cream that I use 3 times a week. Prior to using estradiol I had not been on any hormone replacements, etc. I did try other non-prescription options but they didn't work at all.

@vcdrtI used the patch, but my gyn was adamant that I get off before 65 due to a higher risk for breast cancer. That's actually lower on my worry list even after having a biopsy years ago. I'm more concerned with Ovarian cancer due to family history.

Re: Cystoscopy

vcdrt — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 22:10:17 GMT

@Icegoddess I can definitely understand your concern and think it's good you've considered the possible risks in continuing hormone treatment. Best wishes to you for good health.

Re: Cystoscopy

JYWilliams — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:38:02 GMT

I had one done and it was a little uncomfortable but the procedure went fast. To me it was no worse than a pap smear.

Re: Cystoscopy

pdlinda — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 02:19:21 GMT

@vcdrt I also use a pea-sized amt of Estradiol 3X/week and my doc said I will be using it for the rest of my life. I have a pelvic prolapse and that was the reason he put me on Estradiol.

Re: Cystoscopy

hick — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:57:50 GMT

Thank you all for your reassuring responses.

I've had a CT scan which could not show a full picture of my bladder due to hip replacement hardware on both hips that got in the way.

I too have been taking D-mannose and estriol cream.

Kidney and all other labs have all been fine.

I guess a cystoscopy is in my future