I passed out during a urodynamic study yesterday. I found the prep extremely painful, and not different than what I expect the prep for the cystoscopy will be. I then canceled my cystoscopy which was schedled for next Wednesday. The doctor offered me a valium to relax me for the cystoscopy. I see so many conflicting stories here about pain and no pain. Am I correct that those of you who experienced most pain and discomfort did not use anesthesia? Is it common for doctors to do this procedure with anesthesia, either general or local? My uroligist isn't offering me the option of anesthesia. I'm trying to get a feel for whether or not this is common with out without anesthesia and if I should seek out a new urologist.
Hi, I've had both local and general. It's usual to have either. I've had lots of cystoscopies, some hurt more than others. But the most painful haven't been bad at all. Don't worry about it. It's not as bad as you imagine.
I had my cystoscopy with a local - first the doc injected ( no needles involved) some sort of cool liquid /jelly into my urethra via a syringe before the flexible camera went in. I had zero pain depsite the fact i was expecting it - at worst I would describe it as a discomfort only as i could feel the sensation of the camera being passed thru' into my bladder. The only pain was everytime I went for a pee afterwards which lasted about 24 hours - probaby due to the anesthetic wearing off and my uretra being inflamed as a result of the camera going up there
I had similar concerns and my urologist offered me the option of anesthesia for a flexible cystoscopy. Of course, if you're scheduled for a rigid cystoscopy then anasthesia is usually given. If I felt the way you did, I would seek out another urologist who would honor my request which is quite reasonable based on your experience with the urodynamic study.
Jim
I should probably add that I had two cystocopies. First was ten years ago and done under local. It was so painful that I wouldn't be surprised if he used a rigid scope since he was an oldtimer. At the time I didn't know there were two kinds of scopes so can't really say what he used. My second was last year and it was flexible under local. No pain at all, but I have been self cathing for a couple of years now so my urethra is what you might call battle tested! But again, and especially based on your experience with the urodynamic study, I see no reason to subject yourself to possible pain and most probably anxiety when anathesia is an acceptable option.
Jim
I am female and had a flexible Cystoscopy and just had the local anaesthetic which is a numbing gel. And I barely felt a thing. I'm sorry you've had such an unpleasant experience. I think that you're Urologist is wrong in not giving you a choice.
Thanks for all your replies.
JimJames you hit on something. About 35 years ago I had a cystoscopy performed by a butcher. It was a terrible experience and the cause of the anxiety which made me pass out during the urodynamic study. I don't know if a flexible cath was used or not.
I'm still apprehensive and not sure what I'm going to do. JackieRC1, I I'm getting a bad vibe with this doctor's office.
In the UK If it is a flexible cystoscopy it is usual to have local anesthesia inserted in the urethra . For a rigid cystoscopy it will be a general . I have had both and had no pain .
It has been recommended that I have a Cystoscope test which I'm TERRIFIED to take I'm 53 year old woman who had no tolerance for pain. I thought there are choices general anesthetic or being put to sleep. It sounds like a painful test and I wouldn't want to be awake. Any advice?
Michelle
You can request to be put to sleep with a short acting intravenous anesthesia like propofol. There is absolutely no reason for you to be awake if you explain to the doctor you have no tolerance for pain. If the doctor won't do it, look for one that will.
Jim
My name is Michelle I'm extremely TERRIFIED to have a Cystoscope test. Should the Urologist offer sedation through general anesthesia is it called proposal? Or is there any other sedation/sleep drug so that I don't feel anything. Do you have any words of encouragement? Will I wake up after being sedated? Does an anesthesiologist stay and watch me? Is it done in an office or hospital? Thanks for your advice
Where are you located? In the United States Propofol is often used as a short acting general anaethesic. Propofol is a drug and it is administered through your vein. I've had it several times and you're completely out in seconds. Sometimes this is done in the urologist's office and sometimes in the hospital as an outpatient. It is very short acting so you should be able to go home within one to two hours after the procedure You should discuss all this with your doctor in advance. Hopefully will offer this option, if not you can always try another doctor.
Jim
HI
IF YOU NEED TO HAVE IT DONE GO FOR IT
EVERYONES BODY IS DIFFERENT
ASK HONEST QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT
MAY GO WRONG OR NOT
I HAD IT DONE AND ALTHOUGH THERE WERE
COMPLICATIONS ALL IS NOW OK
GOOD LUCK
i remember an appointment with the consultant 2 weeks prior to me getting my cystoscopy and him explaining and showing me what the procedure involved.
He showed me the equipment that would be used and i'm ... WTF !!! you aint going to puting that that thing up anywhere !!! - I worried constantly for the next 2 weeks and my level of anxiety on the day was very high - the worry and the anxiety leading u to it were the worst part because the procedure itself was painless ( uncomfortable at worst)
What kind of complications did you have? Where you under anesthesia? If so, what kind
I guess you were awake during the test? I have major anxiety and would want to be put to sleep. How long is the test? I had a cathader and that was painful. Do you no if they put you asleep? Michelle
HI MICHELLE
SEVERE BRUISING
RETENTION NEXT DAY
CATHETER FITTED WHICH MY
BLADDER REJECTED
EVENTUAL CALMING
BUT OUTCOME WAS OK
SORRY MICHELLE
FORGOT TO SAY I WAS ASLEEP
UNDER GENERAL ANAETHESIC
GOOD LUCK
Hey i just had my cystoscopy done 2 weeks ago. After goi g to the urologist for a check up he asked me why i was weari g a diaper and i told him that i need a cystoscopy done as i cancelled it do to fear so he said lets do one today. It was symple and very comfy. He put numbing cream in my uretha and it didnt hurt at all. They found that i have a very week bladder. So they padded me back up and now im off to pelvic floor physio.
The only pain was for 2 to 3 days after just stinging when peeing. Thats all.
Hi Falcon,
Have you looked into condom catheters, sometimes called stadium catheters or "stadium buddies"? Nothing in the urethra and you might find them more comfortable than adult diapers.
Jim