In reply to bladder cancer symptoms

Hello Gina, I'm not a medic but when I had my first flexible cystoscopy back in 2017 it was very painful. I was also seeking help with chronic 'white coat phobia' at the time. I discussed my problems with the urologist who, together with the oncologist, said they could obtain the insight they needed from a CT scan. As a result, I have had a CT scan at least three times rather than the camera on a stick. It may be worth asking your team if that's an option suitable for you.

Hi I had a scan some months ago for kidneys and bladder but I don't take to the contrast well so had to have a non contrast. The oncologist wants me to have some type of contrast so they can get a more detailed look. x

Did you have contrast ?

Yes. Intravenous on two and swallowed on one. The intravenous ones made my teeth tingle a bit and, being a wimp, a nurse held my hand whilst the intravenous bits were rigged up. It was still a mental ordeal but less so than the flexible cystoscopy.  Since then, a CBT course plus 5 weeks in hospital and numerous blood tests have largely cured my phobia. The contrast did not cause any unusual after-effects but if you have allergies or certain types of drugs disagree with your body, the specialists will take that into account to avoid problems with the contrast.