What to expect from cystoscopy

Hello and welcome to the group. We know how anxious you must be feeling. The early days of uncertainty and not knowing can be very worrying. A flexible cystoscopy is painless.  Maybe a bit uncomfortable, but only because you are not sure what to expect. It only takes 5-10 minutes. They apply a numbing gel and it just feels a bit strange as the camera goes in. When it is in you can sort of "relax" and see for yourself on screen what is going on. The medic will explain everything and point out anything abnormal. It is not common to have a biopsy taken at this stage. This is normally done at a later date under GA, if necessary. They may give you an idea of what is going on, but would not be able to confirm any cancer until a biopsy is done. The doctor/nurse will explain everything beforehand to put you at your ease.  When you can have a pee without problems, they let you go. Be aware that if it does turn out to be bladder cancer, then bc can be treated successfully. It may sting a bit for a few days afterwards when peeing. Many of us have been through this. Any questions, please ask and let us know how it goes. Best wishes.

Hi Kel68,At my local hospital you don't even have to change into a gown for a flexible cystoscopy,you just remove your clothes below the waist.As rily says it's not usual to have biopsies with a flexible scope.I have had them done with a flexible scope but they were superficial biopsies and it was painful,you feel a tugging sensation when they are taken.I don't find cystoscopies that bad at all and recover within a couple of days.I would advise avoiding heavy lifting or too much bending for a few weeks after having biopsies.I hope it all goes well tomorrow.Love and best wishes Jane

Hi Kel68, Rily has summed it up perfectly. Fexible cystoscopy is painless, and you will get to see for yourself what's going on in your bladder. Totally normal to feel anxious, everyone does even when unfortunately we are old hands at them . My urology nursing team are very careful to explain what's going to happen and protect dignity. Doctor generally tells you what they think as they move the camera about. I had a rigid cystoscopy after my first ultrasound, skipping the flexi to speed up process, because they wanted to take a biopsy and remove the growth in one procedure.  I was informed it would require a general anaesthetic ahead of the appointment, also I had a pre-op assessment. Fingers crossed for you tomorrow. 

Thanks everyone for your advice & reassurance,  I feel less anxious now I know  it's not painful. Thanks for putting my mind at ease. 

Let you know how I get on.

Fingers firmly crossed.

Kel68

I’m sure you’ll be fine Kel68. I was extremely anxious before I had my first cystoscopy but as others have said it is painless, just a bit of discomfort when they put the camera in. The specialist nurses are lovely and will reassure you.

In case you’ve not already been told you will usually need to give a urine sample before the procedure so don’t go to the toilet until after you’ve checked whether one is needed or not!

All the best 

Luce x