Well a couple of weeks ago I had just got out the shower and had a wee, my stream was as red as it come and it was obvious it was blood and a lot of it at that! I'm no stranger to blood in my urine as in march I had a uti which turned in to a serious infection and felt very unwell and I was in hospital for a few days and on antibiotics for 3 months. Cut back to a couple weeks ago and presently I am still urinating blood intermittently most days each time undeniably blood and with no other symptoms. I have been taking antibiotics nevertheless on doctors orders to rule out another uti , but as I work in health care I completed a dipstick urine sample on myself and I know its not an infection(uti) this time and do not think i have any issues with my prostate. I have been referred to urology and have an appointment on the 29th August. I'm not saying I know for definite that it's bladder cancer but I have a suspicion. I'm only 41 years old but I'm a recovering Alcoholic and drank heavily for years but have now been sober for 18months, but I feel the years of heavy drinking may have triggered this current situation. I would like to hear your opinion and your own diagnosis journey's. I'm a resilient person and if it's bad news I will accept it and plan a recovery. If it turns out to be nothing serious then I'll know that I will be more educated in the matters of bladder cancer and other bladder issues. Thank you for your time in advance.
Hi Martinvau and a welcome from me. In many cases there is no obvious reason for bladder cancer. In my case it was down to many years of smoking. Once known as an old man's disease we are seeing more younger people these days. The main diagnosis for BC is a flexible cystoscopy. This is a camera in to the bladder. A painless but sometimes uncomfortable procedure. You will be able to see for yourself on screen anything abnormal . If any abnormal cells are found, the next step would be a TURBT (trans urethral resection of bladder tumour) operation to scrape them away. Usually done in day surgery. They would then put a plan in place to follow up. Lots of us have been through this so lots of experience here to answer any questions. Try not to look too far ahead and just take things one step at a time. Best wishes.
