Dear Friends
I have been considering a post here for some time.
A little bit of history. For the past 5 years (possibly longer) I have had regular gross haematuria and underwent a couple of flexible cystoscopies only to be informed there was nothing of note, essentially stating that the repeated gross haematuria could not be explained. I struggled to comprehend such a "result".
We relocated last summer, and I am no longer being treated within that health board. My new GP upon noting my history and urinalysis referred me for urgent flexible cystoscopy.
The flexi was quickly carried out, and I was advised that a tumour resembling a coral reef was at the neck of my bladder. I was urgently referred for biopsies under GA and rigid cystoscopy. I attended for my GA 5th October and was sent home fairly quickly due to my surgeon testing positive for Covid.
I returned yesterday morning and had the procedure completed under GA. Post op discussions revealed inflamed kidneys, various sites of diathermy/cautery and what was described as a "furred urethra". Could be scarring, difficult to say. Pathology results due 2 weeks from now.
I currently have 15 long term conditions which I have had numerous surgeries for since the age of around 17 (I have just had my 50th birthday last week) so I am well used to being a patient of various specialties. My next surgery is fundoplication for hiatus hernia followed quickly by gynae surgery by end of this year.
I work full time and have a very healthy and active lifestyle, despite the above!! I have been struck by the encouragement and the optimism of regular posters on this forum. There have been patients, relatives and friends reaching out for support in various states of fear, alarm and distress, and the kindness shown has been wonderful.
I am no expert on what I am going through regarding my urology situation but I hope to be of assistance in terms of support and a friendly ear. It's tough when something like this comes along in life.
With very best wishes 
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Hello MagicStars and a warm welcome to the group. I hope you find it supportive and informative, and I am sure your experience will be able to help others. It sounds as though you have been through a lot over the years and now this extra worry. When you get your results back, you will be in a better position to know what is going on but be aware that bladder cancer can be treated successfully, that's if it is. Lots of experience here to help with any questions. Best wishes.
Thanks Rily, Winkers and CDN.
I don't use social media at all, so please be patient with me as this is all new to me! I am finally embracing, albeit unwillingly, the 21st century. My kids laugh at me.
It's complex isn't it. We each of us bring our own emotions and experiences to navigate our journey. I am blessed to have your friendship and support here. I am very sore and very tired after yesterday's op. I shall remain off work tomorrow and hope to be well enough to return on Thursday.
I need to be able to access a loo in a hurry!!
Love to all ️
Hi MagicStars . It takes a while to recover from the op. Nothing strenuous for at least two weeks. Important to drink plenty of water to flush out any debris and blood. Best wishes.
With three horses, three hounds, two kids and work that whole two week thing probably won't be possible.
Sound advice though 
Decided it was necessary to take remainder of this week off work. I am surprised how incredibly tired I am feeling post TURBT. Ordinarily I would bounce back within a day or so of having a GA. This time it's very different and I feel really weakened by it.
Everything is aching, and throat is killing me. Can hardly swallow even sips of water. They had to press firmly on my throat during anaesthetic to prevent stomach acid getting aspirated into my lungs due to my hiatus hernia. It hurts.
All I can think about is the pathology results now, no matter how hard I try to distract myself. Gross haematuria for over 5 years, with other symptoms, is obviously a worry.
I appreciate that no clinician would ever state yes or no prior to lab results, but is it possible to tell if it's cancer by looking?? I am guessing that an experienced eye might be reasonably accurate?
Best wishes to all on here
