Bladder Cancer Possibly.

Hi James. I tried to follow all of the posts here but I didn’t read every one in detail. I did notice that you had a bladder stone which caused pain, blockage and bleeding. I understand that they removed it through a trans urethral procedure (which is never pleasant) and you suffered some stinging/burning and bleeding afterward which is a consequence of the invasive procedure, unfortunately. Last year when my symptoms took me to hospital, I was diagnosed with numerous bladder stones and afterward with a tumour in the bladder. The complete urinary blockage and release of what seemed like only blobs of blood was the beginning of a week of hell for me. They hadn’t identified the tumour yet because there was too much blood in the bladder for the scan to “see” it. They initially suspected my problems were due entirely to the bladder stones (I never found out exactly how many I had but there were at least 5-7 as I had to pass them out on my own one at a time), and an enlarged prostate. I received a prescription for Flowmax (tamsulosin) and was sent home from the hospital as soon as I could pass urine (still bloody). I then went through 3-4 days of severe anxiety and suffering as I blocked up completely repeatedly except some blood discharge as I had to force out each bladder stone one at a time after doubling my intake of the prostate prescription. I spent many hours going to the bathroom every 5-10 minutes to try to “unblock” my urinary system with constant urgency and mostly bleeding. I literally had to force each stone out which took many hours until it would “explode” out with a blob of blood I didn’t previously think could possibly even fit through a urinary tract. After all were passed, I experienced some temporary relief and was scheduled for an infused CT scan the following week. This scan clearly identified the bladder tumour and I was fast tracked to a urologist within a week or two and underwent a TURBT the same week. With little doubt, this whole experience was one of the worst in my life. There never was a prostate problem (thankfully) and in hindsight, my problems were due to the bladder stones and cancer right from the beginning. My first hospital visit caught the bladder stones (prior to this, I had no idea there was such a condition), but misdiagnosed the prostate and missed any identification of the cancer based on the symptoms. Thankfully, they ordered the correct follow up (CT infused and referral to my urologist who is excellent), and although the rest of the year was very difficult physically and emotionally, so much has improved since with regular follow up and treatment (BCG). Please forgive my rant here, but I can relate very well to your bladder stone problem, suffering with severe blockage and bleeding, and post procedure urethral symptoms. Almost a year later, I am doing very much better even though I still tear up in reflecting on my experience last year. There is hope and it can get better, my friend, although I was as discouraged/devastated as you at the time. I really do understand much of what you have been going through (probably not everything), so it is very easy for me to empathize and sympathize with you. Hang in. There will be some nasty days but there will also be some good days, and the experience does change how we view life and health. 

CDN. Thank you so much for telling me your journey. It must have been terrible for you. My stone was over 12 mm so impossible to pass normally. I have gone through very little compared to you and much appreciate what you have told me.

Kind regards James.

When I was in hospital as a child, the nurses would want me to wee to order for their 'convenience'. [This was in the early 1960s! ] They would run a tap to try and get me to 'go'.

Thanks Denby, that's encouraging. I seem to be passing no more blood today for the first time. Still have the problems at night however.

Kind regards James.

I seem to be getting more sleep now as the frequency eases off. I feel I have more control back also. You were all correct about it coming more normal as time passes. Thanks for your advice. Now got to wait to see how bad the cancer is. I don't want to go back to hospital during Christmas.

Kind regards James.

Hi James, really glad things are improving for you and keeping our fingers crossed for your biopsy results. I hope you have a lovely xmas and new year . Take care of yourself x

Hi James,How are you getting on ? I hope there is continuing improvement.Best wishes Jane x

Hi Jane,

 Things are improving. I am getting a nights sleep and the sense of urgency and pain has gone. The only worry now is the biopsy results.I don't want to know before Christmas.

Kind regards James.

Hi James,I’m glad to hear that things are better than they were.I understand you not wanting to know your biopsy results before Christmas.I hope you can put aside this worry and have a good Christmas.Best wishes Jane x

Stay strong James, you are doing so well.

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas   

Love Ade xx