I awoke to a snow storm and instructions to stay off the roads.
Phoned in, but, they were proceeding, no cancellations.
In fact, an hour before the appointment, they asked if I could come in early -- guess others cancelled.
The appointment was in a newer part of the hospital, so well setup, and very empty.
Here is a link to a cystoscopy: Cystoscopy.
The staff were good. They were focused on catching up on Christmas plans, and wearing festive gear. (which was just fine)
Quick history check prior to starting. I advised him that I had anxiety due to previous cancer treatments and my friends diagnosis via a cystoscopy of a recurrence of her cancer. He was clinical but solid.
The test was uneventful.
It was interesting as there were large screens so I could actually see the inside of my bladder.
As it turns out, the lining of my bladder is absent in some areas from the cancer treatments.
This exposes veins, some of which are large.
Urologist conversation with me, resulted in him going to look at the previous scans. I
Following the tests, the information was that
a) no evidence of cancer -- hallelujah
b) doubt that the previous episodes were UTI's.
c) probability that the bleeding was from veins that are exposed, and that a cauterization procedure might be required. -- Monitor
d) possibility that discomfort is from Painful Bladder Syndrome -- and this will be chronic
e) advised that the treatments that I had can cause cancer - so important to keep on top of this stuff
f) advised to decrease coffee intake
g) follow-up in 6 months
Overall, quite good news to receive 2 days before Christmas.
Many of our Christmas plans were tuned down due to this hanging over us, so it would be a relatively quiet simple Christmas.
The challenge for me is to be aware of risk, deal with it, and move on.
It is easy to get bogged down in the what-if's, or the well-that's-the-way-it-is --- which just builds up with anxiety.
It is tempting to avoid calling a doctor, or getting an appointment, or following through.
I am also aware that during the time of dealing with stuff, there are a limited few that are aware of what is going on and what the concerns are.
To some, I may appear distant, distracted. Some will take it personally. Others will ignore subtle, and sometimes even not so subtle, that i cannot deal with something at this time.
On this site, I have felt it was best to just step away...
I'm not sure that was the correct move, but, it was what I had to do for me.
I've been thankful to those who picked up the slack, and continue to do so, when needed.
Phoned in, but, they were proceeding, no cancellations.
In fact, an hour before the appointment, they asked if I could come in early -- guess others cancelled.
The appointment was in a newer part of the hospital, so well setup, and very empty.
Here is a link to a cystoscopy: Cystoscopy.
The staff were good. They were focused on catching up on Christmas plans, and wearing festive gear. (which was just fine)
Quick history check prior to starting. I advised him that I had anxiety due to previous cancer treatments and my friends diagnosis via a cystoscopy of a recurrence of her cancer. He was clinical but solid.
The test was uneventful.
It was interesting as there were large screens so I could actually see the inside of my bladder.
As it turns out, the lining of my bladder is absent in some areas from the cancer treatments.
This exposes veins, some of which are large.
Urologist conversation with me, resulted in him going to look at the previous scans. I
Following the tests, the information was that
a) no evidence of cancer -- hallelujah
b) doubt that the previous episodes were UTI's.
c) probability that the bleeding was from veins that are exposed, and that a cauterization procedure might be required. -- Monitor
d) possibility that discomfort is from Painful Bladder Syndrome -- and this will be chronic
e) advised that the treatments that I had can cause cancer - so important to keep on top of this stuff
f) advised to decrease coffee intake
g) follow-up in 6 months
Overall, quite good news to receive 2 days before Christmas.
Many of our Christmas plans were tuned down due to this hanging over us, so it would be a relatively quiet simple Christmas.
The challenge for me is to be aware of risk, deal with it, and move on.
It is easy to get bogged down in the what-if's, or the well-that's-the-way-it-is --- which just builds up with anxiety.
It is tempting to avoid calling a doctor, or getting an appointment, or following through.
I am also aware that during the time of dealing with stuff, there are a limited few that are aware of what is going on and what the concerns are.
To some, I may appear distant, distracted. Some will take it personally. Others will ignore subtle, and sometimes even not so subtle, that i cannot deal with something at this time.
On this site, I have felt it was best to just step away...
I'm not sure that was the correct move, but, it was what I had to do for me.
I've been thankful to those who picked up the slack, and continue to do so, when needed.
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