Had A Urodynamics Procedure Today

I’m going to lay out a timeline of events for my own reference. But basically I’ve been retaining due to weka bladder muscles for YEARS. It’s been one of those things that goes aloNg as long as you can tolerate the symptoms. It’s just been since last week that it feels as though an infection shut down my bladder. This doctor romeved a stone and checked for bladder cancer. And prostate cancer not long ago. The recent catheter insertion and removal feels as though there is something in there. I’m at the doctor now, and am not looking forward to this. I’m still sore from this morning. But again, until last week, I was in the same “living with retention” mode I’ve been in for over 10 years. I think kidney st one blockages trashed the muscles. This inability to pee is new and frightening. Oh, I had that urodynamics that should have found major issues too.

 

I asked to see a doctor after they abuse me. I just want some ideas… but again, the blockage issue is new.

 

We’ll be thinking of you. Lots of things can elevate your PSA, and some cancers don’t elevate it at all.hardly comforting, is it? Keep in mind that lotus of prostate cancers grow so slowly that you never treat them.

 

I just got back from the doctor's. What an emotional roller-coaster this issue in general and today in particular have been. My head sure went to some pretty fatalistic places. I'm so grateful for you all's concerns, suggestions and "being there."

The way things work out amazes me. I almost decided to not mess with this anymore and let whatever happens happen, but figured I needed to see it through to the point of at least identifying root causes. When I pulled into the urologist's parking lot for the second time today (after making the hour drive again), I sat there and said a little prayer (it's been a long time) not necessarily for a good outcome but just to help me through whatever was ahead.

So my prayer worked. I encountered a great experienced urology RN this afternoon. Kierra worked 5+ years with the urology department at a local hospital and has 3 years with this practice. I was sweating bullets over this catheterization because I am still very sore from the week of being cathed and from this morning's ordeal (plus I plain don't like it.) By the time I arrived this afternoon I was retaining nearly a full litre. Kierra was wonderful. We just *clicked*. There was no discomfort at all (much less pain) during the procedure, although there is residual soreness now. I was shocked!!! I could not even tell she was done. The initial cathing last week was painful, and I barely felt anything with this one.

As I described my symptoms, what the prior catheter insertion felt like, and how I was able to pass urine this morning after being cathed, she says there's a good chance it's a urethal stricture, which is a blockage/narrowing of the urine transport tube. Treatment (in-office or mild sedation) depends on the type of stricture and its location, and is often long-lasting but not usually permanent. Hers is not an official diagnosis, but it sure fits with the facts. She's going to speak with my doctor's nurse and set up an appointment with him for me.

She gave me a great tip on managing the catheter without attaching the holding bag so I can get out and do stuff around my property and be more active around the house...this time I won't be so house-bound.

Best of all, I think she can teach me to successfully self-cath. We talked about my experience and concerns and I think she can help me get over this hurdle. Once the rest of this stuff settles down, I'm going to make a dedicate appointment with her. You all know it's been wearing on me. And learning it will help with my quality of life, and will reduce the risks of stones and kidney issues.

What a friggin' ordeal. Maybe this is getting on the right path. I sure hope she's right about this being a stricture...I don't even want to think about prostate cancer (which is not likely with my low PSA.)

I need to start drinking again...