Strictures

Hi Glenn and Akai:

I have been following your posts with interest as I am having the same problems, almost identical to Glenn's. The bleeding did get much more extensive for about 3 days. I then tried something I used for severe BPH before my PC dx. Flomax worked GREAT for about 10 years, but was failing at the time of my PC dx. Over the 10 years were 2-3 times I had my jacket on ready to go to the ER when my symptoms, thank goodness, suddenly relented. It was one of the reasons I chose RP and it did CURE my BPH. I was racehorse-Mel for awhile! (Unfortunately it did not cure my PC, but I'll save that for a different thread.) Suffice it to say that your thought regarding the fear of some ER doc making matters worse should you block up mirrors my own.

Anyway, my point: My BPH created difficulty urinating. Nothing else (bad enough). Fast forward to last few weeks.
I now bleed and then afterwards have trouble urinating, I suspect due to a clot. The worries/fear return. So, I got back on Flomax (thanks to my cooperative PCP). It has been a miracle. I had a bloody pee, then the EXACT OPPOSITE, after 3 days on Flomax. Since then, not a drop of blood and much better flow. I still worry every trip to the bathroom. Unfortunately, I still have great urgency and also burning as well as significant lower back pain.. No infection. CT and cytology set for the 21st and scope for the 24th. Doc suspects kidney stone. I haven't been scoped in 20 years.
So if you haven't tried flomax, consider using it.
So, 3 questions:

1) How bad is the scope procedure?

2) What do clots look like? I get what might be clots but they are pale/colorless, not red.

3) Do you also have burning?

Mel

Post Edited (compiler) : 3/8/2023 3:18:07 AM (GMT-8)

Oh, the small scoop was not bad. The next one where the doctor will dilate I'll be under anesthesia

G

Bad morning. I could not void at first although I really had to go. I sat on the bowl and like I've done before, used the rectal and abdominal muscles to force a stream. It worked and a few large clots were expelled.
I'm at a loss as to where all this blood is coming from. Is it just the stricture?
Got pain and burning too.
I'll wear the pad today because I have to travel up to Riverdale to drop stuff off at my mother in law's Co op she's trying to sell.
Glen

Thanks Tomson
I saw on the patient portal that some urine test came back negative for cancer which is good.
No other testing has been done other than urine and the partial cysto. I'm sure I'll have answers next Friday.
I just had my morning void and it was free of obvious blood. I'll take it as good news.
Of course I'm wishful thinking that maybe if I keep drinking water and taking cranberry pills that maybe it'll cure itself.
I'm eating more than usual and that stops today.
I've been going to the gym and do walk around but my chronic pain limits that.
I'm thinking of getting a sit in bike.
There are rail trails near me upstate that I visit
A regular bike is not a good idea with strictures but I see wide seated one's.
I'm going to have to attack this on all fronts and losing weight is important.
I'm 245 to 251 lately but have been as low as 235 so here I start anew

Glen

Thanks again Sparky. Yes I believe I have cystitis as well. My usual urologist said as much although he was not able to visualize because of the stricture he didn't want to force the scope.
Fulgurate is that irrigation? I'll look it up. I'll ask the specialist to please take care of whatever he can when he's up there. Right now the patient portal says it's a dialation scheduled but he even said he'd look into Optilume. I'll know more Friday.
So I've been lucky with passing out the clots which I'm grateful for but I'm still pushing myself to drink a lot of water. I'd guess I'm doing over 100 ounces plus a little coffee and a 22 ounce diet Mountain dew.
All day has been good. I've had good days so I'm not thinking I'm cured although my wife would like to believe that. She's praying and has a friend praying as are my dear nieces.
Thanks for this you are very helpful.

Glen

Had a good day yesterday until I saw my underwear. There were blood stains and they were wet with urine. Weird because I didn't even feel it dripping.
I rinsed out the underwear and let them dry before putting them in the wash.
Today was mostly blood free until recently and I'm wearing a pad.
The burning is much less and I feel at ease. I'm thinking the copious amounts of water is helping.
Anyway I stop my Xaralto tomorrow. Surgery Friday
Have to get car inspected which stinks because I just got it inspected couple of months ago but it's a new registration

Gonna snow calling for a foot and hope I can drive up to my mechanic.

Glen

Good luck! You're going to do great!

Thanks Sparky and Terry
I've still been voiding pretty much clearly as of late.
I hope my blood thinner is not causing the bleeding or making it worse. With AFib I can not a chance on a stroke.
Anyway I'm happy to be voiding well.

Glen

Glen,
I have been thinking of you and I know tomorrow is a big day.
You have been in my prayers. Now, for answers and getting well.
Good Luck !!

Five thirty and I'm about to go into the hospital.
Thanks for any prayers and good wishes

Glen

Had the cysto and left with a catheter. I can take it out Monday and restart the blood thinner if there's not a lot of blood evident.
Doctor was busy with other surgery so I will read his notes tonight or tomorrow.
My urinary tract hurts and I hate having a catheter but it's only a few days.
Doctor said he's not going to use steroids and may take a biopsy and remove tissue if he needs to.
Like I said, no notes yet other than discharge instructions.
Urine in the bag is clear of blood.
Hoping for the best

Glen

Thanks Akai
He told me that a big part of the Cystoscopy was diagnostic. Doctor needs to visualize the bladder and urethral area.
He did say he'd dilate and if need be, take a biopsy and laser cut off any mass or something to that effect. Fulgurate is the word I think.

Glen

Hello Akai

I wish I had more information. All I know for sure is that I have a catheter and can remove it on Monday.
I'm guessing that he viewed my bladder but other than guess work all I'm sure of is what he said he would do
That was to view to dilate and maybe cut and take a biopsy.
I'm waiting for the operation to be posted on the patient portal then I'll know more.
Doctor did several procedures so for all I know, he's still working.
Believe me I'm anxious to hear.
As far as following up, I'm to call for appointment in four weeks.

Glen