Freaking out!!!

[Castiel]

I spoke to my GP Thursday who gave me the official results of the ultrasound (which was clear of abnormalities) and the cytoscopy ( which he said showed inflammation of the bladder wall consistent with infection). I told my doctor about the continuing discomfort and he said that it would pass in a week or so, never having had a UTI before I was just going by the 3-7 days it should be over I read on the Internet.

He did say the good news was that they found no cancer. I asked what that meant overall considering I still have to have the CT scan and the results of the cytology, he said that I can put cancer out of my mind (easier said than done I'm afraid) and because a man of my age shouldn't be getting UTI or visible haematuria they need to continue to find out why. He said the CT with contrast will look at my kidney function and the cytology will look for abnormalities in my cells. I should get the results of the cytology (that is the one that scares me tbh) next week somewhen. He said a follow up cytoscopy will follow.

He said that if the urologist had any suspicion of cancer he would have put it in the report. I can't see my GP just saying that just to make me feel better.

@Rotty, thanks for sharing. The more positive stuff I hear the more positive I seem to feel. May I ask what kind of tests and scan you had?

 

[Xordium]

They would never rule something else unless they were categorically sure. I haven't read the whole thread but I am sure you will have had some a basic U+E taken. If these showed the creatinine and urea to be normal then that kind of rules out damaged kidneys. Likewise if you didn't have significant protein in the urine test then that also rules out other types of renal disease.

Do you play rugby or do something like MMA? Have you recently been ill with a virus or abroad etc. TBH those would be the first areas I would looking at.

Chin up etc stop worrying like I say but you have to just try and ignore it for a while and get on with stuff. I know these things are scary and that's simply because I suspect you are like me and used to taking charge and throwing energy, time and brainpower at a problem and in this case you can't and have to rely on others and are out of control of the situation. You need to recognise that and accept it and it will make things easier.

 

[Rotty]

@Rotty, thanks for sharing. The more positive stuff I hear the more positive I seem to feel. May I ask what kind of tests and scan you had?

several blood and urine tests, PSA (prostate cancer) test and an ultrasound

forget cancer, the ultrasound would almost certainly have picked that up

may be worth getting the prostate test though if not already done

 

[Hades]

several blood and urine tests, PSA (prostate cancer) test and an ultrasound

forget cancer, the ultrasound would almost certainly have picked that up

may be worth getting the prostate test though if not already done

Definitely worth getting prostate done although they can usually get a good indication from blood tests (I have an annual PSA test because I have to use testosterone gel daily and that can increase the risk).

 

[Castiel]

They would never rule something else unless they were categorically sure. I haven't read the whole thread but I am sure you will have had some a basic U+E taken. If these showed the creatinine and urea to be normal then that kind of rules out damaged kidneys. Likewise if you didn't have significant protein in the urine test then that also rules out other types of renal disease.

I am waiting on the results of a blood test for Urea/Creatinine/electrolytes. My first urine test was normal (which kicked off the whole batch of further tests as it showed no infection), they took a second on Tuesday for cytology.

Do you play rugby or do something like MMA? Have you recently been ill with a virus or abroad etc. TBH those would be the first areas I would looking at.

Nothing like that, although end of November I had an infection in my wisdom tooth. Other than that I've been fine.

Chin up etc stop worrying like I say but you have to just try and ignore it for a while and get on with stuff. I know these things are scary and that's simply because I suspect you are like me and used to taking charge and throwing energy, time and brainpower at a problem and in this case you can't and have to rely on others and are out of control of the situation. You need to recognise that and accept it and it will make things easier.

That is pretty much hit the nail on the head. I have researched just about every possible outcome and then (I suffer from moderate depression occasionally) have focused on the worst possible ones, and I am still doing it. I know I'm doing it but just can't seem to focus on anything else.

 

[shadow_boxer]

several blood and urine tests, PSA (prostate cancer) test and an ultrasound

forget cancer, the ultrasound would almost certainly have picked that up

may be worth getting the prostate test though if not already done

Not true I'm afraid about the ultasound scan. The most reassuring thing here is not seeing anything suspicious on the cystoscopy. The importance of that really can't be understated.

Also doing a PSA at this moment would be of little value as it may be elevated as a result of the cystoscopy.

Sorry, not to turn this into a medical post but remaining positive is so so important and I really do wish you well and from what I've read in thread it all sounds as if things are heading in the right direction. Good luck mate.

 

[Nitefly]

That is pretty much hit the nail on the head. I have researched just about every possible outcome and then (I suffer from moderate depression occasionally) have focused on the worst possible ones, and I am still doing it. I know I'm doing it but just can't seem to focus on anything else.

You need something worse to be happening in your life. That'll cure it

My mind seems to find something to dwell on and recently it's been sleep. The result being... that I can't sleep! So you sit there thinking and thinking about how you're not sleeping which just makes things worse and worse. It seems have gone away as my mind has now turned to other things going on (which are much better).

 

[Castiel]

Not true I'm afraid about the ultasound scan. The most reassuring thing here is not seeing anything suspicious on the cystoscopy. The importance of that really can't be understated.

Also doing a PSA at this moment would be of little value as it may be elevated as a result of the cystoscopy.

Sorry, not to turn this into a medical post but remaining positive is so so important and I really do wish you well and from what I've read in thread it all sounds as if things are heading in the right direction. Good luck mate.

My GP seemed pretty sure that if I had cancer it would have shown some signs in either the ultrasound or cystoscopy, enough that he told me to put it out of my mind and it was good news. I absolutely bricked myself when I saw the inflammation of my bladder on the cystoscope, my first thoughts were I'm ******. The urologist was quick to say it was inflammation from what looked like a bad infection, I asked him about cancer and he said at the time he could not see any, I asked again what the risks were and he said it was very unlikely. My GP seemed more definitive than that.

It's all a waiting game I know.

 

[Hades]

Ultrasound found my cancer. It also found my pre-cancerous cells elsewhere.

Later, when I had kidney stones, they were initially worried about it being a return of my cancer and used ultrasound to rule it out.

No it's not totally 100% accurate but it is usually a very good sign, particularly when combined with other diagnostics such as looking for cancer markers in blood.

 

[Castiel]

Ultrasound found my cancer. It also found my pre-cancerous cells elsewhere.

Later, when I had kidney stones, they were initially worried about it being a return of my cancer and used ultrasound to rule it out.

No it's not totally 100% accurate but it is usually a very good sign, particularly when combined with other diagnostics such as looking for cancer markers in blood.

I hope you are fully recovered.

 

[MrMarvelous]

All the best bud. Hopefully it's nothing serious.

 

[Hades]

I hope you are fully recovered.

Yes fine now thanks (operated on and radiotherapy in 2011). Monitored every 3 months and now after 3 years that has dropped to every 6 months. No reoccurrence so far.

 

[Castiel]

Yes fine now thanks (operated on and radiotherapy in 2011). Monitored every 3 months and now after 3 years that has dropped to every 6 months. No reoccurrence so far.

That's great.

 

[Rotty]

My GP seemed pretty sure that if I had cancer it would have shown some signs in either the ultrasound or cystoscopy.

I was given the same info

 

[Rotty]

Ultrasound found my cancer. .

and the same for others I know

 

[Rotty]

I think the main reason that they are not sending me for as many tests is that it is not visible blood and the blood count is within limits

44 is top limit

Nov 13 - 35
Dec 13 - 13
Dec 14 - 26

the fact that mine is lower now than 13 months ago made mine not as urgent as yours I imagine


also I was never actually over the upper limit (nice to know now) so I think mine was more precautionary, still didn't stop me worrying though

 

[Castiel]

I think the main reason that they are not sending me for as many tests is that it is not visible blood and the blood count is within limits

44 is top limit

Nov 13 - 35
Dec 13 - 13
Dec 14 - 26

the fact that mine is lower now than 13 months ago made mine not as urgent as yours I imagine

I was told that what I am going through (testing wise) is now standard in all males of any age presenting with visible haematuria.

I have also just finished reading the following paper on the accuracy of ultrasonography in detecting bladder cancer (also gives cystoscopy figures) and after reading it, I can see why my GP appears confident as I have had both and they found nothing other than some inflammation.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2813642/

Like you though, it doesn't stop me worrying.

 

[Castiel]

I think the main reason that they are not sending me for as many tests is that it is not visible blood and the blood count is within limits

I found this, which is the procedure the NHS has to follow in these cases.

It's actually quite comforting rather than worrying.

http://www.ouh.nhs.uk/services/referrals/renal/documents/haematuria-pathways.pdf

Edit: fixed the link to the right thing.

 

[Deus Ex]

They would never rule something else unless they were categorically sure. I haven't read the whole thread but I am sure you will have had some a basic U+E taken. If these showed the creatinine and urea to be normal then that kind of rules out damaged kidneys. Likewise if you didn't have significant protein in the urine test then that also rules out other types of renal disease.

eGFR mate, there is no real 'normal' creatinine as something in the 40s could indicate severe AKI/renal failure in an old woman with no muscle.

whats an alanine dye?

Its this dye which always crops up in medical exam questions which causes bladder cancer. AFAIK its not the alanine dye, but a chemical made during the process. It was a bit facetious, dont think anyone has exposure now in this country really.

 

[Xordium]

eGFR mate, there is no real 'normal' creatinine as something in the 40s could indicate severe AKI/renal failure in an old woman with no muscle.

Castiel is a tall bloke of heavy build who used to be in the Royal Marines ... so it doesn't apply really in his case does it. Urea and creatinine along with protein analysis would give you a good indication of renal function in a man of his age and body type.