Typical duration: cystoscopy > TURBT

Thanks for the supportive replies folks.

It's now been almost 2.5 days since having my first (and hopefully last) TURBT that included the intravesical instillation of Mitomicyn-C (MMC). I was prescribed phenazopyridine as needed for pain and cyprofloxacyn, an antibiotic. The phenazopyridine was especially helpful, especially during the first 36-48 hours. Urinating went from an excruciatingly painful experience (on all 4s at one point) to being barely tolerable during that period. Otherwise I felt perfectly fine. I've been drinking water as if I were being paid for each ounce consumed and I'm happy to report that today the burning has subsided considerably and I almost welcome the experience. Only a few small flecks of blood are visible as as my bladder is being flushed with each visit to the toilet.

As I wrote recently, I awoke from surgery to find, or be told of, a clamped catheter preventing the instilled MMC from going anywhere but where it needs to be (in my bladder). The rigid resistance of a clamped catheter was most painful. I did some reading today and learned of a novel technique purported to improve patient comfort during intravesical instillation of MMC. By elevating the urine bag above the supine patient, MMC can be retained in the bladder by hydrostatic pressure. Has anyone else experienced painful instillation or experienced the process using the "hey, why don't you unclamp the tube and lift the bag" technique?

My best to all.

Glad to hear things are going in the right direction with your TURBT!

Thinking of you and praying that you continue to heal up!

Sounds like everything went well!

Rest! Update when you feel better!

Just checking in to say the TURBT went well and Sara Anne couldn't have been more correct when she stated that most of the vast uncertainty is gone.

Doctor said he removed 2 small (about 10mm) tumors and said that they appeared to be low-grade (if I recall correctly). Mitomycin C was instilled. I experienced significant pain immediately post op as the catheter tube was blocked entirely in a successful attempt to retain the MMC within the bladder. I've never felt the need to urinate so badly in my entire life. The pain subsided little by little over I'd guess a 45 minute period. I attribute much of the pain reduction to the doses of fentanyl administered every few minutes. It's important to note that I have a "moderately enlarged" prostrate which may have contributed to the pain both at this time and when the catheter was removed a short time later.

The entire process ... registration through discharge ... took about 5 hours. I felt almost normal on the way home, and continue to experience no bladder spasms or pain at all. I feel great, really, until it's time to pee. The stinging and burning upon urination continues to be ... well ... horrible. I may have overdone it upon my return home (more on that later) and need to take Jim's sage advice and rest and continue to drink plenty of fluids. I will indeed call the doctor's office if the burning continues at this level tomorrow.

It is well past my bedtime. I will continue this post tomorrow and include an update on my physical condition as well as the name of the medications I was given at discharge. Thanks and good luck to all. I'm much more hopeful than I was just 12 hours ago.

Tony....

I read your post, and my goodness your words ring!

We are only human and our minds are just wired to think. Our family and friends keep us busy and help us thru with distractions and things to do, but the quiet times are difficult. I found binge-ing on a TV series helped get thru those quiet periods.

Your next time stretch will be waiting for the pathology report. It is crazy..... but when you start thinking, find something to change your train of thought.

Post surgery pay close attention to your body. Don't be the hero and think you'll get through something. if something doesn't feel right or seem right.....call your doctor. rest.

Hoping all goes ok and that you get the best possible news.

Stay strong!

Jim