Question Title: Urinary dilation

I had been having urinary tract infections symptoms for a few months (frequency and full bladder feeling). No doctor I saw could find a UTI

A urologist prescribed Floxin which seemed to work. A few weeks later I went back for a IVP, while i was there they also decided to do a cystoscopy and a urethral dilation (12 french to 22 french, I believe...)

A day or so after the frequency, full bladder feeling and also some dribbling of urine occured and has not seemed to get much better.

The doctor prescribed Levbid which seems to work on a limited basis or not at all (it doesn't do much at all for the full bladder feeling).

I am not sure if I let them do something that will cause permanent dribbling and frequency. It has only been a week and 3 days since the procedure -

I am looking for reassurance I suppose...

If in fact the doctor did do something odd - I would love information about what to ask a future doctor to do to fix the problem.

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Dear Spell,
Thanks for your question.
Your symptoms could be due to the narrowing of urethra, stones or infection. You need a urine and blood test. You also need determination of post-void residual urine to find out if bladder is getting emptied or not. If your doctor is suspecting a urethral stricture (narrowing in the urethra secondary to sexually transmitted diseases, prior surgery or urethral trauma) he should consider a urethrogram. Once a urethral stricture is diagnosed with cystoscopy (a lighted telescope examination of the urethra) or a retrograde urethrogram (an X-ray using dye/contrast to fill the urethra) a surgical correction by a controlled incision under direct telescopic vision is performed in the operating room. Unlike dilation, the urethra is not stretched open and resultant scarring is less. If stricture return after direct telescopic vision incision it has been recommended to proceed with open surgical repair of the urethral narrowing.
You may, however, have a problem with the way in which your bladder functions. You will need a cystometrogram to evaluate this. Fluid is run into your bladder through a catheter (rubber/plastic tube passed through your urethra to the bladder) while pressures and sensations are recorded.
More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its urban campuses by calling (1 800 653 6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any physicians notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. AT
* Keyword: urethral stricture

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