I can't deal with this!

[jamimapuddle]

   I went to see the urologist today because I can't empty my bladder completely.  He did a very invasive pelvic exam which included sticking things in EVERY hole down there (yup, all three).  He thinks there might be an obstruction.  He started talking scope and biopsy.  He said it could be cancer (caused by hpv), but it is unlikely.
   Of course, I hear the word CANCER and I am totally freaking out.  I go online when I get home and can not find any good information out there about this, except that YES it could very well be cancer.  He also saw some kind of growth on the entrance of my urethra.  I do have to say that he didn't seem very worried about it.  But that's doctors for you, their not the ones that are going to die if it's cancer.
   I'm on shot 14 of SOC for hcv, I need this like I need a hole in my head.  My anxiety is so great right now, I just don't know where to put if you know what I mean.  I am only 31 with two beautiful 3 year old twin girls that need their mother, I feel like death is stalking me.
    I checked the urology forum, it's all guys over there, meaning that, it's very different anatomy down there, I don't think they would know anything about this.
    I'm going to mexico on Tuesday for our long anticipated family vacation,  I hope my anxiety doesn't ruin the trip.
    I was UND at week ten, so I thought I could finally relax a little, and now this, another waiting game. EGAD I need to get out of my head.

[Trish77]

Some years back, I was getting chronic urinary tract infections at the rate of about one a month...went to the specialist and he did a cystoscopy and found nothing.  He told me that some people are just like that and I have to live with it.  One of my work colleagues at the time who dealt with seniors who have these issues told me that was a load of cr@p and suggested I go for a second opinion.  I did that and this next doc also did a cystoscopy and found an infection in the lining of my bladder...put me on meds for four months and cleared it right up.  Told me the cause of it was that my bladder wasn't emptying completely.  To this day, I still have to consciously make sure my bladder empties properly.  The muscles don't relax and sometimes, even though I initially had to pee very badly, when I sit down to "do the deed" nothing comes out and I have to think a "happy thought" to make my muscles relax.  Kinda crazy, eh? :)  Crazy but true.  So there I sit, thinking my happy thought and suddenly I'm able to pee.  (I have never told my 21 year old son that he's my happy thought so that I can pee.. lol :)  And then I have to give it that extra little effort just to make sure I got it all.  I haven't had a UTI in awhile... only a handful over the years since then.  Dunno if this is your situation....but maybe you need a few more happy thoughts?  :)  Hope that's all it takes for you to deal with this and good luck.

Trish

[GrandmaA]

When you are stressed out the body releases cortisol that is very bad for you. Try to breath deeply. Step back and look at the bigger picture. Dr. Weil has an excellent breathing technique for relaxation. It might be on his website.

[wyntre9]

So sorry to hear about this, jam.
Hopefully, it will be something minor but i know how hard it is to deal with any additional medical problems when on TX.  
As if we don't have enough to contend with.

Good Luck,

wyn

[charm27]

when I was on Paxil I had the same problem with my bladder not being able to completely empty out. I had a cystoscopy and was told I had a floppy looking bladder stretched out somewhat-Urologist said this is a somewhat common problem. I was also told to stop Paxil and the problem resolved itself with 2 months.

Charm27

[beamishboy]

by all means vent...y'all got everyright inthe world....goodmorning ****how yu doing?

[Lady Lauri]

......you ladys impress hell outa me and put my trx copeing to shame-Y'all Rock!!!! .............

  The people around me today may differ with you :}
I put on a good show,LOL.....think us woman vent more too...VERY helpful :}

                                                                               LL

[beamishboy]

can't offer any personal insights on the whole thing,but i do think these trx drugs can aggravate sh!t and also kick diverse-ailments butt-heck,just may cure ya of an unexpected obstacle...drink lotsa 'bottled' water,avoid the ice and enjoy the vacation......GOODLUCK
lady lauri.....yeah,i was no social  animal during trx and doing the doc&bloodwork were my main excursions..but,hey-You're riding the hawg to walgreens(the long way)......you ladys impress hell outa me and put my trx copeing to shame-Y'all Rock!!!!

[Lady Lauri]

  
  Breath!! :} I hate how Dr.'s (some) have no 'manners', as in.....don't scare the sheet out of us without knowing, word it better, something!

HPV would be cervical and that's VERY curable, caught early so as he was up in 'all 3 holes' (reminds me of my youngest son being so amazed in our 'sex talk' that women had 'THREE holes ma'??, he just couldn't get over that,LOL) ......BUT.....hopefully he did a pap test?
  Growth on the entrance of uretha....I wouldn't panic either. Don't borrow stress and trouble for yourself right now, wait for test/facts as these drugs do some off the wall things to us. I've done amazingly well at not panicking at every pain, numb fingers, heart palpitations and so on and I get anxiety too. I've just given in to getting thru this and telling Dr. every odd thing and seeing what he says. Go on that vacation and relax, take a break from all this...as much as you can while doing it!!
  Can't imagine doing this with 3 yr. old twins (as said before) nor going on a vacation. I don't want to go to grocery store:}

   Have a good time, all will work out.                       LL

[jamimapuddle]

That was...Tomorrow WILL be a better day.  Yeah..I need some sleep.

[jamimapuddle]

Thanks you guys, I'm starting to calm down.  Perspective,perspective,perspective. This forum really helps me.

jmjm-
I started having symptoms before tx, and I have to stay away from any of the good drugs because of my drug history.  Although tonight a Xanax would have been appropriate, I think I had a full fledged anxiety attack.  I stopped hyper-ventilating as soon as I started my post. Like I said,  this forum really helps...

Going to bed now.  Tomorrow we'll be a better day I'm sure.

[jmjm530]

I didn't know one doctor did all three holes, but then again I've never been in stirrups either. Anyway, like Robin says, it's probably not cancer, so go enjoy your vacation and let this doctor -- or another -- sort it out.

BTW I also had a bladder emptying problem and what can make it worse -- or even cause it -- are some of the drugs we take on treatment. Especially some of the sleep aids. So, if the bladder thing is really bothering you, take inventory of the drugs you're taking and read up about the side effects. For example, Valium, Xanax and Ativan can be problematic. In my case, I was told even to avoid Tylenol PM for that reason, but it may have been prostate related. Be happy you don't have one of those to have squeezed during your exam.

Hope you feel better soon and really be careful about the sun as it can cause problems from the tx drugs.

-- Jim

[Robin_Fla]

Ohmygosh, you poor thing! But WAIT! It probably ISN'T cancer...could be scar tissue, an infection or a whole host of other things, right??? I'm so sorry you have to endure yet something else, but the tests are the next step and you'll get through it ok.

I had a huge thyroid nodule that got bigger on tx, and they had to do a biopsy to rule out cancer. Benign...phew. Unpleasant for sure, but what a relief. The biopsy was the easy part.

Try to keep a positive outlook - you are UND at week 10 girl!! YAY! This will turn out to be no big deal and you can get back to keeping up the good fight with the HCV.

I hope you can relax and enjoy your trip. I went to Mexico twice during tx (cruises both times) and it was just great. Be super careful of the sun! Cover up, stay hydrated, and wear good sunblock!

Let us know how it goes. Hope it turns out to be nothing. Good luck!

Robin

ps - ask doc for some xanax to take on trip if you need something for the anxiety. Lots of folks on the forum need that help occasionally.