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On Monday morning, I have my first appointment with a urologist after being referred by my general doctor. I have read on various hospital sites what to expect, but I am still nervous.

I did some things to prepare and I don't know if it is overkill.
1. I have a week long bladder diary
2. I have written out my symptoms, history, how I have coped, how I contain, what I have tried, etc. to more easily answer questions.
3. I have a print out of my medical records, including bloodwork from the last year.
4. I have my insurance card

I am nervous about what tests will happen the first visit. And I am definitely nervous about a cystograph. I hope I don't have to go through a urodynamics tests.
I don't know why seeing a specialist puts me on edge. I guess it is because this is something I only reluctantly told my doctor about. I want to convey to the urologist my fears about some of the treatment options but I wonder if I will simply be dismissed or listened to.

What is some advice you all can give me? Or should I just swallow whatever if passed my way and wait/see if the side effects come/it works as intended.

Thank you for letting me vent my nerves, silly as I am sure they are.

Don't sweat it Tarlton, the tests are more embarrassing then painful. A good Uro will put you at ease, they have seen it all, and deal with it every day, so just breathe and don't skimp on any details that may help him understand what is going on. When it's all over, you will no doubt be saying, "That was IT"??? Easy, peasy! Puffy

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Puffy
BC, Canada
Fighting the "Bladder Battle" since 1995

Biggest suggestion I can make outside what you have already stated is also write down any questions yo may have. Also take time to write notes on what they say. Trust me, most of what happens will be a blur and the notes both before and after will help keep your thoughts in order.

I don't think you have gone over the top with the info you have collated it should help. I am in England so stuff they do on the first visit will de different on your side of the pond but I am sure you will be fine.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

4wheeldave.

I believe what you have already done will appreciated by the doctor you are seeing and will help save some time. My 2nd visit was when a cystoscopy was preformed. The doctor and nurse talked me through the procedure before and during the procedure. My 3rd visit was when a urodynamic test was preformed. Once again the same thing very professional. Puffy is right, they do this type of stuff a lot so it is nothing new to them. I just kept telling myself they have seen it all and this helped me through it. As Puffy said "That was IT"??? Easy, peasy!" and it was. Not to mention, they found the cause to my issues.

I think that the information you have gathered is excellent preparation for the appointment. I think that the urologist will be impressed.

Great start. Way to be organized. Definitely take notes because as Rope said, the appt. will be a blur. It'll go by so fast you'll walk out with your head spinning. At least I always seem to come out that way.....feels like it was all over in the blink of an eye. Probably the only "test" you can count on is the digital rectal exam (DRE) which really sucks but is way more embarrassing than painful. He will ask you a lot of questions and provably take notes. Good Luck, were behind ya!!!

Thank you all for the belt of confidence and the advice. I guess I am just a worrier by nature. I have my appointment at 9 am Iowa time so I will report back how it goes tomorrow.

Well, you all the were right about then being both surprised and happy for my throughness.

I thought they might ask for a blood sample so I fasted from 10 pm the night before. In the morning my urine was highly concentrated. I peed twice from the time I got up to going there... And then I couldn't give a urine sample til midway through the exam... Embarrassing.

I'm Impressed with their thoroughness in options. They wanted me on mybertil or however it is spulled because it is the only med with no drymouth, which I cannot tolerate because of my job. They said I could try it for a month and if it doesn't work do tests or do tests first.

I opted to do the tests for them to find out the "why." So I have a urodynamics and cystoscopy scheduled for November 6. They did do the back door exam and thankfully nothing wrong with my prostate.

Thank you all again for the encouragement.

Good to hear all went well, it's really no big thing to go through, just embarrassing to us, not so much them. Hope you get some answers on Nov 6 ! Puffy

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Puffy
BC, Canada
Fighting the "Bladder Battle" since 1995