What I learned Today

[Epson]

A week ago I went to the ER after urinating what I thought were minnows.  After closer examination I was more shocked to see that they weren't minnows at all, but blood clots.  After a couple of similar results I decided that I needed to go to the ER and find out what was going on.

After spending 5 hours in the ER a doctor came in to tell me that I have a large tumor in my bladder.  I was convinced that it was a fetus-in-fetu, yes my evil twin that was trapped inside me for 55 years and was trying to get out, but I guess that isn't any better then a tumor.

I was given the name of a specialist at the Cleveland Clinic to see, well the Clinic is rated #2 in the country for Urology, so that made be feel a little better.  The funny thing is what goes on in your mind when a doctor tells you that you have a large cancerous growth in you.  My first thoughts were, who is going to take care of the finances and the lawn for my wife, who will take care of my dad in the nursing home and who is going to walk the dog, do I have time to vote?

Wow I never thought about myself, I thought I was a way more shallow and selfish a person then that!  But the worst part was yet to come, waiting a whole week to see the doctor is the equivalent to physiological water boarding after being told you have a large cancerous growth in you.

Today I saw Dr. Mike Rotch, that's not his real name, but he was way cool, about my age and he is not afraid to throw an F bomb during our conversation, which strangely put me at ease and God knows I like my F bombs and other curse worlds.

Now I will get to the point after all this rambling, the time has come for the systoscope.  For those of you unfamiliar with the systoscope, the systoscope is a tube that is shoved up your penis and into the bladder so the doc can have a look see and of course your told it won't hurt a bit and takes only 3 minutes.  Doctors lie more then politicians, that's the first thing I learned and anything to do with a penis other than sex is going to hurt

[BadSeed]

Epson,

Can't imagine your pain there. but I can say, from experience, that test ain't fun for us gals, either.

Hope everything turns out well & they caught it early enough to clean it out.

[pudmott]

Epson just make sure that when he does the systoscope you foot is placed strategically near his bits as he is putting the scope up your bits. i guarantee he will be extra careful. And if that doesnt work then throw in a few of his f bombs and several other choice adjectives to curl his hair.

Im sorry to hear you have your evil twin lodged in your bladder.i hope they can do something to get the feto out  feto rather than bbeing in feto.

Keep us posted and as bad seed said it aint great for us girls either. Its just that you boys have a longer passage way. At least you can have some lidocaine.

Goodluck. i'll be thinking of you

Pud

[Scottietottie]

Hi Epson

I can't imagine what the waiting must be like. Once you have results  - you deal with them - right?  I'm really sorry to hear what's going on with you right now - as though you didn't have enough to deal with.

It's good you like the doc and that the place has a good reputation. I hope you get the whole systoscope thing over soon and that whatever treatment is necessary can begin.

Thinking about you. Make sure you keep in touch. We're all rooting for you.

Take care - Scottie 

[irish]

Epson, This is a very timely note from you as my hubby was to ER yesterday with urinary bleeding. Had a cat scan with and without dye and has a mass in his bladder that is probably cancer.

He is going to urologist tomorrow at 8AM to have his cystoscopy and he is not looking forward to it. They put a catheter in his bladder in ER because he was passing clots so that they can irrigate the tube. This way he will not get a bladder full of clots and not be able to "pee". He hates catheters with a passion.

Needless to say we have been on pins and needles. We just got back from ER because he broke out in a rash and hives over much of his body. He has been known to do this from time to time but I am betting it is the stress that is causing it.

I have had a strange "nursey" feeling that all was not well with him for several months but just couldn't put my finger on it. Time will tell and of course I will be thrilled if it is some benign "thing". Keep us posted on yours. Irish

[eyeamdry]

To both Epson and Irish:

Our very good friend (male half of a couple) had bladder cancer about 15 years ago and has been just fine every since.  I won't go into any more detail as things might be different as treatment now.  But, if anything things have gotten better.  He was P---ing blood and that was his only symptom.  Lucy

[pudmott]

Epson and Irish,

I will keep you all in my thoughts and pray like crazy that this is al something easily resolved. I can't imagine the worry you are going through right now. Keep your hopes good my friends


Pud

[Epson]

Irish,

I was shocked to find out that I could pass a blood clot larger then a silver dollar, I think it was the thought of a catheter that gave me the will to squeeze them out.  Trust me, it was not easy and I was on the road when it first happened. Bad timing

[wen.uk]

Epson - can't imagine your worry at the moment, it must fel like the sword of damacles over your head waiting for the results.  Same for you too Irish,  I pray  that the necessary treatment can start real soon.

Nobody likes having tubes inserted into them where they shouldn't really go, myself included.  Before, during and after my dx of bowel disease I had more cameras up my a** that a porn star.  Shame I didn't get their money.

Take care you guys and please keep us posted as to how you're doing.

Wen x x

[DMargoA]

Hi Epson. Have you ever had a problem with your bladder before? Do they think this is related to SJS? I was told maybe 6 years ago that I have polyps in my bladder. I, too, had blood in my urine but nothing I could actually see. I haven't been dx with SJS yet but will see the reumatologist on the 28th for results of labs. He told me my parotids were swollen so I guess it's looking that way. I have been wondering if my bladder thing and the problem with my pancreas could be SJS related. What is your Dr. saying about it? Thanks and good luck. Dale

[Epson]

DMargo,

I was told by several doctors that bladder tumors are rare in people my age (56 on Oct. 31) unless they are smokers, which I am not and never have been or have worked around chemicals, which I have in the past.

More than one doctor and several nurses have told my that hair dresser have a higher number of bladder tumors then the general population, due to their exposer to toxic chemicals, so I don't think we can blame SS for this one.

[Patze]

Hi Epson, I'm sorry to see that this has happened to you, and I sure hope that your doctors will be able to resolve this soon.  Hang tough my friend, and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Hi Irish, wow, you and your hubby must be reeling, after all you've gone through and now this.  Please tell him that I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers too.

Please y'all take care -

Patze

[Epson]

Thanks to all the well wishers, it's nice to know people care.

Irish, how is your hubby getting along?  I'm still drinking lots of water and producing lots of baby clots.

[SeaBreeze]

My goodness... I'm praying for all of you...

[Patze]

Hi SeaBreeze,

A bit off topic, but your fur buddy sure does look a bit like mine!


Patze