Any sentence that starts with "They stick a pipe into my..." is not going to be pleasant!
I nearly fainted just reading that, so you have my sympathy there!

Let's hope it's worth it for your peace of mind, eh?
* crosses legs *

The entire idea of these two tests are to tell whether there is any function remaining in the right kidney, and whether the damage was caused by a blockage. The one question they cannot answer me is whether the cystic bit of kidney will ever turn into a cancer.

Since when have you ever been able to get a definitive answer from a doctor?

The problem with that question is that it is highly uncertain. Even I know that. The problem is that the answer would help me. If it were to never become cancerous, I'd leave it alone and do nothing. If it was definitely going to become cancerous, I'd want it out whilst I was still relatively fit and young.

Whilst an answer either way would be handy to know it's probable that they don't actually know the answer. After all if the tests show there is no function in the kidney then the next step is different to if there is some function. Added to the fact there is no test (that I know of anyway) to determine the chances of something becoming cancerous (other that probability based on family history etc) they wouldn't be able to tell you either way at this step.

Although you probably know this

I've been there recently. They warn you it may sting a little when they squirt the lube up... and it's rather unpleasant. I may have squealed a little. suffice to say, 48 hours later I could barely tell they'd done anything.

I should really post this after you've had it done

Well turns out the procedure is under a general anaesthetic and is booked for 31st Dec. I am [LIFTED] about not waking up. Only realised it was a GA when I re-read my pre-op assessment letter this morning. There were two pages and I thought the second was the usual directions/contact details. If I'd had known earlier, I would have done my will.

Well I am thinking about my will but not because of anything to worry about but because it makes things easier when I die. If I were you the only thing I would be concerned about are unclean wards and a DNR on your chart.

I've had that (I've had pretty much every procedure involving kidney function at one point or other). It's pretty routine. When I was in, they did the same thing on another bloke and they didn't even bother with the GA, just did it with an epidural.

Being completely up front, taking a pee afterwards will be.. uncomfortable. But that passes fairly quickly.

TBH, I suspect they do a GA because a lot of men will freak out at the nature of the procedure. But IMO it's no more dodgy a procedure than taking a blood sample.

In all honesty, I'd rather do the bloody thing awake and be in a bit of discomfort rather than under a GA. I've already anticipated being in pain and need to chat to work about returning on the 2/1/13. How long before you could wee without problems and how long before you could become sexually active again?

I could probably have gone back a couple of days after if I'd had to - coincidentally the op was 28/12 and I wasn't due back until 04/01 anyway so it was fine.


it was only actually painful for a day or two, uncomfortable for a few more I'd say. The latter.. Well I kind of didn't feel like it anyway tbh but I'd say give it at least a week...

Well I've had it done. Went in. First on the list. Was a little concerned about the GA but TBH it was quick. Had to breathe some oxygen and the anaesthetistic gave me some sleep juice. I remember thinking "I'm still wide awake" and then I remember dreaming and then woke up in recovery just feeling sleepy. Was a little lightheaded from the GA but was quickly alert and orientated.

The bit I hated was the urge to wee. Spent something like an hour wriggling around, thinking I needed a wee but then didn't. Nurse said i couldn't get up for two hours. After an hour, i thought "Nuts to that" and stood up. Managed to have a wee. They've all been painful so I've had to pass it in small amounts. Feels like full on flow would hurt too much.

Slept a bit when I came back home because I didn't sleep well last night. Spending NYE in bed!!!

Glad to hear everything went as well as these things can go

Glad it worked out well.

I have problems with GAs. I generally spend the 12 hours afterwards throwing up violently.

For my heel operation, I had an epidural, that was a very funny feeling, I could feel knife cut through the skin, but no pain and the muscles being tugged as he hammered away at the calcium build up and bone and I could hear everything, but no pain. Very odd.

The worst was my vasectomy, they used a local anesthetic, but they didn't test properly to see if it was working, it wasn't The doctor had already begun and said it was too late to stop. That was one of the most painful experiences in my life.

I'm off to see a doctor about my stomach problems today. The move to using gluten free products has helped so far, no to see what the doctor says.

I feel a bit ill. I hope you obtained an apology and/or compensation for a blunder like that.