Chris DeWald: Hematuria/urology

Hello, friends and neighbors. This is the final part of the three-part series on hematuria and your urologist. First, who or what is a urologist? A urologist is a physician who has specialized knowledge and skill regarding problems of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. Because of the variety of clinical problems encountered, knowledge of internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, and other specialties is required of the urologist. Urology is classified as a surgical subspecialty. A urologist with advanced qualifications in surgery may be a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Now we have an idea what he does and where on the compass he is going. If my head is north, then he is going south across the Mason-Dixon line. It seems there was a medical necessity to use an instrument that explores the bladder and other interesting sites called a cystoscope. According to www.webmd.com, cystoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inside of the bladder and the urethra using a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope.

The cystoscope is inserted into your urethra and slowly advanced into the bladder. Cystoscopy allows your doctor to look at areas of your bladder and urethra that usually do not show up well on X-rays. Tiny surgical instruments can be inserted through the cystoscope that allow your doctor to remove samples of tissue (biopsy) or samples of urine.

Small bladder stones and some small growths can be removed during cystoscopy. This may eliminate the need for more extensive surgery.

For me, it was to check on why I am bleeding and also to eliminate any chance of bladder cancer. I am also on a blood thinner and this makes any operation risky business. Due to some narrowing and lack of flow to my brain, operations are only considered on a needed basis. I went to our local hospital (Augusta Health) and had the pleasure to be examined by Dr. Willliam Jones III. He also had a wonderful nurse assisting him. I had been seen by Dr. Jones in the past when I had a kidney stone stuck in my urethra. I was on warfarin at the time and was post-stroke by approximately five months. I could not ask for a better understanding urologist. Despite me telling him twice that this device was handed down during the Spanish Inquisition, he took my humor is stride. I want everyone to know not to be shy when asking questions. You will be unsure later on if you do not.

Ask, Will this instrument hurt? Mine did not, as they used a numbing medicine before insertion. The numbing medicine presented an unpleasant burn, but after that it was a piece of cake.

Ask in your case if a blood thinner will have any after effects from the exam?

Ask what they are looking for and what they find?

The final outcome for me was kidney stones buried in my kidenys that are too large to come out by my bodily functions. I am also in that category where operations are risky

In other words, until it becomes a life and death issue, I have to name my stones. I shall let the readers name my two stones. Be original now, I don’t want to see Mick Jaeger or any members of that group. Bob Dylan is out also.

Join in my fun as I shall present another article on what they did find. Until then, ask questions.
 
 

Column by Chris DeWald.