Cystoscopy

From the UCLA Transplant Center discharge manual:

Cystoscopy is used cor general observation of the bladder, and to aid in the diagnosis of bladder and urethral disorders. It is also a way to remove stents from the bladder.

I had an appointment today at UCLA Clark Urological Center to have the stent removed. It was placed between the new kidney and bladder to help the ureter connection heal. The appointment was initially scheduled for 1:00 pm but was moved this morning to 2:00 pm, which caused me to sit longer on the freeway driving home.

I left my house at noon and got to UCLA Medical Plaza at 1:30 pm. I checked in and soon a nurse/assistant came out to get me and prep me for the cystoscopy procedure. Basically, I had to remove all clothing from the waist down, put on a gown, then she wiped my groin area with iodine and injected some lidocaine gel into the urethra opening. Then she went to get the doctor. I waited… and waited… and waited… for about 40 minutes with no pants on and trying not to fall asleep. The doctor finally came and it was the same surgeon that did my kidney transplant surgery. He said a few things, grabbed the camera device, inserted it, and grabbed the stent in about 60 seconds. Done. I was then given some wet and dry paper towels to clean off the iodine, while the nurse was still cleaning up the room. She did say, “Don’t mind me.” while I was standing with no pants on. Ha!

The procedure hurt a bit but nothing like the removal of the foley catheter after three days. I paid for parking ($14) and started driving home. I left UCLA at about 2:40 pm, and did not get home until after 5:00 pm. I knew it was going to be bad from years of driving home from work, but this was a lot worse since it was about 15 miles further on the 405 freeway. I had Autopilot on most of the way, so I was free to observe lots of shitty drivers. Since my carpool sticker expired, I stayed out of the HOV lane even though I drive an electric car. Looking at the cars in the lane though, about 50% were single occupant vehicles. In the four years I drove in the carpool lane, I have only seen someone get pulled over once. I guess if the CHP does not enforce the rules, then every asshole driver will cheat and jump into the HOV lane. Judging by the traffic however, I probably would have saved 10-15 minutes on my 2.5 hour drive home. Not worth it.

So now I think I am done with post-transplant procedures. I still have some stitches sticking out of the incision. I forgot to ask the surgeon about it. I am going to clinic once a week now so I will ask the attending doctor next Thursday.