Cystoscopy with hydrodistention

Had another surgery! Thankfully it wasn't another ectopic pregnancy. This surgery was planned this time. I had procedure called Cystoscopy with Hydrodistention. For the last 6 years, I've had this problem where it burns REALLY REALLY bad after I use the bathroom. The only way to get it to go away is to drink tons and tons of water so that I have to pee again. Once I pee again, I'm fine. After I pee, I have to lean all the way over, and more trickles out. It's horrible. It's not uncommon for me to spend 30 minutes at a time just to pee. Worst thing ever. I've had all types of tests done over the years, and none of the Dr's could figure out what it was. This year I went to my gynecologist and tried to explain it again, and she referred me to a pelvic control specialist. I was super nervous about having to go see a male doctor. I've always had females. There's just something about having a guy other than your husband all in your "business" lol. Yuck. Regardless of how I felt, I sucked it up and made an appt. I made Brandon go with me even during my exam. Dr. Ashby was really friendly. He made me feel comfortable and didn't make me feel stupid when I was trying to explain my crazy side effects. Long story short, he suggested that I should have a procedure called cystoscopy with hydrodistention. Willing to do whatever to get rid of the pain, I immediately agreed. My original surgery date was set for March 8th but of course I had my unexpected ectopic surgery the week before so I had to cancel due to recovering. I ended up having it on May 10th instead.
When the day of my surgery rolled around, I had some prep work to do. I was instructed to NOT drink anything after midnight the night before. The nurse said to make sure I didn't even swallow water while brushing my teeth. The morning of the surgery, I was instructed to take a shower, and to remove any and all nail polish, earrings, and other jewelry. I even had to take off my wedding ring which I was NOT happy about. That ring hasn't ever left my finger except when it's being cleaned.
After we got to the hospital, we had to check in at the welcome desk. Then we were sent to the little payment area where they scan in your insurance card and license, and then put your wrist band on you. Then I had to go down the hall and take a pregnancy test. Then I had to go BACK to the welcome area, and wait to be called back up. When I got called up, this little old foreign lady had to find my name on the list while another lady explained to us what would be happening next. She handed Brandon a beeper like you get at restaurants while you're waiting on your table. She said that I would have to go back by myself and then when I was settled in, they would page Brandon, and he'd be able to come back with me.
So they take me back to my "room" which was basically like a cubicle with a curtain. We went over paperwork and then I had to get undressed and put on my gown.

 Then the nurse ATTEMPTED to put in my IV. I say attempted because it didn't go so smoothly. Let me start by saying that the veins in my arms are very visible. Like bright blue, can't miss em. Does the nurse want any of those veins?? NOOOOOOOO......she wants to get one on my forearm down by my elbow. One of the WORST. PAINS. EVER. Hands down. Not to mention that as soon as she stuck the IV in, the needle jumped back out. Blood literally started gushing out. Now I don't mean it was pouring out all over the floor, let's not be dramatic. But it was enough that it took a handful of cotton balls to sop it all up. So then she can't find another location to put the IV in. So she decides to put it in on the side of my hand right where my thumb meets my wrist. If I thought the last IV hurt, it was NOTHING compared to this. I had to keep my wrist tucked in at all times, otherwise you could see the needle right under the surface of my skin. I seriously thought it was going to pop out of my skin. It was miserable. Then she started my fluids. Talk about a weird feeling. Nothing feels weirder than super cold liquid flowing right below the surface of your skin.

Then the Dr. came in and explained what he'd be doing. Then the anesthesiologist came in and went over his role, and asked me question about my health and allergies, etc. Then a lady and a guy came in separately to tell me that they'd be observing my procedure since it was a "learning hospital". Then they said it was time, I kissed Brandon goodbye, and they wheeled me out.
They wheeled me in to the OR and had me switch over to a different table. Then I laid down, they covered me in warm blankets (amazing) and then I was out. My last surgery they at least gave me a warning, but not this time!
Next thing I remember is waking up in recovery and my anesthesiologist is sitting next to me on the computer. We chatted for a while and then I said I was ready to go and they took me to a recovery area. The recovery area is half the size of the cubicle. Enough to fit a chair, end table, and computer. They sat me in the chair and gave me graham crackers and water. I ate those while they brought Brandon back in. He helped me change clothes, we got my discharge papers, and then we went home.
They told me ahead of time that it would hurt for a while when I used the bathroom. Holy cow, I was NOT prepared for what came next. I tend to think I don't need medication. I can't stand people that "pop pills" so my biggest fear is becoming addicted to something so I usually refuse to take medicine unless it's like an ibuprofen. That being said, I didn't take my medicine right away. WHOOPS! I sat down to use the bathroom, and I literally jumped off the toilet and screamed at the same time. Imagine having to pee while there are needles poking out of every side. The pain was so sharp it literally took my breath away. Plus there was blood which is never pleasant. I immediately took my medicine, and it subsided within the day. Imagine that!
Fast forward two weeks, I went to have my follow up appt. They said I have 4 treatment options. One, I can go on a strict diet which eliminates all sorts of foods and drinks and see if that will maintain the pain. Two, I can take antidepressant meds. Apparently, they calm the body which will calm the bladder. She said they would hope to give me a low enough dose so that I wouldn't have the weight gain and loopiness. Three, I can take narcotic nerve pain which will numb my body, hopefully numbing my bladder as well. Fourth, I can come in 6 weeks in a row and have a catheter inserted to have medicine placed directly into my bladder. UHHHHMMM.....I'll take option one please and thanks.
Needless to say, my problem is still somewhat occurring. I give up lol