I have had recurrent UTIs most of my adult life. I have had 6 within the last year. Survived sepsis in 9/19 from a dog bite. I am in so much pain right now but I am worried that an invasive procedure could result in infection or worse and I could end up in more pain than I am in now.
And as per your history with sepsis. Anyone can get any sepsis any time in their life. My brother died from a small sore on his leg he ignored, cellulitis he ignored, and it went septic. He was dead in 15 days. Best thing to do re sepsis is keep a strong healthy body, good food, good weight, good exercise. And on you go. Keep strong. Best of luck.
Even though you have once survived sepsis it doesn't mean you will go septic with any infection; in fact you are surviving bladder infections just fine ( I know. I don't mean "just fine"). Dog and human bites are notorious for bad infection.
Can I recommend you try the harmless supplement D-Mannose (about 30.00 for 120 capsules, take one a day; I used Source Natural D-Mannose from Amazon). I was getting four bladder infections a year a bit over a decade ago. As an old nurse I was distressed. I don't BELIEVE in vitamins and supplements and am a western medicine girl, but being threatened with all the procedures and a cipro daily proplylactic (these were climbing into my kidney; a real concern) I tried D-Mannose. I haven't had a bladder infection in decades. My doc just shrugged and said "Some claim they help; others get no help". Two friends, on a Facebook friend, one from my dog park, had same experience. Works like cranberry; doesn't allow bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall, but not acidic. Recommended here often and I do know one person here not helped by it, so the one "failure I know".
You could have something going on that they need to know. You are miserable, and might be helped and the cystoscopy is pretty easy. I recommend you have that. And try D-mannose if you wish to; it can't hurt you; it's a simple sugar (won't interfere for diabetics).
I wish you luck; I hope you will update us.
I'd say to go ahead with the procedure. It's fairly simple and if they can 'knock you out' for it, then even better. If that isn't offered, do ask for something to keep you semi-sedated and calm.
Sometimes docs just need to get deeper into the problem if the standard tests are inconclusive.
What will happen if you do nothing? Sounds like this is the best diagnostic tool.
Good Luck!
Good luck
My husband had a procedure to unblock his ureter; that DID result in a UTI, but that was because he didn't take the preacribed antibiotics after the procedure. Ended up in the ER and got yelled at by the RNs!
I think you should proceed on the basis that your doctor knows what she is doing. Ask what she hopes the cystoscopy will show and how it will inform treatment.
I am assuming that they are looking for a blaockage or kidney stones.