"Distress caused by bad information"

I had to have a flexible cystoscopy to investigate frequent urine infections and not emptying my bladder completely. I also had a complex cyst on my kidney show up from a scan which was done at my GP surgery and subsequent mri scan.

The cystoscopy was carried out on 18th June and various red marks were found on my bladder. I witnessed this and a photograph was printed out and attached to my file. The doctor advised me that these marks could be due to scar tissue from previous infections or it could be cancer! She continued to say that I would need to have a biopsy within 2 weeks. She said that following the results of the biopsy a meeting would be held to discuss all aspects of my urology health, including the kidney cyst and my newly found double ureta tubes. She said I would know the conclusion and potential way forward within one month.

Obviously a worrying time ensued for both myself and close family and friends.

My appointment for the biopsy came through and was for 30th July....6 weeks after my cystoscopy. I had previously had a pre operation assessment in preparation for the biopsy.

On the day of the operation I was called into the ward and told that the doctor would be coming to see me. He suggested that I did not need a general anaesthetic as there was nothing from the results of the cystoscopy which indicated this was necessary. He asked if I was happy to have a further cystoscopy to ensure my bladder was now clear and if this was the case, I could be discharged. Obviously I was pleased not to have the biopsy but I was also bewildered. When I asked him about the possibility of cancer he apologised and said I should not have been told that. The redness was probably an infection which should have been treated and a further test done to ensure it was clear.

He also advised me that the complex cyst on my kidney was in face a simple cyst and nothing to worry about. When questioned abut the misinformation he said it was just different peoples perception of the scan.

The cystoscopy proved my bladder was clear and I was discharged with 3 days of antibiotics to eliminate further infection. I was also offered lunch as I had not eaten in preparation for the operation! This, in my mind, was not the priority. The doctor said he would make notes so this did not happen again, that they had new staff in that department and he wished he had carried out the first cystoscopy so that all of this wouldnt have happened! The doctor was obviously busy but I did feel rushed and in a confused state, having worried about the potential cancer for 6 weeks.

I felt relieved, obviously, but really unable to come to terms with what had just happened. This feeling has not really gone away, for me or my family who were worried and anxious for me. This is the reason I am writing as I think steps should be taken with those involved to ensure this kind of mistake does not happen to anybody else.