Ok, I must be weird, but I found it one of the more interesting tests I've ever had done on me, at least until it became a total bore.

A screen/monitor was where I could see it, I asked questions, the Dr. and nurse/tec (?) seemed to enjoy answering them and sharing info, so other than the fact that it went on forever (at that point getting urine out of my bladder was like squeezing blood out of a turnip), I certainly had no complaints.

Tricia,

Although I've never had this test I would venture to say that it's not as bad as some will tell you it is. Cricket seems to have the right attitude - it's a test made available to help you and prevent problems down the road. Hey, I always say if it's less painful than childbirth then I can handle it!! Although if anyone asks me about childbirth (especially a mom-to-be) I tell them it's well worth the discomfort and you truly do forget about the pain. No point in scaring them about it.....

Good luck - and let us know what your opinion of it was.

TK, are you my twin? LOL. I have one coming up April 1st, and was thinking about asking this too.

Thanks all for answering TK's question. My brain's been buzzing with how this is going to be too.

Tante:

Guess we are both weird, I found it fascinating too. The same with the colonoscopy I had last year. I was awake, had a bit of hypoxia and they had to abort so I was given a barium enema (had plenty of those). As long as I know what is going on I'm fine. I hate doctors who treat you like a lump on a stretcher.

herekitty made a good point, childbirth takes the cake and it was worth it.

If you do have urinary retention the MS clinic taught me how to 'train' my bladder, which so far, has worked for the past 10 years. Whenever you feel the slightest need to void - go. You may have to sit for a few minutes to start the stream and it may just be a trickle, but relax and wait. Go on about your business then 20 minutes or so later, whether you want to or not - go again. I noticed a difference in about a year and have been able, so far, to avoid catheterizing. What that day comes, if it does, it will be just one more way to stay healthy.

This should cheer you up:

http://www.quotegarden.com/worry.html

Good luck with the test tkirk and Finlady. Hope you get the answers you need.

As promised, here is my update on this testing.

Truly, it was no big deal. If I could say anything uncomfortable about the test it would be that I have some spasticity and having my legs in those stirrups was the hardest part.

It was cool to watch it on the monitor and I asked lots of questions. As for the results, I really don't want to assume anything right now. I know that the girl was confused by the results and rightfully so.

I have a follow up with the uro in a couple of weeks. We'll go over those results as well as the kidney ultrasound and the cystoscopy.

I think the evoked response tests with the little zaps are worse than this.

Oh, I agree 100 %! Much easier than the zaps.

I'm glad you got to watch and ask questions also, it makes a big difference I believe. It also is one more tiny way we can feel some positive connection with what is happening to us.

Thanks for getting back to us, will be watching for the next update to this.

Well that didn't sound fun until the end when it was not so bad...thankfully
It reminded me of giving birth. What ya gonna do?? LOL!! You just have to get through it....so glad it's over for you. Let us know how the results turn out.

I had this test done also. While it was not painful, I found it embarassing with my legs open and trying to pee in front of people. Everyone is different.

Good point. There is some "performance" anxiety. Weird feeling. The girl did leave the room when the test was over so that I could go in private. LOL.

I posted some some information about bladder issues on this thread as we were discussing infections and exacerbations as well as spinal lesions. This was something that I learned from the tech that did my renal ultrasound.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread43121-6.html