H i - I am new here.
Am in a dreadful state because I am convinced I have bladder cancer. I am 53 (the right age) and because I have lots of cystitis, I bought some Uristicks from the internet to test my urine. Biiiig mistake - I found traces of blood in it, and got to testing it several times a day with the same result more or less. Though initially it was an infection which hadn't cleared so drank loads of water etc, but still no change. Took sample to GP who tested it and found nothing (probably too dilute!) Took second one a week later and it was sent to the lab and they found traces of blood and something else- ?epithelial cells or something but no infection. I freaked because I had found on Google that that is a symptom of bladder cancer.
Unable to cope with the anxiety, I asked for referral to a urologist but the appointment is months away and finally GP saw how distressed I was and agreed at my request to fast track me. Appointment to cystoscopy is next week, same day as the ultrasound and I am terrified they will find something sinister and don't know how to cope. My risk factors seem to be greater because I dye threads and fabrics (for the last few years, not every week but when I do it's 2 times a week more or less). I am in a state of panic, find it hard to function and am driving my poor husband mad worrying about it. He can't understand why I can't 'shelve' the worry but if only it was that easy!
Anyone else had anything like this, or tested their urine obsessively (well, for the last 2 months anyway!)