How It Feels
Most people report that this test is not
nearly as uncomfortable as they had expected.
If a general
anesthetic is used, you will feel nothing during the test, but after the
anesthetic wears off your muscles may feel tired and achy. Some people
experience nausea after receiving a general anesthetic.
If a local
anesthetic is used, you may feel a burning sensation or an urge to urinate when
the instrument is inserted and removed. Also, when your bladder is irrigated
with sterile water or saline, you may feel a cool sensation, an uncomfortable
fullness, and an urgent need to urinate. Try to relax during the test by taking
slow, deep breaths. Also, if the test is lengthy, lying on the table can become
tiring and uncomfortable.
If a spinal anesthetic is used, you may
find it uncomfortable to lie curled up on your side while the anesthetic is
injected. You will probably feel a brief stinging sensation when the anesthetic
is injected. You may feel tired and have a slight backache the day after the
test.