Urodynamics test results

I am looking for fellow forum members who have undergone a "urodynamic study or testing." If you have, please share your experiences. I would appreciate an explanation of what the procedure actually entails and how it progresses—specifically, whether the experience is painful or merely uncomfortable.

I haven’t been on the patient side of things myself, so I can't speak to the actual sensation, but I am intimately familiar with the procedure being discussed. This specific diagnostic involves using a urinary catheter. It isn't necessarily "painful" in the traditional sense, but for many patients, it's incredibly uncomfortable. It really comes down to the individual's sensitivity and, frankly, how skilled the doctor is at what they do. Also, just a heads-up: it's pretty common for people to deal with some stinging during urination for a few days following the exam.

I need to schedule a Flow rate test soon, so I am looking for recommendations for a reliable urologist—or perhaps a specialized clinic? Where should I even start my search? I am open to both major hospitals and private practices, though I am curious about the price difference if I opt for a private provider.

The real issue is that I struggle quite a bit with anxiety—it’s a constant companion, really—so I am genuinely worried this won't go smoothly without causing me some significant emotional distress. I know it is a necessary step, but there is a very real possibility that I might just bolt from the testing room or end up in tears.

I recently went in for a routine checkup at Mount Sinai, and honestly, the chaos at the reception desk was just overwhelming. Does anyone know if other hospitals are better managed? I simply cannot imagine sitting in a waiting room with a full bladder while dealing with that kind of crowd. 😢 To make matters worse, when I asked my doctor if she thought I would need a cystoscopy, she told me, "Oh, heavens no, that won't be necessary for you." I felt such a wave of relief, thinking I only needed the Flow rate test, but then she went ahead and ordered the full urodynamics study instead. I nearly fainted when the receptionist informed me that the procedure was actually invasive.

It really left me with the impression that the communication between the nursing staff and the doctors at Mount Sinai isn't quite as seamless as one would hope.

Thank you so much.

coppergardener said:I need to go in for urodynamics testing and I’m looking for a recommendation for a good urologist, or maybe just a solid clinic. Where should I even go? I’m open to both hospitals and private practices. Also, does anyone know how much it actually costs if you go the private route?

The thing is, my anxiety is through the roof, and I have a feeling this isn't going to go smoothly without some serious trauma. I know I have to get it done, but there's a non-negligible chance I might just bolt mid-test or end up having a total meltdown.

I went in for a standard checkup at Mount Sinai once, and honestly, the chaos at the front desk was just overwhelming. I don't know what the vibe is like at other hospitals, but I can't imagine heading back there with a completely full bladder. 😢 Mind you, when I asked my doctor if I'd need a catheterization—thinking about a cystoscopy—she was like, "Oh, nooo, you won't need that." So I felt this massive wave of relief thinking I was just getting a Flow rate test, only for her to write down urodynamics testing instead. I nearly died when the staff at the desk told me it was an invasive procedure.

I also got the impression that the communication between the receptionists and the doctors at Mount Sinai just isn't exactly top-tier.

Thanks.

Mayo Clinic is solid.
Mount Sinai isn't terrible per se, but hey, your gut feeling definitely deserves respect.

For short-term anxiety, 10-15mg of oxazepam (Lexapro, Oxazepam) about an hour before the test works okay, but considering what you're facing, maybe 5-10mg of diazepam (Valium, Diazepam) about two hours beforehand would be way better. It’ll relax you both mentally and physically, which will probably make the whole experience much easier to swallow.😉

Also, just a heads-up: when people come in for this specific test, it’s actually pretty helpful to bring an adult disposable brief (bring a spare one too). It gives you that bit of mental security, and honestly, the physical sensation of walking around with a full bladder feels a lot less awkward when you know you've got that backup.😉

Try to bring someone close to you—someone who’s assertive enough to actually stop you from running away.😬

By the way, everyone at those front desks is totally slammed (not that I'm making excuses for being rude).
Most doctors are just burnt out and exhausted, especially since it's flu season and we're dealing with major staffing shortages right now.

velvetmoose9 said:The clinic in NYC is perfectly fine.
The one in Miami isn't bad either—though, of course, one must respect your own subjective impressions.

For short-term anxiety, Oxazepam (Lexapro, Oxazepam) at 10-15mg about an hour before the test is quite decent; however—considering the nature of this specific procedure—perhaps Diazepam (Normabel, Apaurin, Diazepam) at 5-10mg roughly two hours beforehand might actually be a far superior choice? It tends to relax you both "mentally" and "peripherally," which will likely make the whole experience much more bearable for you.😉

As a side note—when patients arrive for this particular exam—it is actually quite helpful to bring along a disposable adult diaper (do bring a spare!) because it provides that necessary sense of psychological security; plus, the sensation of walking around with a full bladder feels significantly less uncomfortable when you have that peace of mind.😉

Do bring someone dear to you—someone sufficiently assertive—to ensure you don't feel the urge to bolt out of there!😬

By the way, everyone at the service counters is completely overwhelmed (not that I am making excuses for rudeness).
Most doctors are stretched thin and utterly exhausted—and since it is flu season, there is a massive shortage in staff as well.

Thank you! 🙂 Honestly, I feel like I spent more time waiting at the desk than I did for the actual exam. 🙏 But yes, I can see that everyone is losing their minds due to the seasonal rush—both the staff and the patients alike.

I am struggling slightly with retention lately, and I wonder... could a moderate dose of an anxiolytic interfere with the test results? I have this sensation that my bladder is somewhat flaccid, yet my sphincter feels overly tense. For other reasons, I have been taking the smallest 2mg dose of Normabel before bed for the last few weeks. I tried taking it once in the morning, and it made me feel so weak that I actually had to lie down. I intend to give it another chance—as I suspect the effect might be waning over time—but I truly do not know if it might render the testing pointless.

coppergardener said:thanks so much! 🙂 though honestly, I feel like I spent more time idling at the front desk than actually seeing the doctor. 🙏 but yeah, you aren't kidding—everyone seems totally frazzled because of this time of year, both the staff and the patients.

I've been dealing with some annoying urinary retention lately, and I'm genuinely wondering if taking a moderate dose of an anxiolytic is going to mess with my test results. It feels like my bladder is just... soft, while my sphincter stays way too tight. For the last few weeks, I've been taking that tiny 2 mg Normabel before bed to help with other things. I tried taking it in the morning once and it wiped me out so hard I had to just go lie down. I’ll give it another shot since I feel like its effectiveness is tapering off anyway, but I'm worried it might make the whole testing process pointless.

Man, if you're struggling with retention, then maybe sticking with Lexapro (oxazepam) or maybe some alprazolam (Messer, Helix, Xanax) might be a better bet—those usually have less of an impact on what you're describing compared to diazepam, though everyone reacts differently.

Anyway, just wear a diaper; it's a total lifesaver. 😬
Peace of God 🙂
If there's an accident, no big deal. 😍
Think of it like a seatbelt, or ABS and traction control in your car. 😉

By the way, how are you feeling regarding those urological issues when you're on the Normabel versus when you aren't? 😕

I don't particularly feel like the Diazepam has had any impact on my bladder—honestly, there was this incredibly subtle sensation of pressure before (though I can't quite tell if that was actually from the medication or just my own imagination), but now it seems a bit more pronounced. I suspect this recent shift might actually be due to the fact that I overdid it slightly with my lower back—which, as a side note, has been giving me constant lumbosacral trouble lately. Anyway, I’ve mainly been taking the Diazepam for the muscle relaxation benefits—specifically to deal with my nighttime teeth grinding—but I haven't even touched a substantial dose yet. I think I'll definitely check in with my doctor to discuss some alternatives before my next appointment.

thanks again!

coppergardener, how did it go? Was it painful..?
I have my own appointment tomorrow, and frankly, I’m feeling just as anxious as you were. Part of me wants to just bolt...
It feels like my period is about to start today—does that pose an issue for the exam? Would washing up beforehand and using a fresh tampon be sufficient? To be clear, I would clean up regardless, but I am genuinely worried—what if they refuse to see me because of the flow? It hasn't started yet, but I can feel it coming, and after waiting three months for this appointment, I really can't afford to miss it.

coppergardener said:The issue is my anxiety—it’s hard to imagine getting through this without some sort of major trauma. I know I have to go through with it, but there is a very real possibility that I might just bolt mid-test or break down in tears.

coppergardener, how did it go? Was it painful?
I have my appointment tomorrow, and frankly, I am feeling exactly the same way you described. I am genuinely considering running for the exit...
Also, it looks like my period is about to start—is that going to be an issue for the exam? Would it be sufficient to wash up beforehand and use a fresh tampon? Let's be honest, I would clean myself up regardless, but now I'm worried: what if they refuse to see me because of the flow? It hasn't officially started yet, but I can feel it coming, and I've been waiting three months for this appointment.

Since I didn't receive a response, I figured I would share my own experience—perhaps it might offer some solace to future patients.

I arrived at the clinic, provided a sample, and then lay down on the table. I actually asked the doctor to talk me through the process as they worked. Honestly? The exam isn't nearly as terrifying as you imagine. There is a slight sting when the catheter is inserted, but nothing extreme—it lasts all of three seconds. They fill the bladder, which you don't really notice until the urge to go hits, but that’s a sensation we’re all familiar with. When they remove it, there is no sensation at all. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes.
So, to any women facing this in the future: there is truly no need for the stress, the fear, or the panic. I was incredibly anxious myself, which is exactly why I am writing this—maybe I can help lower someone else's stress levels. Peace of God.

@graniteridge5/">@@graniteridge5, I really appreciate you sharing that post..
I’m actually still in recovery from... well, I’m not even quite sure what yet. I had surgery for a fibroid back in July (so about five months ago), but seven months before that, I was dealing with similar symptoms—though the fibroid surgery didn't exactly solve everything. Now, on top of those old issues, I'm dealing with this burning sensation in my lower abdomen (maybe the bladder area?) and a sharp, radiating heat that travels down toward my pubic bone. Plus, if I overexert myself even slightly, I deal with some minor leakage.

My doctor told me I absolutely need to see a urogynecologist and strongly suggested a urodynamics study. I already went to a urologist for a cystoscopy and a battery of other tests, but all they could tell me was that everything looks "fine," except for some signs of chronic irritation in one specific spot..
Honestly, I'm terrified. I am scared that any further testing or intervention will just irritate the area even more and push it past a "breaking point"—if it hasn't already. I'm worried about reaching a point of no return where things won't just settle down on their own once given enough time to heal..

In any case, your post really helped ease some of my anxiety. Thank you so much!

Well, yes.

@graniteridge5/">@@graniteridge5, I have an important question for you: where exactly did you go to get that done?

Does anyone here have any firsthand experience with urodynamics testing at the Mayo Clinic??

I had mine done in NYC, mostly because in Miami, you don't really go to the public hospitals for this kind of thing—it’s almost exclusively private practice. As far as the procedure itself goes, it isn't painful; I wouldn't even go so far as to call it uncomfortable, but the way the doctor approached me left me with such a lingering sense of unease. Like you mentioned in your post, you show up with a full bladder, and they insert one tube "down there" and the other from the opposite side. It truly isn't painful—there's just a little sting because, well, it's a foreign object, which is perfectly normal, and honestly, it’s much less awkward than a PAP smear. My real issue was the indignity of it all. I was stripping down behind this flimsy partition, sitting there with my legs spread, completely exposed right next to the door where nurses and technicians were just drifting in and out without even knocking. It felt terrible. And of course, that level of vulnerability absolutely impacts the results—that pressure and that feeling of discomfort. It’s not that I’m ashamed of myself; I know I’m just one patient in a long line of them, but surely it’s reasonable to expect a closed door? Even at the dentist, people don't just barge in and out without knocking! I actually ended up crying after the exam, and not because of any pain, but because of how I was treated. I have enough to deal with regarding my actual condition, having to bounce from doctor to doctor only to be treated like this. So, I eventually went to a private clinic in Miami. Honestly, I barely even felt that one. There's no prep work required beforehand, just me and the doctor in a private space; the nurses set up the tubes and then it’s just us. There was zero discomfort, in fact. I should mention that nobody ever suggested I take Lexapro or Xanax; I went into both of these tests completely sober, without any sedatives. Interestingly, the results from the private clinic were totally different from what I got in NYC. I'm not trying to plug a specific business here, I’m just sharing my own experience. The exam itself isn't painful, nor does it have to be a source of stress. Just be brave and push through.

I had my flow rate test done at Mayo Clinic. Honestly? A total nightmare—mostly because of this resident doctor who was shadowing a fantastic specialist during my exam. This guy—and I’m being serious here—kept throwing out these stupid, nasty comments the whole time. To top it off, he actually laughed and told me there wasn't much they could do and that I'd end up needing a catheter. Like, laughing. Definitely one of the most embarrassing experiences I've ever had in an American hospital. Even the nurse mentioned how unprofessional he was acting when I went back to pick up my results. I thought about filing a formal complaint, but I just... didn't have the energy.

The actual procedure isn't that bad, though. The catheterization hurts a little bit, but you can handle it. It takes maybe ten minutes or so. They fill your bladder with fluid and check your sensations at different stages while it's filling, and then you're supposed to empty it at the end. Personally, I couldn't do it, even though my bladder felt full. I just couldn't relax, and the position you have to be in to go is pretty awkward. They told me it happens all the time and that a huge chunk of people can't actually manage to go.

Brenda Johnson68 said:Indeed.

@graniteridge5/">@@graniteridge5, a pertinent question: where did you have this done?

I had mine handled at the local hospital in St. Louis. The doctor was decent enough—we ended up discussing the general state of the country and how, once the current generation hits retirement, there won't be anyone left to hold down the fort since our doctors keep fleeing abroad.
He explained it quite simply: right now, the bladder is full, so you cough; now, you empty it, and that’s that.