Couple of questions about my first course of BCG treatment (in France)

Hi trynab_stoical and welcome to the group. Not sure about the situation in France, but I believe treatment is fairly universal. In the UK, follow up cystoscopies are usually about 6 weeks after treatment, but can vary. They need to let any inflammation die down before they look. It is nearly always a flexible cystoscopy. Checks under GA can be expensive and hospital beds are in short supply at the moment. Is there any reason you do not want a flexible under local? I know they are not pleasant, but only take a few minutes. Best wishes.

Hi and welcome to the group ... I had 6 induction bcg treatments and had a rigid cystoscopy under GA about 2 months after ..I then had 3 maintenance bcg treatments and had a flexi cystoscopy with no anaesthetic I have my next round of 3 bcg treatments in November.. I was diagnosed with cis which is classed as grade 3 .. I hope all goes well for you so many on this forum will provide support and advice xx

Thank you both. 

Is that a rule of thumb - flexible = local (or none apparently!) and rigid = GA?

I'm just horrified by the idea of tubes being inserted into my dick. When I first got diagnosed and realised what was going to happen it seemed an unbearable prospect. But 2 operations and 3 BCGs later .. I found it's just something you have to get on with whether you like it or not. I had a session yesterday and someone passed me a note from the nurse who was on duty the week before wishing me well and telling me it would be fine. I was so moved. Anyhow it made me realise that in terms of being nervous during the treatment I must be a bit of an outlier. 

It's always an anxious time going for a flexible cystoscopy. A worry of what you may see, but also very reassuring when nothing found. They do use an anaesthetic gel. I have had more than 20 flexis over the years and so far so good. You just have to leave your feelings at the door. Best wishes.

more than 20..

I won't be looking at any monitors. I feel more scared of the procedures than I am of the outcome which I know is irrational. Presume that's because I'm new to it so maybe that'll change. 

My experience is I had the first turbt  8th July,  bcg started beginning August with 6th and last bcg 9th September.  The first checkup was 13th October. This was a rigid cystoscopy under GA. I think the idea is to have all in place for a second turbt if necessary and take as many biopsies the consultant think necessary. I did not have new growths thank God, and I will have results from biopsies around 26th October... 

Good luck!

Thank you. I already had a 2nd turbt under GA before they started the BCG, so maybe my follow up will be a flexible cystoscopy with a 'local' (if you can call that gel a local). I'm pleased for you that you got a good result.  

Hi,Flexi is usually done under a local and rigid under a general anaesthetic.I’ve always found the flexible cystoscopy less painful,it only takes a few minutes.Best wishes for the rest of your treatment.Jane.