I finished my second BCG induction on 18 July and still having trouble with bladder spasms and urgency to pee which is quite painful. GP thought it might be a UTI and I am on second lot of antibiotics but culture from my sample has shown no growth so it’s not bacterial. To date I have had 21 installations of BCG (15 to September 2023 and a further 6 in June and July this year when I restarted on a new induction course of 6).
I assume it’s just BCG irritation and hopefully demonstrating that it’s working better this time round but any views from the group would be appreciated - in addition to the anti-biotics I am taking buscopan to try and help with the spasms and drinking plenty of liquids (water, cranberry juice and barley water).
I am going in on Monday for a scheduled cystoscopy under GA for biopsies to be taken so will discuss with the surgeon before hand anyway.
Hi Pompey365,I’m sorry to hear you have some painful symptoms.I hope your bladder settles down soon.I didn’t have BCG so not much help to you but the others will be along with their experiences.You could try cutting out the Cranberry juice.It works well for bacteria but it can be too acidic for an irritated bladder.I found it made my pain far worse but I don’t know whether omitting it would help with BCG irritation.Good luck with your cystoscopy.Love Jane x
Sorry to hear about your BCG issues, you've had more instillations than me so you've got more experience (I've had 15 so far).
I would say though that I once had bladder inflammation after one of my maintenance sessions, which created some discomfort. However when I had my biopsy (under GA) this all went. Not sure what they did, but was very welcomed.
Hopefully your surgeon/doctor will be able to see what's going on.
