Could this be an odd BCG side effect?

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Weird event at my house: I woke up at 5 a.m. Saturday morning with kidney pain (both kidneys). I thought, "That's weird. Never had kidney pain to the degree it would wake me up."
Rolled out of bed to use the bathroom -- just to see if that would help -- and noticed I was shivering cold. Very odd for me; I usually sleep hot ... like a human furnace. Checked the temp in the apartment: Same as every night.
Took my temp: 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 Celsius). That surprised me!
Peed fine, had a glass of water, put on some warm joggers ... 1/2 hour later, no change.
I decided, "Well, if I'm going to the emergency department, I'm going to shower and shave, first."
Took a hot shower (for as long as the hot water lasted) and shaved; had another glass of water; got dressed.
Took my temp once more: 97F (36C) Another half-hour, back to my normal 97.5F (36.4C). Furthermore, kidney pain had reverted  to one side only and to quite mild.
Went back to bad, slept well; it has not happened since. I've an internist appointment on Dec. 30, so probably will just tell that doc about it.
What I'm truly wondering ... could it be an immunotherapy (BCG) side effect?
Never had such an experience before nor seen my body temp that low. Not freaking out; just rather puzzled.


  • Hi  . I've not had the pleasure of BCG but have been on here long enough to see so many different reactions to it. We see many different side effects of it that it is quite possible your effects can be attributed to it. Be interesting to know what your doctor thinks. Best wishes and a Happy Christmas to you.

    Best wishes to All,   rily.

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  • Think this BCG has more side effects than they know. Its 9 days since my last treatment and today my eyes are a lot better as is some of the joint pain  which I put down to age being a mere youngster at 77 strangely enough I had kidney pain a few days back ( muscle?) lasted a few hours and it went and so far has not returned. I see the oncology nurse next Monday to decide the next; step due to my reaction to the BCG.

  • @Odin you may find this useful : www.baus.org.uk/.../BCG.pdf it lists some of the BCG side effects.

  • Tx for that the macmillan booklet also said it is a rare side effect not surprising as I don’t seem to do normal in medical things!