BCG Treatment symptoms

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Good morning,

This is my first time posting, my husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer last year, he has had two turbs and has G3 T1 non muscle invasive. First I must say that reading this  forum has helped me so much this last year so thank you. My husband has his 9th BCG treatment on 6th August. Had the usual urgency problems but now has got much worse. He is getting up nearly every half hour during night with urgency to urinate but it’s not a lot. It is slightly better during the day but still a lot more than ever before. We thought he might have an infection so doctor tested and it came back borderline. He is obviously exhausted as not sleeping. I just wondered if this was normal after BCG treatment. 

  • Hi  and welcome to the group although sorry to hear your husband is feeling the side effects of BCG. Not had this treatment myself but we do see these symptoms here quite often and if you browse through the posts you will see it often. Good to know no infections. Is your husband drinking enough water ? In cases of frequent urination some people stop drinking in the thought it will stop the peeing. This has an adverse effect on the bladder. With not drinking, the urine becomes concentrated and acidic and irritates an already inflamed bladder, causing the feeling of needing to go all the time. It does sound like a  contradiction in the circumstances but drinking plenty of water can help. It also helps to have longer more satisfying wees, rather than the annoying little dribbles. Some people recommend a touch of lemon barley to help getting the water down. As always, though, if things become too bad, then contact the medics. Best wishes.

    Best wishes to All,   rily.

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  • Thank you rily, he does drink a fair amount but think he is going to have to drink a lot more, I know it is difficult as it makes you feel you will need to pee even more but got to be done. 

  • Hi Starsign,

    Welcome to this friendly forum, sorry to hear about your husband's issues with BCG.

    This happens to me and did get worse the more treatment's I had. However, I was normally back to normal ISH after a couple of days. Although after my 18th the issue stayed with me for a lot longer.

    The Bladder becomes inflamed, which is what the BCG does and how it works. I understood the inflammation causes the bladder to hold less urine.

    It really is tiring so I feel your husband's pain.

    I wish you both all the best and hope the symptoms ease up soon.

    Trevor