BCG

Hello Sofia, sorry you’re in discomfort following your BCG Instillations. I was OK with my initial six but towards the end of the treatment No’s 12 onwards they switched to a German manufactured bacteria which had extra barbed wire! I used to have a tough 24 or so then back to normal. I hope your pain and tiredness soon passes. Stay well

Hi Sofie, Sorry to hear you are getting the side effects. I am up to number 18, and have found that it is getting a little harder each time. If you click on my profile I have recorded the whole thing , just so I can to look back and compare. I havent really found any solutions to the side effects , just the usual advice of keep drinking and take pain killers. I have found that if I reduce my drinking , the side effects seem worse. Also, it may be worth checking that you dont have a urine infection. I hope things get easier for you quickly, keep in touch and let us know x

Thank you Angela for your kinds words. I have read your account and it’s very helpful. I just worry this was my sixth BCG and the side effects are as bad now as they were a week ago straight after treatment. Will follow your advice and drink more water! Best wishes 

Barbed wire is a good description Garviv! This was only my sixth and I’ve no clue what they gave me. And a week after the treatment I’m still struggling. Have to hope it’s worth it. Best wishes 

Hi.. I have just had no5 and so far so good.. it doesn't sound quite right to me that you are suddenly having a hugely different.reaction to no.6. If it were me I think I would persist with questions and raising your concern with your team. You may have an infection for example. Best of luck..keep us posted x

I was wiped out on 5 and 6. Did not sleep at all because of urgency. I drank lots of water which seemed to ease off. But its catch 22 urgency if you don't drink because of irritation and urgency if you do. It's best to drink.lots. I've just finished my 12 installation last week and now have a 6 month break. Hang on in there. Xx

I wonder if you are having bladder spasms caused by the BCG, try and go to the A&E department or contact your CNS if your in a lot of pain. They could prescribe oxybutynin for bladder spasms to help relax the bladder. Just a thought as it seems BCG can really irritate the bladder causing the spasms.

Hi Tilly - I contacted my GP on Friday and (without speaking to me) they prescribed antibiotics. No improvement but I remain optimistic!

Fingers crossed..but if no improvement contact the team again. They are the ones who are most knowledgeable about the typical and less typical side effects/after effects  Good luck.. x

My inductive BCG will be starting on 15th Jan; hence my interest in everybody's experience. As per one of the posts, it seems Lemon-Barley water is very good to alleviate the bladder pain. I wonder if Cranberry juice is equally beneficial. Has anyone tried it?