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I finished my induction course of 6 BCGs a couple of weeks ago so am still new to it all. There will be others with more experience and knowledge than I have.
No; you don't have to cocoon after. I had waves of fatigue after each lot, except one, when all was well. Other people respond differently. I found the actual insertion of the tube and the procedure less painful than going to the dentist! though I had one "ouch" moment.
I've just had my 2nd instillation - no need to cocoon before or after.
For the first instillation had to stay at the hospital for the 2 hours, just to ensure no immediate reaction to BCG.
Although I had to stay at the hospital I was able to walk in the grounds. So for me it was a 30 minute walk around the grounds, watched something on my tablet for 1 hour and then headed back to the Urology dept and it was time to void my bladder. 2 hours went by relatively quickly.
For the 2nd instillation I was allowed to go home immediately after BCG was injected, so was probably at the hospital for no more than 15 mins. I felt the routine I used the week before helped the time go by I basically followed it again, with the addition of a 20 min drive home from the hospital.
So far I have not had any side-effects and follow the advice given by many to drink loads of water.
Mr W veteran of 24 bcg His were pre lockdown do didn't have to cocoon He says thinking about the first was the worse bit After the first when he had to stay at hospital for an hour we were in and out in 20 minutes He had a headache which started about half an hour after induction Around 2 hours later general feeling of malaise He would go to bed taking a couple of paracetamol get up.a couple of hours later feeling ok ish Night was the biggest problem up and down to pee which was uncomfortable By lunchtime he was back to normal for what passes for normal Mantra was its getting rid of the b*****d cancer
Four years on bcg competed and had an all clear in August We were apprehensive as it was first check when bcg hadn't been administered prior to the check up
Hard to believe sometimes we have come so far.I vividly remember the early terrifying days when this site was such a lifeline As it continues to be
I start mine on the 19th. Started self-isolating today but I'm an old hand at it as I spent 4 and a half months shielding. Now stuck at home again till a week after the 6th, so back to the workplace in December.
I'm lucky that I have a very understanding employer who can find stuff for me to WFH and is willing to allow light days if necessary
