Reactive Arthritis after BCG

Hi and welcome to the community and our corner of it. Sorry to hear your husband is suffering from the BCG treatment. Not experienced this myself, but we know reactive arthritis is a side effect of the treatment. Hopefully someone will come along with some suggestions. Best wishes.

My husband switched to Mitomycin after 6 BCG and didn't get joint pain. But why not check with a good pharmacist if it is OK for him to try any of the things I rely on to mitigate pain from having worn out cartilage in my knees.

These are:

Glucosamine and chondroitin [iffy if diabetic as it's a kind of carbohydrate],

Turmeric [oil in capsule form is much the best absorbed],

Devil's claw. Be careful anyone trying devil's claw for the first time, try it when staying home as a few people get unpleasantly dizzy and can't take it, you don't want to do as my OH did and pop to the shops and come over grotty while out. I get significant benefit from it though brands vary somewhat.

People also take green-lipped mussel extract, can't say I've tried that.

Also Voltarol emulgel to rub in, you can buy this yourself if they say the diclofenac active ingredient is safe for him, or you might be lucky and get it on prescription [I've yet to win that battle!]

best wishes, 

Denby

Thank you Denby- that’s interesting to know about your husband. The fact he only has 3 more to go - I don’t think he would change to Mitomycin but we will certainly look at what you’ve suggested. I’ve read positive and negatives about turmeric - will investigate further! 
x

Hi Jan2018, as Rily has said reactive arthritis is a well known side effect to BCG. I completed my 27 doses in July without too many side effects other than flu symptoms with some doses. I do have arthritis in my fingers and toes but that started many years before so I put it down to my age....who knows? But what you describe ie pain preventing mobility, is much worse than mine. Has your husband got a Clinical Nurse specialist to discuss this with? I definitely would seek some medical advice before the last 3 doses. Well done to your husband for tolerating this lengthy protocol...has it prevented reoccurrences?  Best wishes x

Hi - thank you for your reply - yes, thankfully, it has prevented any recurrence  and I hope this gives hope to some just starting their journey. He has his check on 6/9 and if all clear - will have 25-27 shortly. I just wanted to arm him with some info re: the arthritis before goes in - just wish I could go in with him and voice my concerns - but will need to rely on him to do it

thanks again