BCG number 9 - Side Effects - cloudy start of pee

Hi UKTricky . Sorry, your post seems to have slipped through without a response. I 've not had BCG but we know it affects different people in different ways. By bumping your post, hopefully someone with similar experience will be along to help. Best wishes.

Hi, UKTRICKY, I had 27 doses of BCG. I experienced a variety of after effects, flu like feelings, soreness, urgency etc, sometimes no reaction at all. But I am female and I believe men have a much harder time with catheters being inserted. The inside of my bladder looked like a grazed knee when I had cystoscopies, so I consider myself fortunate it didn't bleed or get infected. However most important thing is in 4 years since my treatment ended I have been cancer free. Can you phone your CNS ref your concerns? My CNS is an absolute gem and very knowledgeable. Best wishes Hx 

Hello UKTricky. Male here, 75, ungraded bladder cancer diagnosed 2017 but not currently thought to be muscle invasive. I'm  responding despite the lack of similarities with your case - I've only had radiotherapy (2017) and 2 x TURBT in 2018 and only palliative care since 2019 with no regular reviews. Care is thus purely symptom driven. However, I hope you will find this forum a useful and supportive facility as you and your team battle with BC. You are wise to say you'll contact the hospital regarding your concerns. Do this as soon as you can, for peace of mind and reassurance if nothing else. The male physique and catheters are not a match made in heaven. Difficulty getting one inserted is quite common, thanks to the prostate which varies in its obstructive characteristics from week to week, making pushing a long, very flexible tube past it understandably difficult at times. If your urethra and bladder entrance have been inflamed by BCG treatment, the insertion process will be even more of a challenge. The insertion trauma can cause some bleeding and/or infection which should be reported to the medics. Leakage is also more likely if your bladder outlet is sore and inflamed. You are doing the right thing by drinking lots of water and taking suitable precautions. Best wishes for continuing your successful treatment.

Regards, Ray (veteran of 30+ long term catheters to date i.e. I'm very familiar with installation, blockage and slight bypassing problems!) 

Thanks for comments rily Herothedog RayMK - As per previous week, my leakage seem to stop post 24hrs likewise the urgency.  So I'm now in my normal post-BCG recovery.  Not looking forwards to the next cystoscopy but I've actually a Support Group meeting next week where one of the urology consultants attends with the CNS's so will try get 5mins with them at the meeting.

Fingers crossed for continued recovery.