BCG Treatment

I hope to goodness someone can tell me this is going to get better as I'm on my knees with pain. I finished my 12th treatment 3.5 weeks ago and am still in absolute agony, my bladder is so sensitive and sore I can feel every little bit of fluid in there and it wants to expel it immediately the pain of fluid on raw flesh is excruciating. I am taking 30mg slow release morphine twice a day, paracetamol, ibuprofen and two 5ml of oromorph in between but the pain is still so intense I am unable to do anything.  I am trying the cystitis drink cystopurin to relieve the sensitivity been on now for 4 days no help as yet. Has anyone else had these symptoms and how long have they lasted?

Many thanks for reading, Dorne

  • Hello Dorne and thank you for your post,

    I am so sorry to hear about the side effects you are getting. You do sound like you are having a horrible time.

    If you are not getting the relief from the cocktail of tablets that you are on I would get in touch with your GP or your specialist nurse to see what they advise.

    Drinking adequate fluids up to 2 -3 litres.

    We have some information about BCG treatment on our website here

    I have come across this old Cancer Chat from other people who have had BCG treatment which I thought that you would find helpful to look at here

    It is an uncomfortable treatment but if you are struggling with the painful side effects it is important to let you team know. I am not sure whether there would be a case for reducing the dose if the side effects continue. Wearing plain cotton pants and changing them regularly may also help.

    There is a charity called Fight Bladder Cancer. They also have a forum which you may find helpful to post on. Have a look at their details here

    I would also speak to the pharmacist at your local chemist to see if they can suggest any further relief.

    You have posted in 'Ask the Nurses' but if you post on another thread or start your own then you may find that you get more responses.

    I do hope that as time goes on your symptoms will get better.

    If you feel that you would like to talk through any of this with one of the nurses on the helpline then do get back to us or give us a ring. We are here from 9am to 5pm and our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040.

    All the best,

    Catherine