Bladder Cancer BCG Treatment - 10 days after finishing I developed muscle aches everywhere. 3 weeks on & it hasn't changed. When will the pain start to go away?

Hi,

I finished my initial 6th BCG treatment on 4th March. I breezed through it, little or no side effects. Then approximately 10 days later I developed muscle aches everywhere in my body. Neck, upper and lower back, arms, thighs and calves. In the morning I wake up in pain and find it difficult to get out of bed. I then take paracetamol and/or ibuprofen which takes the pain away and allows me to function. Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night and I take painkillers to allow me to get back to sleep. I feel tired constantly, if I manage to cut the grass, which takes about 20 mins I want to lay down and sleep. Has anyone else experienced this? My joints are ok and I have no pain in my bladder. Just wondering if I can expect the pain to recede shortly, I've been like this for 3 weeks.

Hope someone can give me some help, I do realise its a recognised side effect but I can't seem to find any info on how long I can expect it to last.

  • Hi JGLUV,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm sorry to hear you've been experiencing difficulties with the muscle aches and pain.

    If you haven't already, do discuss this with your doctor, as they will be best placed to advise specifically to you.

    We also have nurses available if you'd like to speak to one of them. You can either post in the 'Ask the Nurses' section of this forum, or you can call freephone 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5 (excluding bank holidays).

    Hopefully there will be others who see your post who may be able to relate or offer some advice or info.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator