after effects of BCG bladder treatment

Hi everyone

I haven't posted for a while but I'm interested to know if anyone has experienced or is experiencing anything like myself. My BCG treatment was stopped after 12 rounds due to the severe pain I was experiencing. That has now been over a year ago. My latest cystoscopy shows the bladder looking good and healthy and no signs of regrowth from the MRI scan. My urologist has tried numerous treatment to resolve the ongoing pain that I'm suffering but to no avail. I have subsequently been referred to a pain specialist who has tried a steroid injection which did absolutely nothing. They presume that I have had some neuropathic injury possibly from the treatment. I suffer day and night with the most excruciating pain in my urethra region that feels like broken glass/burning both before and during urination. The only way to relieve the pain for a period is to urinate. It feels like I'm going into a torture chamber every time I go to pee! When I experienced these symptoms in the early days they went within a few days after each treatment. Now a year or so on the symptoms haven't subsided at all. Incredibly frustrating and demoralising, especially as they don't know how to treat me. I'm hoping the next step of trying a pudendal neuralgia block will do something as the pain is definitely in that region. Keen to hear if anyone has had similar issues and if treated, what was successful. 

Parents
  • Hello Capey

    I'm very sorry to hear that you're struggling with side effects from your treatment. It sounds as if it's really impacting on your daily life and I can imagine that it is incredibly frustrating for you. 

    I'm unsure if we've any members here who have been through similar but hopefully someone may see your post and post to share their experiences with you. 
    You might also want to have a look at the Fight Bladder Cancer and Action Bladder Cancer UK websites. It may be that by contacting a cancer specific organisation that you're able to connect with others who have been through the same. 

    You're also most welcome to give our team of nurses a call if you'd like to chat things through with them. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I do hope that things improve for you soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

Reply
  • Hello Capey

    I'm very sorry to hear that you're struggling with side effects from your treatment. It sounds as if it's really impacting on your daily life and I can imagine that it is incredibly frustrating for you. 

    I'm unsure if we've any members here who have been through similar but hopefully someone may see your post and post to share their experiences with you. 
    You might also want to have a look at the Fight Bladder Cancer and Action Bladder Cancer UK websites. It may be that by contacting a cancer specific organisation that you're able to connect with others who have been through the same. 

    You're also most welcome to give our team of nurses a call if you'd like to chat things through with them. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I do hope that things improve for you soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

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