Starting BCG treatment Nov 30th

[MaryFitz]

Hi,

I’m new to posting to this board. I’m scheduled to begin 6 weeks of BCG treatments on Nov. 30th. I’ve read through a lot of the posts here and they have been very helpful. I’ve still got a couple of questions for those of you who have gone through the treatments.

During the Instillation: I’m really sensitive to being cathed…major ouch…to which I’m sure a lot of you can relate to. I was thinking of taking a low dose of valium before. Anyone else try that with some success? Does the fluid itself burn while it is being instilled into you bladder?

Post Instillation: I’m aware that there can be some side effects afterwards for a few days, ie, headaches, nausea, etc. Were you prescribed anything by your uro to counteract some of the possible side effects?

Any feedback on the above would be most appreciated.

Mary

[MaryFitz]

Christina,

I'm headed out in a half hour from now for my 2nd treatment. The 1st went fine. I developed a whopper of a headache 2 days later (might have nothing to do with BCG at all). I was pretty tired and rested all weekend, which unfortunately is my typical weekend activity. No nasty nasty side-effects for me like I thought their could be.

My Uro told me that as I have more treatments that my IC symptoms may intensify. Thank god for pain meds, etc.

Thanks for the interest. I'll keep you updated as I continue on.

Mary

[MelanieJ]

Sure hope BCG works for you, Mary. I've got my fingers crossed for you. Keep us posted and good luck!

Melanie J.

[christina]

Glad to know you are doing well Mary!! Keep us posted as you continue. I am really interested in your pain levels and side effects and if you feel a remission.

Take Care and let me know,
christina

[MaryFitz]

Ignore the mad smilie in header of the post. I clicked the wrong one.

BCG Update: After my second BCG treatment last Thursday I did have discomfort. Felt like menstrual cramps on top of an IC flare...oh joy. Took the same meds as usual but added a few mgs of valium at an attempt to combat the pain. I admit I was wishing I had a couple of narcotic painkillers that night but I managed.

I spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday pretty much resting. I think I was awake for a total of 3 hours on Friday. Whatever is in it sure makes me very fatigued. I went to work on Monday and made it in on Tuesday and today as well.

I'm really hoping I can make it through the remaining 4 treatments. I'm keeping a positive attitude that after they're over I'll experience a remission or a reduction in pain, pressure...

Treatment # 3 is tomorrow (if the weather here in Boston cooperates). Wish me luck...

Mary


[This message has been edited by MaryFitz (edited 12-13-2000).]

[Boterf]

Good luck! Hope it all goes well for you.

[SaraC]

Hi, Mary. How are you feeling? I am seriously thinking about starting BCG treatments in the near future, as my IC has gotten out of hand, and I've tried all the other IC treatments already. So, in addition to wondering how you're doing, I'd also love to know if you're seeing any improvements and what your symptoms were before starting BCG. I hope you don't mind my asking, but did you (do you) have any vulvar pain accompanying your IC, because I have that too and am always wondering whether the two are intertwined. Anyway looking forward to hearing from you.

Sara

[DebbieB]

Hi Mary:
I miss you on the Nerve Stimulation Board, but please feel free to drop in and say hi ok!!
I am glad that these treatments are helping you..
Good luck and I sure wish you well soon Mary!!

Hugs DebbieB