So sorry to hear abut folks who are having such a hard time with the BCG. Hope after the first 6 the next ones in 3 months will go better. And to those who aren't having a hard time, I don't think there's any strong evidence that weak to no reactions means it's NOT working. I had a relatively easy time with the BCG, except one time when I did get a high fever and felt lousy, and after that the dosage was reduced to 1/3rd strength. They can even go down to 10% and it can still be effective. While one case doesn't prove anything, I didn't have what I feel was a strong reaction and have been all clear for 6 years now (since the start of the BCG treatments).
For pain and difficulty urinating that persists in the days after, if this doesn't gross people out too much, you could try urinating while taking a hot shower. I actually read this in advice for women who had urethral irritation/injuries after giving birth to a baby, but think it might work post-BCG as well, but of course not the first day when a person might be infectious.
Ann
Small TA Grade 1, May-06; recur (2 tiny), same, June-08; TURBTs both times. BCG begun July-08, dosage to 1/3rd May-10, completed treatment December-11. All clear since 2008.
Topic Author
