Time at hospital for treatment

First you need to see what their policy is. In Shacky's case, it appears that hanging around isn't an option. At my clinic, they have a hospital bed with privacy curtain that sits off in a corner. I've always assumed that bed was the 2 hour resting place for those who live a distance away. As I wrote earlier, I hit the road as soon as they fill up my tank as I'm about 30 minutes or less from the clinic. If I lived 45 minutes away, I'd still opt to go home. In fact, twice I stopped at the pharmacy and marijuana dispensary on my way home. No problem.

But remember, I've done this 9 times and never got the urge to pee until at least 1.5 hours or so after instillation. Your mileage may vary.

It's was all so overwhelming at first. After a short while, I figured out what worked best for me. I'm sure you will figure it out too. Everyone does.

Keep in touch. As questions get resolved, new questions arise.

Thanks everyone for the info. Appreciate all the advice. Such an unsure time for all this to be happening.

Jim

This thread illustrates how experiences differ from person to person.

I live less than 30 minutes away from the uro clinic. I've had a total of 9 instillations: 6 induction treatments ending late 2019 and I just completed 3 additional weekly "maintenance" treatments on 4/30/20.

The instillation process takes about 15 - 20 minutes including the time it takes to have a urine sample examined, getting prepared, numbing agent applied, etc. Once the nurse administers the BCG I am free to go. I drive myself home and then hold it for an additional 1.5 hours. While some may feel the need to urinate within the first hour, I don't get the urge until well after that. I try to keep my mind occupied: watching TV or sleeping if possible. However once I begin obsessing about the thought of NOT urinating, the urge to urinate begins: go figure. That typically happens at about the 1.75 hour mark. At that point, I can only hold it for a few minutes longer. In retrospect: over the course of 9 treatments I've retained the BCG in my bladder for 2 hours on only 5 occasions (give or take) but I've always held it for at least 1.75 hours.

If I had to stay at the clinic for 2 hours then drive home, the experience would be much worse for me. The 6 hours after first void has been the most challenging part of BCG treatment in my experience.

Good luck to you.

I asked to stay at MSK center for the 2 hours but they wanted me out ASAP. Said if I used a bathroom they’d have to close it for the day and decontaminate after I leave.

I live 5 hours from where I was getting BCG. First 2 my wife drive me home. Then we stayed another night at hotel so I could rest up before driving home next day.

I think it might be affected by how the BCG is administered. I was kept in hospital for the full 2 hours and was able to leave after the first 'pee' at the end of the 2 hour stint. That meant I was able to drive home straight away with no problems. If the instillation is made and you are told to go home immediately and not 'pee' for 2 hours I would be hightailing it back immediately.

I would be asking to wait for the full 2 hours and then 'pee' and go home.

Jacko