More on BCG-Induced Arthritis

I think we all agree that research on BC and the effects of the BCG "cure" may be benefitted by more research. A lot of donated money goes to good causes with great effect and then is invested in more advertising, etc. If we want good research, and good medicine, we have to fund any genuine and promising BC causes and make sure attention is paid to this research. We might even have to educate our own doctors now and then.

Yes, my treatment schedule is pretty straight forward. I've had the normal BCG's right after TURB (6X), then the 3X each at 3 and 6 month intervals as Dr. Lamm prescribes. But he had another 3 set up at 9 months which are the ones we nixed and are going to do at 12 months...as per his recommendations. Hope that makes sense.

As for your problems, I'm thinking you should dilute your BCG as per his recommendations for those who are having problems. He says 1/3, 1/6 or even 1/100 dosage can have the same efficacies as full strength. IF this is the case, it seems crazy to take a full strength dose, doesn't it? Another option, I would think, is to hold it in for a shorter timeframe, like maybe 1/2 hour.

Seems like your body might need a break from all this. Mine sure seems to.

Okay, Slab, I do admit that I am confused. It's hard for me to get a handle on this. So, are you at the point where you should be taking #13????

That is the point where I had to stop (at #12). I just stopped, but I had to stop, no lie.

However, I have been watching with interest one of the posters who lives in Canada who says he is taking BCG's once a month.

I wonder if that would be enough to fight the BLC but not enough to wake the monster up?

Bear with me if I'm still not getting this schedule right. I can't count on my fingers and toes at the same time....

I agree that lot's of people are starting to talk about arthritis connected with BCG and I don't really think that we should be ignored anymore!@!!!

Ro

Why you wonder guys ? it’s clear there is a relation between BCG and Arthritis even if the doctors don’t admit that., I think they should use this board as a research and statics center
First time I felt joints pain was after 7+6 cycle of BCG treatment I was 48,my knee start swelling and hurting me if I just walk .before I received BCG I was a runner . My Doc too told me there is no relation between BCG and arthritis ,but from what I read here ,I am sure that the BCG works on my knee and the Docs should added it as side effects from BCG and stop ignoring that.

Rosemary, I may not have made myself clear? I did want to stretch it out to 12 months, not 9. But he was going to a do a 9 month treatment and quit the BCG totally. That was the change...to not do 9 mos. and then be able to continue with 12,18,24, mo. etc. BCG's which I feel more comfy with.

BTW...it's been about a month now since my last BCG and I can already feel my finger joints loosening up...feeling better. Now for my back.....

As for your deal, I would agree with you. While the BCG was what you needed, it "woke up" a sleeping giant in you that you cannot now get rid of. Bummer! Life is always a series of trade-offs, unfortunately......(I'll see if I can come up with another analogy for you)

Well, Slab, I don't know if this helps. I had to stop BCG's completely, and so far so good. Let's see, I'm almost up to 3 years clean now. 3 years is good in my book.

I have a theory about what happened in my case. I think that my psoriatic arthritis has just been laying around asleep inside of me and the BCG's were the kiss of the Prince that woke her up. How's that for an analogy?

I actually think it more accurate to personify my arthritis as a "him". I really see it more like a dragon.

I'll have to work on my analogies and personifications.

Anyway, good luck. I know this is a collaborative effort with your Doctor, but you have to do what YOU think is right, and if you feel more comfortable with the 9 months, then you should insist. This is your life.

Take care.

Your Bud,
Rosemary