Cystoscopy Dread

I started my bcg three weeks ago. The catheter the first time was quite painful. I let out a big yell. The second time, I knew what to expect, so it wasn't so bad, but still bad enough. The doc said "Don't worry, this only takes 30 seconds."
I do my third one tomorrow. Hope it's a little easier.

Just wanted to mention that I have a 40% VA disability rating for bladder cancer.
If you haven't filed for Bladder Cancer, you should.
Check this BCAN Agent Orange site:
www.inspire.com/groups/bladder-cancer-advocacy-network/discussion/vietnam-veterans-only-your-age-at-time-of-diagnosis/?page=1#replies

Hello, everyone, my name is Don I just entered this forum a few minutes ago. I was first diagnosed with bladder cancer in December of 2019. I Had my first Cysto in Feb 2020. The cancer was removed from the wall and it all was a piece of cake. No problems what so ever. On July 25 I had a second one and it had come back and was removed. Three biopsies were performed and no cancer found in the muscle. Just yesterday my doctor called and wants me to begin a six-week regimen of BCG. Upon researching the procedure I discovered that the bacterium must stay in the bladder for two hours. I urinate at least every thirty minutes. How do you hold your urine for two hours? I do not believe I could do this. And turned the procedure down. Please enlighten me and let me know how you did. I am a Veteran and was exposed to agent orange and have other illnesses caused by it, including Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, heart disease, high blood pressure, PTSD, and a host of several others. I'm 73 years old and in no hurry to leave this world and my grandchildren. Should I attempt the BCG or just go ahead and have the bladder removed. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Thank you both for this input.

My cysto went well this time with sedation, and included a sample for biopsy of bladder wall. Mine is Non invasive, no suggestion of invasion of bladder wall, but two high grade tumors. The MD wanted to also get biopsy of wall since we were using sedation, why not also get this. I do not yet have biopsy results but am feeling good. I am 64 y.o. and live in Los Angeles area and I am at a good hospital/med group. Clearly my challenges are more psychological/emotional than physical/medical, due to trauma over the initial cysto for which I was not prepared (I dropped that MD after cysto).

I have found Ativan helpful for BCG anxiety, which is mostly my problem due to some trauma over the initial cysto, and am trying to see treatment as something more than invasion, indeed assault, actually good for me. The side effects of the first 6 BCG have been pretty easy, and temporary for the first two days following infusion of BCG.