they finally got my bcg

Thanks for the info. I remember they gave me some sort of numbing gel when they first did the scope, and it was no help. Still quite painful and I was flopping around the table like a wounded animal. I guess it was just the fear of the unknown.

Yesterday (my 2nd BCG) I asked the nurse out front if they could give me something for pain before insertion of the catheter and she said "Oh, you have pain?" It was like she was shocked that I would even mention it. She said to ask the nurse in the room. The doc came in with his nurse and I was hopeful the nurse would do the procedure, but the doc did it again. I asked him about the gel and he said "No, don't worry, it only takes 30 seconds."

It wasn't as bad the 2nd time, but I don't imagine I will ever get accustomed to this barbaric procedure. No side effects again except for a slightly elevated body temp and some burning pee. But, I am told the side effects might get worse as I receive my subsequent treatments.

Busaman,

Prior to the next BCG treatment, call the office and ask, "Do I need to request, in advance, numbing gel be used prior to cystoscopy ?".

While practices differ, placing the gel into the urethra 5 minutes prior to inserting the catheter does make a difference.Some believe that the gel reduces the effectiveness of BCG. But, do ask. I'd prefer a nurse or a tech placing the catheter instead of (most) docs.

The care team's job is to get you through the treatment with as little pain and anxiety as possible. Let them know how to help you.

Best,
Jack

This might just pertain to me but I've found that if I cough as the catheter hits my prostate it seems to go right through - the sting as it goes through the prostate seems to be normal and this seems to work well for me.

In my case the BCG treatment side effects seemed to increase until about #21 now for the last 3 they seem to have decreased. I used to have bleeding after holding for 2 hours but that hasn't happened lately. My routine is to take 2 doses (2 tabs a dose) of AZO the first day and then I'm pretty much over it.

It will be 4 years in Oct. since my diagnosis and I'm now feeling pretty good. Keeping fingers crossed.

Peace and Love,
Dave

My first BCG treatment was not bad, except for the catheter insertion. I think I screamed loud enough for the patients in the waiting room to hear me. The doctor himself did it. I thought he might give me something to numb the pain, but no, he just went right for it. My next treatments will be done by the nurse and I am hoping she will be a little more gentle.
Within a few hours my body temp went from 97.1 (normal) to 99.0 and kept going up and down. The doc told me to go the ER if it went over 101 but it never got near that.
I had none of the symptoms I've read about except for some unusual sharp pains in the groin. Does any of this mean I will tolerate the rest of my sessions well? I can only hope, but I just can't think about that insertion. The doctor kept telling me to relax. Sure, easy for you to say.