New Bladder Cancer Pt

"a nurse practicioneer specalizes in BCG in his office"...huh? Really...and doesn't use a numbing gel......uses a catheter that is waaaaaaaaaaaay to large.........not a specialist in my book.
I'm the invisible poster these days........how much bladder cancer does he see....60 to 90 cases a year? or less? How much time does he spend in the OR and how much in his office?
Patience not my virtue i'm afraid........get the second opinion.
pat

Bill,

I suggest you tell them in no uncertain terms that you are NOT pleased with them using a #16 catheter.

It is not required to use that size.

Print this out and bring it to them or ask them to read that peice of paper that comes with the BCG when they order it.
www.mcn-policy-library.com/Policy-procedure-documents/49/BCG-Instillation.htm

It clearly states in the instructions to use a #14. Other's have said they were instilled using a #12. If it takes a little bit longer to get it to drain with #12, so what?!? Patient comfort should be a factor. If they have people who have no problem with a #16 (or a half inch pipe), then good for them. Let them use that on them, but not on you.

Tell them you would like to try the #14 next and if that still causes pain, then go down a #12. Also, per the instructions, make sure they are putting the ky jelly on the catheter as well.

Sounds like some folks from back in the Inquisition times have been reincarnated as urologists! #16?! Sheesh!!!

For those that are interested, here is a link to the French Catheter scale:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_catheter_scale . It shows the sizes.

Better Luck on the next go!

Mike
Click on the image for actual size. Also look at the inch and mm differences between a 12 and 16.

I just completed my second series of 3 maintenace BCG treatments. I only have a slight discomfort when passing the prostate. Numbing gel is used and a small cath. I too was told to breath deep when it is going in and exhale forcefully also. Seems to help.

Joey

Bill,

OUCH! I use a 16 size catheter but I have a stoma and so it's easy breezy for me but I can imagine it's a very challenging situation for guys. But that is one of the reasons I chose an Indy Pouch over the Neo-bladder. I never wanted to have to catherize myself in an area where I felt it would be akward or uncomfortable...not to mention I wouldn't be able to see what I was doing.

I suspect if you follow the advice of the guys here who have had to go through BCG that the procedure will get easier and less painful...at least that is my wish for you. You will be in my daily prayers. Although I don't know you, sending you hugs, from one Virginian to another. Take care. Melodie

I could not have had a BCG treatment without the Pyridium, after my 12th treatment. It sure lessened the burning. I always took 2 Advil every 4 hours to offset the headaches.
You will find the side effects of BCG are progressive, and in later treatments you might just fine Pyridium to be very helpful.
All the best with your treatments.
Jack

Bill,

Hang in there! It's better than cancer.

You might want to see if it's ok to take tylenol or aleve or something for the headache.

That stuff that turns your pee orange (Pyridium® (phenazopyridine hydrochloride)) is really good for pain in the bladder and urethra so you may want to reconsider and just take something to offset the headache.

Good luck on your further treatments.

Mike