Does BCG cause chronic bladder inflamation?

[Ruther665]

Hi, With bladder cancer BCG treatments are given every six months; cystoscopies every three months. A recent TURBT was done and tumor and biopsies taken. Report showed no cancer but it did show "chronic bladder inflamation". Is this caused by the BCG treatments or was it always there? Schedule is still BCG every six months for three years.

[Yokoyoko]

I'm feeling sharp pain is that bcg working?

[keyzersoce]

Hi. I'm assuming they want your husband to avoid those particular food items so the urine would be less likely to irritate the urethral lining. As you said, we are not all created equal, so I don't know how those foods affect him. My urologist suggested cranberry supplements, either in pill or juice form, as a way to prevent urinary infections. I get concentrated cranberry capsules at my local health food store.

So far, I've only had the FSH test once. My insurance plan requires me to pay a certain amount of out-of-pocket expenses before they kick in, so I've become very aware of what a procedure costs. I discovered that my doctor's hospital-affiliated lab would charge me six times as much for the FSH test as an independent local lab. Therefore, I insisted my urologist use the other lab.

From what I know, the FSH test will discover abnormal cells, but not their origin. Since there is a history of bladder cancer, the assumption will be that is their origin. However, if the cells appear early, before a tumor forms, I don't know what steps they will take. It is something to discuss with the doctor. I don't think there is a set schedule for the FSH test; it seems to be at the doctor's discretion.

Anyway, best of luck and congratulations on getting involved.

[Ruther665]

Forgot to ask about diet. Was told to stay away from anything citric plus caffine, decafe, tea, alcohol, red sauces etc. Do you think this makes a great deal of difference?
thanks.

[Ruther665]

Hi, Thanks very much for the info. Following my husband's TURBT the urologist mentioned that the lining sometimes was smooth and other times ruffled and that was what bothered him. The biopsies showed no cancer  although he has bladder cancer and the BCG is keeping it under wraps. How often do you have to have the FSH test? We did ask the urologist to cut the BCG dose down lower during the last session as it was too much for him and he could barely function. This works much better since we are all not created equal nor should the dose be standard only.

[keyzersoce]

Hi. I am not a doctor, but have been through the BCG and cysto regimen after having three bladder tumors removed(at different times). I have had no adverse reaction to BCG treatments, but I was warned the most likely complaints other patients had were flu-like symptoms and painful urination. It is also a cumulative effect, meaning the more treatments you get, the more likely it is you'll have a reaction as it builds up in your system.

The repeated insertion of catheters with BCG and the cystoscope could irritate your urethra and cause scarring and maybe bladder inflammation; I don't know. You should discuss that with your urologist.

The good news is that the time between your treatments and cystoscopies lengthens as you stay free of tumors. Cystos are, as a rule, given every three months for the first two years. The doctor then decides what is appropriate; I am at six-month intervals while a friend goes once a year.

Good luck.