Treatment for bladder cancer
I was diagnosed with stage 1 high-grade bladder carcinoma, and in April 2022 am undergoing BCG therapy for it. During my 5th dose only, I experienced severe pain while urinating and an increased urge that I have to run to the washroom every 15 mins. The symptoms are lasting longer than usual, and I have been advised to withhold the therapy
Just wanted to ask everyone out there how was your experience with BCG. How far you all have come along?
And did something help to reduce all these effects?
I am not medically trained nor do I have personal experience to share. I do know that from the experience of others, that as the treatments process, it can be a little more impact and side effects. Wishing you well with the continued treatment. I am sure others here will share personal experiences with you. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net 
I was diagnosed with the same as you 2 years ago.
I've had several rounds of BCG treatments and what I've done to help with those side effects is I take 2 AZO pills right before my treatment and drink lot's of water to flush the medicine out.
The AZO is used for urinary tract infections and it helps to eliminates that painful burning and the urgency.
A heating pad is always comforting.
I wish you all the best my friend your not alone ❤️thanks for telling me about AZO, I will try this for the pain I am having right now, I had 9 BCG treatments and last scope in Dec. showed clear of cancer but i experience low back pain and burning in my abdomen left lower side and have urgency to urinate. great to see members supporting each other with top tips. Let us know give you go. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net
hi there. How are things going for you? Sending positive vibes from Scotland. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net 
thanks for sharing. I was my Mom's caregiver throughout her BCG treatments. She often complained of the burning and irritation when urinating. I think that is an unfortunate and normal side-effect. We never really found anything that improved her urgency. She was in and out of the restroom every 15 minutes, just as you described. How are you getting along? Hope all is well. Sending you my best, Charles (Moderator / BladderCancer.net) 
@Shalimaa - I hope that you are able to find something that will reduce the pain and increase need to urinate that works for you. I did not have BCG but did use AZO successfully when having issues before my diagnosis was confirmed. Please keep us updated on how you are doing. My best to you. Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
