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Profile picture for notaquita @notaquita

I had a TURBT in February and started BCG treatment on February 27th with my last of 6 treatments on March 3rd. Everything went well for a couple of weeks. The burning and peeing about every 2-3 hours did happen. However, a couple of weeks later my joints started hurting, especially my shoulders, hips and quads. This pain continued up until the end middle part of May when I finally got in to see a Rheumatologist, and she diagnosed me with "Polymyalgia Rheumatica". I was immediately put on prednisone which has cleared up my joint pain and several other issues. I'm not sure what my Oncologist will do now since the BCG and prednisone does the opposite. My Dr has discontinued the BCG even though she wanted me on a maintenance plan for the next 2 years. If anyone else has had this problem, please let me know. I'm a little desperate for what comes next.

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Replies to "I had a TURBT in February and started BCG treatment on February 27th with my last..."

@notaquita I've been dealing with NMIBC with CIS (now aggressive pT1) since 2023, and the rheumatic arthritis in my hands has worsened quite a bit: I can no longer remove the cap from a bottle of water. One, six-treatment round of BCG, nine months of Adstiladrin and now a second six-treatment round of BCG in progress. My rheumatologist wants to perscribe Leflunomide (Arava), but can't due to the contraindication with BCG - similar to your issue with prednisone. The rheumatologist and I have decided that cancer treatment takes precedence over treating arthritic pain, but some days I wonder. If anyone knows anything concerning this issue, I'd be grateful for the information.