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Anyone dealing with recurring UTIs and bladder cancer? Concerned

Posted by warren2632 @warren2632, Dec 29, 2025

I have bladder cancer that has not spread to muscle. I'm 77, diabetic with one kidney already lost due to urothelial cancer, and scarring in urethra from 44 rounds of radiation from prostate cancer 12 years ago. First 18 months of BCG were fine, although some UTIs. Last few months have been extremely painful and with lengthy episodes of UTIs. Most recently about six weeks of constant pain, urinating every half hour or so day and night, and blood/floaters in urine. Urologist said my urine tests didn’t show infection and to wait it out. Finally, cystoscopy turned out to be useless because with all the blood and inflammation, visibility was impossible. So even though my urine tests showed no infection, I was given antibiotics which eased symptoms within 48 hours. This has been a pattern where my urine tests show no infection when I obviously have one. With diabetes, one kidney and at age 77, I am very worried that this recurring problem could ultimately do severe damage. Anyone have any suggestions?

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michzn | @michzn | Feb 1 9:16am
In reply to @mrdee63 "Well, I saw my doctor today, and they decided to discontinue BCG treatments due to constant..." + (show)
Profile picture for mrdee63 @mrdee63

Well, I saw my doctor today, and they decided to discontinue BCG treatments due to constant UTI’s and other side effects. So their going to be starting me on a different treatment.

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@mrdee63 Wishing you a better go with the different treatment. Please keep us updated on your new plan. Sending strength.

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janine1991 | @janine1991 | Mar 2 6:48am
In reply to @warren2632 "@colleenyoung I had read that some infections, especially in older men, aren’t discovered in routine lab..." + (show)
Profile picture for warren2632 @warren2632

@colleenyoung I had read that some infections, especially in older men, aren’t discovered in routine lab cultures, and require more time for the culture to grow. That turned out to be true in my case. I went through weeks of severe pain and difficulties while my urologist said I couldn’t have an infection because lab tests were always negative. Was told it could be the result of years-ago prostate radiation, cystitis, inflammation from BCG, anything but infection. I asked for the longer lab test and it turned out to be actinotignum schaalii. Was given 7 days of amoxicillin but asked for more and didn’t get any. Still have mild symptoms but wish I could grt a longer run of the antibiotics. I felt dramatically better with just two days of amoxicillin but I don’t think 7 days was enough.

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@warren2632
Dear Warren,
Same situation with UTIs. It’s difficult to assess if symptoms are from BCG treatment side effects, radiation cystitis or actual infection. My life revolves around Urine cytology & sensitivities. Up to 4 different bacteria now over 12 weeks. No sooner do I complete an antibiotic course & then a urine infection appears. I test my urine each day with urinalysis dip sticks. That gives me some indication of infection rather than inflammation. You should have your urine retested now you have completed Amoxil. This will give you some answers

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