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Followup for Noninvasive High-Grade: Anyone chosen no more treatment?
After 2 TURBTs, faced with ongoing treatment with BCG, at age 76. Has anyone opted not to have that treatment? If so, what did you do? OR, if you had BCG and are in my age range, what were the side effects?
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@daddyroxx2025
During my first GemDoce treatment about 4 catheters were tried without success so they had to get permission to use a smaller diameter one, Coude 12, I think. That has worked fine, but Lidocaine is first injected and the catheter dipped in it before insertion and I have little or no discomfort.
I hope this helps.
Good luck.
In my case, I had to put up with a larger than comfortable catheter for the first four weeks. It turned out that it took 4 weeks to get a smaller size. I believe it was a size 14. I don't know if this is universally true, but the ones they use in that smaller size do not come with a balloon that is designed to keep the catheter from coming out. That was an argument against it, but I suggested that taping the exterior part of the tubing to my leg might work, and that is what we do. It is so much more comfortable than the larger one. I don't know if it is the size, or the lack of a balloon portion that makes it less uncomfortable.
@jlp27 thanks for your comment. The standard dose at the practice I use is 50% so dropping to 1/3 might help me. The literature seem macro indicate that 1/4 dose might be equally effective.
@gemdoc25
Yes and Thank You,
I start my BCG Treatment Next Week...Once a Week for 6 Weeks,
I Honestly don't know How I am Gonna React to this...This Catheter Thing Has Got Me Shook, My Anxiety Level is Hitting the Top,
After the First 3 Operations my Penis is taking a Beating,... This Whole Thing is Driving me Nuts..
Bottom Line...Its the Being Awake
while this Procedure is Happening,...is What really has Got to me..
@daddyroxx2025
Relax. It's no big deal if they use the right diameter catheter and lidocaine.
@gemdoc25
As a follow- up, I would suggest you ask your oncologist or PA to ensure the right catheter and lidocaine are used. I'm told at Moffitt, Tampa, that lidocaine is used for males only. You should not be suffering as you say you are.
I feel sorry you are going through this. As I mentioned previously my first instillation was delayed while they found the correct catheter for me. Apparently the nurse was only allowed try 3 or 4 diameters without having to ask permission to use the Coude 12, which has caused absolutely no discomfort.
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1 Reaction@her, welcome. Are you also living with bladder cancer?
@colleenyoung in treatment at the moment
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1 Reaction@daddyroxx2025
I’m a female so no penis isssues. However, it took a few sessions to realize the Coude 12 might work best for me. Not a problem since and no pain. Ask for anxiety meds beforehand.
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1 Reaction@daddyroxx2025
Hi Todd, I can really appreciate your anxiety. I’m a female in the same boat & catheterisations have been traumatic. The first one didn’t use any local, plus catheter was tooo big for my poor urethra. I have resorted to taking Lorezepam, paracetamol & buscopan to get through the treatments. It’s not pleasant at all. I think they should offer IV Midazolam, then we wouldn’t be aware of the torture treatment.