Maintenance BCG is another 21 sessions over three years. Check-ups every 3 months then 3 weeks of BCG every week at the 3 and 6 months, thereafter BCG every 6 months (at 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months). The preceding cystoscopy was all clear and the glow of this good news kept the dread of BCG at bay. My bladder is scarred and inflamed, a BCG cocktail was the last thing it needed but each round of BCG fortifies it more to defend itself. It’s an exhausting and painful 3 weeks I practically hibernated.
Side effects are very unpredictable and ‘looing’ is intense- day and night!
Exhausting!
Pain and spasms are more common too, my bladder was literally throbbing.
It is a lot for a delicate organ to handle and I try to love my bladder despite what it throws at me. Even when there is pain or spasms or blood/ debris in the pee. Sometimes the love is deep breaths and positive energy and sometimes one or more of the following :
In the BCG weeks
- Taking painkillers – Novaminsulfon
- Using a hot water bottle
- Soaking in an epsom salt /lavender bath
- Drinking fresh mint / green tea and plenty of water
- Doing restorative and Yin yoga
- Taking Beta Glucan for immune health
- Supporting the bladder biome with – prebiotic supplements for the bladder
Generally
- Practising ‘happy pelvis’ yoga – I’ve built up a sequence for my Yoga for Cancer qualification and it’s an absolute bladder tonic
- Applying oestrogen cream – operations and BCG increase vagina dryness which makes everything uncomfortable. My gynaecologist prescribed it and said using it regularly helps the bladder mucosa too. I apply it every other day.
- Sitting over chamomile tea steam baths – on the day I don’t use the cream.
- Getting enough rest
What helps you send your bladder some love?
Bladdergraffiti 