Thanks Flamenco. Your caution concerning dehydration is well taken. As a south Florida resident
that's always on my mind, particularly since I play golf year-round. I may have an advantage over most people...I'm retired...so I'm resting in my nice cool home before I do my BCG thing and my body is not going to be damaged if I do without water for an extra 16 hours. (I don't drink when I sleep). I guess I gave the wrong impression when I said I was "dehydrating " myself. My reduction of fluid intake never passed into that condition. For those who are concerned about possible dehydration, there are numerous symptoms...just check out WEB MD or Google it.
I assume that my problem with urgency and retention is the exception rather then the rule so most people don't have to worry about taking a BCG treatment and stopping my fluid intake is not an issue. The issue for me is that I had "high grade" cancer. BCG has been recognized as the best treatment to prevent recurrence if taken properly and holding it 30-40 minutes is probably not going to do it for me.
The Cleveland Clinic has a website called Chemocare.com. Their information concerning the use of BCG can be found on the URL:
chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/bcg.aspx
Their advice about liquid intake follows:
Self-care tips:
Limit fluid intake for 6-10 hrs before treatment and for 2 hours following installation of BCG, afterward resume normal fluid intake.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol on treatment days. This is due to the diuretic and irritant properties of these substances.
Get plenty of rest.
Maintain good nutrition.
Note how long (up to 14 hours) they keep you off fluids. Perhaps the purpose is not to dilute the
BCG fluid for as long as possible.
I'm still hoping to hear from anyone who has had retention problems which have been successfully addressed.
Ustabee (Marty)