Artificial Urinary Sphincter question

[Bdale]

Hello fine people,

I am dealing with quite a bit of continence issues more than 2 1/2 years after prostatectomy. Considering AUS, but I’m worried about how long the recovery is. I am very active, biking and sailboat racing, don’t want to lose too much muscle mass or sailing season. Anyone have experience?

[Tall_Allen]

Most guys tell me healing takes about a month.

[Bdale in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks

[Istomin in reply to Bdale]

That's been my experience too. The surgeon activated the device 6 weeks after implanting it, and I hadn't had any significant post-surgical soreness for a couple of weeks before that. I was able to start going on increasingly long walks soon after surgery (I was instructed not to life anything heavy for several week). The first ten days or so after surgery were unpleasant--soreness at the incisions and burning sensation while urinating--but the result justifies the entirely tolerable discomfort. I used to wear 6-8 pads a day for >3 years, and now I either don't use any, or one very thin one (Tena's thinnest) per day, and mostly as extra protection when I go out; the pad never gets wet enough to be a problem. As others have said, the AUS results in a major improvement in quality of life.

[Bdale in reply to Istomin]

Thanks so much, having a meeting a good urologist on Monday.

[Dlanghorne]

Had it installed on Dec 9. Had been seriously incontinent since Jan 2019 after prostatectomy and also used 5 + pads per day. Starting to feel better but Doc has restricted me for 6 weeks. He even does not want me to walk dogs or lift over 10 pounds. I do most other things ....drive, shop, eat out. Biggest issue was the scrotum that really swelled up a lot.But all in, I am doing great at 2 weeks, just not as active as I want to be. Looking forward to the results at end of January and getting back to normal. Have talked to others that ALL had great improvement with life after. Go for it, the pad life is BAD.

PSA undectable but ADT treatment slowing me down. No pads will make a big improvement.

[Bdale in reply to Dlanghorne]

Thanks, I am glad it's going well, I'll let you all know when I'm going in for it. I have a bunch of races the end of February so I'll probably wait until aft that.

[Engraver68]

I had mine fitted 9 years ago, primarily as I also was suffering post treatment.I run, cycle l, garden and do a lot of DIY around the house .

This device is a life changer, yes there was some discomfort at first but if I remember I ran within a month and cycled after 2 months

I did buy a saddle with a cut out to protect the area were the AUS is fitted and I never have a problem.

PS I cycled 29 miles this morning, go for it!

[Break60 in reply to Engraver68]

Great news. I need a life changer as I can’t do anything active now without peeing. To make matters worse my wife had a stroke and is immobile so needs to be transferred to and from wheelchair and everything else ( bed, shower,toilet, etc) requiring lifting her to and from which creates a deluge in my pants. I had a sling inserted a year ago but it’s worthless. I’m definitely going to go the aus route which means I’ll have to hire 24x7 custodial care again for my wife.

Bob

[ehoneycutt29]

Get it, it was the best thing I every did on this journey. I got mine one year ago and have never looked back. It is a game changer, no more depends and big thick shields. There is a 6 to 8 week recovery period. I would do it all over again. I have been able to get back on my bike and go to the gym to lift weights. I will say if you have a full bladder and strain really hard lifting there my be some leaking but nothing like before when I was going through 8 plus depends a day. Good luck!

[Bdale in reply to ehoneycutt29]

Thanks so much for your encouragement!

[TJGuy in reply to ehoneycutt29]

Do you feel anything or have to sit a certain way or differently on the bike seat? Do you have a racing bike type saddle?

[London441]

Same. I’m an athlete so I understand your concerns, but recovery is short and complete.

Rehabilitate your core thoroughly once you are healed. Scrotum does swell quite a bit but it recedes in a short time. Very easy to use. A absolute dream for a athletic man with heavy incontinence.

[j-o-h-n]

REFER TO PRIOR POST ABOVE --

AUS experiences

Lyubov profile image

Lyubov•

1 day ago•19 Replies

My husband is 78. Incontinence when stands/walks, following treatment for radiation cystitis caused blockages. This is second time in less than 2 years. It is wearing him down terribly.

I'm exploring possibility of AUS for him and would be grateful for any thoughts.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 12/24/2021 5:45 PM EST - Happy Christ's birthday tomorrow.

[Break60]

See my response to engraver below.