Artificial Sphincter anyone?

[Fairway]

Using 3 - 4 pads a day since radical prostetectomy two years ago. Anybody out there with experience with these things? On the bubble about moving forward. Thanks.

[tjdillon]

Yes - do it! After several years of using thick pads, I opted to have an AUS inserted - wish I had done it years ago when first mentioned as a solution for incontinenece issues. I now use a thin shield (1 per day) just as a precaution for occasional leaks when lifting something heavy.

[Fairway in reply to tjdillon]

If I haven't responded alread, thank you. Sincerely.

Fairway

[dcroson]

I had a similar same experience as tjdillon. 3 to 8 pads per day before, and naturally this created a huge hassle during the day and really made life difficult. After the AUS was inserted (br Dr Brady in Orlando) I need no pads at all most days, except I decided to start using the smallest one as a precaution.

Go for it and get your life back!

[RolandUK]

Hi Fairway

Go for it ... I had 18 months of misery and virtually no social life after RP.

Here are my observations almost a year since the AUS was activated.

My first response after the AMS800 was activated was one of VERY great relief at no longer being pretty much 100% daytime incontinent and with a constantly damp and itchy crotch.

For about the first 6 to 8 weeks post activation I was leaking more than I'd hoped or expected [I started to think the device may be faulty]. The leakage amounts were, however, very small in comparison to pre-activation levels.

I was leaking whenever any pressure was put on the bladder by, for example, bending down, squatting or leaning over a table for a meal or when working at the computer keyboard.

I now think the initial "problems" were probably due to a couple of factors. Reduced flexibility of the cuff due to it's newness and my urethra's resistance to being compressed by the cuff.

However, after the 6 to 8 weeks period things have improved somewhat with both aforementioned “problems” and I've stopped thinking the device could be faulty.

The only times when I now wear a small pad is when, for instance, I know I'll be away from home for many hours especially if a meal out is involved …. OR …. [Like today in fact] when I may be doing lots of bending as in DIY or decorating mode.

So, quickly did I become used to having the AMS800 I tended to forget it was there and the only time that causes discomfort is when sitting on the toilet and forgetting to press the pump button before starting to push down.

The only other change to my pre-prostactomy routine is that I ensure I urinate before leaving the house for any reason. If at home all day I do “go” a bit more often to keep the bladder internal pressure low.

Hope this all helps. This is a VERY friendly Group so never be afraid to ask any questions.

Regards Roland J

[Fairway in reply to RolandUK]

Many thanks, Roland. Now off the bubble and moving forward.

Fairway

[ng27868168]

Fairway, like the others who replied above, I HIGHLY recommend the AUS!!!!!! I am now 77, had surgery at age 52 and only suffered mild incontinence for years. Several years ago for reasons unknown even to the Doctors, I lost basically all control in a matter of months after a heart attack. (Could be the new heart meds) Anyway my Urologist suggested an AUS and it has been a GOD SEND! NO MORE WETTING MY PANTS. Like the others said, I wear a very small pad just to catch the occasional drip from exertion or sneezing. Operation is minor, just an overnight stay and 2-3 week healing period before it is activated. I asked my urologist before the surgery about possible problems down the road? he assured me he could fix anything if that occurred. GO FOR IT.

[Fairway in reply to ng27868168]

Thanks, ng, and thanks all for your very useful replies.

Fairway

[cajun1949]

What small pad does everyone use? the smallest of pads i can find are still 2 inches thick and bulky.....

[MelbourneDavid in reply to cajun1949]

I used a women's panty liner as the last stage of recovering continence.

[ng27868168 in reply to cajun1949]

Cajun1949, I use POISE liners. They are very thin and basically impossible to even feel in your shorts. They are the type most women wear. That's how good the AUS works. t the end of the day mine don't even feel wet. I buy 50 in a pack.

[Fairway in reply to ng27868168]

Thanks, ng. Appreciate the tip.

[tjdillon in reply to cajun1949]

I use Depend for Men Shields (58 to a box) - very thin - found at CVS, Walgreens and Walmart).

[MelbourneDavid]

My next door neighbor has one and is very happy with it.

[Fairway in reply to MelbourneDavid]

Also great to know. Thx.

[BrianF505]

Holy Dry Underwear Batman!! I had no idea such a thing was available! Great thread.

[Fairway in reply to BrianF505]

thx for reply, fairway.

[Gary94]

Never heard about this. Would someone be so kind to post some details as to what this is?

[Fairway in reply to Gary94]

Hi Gary,

An artificial sphincter (AMS 800) is a device implanted in the body and used to control incontinence. You Tube can explain better than I.

Fairway

[Gary94 in reply to Fairway]

Thanks!

[DS_WAVL]

I too have stress incontinence even 26 months after my RARP. On very active days, I can still soak 3 or 4 pads. I will try paying more attention to my Kegels, but I don't think that will make it go away, so I am no considering an AUS or a Sling. I have heard mixed reviews of both, but my primary concern is that either device will wear out or cause me problems. I am only 57, so I'd appreciate hearing of your experience.

On a different note, it seems that an awful lot of information about RARP outcomes is wildly optimistic, and incidence of impotence and incontinence are far more common than stated.

[Fairway in reply to DS_WAVL]

Hi DS,

Thanks for writing. I agree with you. I suspect that incidence of I & I more common than reported. I came out of surgery with both, and my surgeon came highly recommended. Anyway, water under the dam. I worked the kegels and physical therapy hard but after two years had no results -- like you 3 - 4 pads a day. I'm 72 and in good physical condition. Elected to have the AUS installed. Surgery was on Saturday. The unit won't be activated for a month, so I can't report on effectiveness except to say lot of swelling and discomfort from the surgery. Not so much pain. Difficulty in getting rid of the catheter. Stay in touch and I'll let you know how it goes.

Fairway

[DS_WAVL in reply to Fairway]

Thanks for that- and yes please do keep us informed. All the best to you in your recovery in the meantime!