I did it! On the advice of my doctor and the fine men here, I had the artificial urinary sphincter implanted about a month ago. I'm near the end of the healing period and my doctor is scheduled to activate the device next week.
During this healing period I've had discomfort from the button gadget sharing space with my nuts. You know that feeling you get when your nuts are squeezed, or you sit on them by mistake, and it makes you feel kinda like you've been punched in the abdomen? I've had almost a constant, similar low-grade feeling. I'm going to mention it to the doctor next week. Maybe it won't be an issue after the device is activated if I don't have to wear pads anymore--there will be less crowding down there.
On the plus side, that feeling has made me lose my appetite--and 12 pounds!