Artificial Sphincter (AUS). Diary of experiences.

Hi Peter, Plenty of time yet for the swelling to go down sufficiently to enable you to feel the pump. Mine was activated 5 weeks after surgery due to proximity to Christmas. By that time I could feel the pump bulb relatively easily although I was still very sore where the pump was irritating my scrotum from inside. Remained sore for maybe another month after that and I used to grit my teeth when squeezing the pump to take a pee! But that all went away in due course. The actual activation where the surgeon squeezed the top end of the pump, which was in an even more tender location, was pretty painful but it only took about 10 seconds and then it was just a question of waiting around for an hour or so for my bladder to fill so that I could use the toilet and make sure everything was working as expected.
I had read that for some people, like yourself, the leakage reduced somewhat or even temporarily went away completely after surgery, but personally I didn’t notice any difference until activation.
As to wearing a medical bracelet, entirely up to you of course. I considered it and asked my surgeon what he thought and his view was that it was probably unnecessary. I decided to do without, taking the view that the chances of my requiring emergency catheterisation whilst not in a position to warn those treating me about the presence of the AUS were fairly remote and I prefer to run what I feel is a slight risk in order to avoid having a constant reminder around my wrist or neck. Others may weigh the balance differently.

Hi All

Just wanted to say a big thank you for all the comments and information. I had my AUS fitted on the 17th December 2018. 2 weeks ago. It quite tender at the moment but I'm able to feel the device. I have very heavy leakage since my operation to remove my prostate just over two years ago. My life has although been very active. Playing golf twice a week, Bike ride once a week for about 12 miles. It's very hilly around Leeds. Not sure if I should mention this but I also take my 4-year-old grandson swimming once a week. ( I know I will leak but with all the chemicals I'm thinking it's ok?) But as others have mentioned it's all been about when I can change pads or find a toilet or private place! Hopefully, it will be much better in a month or so. I will get back to you on my progress!

Had AMS sphincter fitted in February, very bruised, no pain but lots of discomfort. Switched on in March complete success! great relief; back to kayaking at a good pace four hours once a week, portaging 25kg kayak with no leakages; me, not the boat! Very hesitant about trying my first love of cycling. I spoke to my consultant who confirmed that there would be discomfort but cycling would not damage the AMS. After some trial and error I would recommend that anybody coming back to the bike should: Fit a prostate friendly saddle, drop the nose of the saddle a couple of mm this will take the weight off the tender area, it will however put more strain on shoulders, arms and neck so I recommend raising the handlebars a couple of  mm. I have also fitted a gel saddle cover (£12) I wear padded cycling shorts and a small pad, just in case. My first ride was 10 miles+ on roads I know well, on the hilly sections where I would normally get out of the saddle I now drop a gear, stay in the saddle if comfortable. The only time I got out of the saddle to have a stretch I sat down without thinking and activated the device! luckily there was not a lot to lose but a lesson learnt. I'm back on the bike and although there will be compromises the benefits far outweigh the negatives. I've shaved off my beard, mudguards off this afternoon I'm nearly a racer again! See you up the road.... Old Roly.

Hi Tonypw, I was interested in your post as I have had an AUS fitted some 8 weeks ago. I went to London Bridge hospital and have had the most painful time since with a hydro seal and then an infection followed by severe nerve pain in my scrotum which while eased a little has prevented me having my AUS activated. I am due to go back to London Bridge hospital to see both my surgeon and a pain  consultant on the 16th, not sure I could bear the pain of someone touching my scrotum at present. Can you tell me if the procedure was painful when having it activated. Keeping my fingers crossed the pain will have subsided enough to allow activation, I can’t wait to be half normal again as I am only 68 and have had my life on hold for 12 months now!!! Look forward to your comments,

Really useful diary of your experience Tony thank-you.

My surgeon has now mentioned an AUS to me to think about. Some further questions I would have (and forgive me if they are already mentioned above) are:

- if they fail at any time can they be removed and replaced?

- do they affect erections and orgasms?

- atm I leak a little when I orgasm, does this stop with the AUS?

- can you use a vacuum pump and constriction ring with them?

Zum

Hi

I’m being worked up for an AUS and my Urology Consultant says it should stop leakage when I orgasm. It it only when you get sexually excited that you leak? If so, it maybe considered ‘overkill’ to have an AUS.

Would be good to hear from someone who has actual experience.

ZL

Yesterday, I had a UAS fitted at a UK hospital and it wasn't the American AMS-800. It's the Turkish 'Rigicon ContiClassic'.  I understand this is now the preferred device at this hospital. It's virtually the same unit, but the well-documented site by the manufacturer shows that a lot of thought has gone into the design. It does state, however, that this device is not available in the USA.
Mine will be activated, hopefully, in about six weeks.  In the meantime, more information can be found here:

https://www.rigicon.com/artificial-urinary-sphincter-conticlassic/