Hopefully my experience of about 1 year with AUS800 will help both of you. Im very pleased with no pads coming off 5 daily max pads prior to AUS. Activation is typically 6 weeks following surgery however there will be tenderness in my case for about 12 weeks but no excessive swelling. One full or maybe a second partial pump required for a full flow like a teenager again. It does take some patience for the AUS to close ~45 to 90 seconds after urination otherwise you may leak slightly. In terms of practice it took me about 4 months until comfortable in public restrooms so give yourself some time. If your cuff is sized appropriately any leakage should be very infrequent and minimal and can happen in a seated position on hard surface which partially releases the AUS. It takes about 4 months to retrain your bladder to avoid stress leakage like a hard sneeze. That will go away over time. At this point I would say my AUS is nearly 100% effective with the only remaining leakage sitting in a certain way on hard surface. Given its a mechanical device with basic technology dating back 25+ years its as good as it gets - there is no better solution available. The key is appropriate cuff sizing not too tight or it will wear urethra and not too loose or you will leak.
Let me know if you have further questions and how I can help.