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.

I had my AUS surgery six months ago. It works fine once you get used to it. I still need one small Depends shield per day which is a huge improvement on six of the large pads daily. Since I also had an IPP implant and can now enjoy regular sex with penetration, it’s great not to urinate during or immediately after sex. I am 95% happy with the AUS and 100% happy with the IPP. Your individual physiology and the skill of the surgeon play a large role. I had both surgeries done at the same time and had only minimal pain, swelling or bruising afterwards. Everything healed without incident. I initially had difficulty with the device but my surgeon helped me overcome them. Tell your surgeon about your problems and if they can’t or won’t help, find one that can help. I am 74, in good health, eat healthy, exercise daily, and don’t drink alcohol or caffeine. I do drink decaffeinated coffee every morning.

Because I was not able to get an AUS due to a stricture, after trying all the worst options for incontinence, I discovered the clamp. I sincerely hope the AUS eventually works out for you, but in case you give up in it, the clamp has returned my life to 99% normal, No pain when sitting. I wear it 18-20 hours a day, off a few hours at night. I Can ride a bike, run, lift weights, swim, you name it. I wear a Tena pad because its off at nigjt and p I don’t want to set it too tight. Only very infrequently does it reminds me it’s there and I adjust it a bit. A true life saver for $39 bucks on Amazon.