Can someone help me about life after AUS 800 implant?
This is my first question/post so please excuse me as I a new at this. I am 58 and have had an RP in October of 2023. My prostate was 155 grams and since the procedure I have been left essentially incontinent using 7-9 large pads a day. Although this has been difficult, I feel fortunate my psa has fallen to .008, a number my doctor tells me is considered undetected.
I have tried PT with very little results, my surgeon recommended an AUS, so this coming Monday I will have surgery to have this installed. I have read many of the posts within the prostate cancer section, but I am still curious about discomfort after the 5-6 week healing process and "regular activity like swimming, golf, and more strenuous activities like mowing and lifting firewood. I am of course second guessing my decision but would be appreciative of any feedback any of you have.
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First,
I am so very sorry that you are going through this. As you probably saw in the earlier post, I've found that every person is a little different. We are within a couple of years, I didn't have any radiation but my prostate was extremely large causing damage to the sphincter muscle. All the PT I had done before and after just didn't help.
My doc was cautious about delivering all options and helping me make the decision to go with the AUS. I suspect he knew this is were we would need to end up but allowed me to make the decision.
I had the device installed in May of this year after 6 months of 9-10 pads a day. The procedure was no more painful than the robotic RP that I had.
Although it hasn't been "perfect" I think this is the best alternative for me. With very heavy coughing, or extreme lifting , I can experience a very small amount of leaking. The rest of the time, I am generally dry.
A little clunky getting use to it but it really is second nature to me know.
If you have any specific questions or would like to talk on the phone, I would be happy to do that. I can send you a private message if you like.
Take care and know there are options for getting better.
Take care and keep the faith.
I'm stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, Gleason 4+4. After a radical prostatectomy and then damage to my remaining urinary sphincter, all urinary control was lost and life became rather miserable, especially with the cancer. A prior AUS patient and friend suggested I have the procedure, too. I've had it about 18 months now and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. My surgeon had/has an impeccable reputation and the surgery and recovery went as planned. Bottom line, I would highly recommend this implant. Get your control, confidence and life back on schedule.
Hi "tonytone",
I've had my AUS 800 active for 18-months. It works great! I seldom leak but do wear a small liner in my briefs, changing it once a day just in case. If there's anything in it it's usually just that 'last drop' or rare, minor leakage. However, I have had two significant leaks though I have no idea why. I know it's in good shape because I had a cystoscopy this past June for another reason.
Good luck to you and be sure you have a top notch surgeon (mine is for sure).
You've had quite a tough road so I/we-all hope this will provide some relief and peace of mind for you.
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You have been very helpful. I'm at Mayo in jacksonville They always gives the best scenarios. So far I have had the worst scenario. You had no infections correct? It obviously doesn't last 7 years. Do find it hard use when urinate? Did you have a small bladder capacity. I wore a clamp during radiation treatment an this was effective. After 6-9 months the Urgency and frequency increased making the clamp ineffective. I currently use a condom like cath bag made by Mens Liberty. This was life changer but still I have regulate fluid intake carefully
No infection after AUS insertion. I did have a urinary track infection later but that was most likely due to a large kidney stone that lodged in a ureter. 👍