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What are the best incontinence clamps post-surgery?
The major side effect from my prostatectomy last year has been incontinence, which unfortunately has not improved despite consistent pelvic floor exercises.
Occasionally during the day, I use an incontinence clamp for an hour or two—typically when exercising or during social occasions. I initially used the Lunderg clamp, then switched to the Wiesner clamp based on recommendations from @jeffmarc . The Wiesner clamp has been much more compact and comfortable overall, but recently it has started to irritate my skin somewhat.
I would really appreciate any suggestions from others on different brands or types of clamps that you’ve found to be both effective and comfortable.
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@johnfinch Professional sources advise that if used properly, not overused or ratcheted too tightly, there is little risk. As I wrote earlier, I have worn it 18 hours a day with no ill effects. The plumbing remains in perfect working condition. I’m not suggesting anyone do likewise though.
Note: It’s estimated that approximately 10-15 million clamps are sold annually.
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1 Reaction@johnfinch
From my experience, irritation can usually be minimized by experimenting to find the right size combination and level of tightness—not too tight, but not too loose—and by periodically repositioning the clamp slightly forward or backward every couple of hours.
The risk of UTIs can also be reduced by emptying the bladder every hour or two, and by regularly disassembling and cleaning the clamp with soap and water.
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1 Reaction@johnfinch
I use the Wiesner clamp and when I put it on, I don’t even remember it’s there. I clamp it as tight as possible, and I don’t feel it. I’ve been using it for at least three or four years. I seldom keep it on for more than two hours, When I forget, and I have it on for three hours. I start to feel it and remember that I have it on and take it off.
Never had any infection issues.
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2 ReactionsReceived my Weisner yesterday and love it. I'm experimenting with the med and small and how many notches to lock it in on. I don't lock it to it's a max either per your comments. One last question should I order a second one for backup? Thanks
@tspazok1
I found I have to lock it to the max four clicks or I can pee right through it. That means if I’m in the gym and exercising heavily, I’m going to be leaking a lot. Same with going out with people, I can handle between two and three hours, but then take it off, Not going to leak enough for the rest of the night for it to matter since I have a pad anyway.
They do say you can move it around every two hours, You should pee after that amount of time anyway, and at that point, you can move it.
Just another point of view from somebody that’s been using it for 5+ years. I’ve never found any need for more than one, They don’t get damaged. I can’t imagine any reason why I would need two.