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Any experiences with Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) or Sling?
Hello. Just wondering if anyone has a long-ish term experience with either the sling or AUS. I had a partial nerve sparing prostatectomy in 2018. I have mostly recovered ED issues, but urinary incontinence persists (1-2 pads per 24 hours-fairly light). I now am looking at salvage radiation for BCR, and have read and been briefed that both issues will get worse down the road. I'm 62, very active-run, lift weights, etc. Could easily live with the current state, but concerned about getting worse. Thank you for any input
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@lsk1000
I went out for a while and wore the Wiesner clamp for about 2 1/2 hours, Just about to take it off, but I don’t even feel it. I’m still getting an AUS, Can’t wear it all the time, I don’t want have to worry about it when I don’t wear it. If I’m moving around a lot, I can soak a thick pad in two hours.
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3 ReactionsI have that clamp as well. Many days it gets uncomfortable.
David Hape
770-310-4794
davidhape@gmail.c om
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1 Reaction@david1643 David,
Are you certain you are putting it on exactly as intended with the protrusion on the bottom centered on the urethra?
Are you clamping it too tightly? I found it best not to over tighten, to allow a bit of dribbling. Need to experiment which notch to use.
Occasionally my skin gets raw. I use a cream or vaseline when that happens.
Have you tried other clamps for comfort? I tested a half dozen before settling on one. Maybe that’s worth a shot.
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3 Reactions@jeffmarc Hi Jeff, I hear you. I’d use a pad every two hours also without a clamp. That’s why I experimented by slowly increased the amount of time I wore it each day. If I used the clamp for only 2-3 hours a day I’d be an emotional and physical wreck because with urethral stricture the AUS choking my already urethra was advised against. Surgically fixing the stricture near the bladder neck is dicey and can fail, making things worse. So the clamp is my only option and I felt I'm had to wear it all day and it turned out fine.
I hope your AUS will be everything you hope for.
@lsk1000
Sorry to hear the AUS will not work for you. I can understand if you have urethra problems. It is a real drawback..
Good to hear the clamp works for you.
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1 Reaction@lsk1000
Thank you for your answer and suggestions.
I have had it for a year and a half. I did not have any discomfort until several months ago. I have several now. It just seems like the last one I purchased two months ago started giving me a sore spot for a while. I changed the pads and it seemed better. A couple of weeks ago, I started to get mild discomfort so I went back to one of my older ones, and it seems better.
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1 Reaction@david1643 Good point. New pads vs. old pads.
That old pads causes less irritation for you mirrors my experience. I think it’s because the new pads are softer / stickier and pull on the skin causing the need for more frequent lubrication, whereas after use the old pads are harder and smoother. Don’t give up. There is a reason millions of clamps are sold each year.
I have f/u app’t with my surgeon tomorrow to explore what I am experiencing. Possibly scar tissue has formed causing the pinching sensation? If so, I don’t know what can be done, if anything, to reduce the discomfort.