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Considering an Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS): Need advice
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (57)Comment receiving replies
How many weeks did it take to recover? How was recovery like? What were the most difficult aspects of recovery?
Replies to "@peterj116 How many weeks did it take to recover? How was recovery like? What were the..."
@soli Yes, I guess I have that same question. If I get an AUS I will have three months before I go on a 3-week trip abroad, so better understanding the ups and downs of recovery would be useful. Thx...
@soli
The only difficult part is that there are stitches in your perineum and sitting down is quite painful For a week or two. I resolved that problem by rolling up a thick towel, shaping it into a U and sitting down without my perineum being touched.
For a couple of days after the surgery, it could be painful at times, I did take a 5 mg oxycodone on two days, Just one pill in the morning. After that all I needed was acetaminophen. It was more than it was stinging than it was painful when I took the Oxycodone, I guess that’s a type of pain.
They also open up the stomach, maybe 2 inches wide stitched opening. That never really bothered me, No pain from it. Maybe Because I was taking acetaminophen.
They will usually like to wait about six weeks before they activate the device. My case was activated in five weeks since I recovered so quickly.
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@soli
I was off work for 2 weeks afterwards. It was a bit different for me, cause I had the AUS implanted 9 months after my prostatectomy.
They normally wait 12 months, to see if incontinence gets better.
But in my case, it was obvious after 9 months that it wasn't going to.
Recovery-wise... lots of rest, manageable pain, thanks to lots of pills.
After a shower, dry your bits with a hair dryer on warm, cause it's still too painful to touch with a towel.
You're still incontinent for 6 weeks after surgery, cause you have to wait for everything to heal.
So still on the pads for 6 weeks.
Then you're back to the urologist, he activates the device & you're pretty much good to go.
Like everything else, everyone's experience is different.
I still had problems with leaking for quite a while, but pills for an overactive bladder sorted that out.
I found using the device very easy from the start.
Recovering from any surgery is no fun, but this one was worth it in the end.
I've gone from 7 pads a day to zero.