Artificial Urinary Sphincter surgery: Only after 6 months

Posted by kruznkru @kruznkru, Oct 13 10:49am

Hello all
First post all
July 8th I had RP surgery at University of Chicago hospital.
As weeks/months go bye and NO improvement in leakage I’m starting to look into options if it doesn’t slow down.
I had a meeting with specialist at U of C this week and he said I’m doing everything right Kegals/PT and even started acupuncture.
He also said he WILL NOT do the artificial urinary sphincter AUS before 6 months.
I have the common symptoms depressed/not wanting to go out/lost some weight from worrying.
If my leakage does not improve by 6 months (not slowing down at all)
has anyone heard of doing the AUS at 6+ months ?
Thanks for any help

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tuckerp | @tuckerp | Oct 14 4:00pm

In reply to @kruznkru "Thigh" + (show)

No. Since I wear one all the time I thought it would be easier to not have to undress to pee. I can pull my pant leg up and drain it anywhere. So I did not think to change. It would make wearing shorts a possibility.

kruznkru | @kruznkru | Oct 14 5:09pm

In reply to @tuckerp "No. Since I wear one all the time I thought it would be easier to not..." + (show)

Does the leg bag stay secure ?
I was gunna order the one that you use and try it out
Amazon $4.31 - worth a try
Do you use their straps ?

tuckerp | @tuckerp | Oct 14 7:11pm

In reply to @kruznkru "Does the leg bag stay secure ? I was gunna order the one that you use..." + (show)

it stays reasonably secure. it does have to be fairly tight. That takes some getting used to. It does not come with the tubing. I used the tubing off a hospital issued one. I use the straps in the bag. You need to heat the ends so it doesnt unravel. I put the straps in opposite than when shipped. I feed the strap in from the backside and out over the bag instead of under the bag. You can PM me if you like.

kruznkru | @kruznkru | Oct 14 7:29pm

Thank you
I just ordered from Amazon n will be in Thursday
I’ll PM you then as I’ll be able to look at it.

kenhorse | @kenhorse | Oct 14 8:48pm

In reply to @kruznkru "Ken Thanks for replying I’m usually an impatient person anyway but kinda frustrated that after 3..." + (show)

Are you doing your Kegals? They DO work but take time. Again, 3 months is nothing in the scheme of things

kruznkru | @kruznkru | Oct 14 8:53pm

Yes I am
About 100 a day
Plus PT once a week
Plus acupuncture - 3rd session Friday - but toes a little numb
I’m trying best I can - urologist agrees too
Thanks for asking

smc24 | @smc24 | Oct 14 9:24pm

I have an an artificial urinary sphincter (2023). It works great and allowed me to return to an 99% normal active life. My radical prostatectomy was performed in 2014. A urinary cystoscopy in 2022 ruptured my sphincter. Each procedure is substantial and I don't pretend to know how close together the two can be performed. As I said, I would not hesitate a second to have an the AUS (with a competent surgeon).

kruznkru | @kruznkru | Oct 15 5:43am

Thanks for the reply
And I’m glad AUS worked out great for you !
For me after 3+ months still struggling. If I was improving I’d be fine but seems still the same (leakage). Very frustrating.
I’ll give it another 3 and make a decision if things don’t get any better.
BUT seems some doctors want you to wait a year ?
Some say after 6 months your chances of recovering are getting slim - I think like 4% from 6-12 months - and will do it than.
Everyone seems to have positive results on the AUS

tuckerp | @tuckerp | Oct 15 7:17am

In reply to @smc24 "I have an an artificial urinary sphincter (2023). It works great and allowed me to return..." + (show)

when you say 99%. Does it have any leakage? or 99% normal because of operating a switch.

smc24 | @smc24 | Oct 15 7:41am

There can be some very minor "stress" leakage (into the Depends), If the bladder is full and I bend over to tie a shoe, for example, I may get a few drops squeezed out. I also try to urinate every 2-4 hours, when possible to prevent that issue. But, I usually go all day on one Depends and just change before I go to bed.
Once you get use to operating the squeeze valve, it works fine, no pain and is very convenient. Adressing one of your concerns, in two tears, I've never had an accident with leakage outside the Depends even biking, running, etc. I hope this helps with any decision you may have in front of you.