Can someone help me about life after AUS 800 implant?

Posted by rodneyverrill @rodneyverrill, May 8, 2024

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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tuckerp | @tuckerp | Feb 4 8:47pm

In reply to @jimgaudette "@tuckerp You can easily deactivate it and the reactivate it later, but I don’t know why..." + (show)

@jimgaudette I have a very over reactive bladder and its on the small side. I had all the testing done at Mayo. I have spent the last 6 years since my LARP, wearing a condom with bag. I hate the inconvenience. I also need to be careful in bed or I may leak. However, I can see if I was waiting in line at the DMV it might be handy to have the bag for a few hours. Maybe sitting through a concert. My 6 hr drive on vacation. I get 16 oz before I need to relieve it. Probably drugs for the over active bladder but that means another drug for my over worked gut to have to accommodate. If I can deactivate and let it run then the best of both worlds. Thank you.

denkea | @denkea | Feb 5 11:53am

In reply to @tuckerp "@jimgaudette I have a very over reactive bladder and its on the small side. I had..." + (show)

@tuckerp
I had an AUS inserted on October 31st. Activated in December. I too have an overactive bladder. What did you do before you had PC?
I can't for the life of me see anyone deactivating it for any reason other than medically called for.
You release the AUS when you have to pee just like letting it go when you hit the bathroom before PC.
I go so often that now I'm worried about wearing it out. Not really 😉
There are meds available to treat overactive bladder.
I have an appt nest month with my surgeon and and am going to ask him for info. HTH

tuckerp | @tuckerp | Feb 6 8:23pm

In reply to @denkea "@tuckerp I had an AUS inserted on October 31st. Activated in December. I too have an..." + (show)

@denkea I have had weak bladder issue years before prostate removal. I have to go pee I need to be really close. Go outside alot. stop along the road. It got so bad I would carry a gatorade bottle in my truck. When I finally went in to check it they found cancer in the biopsy. I am thinking if I install the AUS and still have the same problem with a weak bladder then what? Seems it might be good on certain occasions to lock the AUS open and wear the bag. Probably a dumb thought. I know there are medications but my gut just does not process meds well.

denkea | @denkea | Feb 7 6:34am

In reply to @tuckerp "@denkea I have had weak bladder issue years before prostate removal. I have to go pee..." + (show)

@tuckerp
First I would check with your doc about overactive bladder medications. TROSPIUM ER and SOLIFENACIN are just two.
Second.
If I have major urge to pee I can't until I release the AUS.
I was using a penile clamp and still going through 4 or more heavy pads a day along with the clamp.
Now I know everyone is different and some still have minor leakage after AUS but I use a drip and dribble pad and at the end of the day I can't tell if it's even been needed at all. HTH

beredwards | @beredwards | Feb 11 11:23am

Thank you very much to those who shared their input. Has anyone had any negative impacts on intimacy with an AUS, or had situations where it didn't help? Or is it almost all positive?