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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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@soli Time to think is a good thing. Hope you are able to beat the leak. For me, getting an AUS would have first necessitated surgery to repair a urethral stricture (also caused by demon radiation). That being dicey, I chose to get a clamp while I thought about it. The clamp has been so accommodating I put the AUS off for good. My thoughts were: Operating the AUS requires some manual fiddling with the device and many people have reported still needing one pad a day. That’s the same with the clamp.
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2 Reactions@lsk1000
Got it.
As for me, I do realize it is a tall order to completley beat the leak when it has not shown any improvement on the 6-month mark; but I would like to explore every possible avenue before throwing the towel, and exploring "Plan B's".
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1 Reactionwhat clamp did you purscahse?
@tspazok1
I got the Wiesner clamp from Amazon. I put it on real tight and I don’t even feel it for a couple hours.
thx will order one today. If you have any issues would you be kind enough to pass on.
@tspazok1 I tried a half dozen. The Weisner clamp was the most comfortable and best fit for me.
A couple of things:
- If on occasion it’s irritating use some hand cream on penis.
- This is somewhat controversial. The makers of clamps advise to use it only a few hours at a time. I extended the time each day to see if there were any ill effects. I have worn it for years up to 18-20 hours a day without ill effects. Recently I started, at the suggestion of @ jeffmarc, to move the location slightly after every urination. And I don’t tighten it to the max. (Use one Tena pad a day). I believe the precaution for the limited use is a liability issue in case it is used improperly causing problems. I’m not recommending using it this way; just a suggestion. Good luck. Happy clamping.
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1 ReactionI did order the Cunningham clamp to try it out.
In the meantime, I’ve found that not tightening the Wiesner clamp to the maximum has eliminated most of the minor irritation. On the other hand, if I don’t tighten it enough, I start to notice some leakage after several hours—so it’s a bit of a continuous balancing act to find the optimal setting.
I also wonder whether the penis may decrease slightly in diameter after several hours of clamping due to restricted blood flow.
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1 ReactionThank You
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1 ReactionI am a year out of surgery not leaking as much as I was but going through two pads a day. I haven't tried a clamp out of concern that it may hurt and lead to infection. Am I wrong?
@johnfinch
Pretty much you are. I guess it would hurt if you clamped it down way too much.
The pressure you put on the urethra is the determining factor. The pressure doesn't have so firm as to be squishing the penis.
HTH
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