Had the Urinary Sphincter Installed and Loving it!

kreinholt

I am 50 yo and after almost two years of kegals and incontinence (3 to 4 full pads a day + occasional accidents), I finally had enough. I went to my urologist and asked about the sling. He indicated that the sling was for more of the slow leaker and would not be as effective for someone who leaked like I did. We then discussed the artificial sphincter. I opted for that procedure and had it done last November 2010. I love it! I can wear one pad for days if not weeks. I change my pad everyday just because, and have not yet tried to go without. I'm probably too used to wearing one at this point. My quality of life has improved 100% and I am looking forward to using it this summer during my outdoor activities. I no longer worry about being on my feet for long periods of time and no longer carry any extra pads, just in case I need to change. I no longer worry about that. When I need to relieve my bladder, I have to physically squeeze a small bulb in my scrotum which opens the cuff around my urethra, releasing the urine. It is not hard to do nor is it uncomfortable and works great. I have on occasion, stood in front of the urinal like I did before my RP and when nothing comes out finally realize that I need to squeeze the bulb. I feel almost normal again. So far, I can’t complain.

Trew

so encouraging to hear a
so encouraging to hear a stroy like yours. I hope to have my AUS installed In May or June. I want my life back.

dakotarunner

thanks
Thanks for the post. I did away with pads for quite a while, but now have small leakage after urinating. I am a patient man, but getting damn fed up with wet spot on my slacks. Could you give a little more info please?

Thank you.

dr

kreinholt

dakotarunner said:

thanks
Thanks for the post. I did away with pads for quite a while, but now have small leakage after urinating. I am a patient man, but getting damn fed up with wet spot on my slacks. Could you give a little more info please?

Thank you.

dr

Leakage
First of all I'm glad that you are only having small leakage issues and do not have to use pads at all. That's great! I was less fortunate. I had quite a bit of leakage (3 - 4 full pads a day). Sounds like the sphincter may be overkill for your needs. According to my urologist someone in your catagory may be a good candidate for the sling. I would visit posts by others who have had the sling implanted.

kreinholt

dakotarunner said:

thanks
Thanks for the post. I did away with pads for quite a while, but now have small leakage after urinating. I am a patient man, but getting damn fed up with wet spot on my slacks. Could you give a little more info please?

Thank you.

dr

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Post deleted

dmdc

AUS experience

Kreinholt - Your first post in this thread was about 5 months after surgery. Can you update us? I'm being scheduled for an AUS, and am curious about what recovery from the surgery was like (my urologist said to plan a month of recovery), and whether you've been able to ride a bicycle and similar things. Is the sphinctre effective when you're doing strenuous things? Any need for revisions? You're about a year and a half post procedure now. 

Thanks.