AMS artificial sphincter

In November, 2011, I had surgery to implant an artificial urinary sphincter from American Medical Systems. It made my incontinence worse! My urologist said that the sphincter caused me to have an overactive bladder.

In June, 2011, my urologist deactivated the sphincter. My incontinence was initially much worse than before the sphincter. I have been doing the Kegel exercises, and the incontinence has improved to seven or eight Depends per day, but that is still worse than before the sphincter.

Comments

  • Old-timer
    Old-timer Member Posts: 196
    I appreciate your candor
    I am a candidate for the AMS 800. I am undergoing tests that may lead my urologist to recommend one. First, I have scar tissue that needs to be removed, moved or something. I am considering the pros and cons of the AUS. Knowing about the experiences of people who have been there will help me decide what to do.

    I am truly sorry that it is not working for you. I wish you luck in getting the situation fixed. Good luck.
  • virginian08
    virginian08 Member Posts: 8
    Old-timer said:

    I appreciate your candor
    I am a candidate for the AMS 800. I am undergoing tests that may lead my urologist to recommend one. First, I have scar tissue that needs to be removed, moved or something. I am considering the pros and cons of the AUS. Knowing about the experiences of people who have been there will help me decide what to do.

    I am truly sorry that it is not working for you. I wish you luck in getting the situation fixed. Good luck.

    AMS artificial sphincter
    You should also know there were some other problems with using the sphincter, although causing the overactive bladder was the worst. The process of releasing the sphincter made my scrotal sack very sore by the evening each day. (Perhaps this is because I already had frequency of urination.) Also, I found releasing the sphincter to be difficult (especially when I was already urinating through the cuff). This may have been aggravated by the fact that I am left-handed.

    Feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

    Good luck to you.
  • dmdc
    dmdc Member Posts: 10

    AMS artificial sphincter
    You should also know there were some other problems with using the sphincter, although causing the overactive bladder was the worst. The process of releasing the sphincter made my scrotal sack very sore by the evening each day. (Perhaps this is because I already had frequency of urination.) Also, I found releasing the sphincter to be difficult (especially when I was already urinating through the cuff). This may have been aggravated by the fact that I am left-handed.

    Feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

    Good luck to you.

    AUS experience

    I see it's been two years since this thread was addressed, but I'm being scheduled for an AUS two+ years after RALRP and using a pad a day if mostly sitting and some walking, and more if I walk for exercise or hike. The problem is backpacking. Carrying pads into and out of the wilderness and periodic resupply is a logistic nightmare. Before I continue with this sphinctre surgery I'd be interested in knowing how things are going for others.

    Thanks.

  • Stoney10816
    Stoney10816 Member Posts: 2
    Did your doctor explain why

    Did your doctor explain why the bladder leakage got worse?

     

  • Stoney10816
    Stoney10816 Member Posts: 2

    AMS artificial sphincter
    You should also know there were some other problems with using the sphincter, although causing the overactive bladder was the worst. The process of releasing the sphincter made my scrotal sack very sore by the evening each day. (Perhaps this is because I already had frequency of urination.) Also, I found releasing the sphincter to be difficult (especially when I was already urinating through the cuff). This may have been aggravated by the fact that I am left-handed.

    Feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

    Good luck to you.

    Overactive Bladder

    I am sure I missed eairler comments, but have you had the AMS 800 removed.  If so, did it help to get back to where you were before the implant?

  • Jadbalja
    Jadbalja Member Posts: 6
    To Virginian 08

    What procedure did you have,? Was it the Davinci Robot?