artificial sphincter

enniswb
enniswb Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1
Hi...I'm new here so allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bill Ennis. I'm 56 and reside in Towanda, PA. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer about two years ago. I had robotic surgery in Aug. of 2005 by Dr. Jean Joseph up at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY and have been suffering from incontence and impotence issues ever since. I'm cancer-free but I had the "paste" procedure done, but that didn't help at all. Doc said he could do the artificial sphincter procedure on me and said it would probably make me "dry". It sounds really invasive, but at this point I'm sick and tired of wearing a pad 24/7. Has anyone had this procedure done and could you tell me how it has been working for you. I'd appreciate any input before I make my decision. Write here or email me at: enniswb@epix.net. Thanks, in advance, for any opinions.

Comments

  • tpelle
    tpelle Member Posts: 184
    #2
    Hello enniswb: I had RP four years ago at age 71, PSA now <.01. Leakage continues whenever I am standing using 2 to 3 Depends pads per day. Kegels didn't work, nor has Collagen injection. Artificial sphincter is a possibility. But, doctor says it's for those who have greater pad use that me. My understanding is that the AMS 800 would substantially help those with heavy leakage (4 plus pads per day) and could possibility eliminate leakage. However, the tighter the control band on the urethra the greater the opportunity for urethra erosion. Note AMS website -- "When using this device, most men are dry with only minor leaks or dribbles of urine, usually with strenuous exercise or exertion. Most men use a pad or less per day to manage these minor leaks. As with any medical procedure, the AMS 800 is not 100% effective in all patients. Some men may require additional protection." Unless my leakage gets worse I'll manage the three pads per day.
  • harvs
    harvs Member Posts: 54
    #3
    Hi,

    I had RP 4 years ago and continued to suffer with incontinence and ED. I was going thru 6 to 8 pads a day. Sometimes it got so bad they would overflow, so I wore protective pants in addition to the pads. Finally got fed up and had both an artificial sphincter and inflatable penile prostheses done on March 10. So far the leakage is down to 2 to 3 pads a day. Much better but not dry. Doc says we won'tknow the final effectiveness until all the healing is done - - about 12 weeks after surgery.
    It was a major operation with pain and discomfort, but nothing unbearable. I was back to work in about a week (probably too soon).
  • tpelle
    tpelle Member Posts: 184
    #4
    harvs said:

    Hi,

    I had RP 4 years ago and continued to suffer with incontinence and ED. I was going thru 6 to 8 pads a day. Sometimes it got so bad they would overflow, so I wore protective pants in addition to the pads. Finally got fed up and had both an artificial sphincter and inflatable penile prostheses done on March 10. So far the leakage is down to 2 to 3 pads a day. Much better but not dry. Doc says we won'tknow the final effectiveness until all the healing is done - - about 12 weeks after surgery.
    It was a major operation with pain and discomfort, but nothing unbearable. I was back to work in about a week (probably too soon).

    Thanks harvs. It sounds like you have experienced major improvement already with the artificial sphincter. Please let us know the results at the end of the 12 week period. How do you compare the surgery and the immediate aftermath with the RP 4 years ago? How long was the hospitalization. Did your surgeon do both procedures? Appreciate any further comments. My doctor said that the normal sphincter loses capability as the years pass. So, I may be looking to that solution later on.
  • harvs
    harvs Member Posts: 54
    #5
    tpelle said:

    Thanks harvs. It sounds like you have experienced major improvement already with the artificial sphincter. Please let us know the results at the end of the 12 week period. How do you compare the surgery and the immediate aftermath with the RP 4 years ago? How long was the hospitalization. Did your surgeon do both procedures? Appreciate any further comments. My doctor said that the normal sphincter loses capability as the years pass. So, I may be looking to that solution later on.

    No Comparison on the surgery. For RP I was in the hospital for 5 days and out of work for 4 weeks. This was an overnight stay and back to work in 1 week. Different surgeons, different hospitals. I go back next Friday to "turn on" the penile implant and get an update on the AS. We'll see how it goes.

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