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Artificial Sphincter

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Posted 1/9/2021 10:40 PM (GMT -7)
I have few questions for any of you that have had the artificial sphincter put in. Do you have any leaking afterwards, I mean long term, not right after surgery?
Are you able to do things like play golf, etc.? My leaking is so bad that I can't do things like that because my pad would be so soaked through with motions like that, and the length of time it would be for me to get to the bathroom.
Anything would be an improvement. My life is ruled now when I'm not at home by where the places are that I fill comfortable going in a restroom long enough to sit in a stall and change a pad.
Posted 1/10/2021 1:00 AM (GMT -7)
I had issues with the artificial sphincter. Others have had good experience so I will let them address you on that. I have had success with penile clamps. Without the clamp I can go through 20 pads in a day maybe even more. With the clamp on a good day I will use a couple of pads and have used as many as 8 or 9. And that is because I don't do a good job of fastening the clamp. If I go anywhere I keep a couple of pads on me in case of a mishap. And because of accidents, I have learned to take a full change of clothes with me when I travel...even if it is just a shopping trip. The penile clamp isn't perfect but it is the only thing I have found that has allowed me to get out of the house.
Posted 1/10/2021 2:56 AM (GMT -7)
I hear you. I have a bag with me at all times to keep pads, wipes, depends, underwear, and clothes. The clamp didn't work for me. So, you had one. Did you have problems like infection, etc?
Posted 1/10/2021 5:35 AM (GMT -7)
Yes I had one briefly. It was defective and had to be removed less than two weeks after surgery. After the experience I had no desire to try it again. I asked questions, like you are doing, and looked up old posts before having the implant. The majority reported success and that convinced me to give it a try. Good luck with whatever decision you make!
Posted 1/10/2021 8:07 AM (GMT -7)
Almost 7 years ago, DH had the AUS 800 implanted. It was life changing surgery--your description sounds pretty much like life beforehand. He does wear a lightweight pad because of some leakage, but it is minimal. Our advice: find a doctor with lots of experience and be prepared to educate other professionals about your artificial sphincter.
Posted 1/10/2021 6:06 PM (GMT -7)
After leaking for a year after RALP I had the AUS 800 installed. It's been a life changer. If it failed tomorrow I'd have it reinstalled. It's been that good.
Does it ever leak? Yes. If I have a big cough or sneeze I need to Kegel a bit. If I sit on a surface that presses on the perineum it can distort the cuff and cause a leak. I had to change the seat on my bicycle to a wider one instead of the narrow one I had,
And, not to get too away from a PG-rated discussion, during the climax of arousal, it will leak. Outside of that, it's really great.
Posted 1/11/2021 1:33 PM (GMT -7)
My AMS800 is about 8 years old and still functions pretty well. It has leaked about a thin pad's worth since installed. It will leak when getting up out of a chair, sneezing or sitting wrong. My worst time is when getting into my truck. If I don't pay attention the seat will hit me where the cuff is and my bladder will dump. Overall, if I pay attention I will leak just enough to force wearing a pad. Recently I decided to try something new as wearing a pad for the past 15 years has adversely affected my quality of life. I started wearing an external male catheter and I put a plastic cut off clip at the end of the spout. It has been a game changer for me. The only drawback has been using a public restroom and that is solved by going to the stall instead of the urinal. I also have a penile implant which greatly aids in being able to use the catheter. I don't think I could have worn one prior to the implant as my penis would "turtle" on me. If my AMS 800 ever fails I will get it replaced as quickly as I can.
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