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Had AUS & IPP implanted...

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Posted 7/18/2008 1:58 AM (GMT 0)

This is a follow-up of a post I made a couple of months ago... about my up-coming surgery and subsequent canacellation due to cardiac concerns.

Had that Artificial Urinary Sphincter surgery & inflatable penile prosthesis yesterday...got out of hospital today.  It is painful, but most of my pain is coming from the IPP, as you guys can imagine.  Well-known DFW Surgeon said everything looks great & he expects to be able to activate both in six weeks.  If there is interest in how the healing well goes, I'll come back now and then a post so that others who may have to consider these options can have some input from another someone whose been there and done that. Finding those who have experienced these implants are hard to find.  I'm no expert but I can share what I experience.  I will share if there is interest. 

Today, most of my pain is in my penis, but doc loaded me up with pain meds. I don't want to take unless I need them.  I have needed them thus far.  I had two incisions, one in the scrotum just below the base of my penise and one between the scrotum and rectum.  That one is very sore to sit on, the front end is very sore to walk around with.  But they'll both get better and so will I with the Lord's help.  And thanks for those of you who did pray for me. 

Gene214 

Posted 7/18/2008 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Glad you have that dreaded surgery behind you now.  Take time to heal and I hope that things turn out just the way you wish them to.  congrats and thanks for sharing with us..

Posted 7/18/2008 2:17 AM (GMT 0)

Gene,

Left a note in your other thread...please email me when you feel up to it....address is in my profile.

Many thanks....and good luck for continued healing.

DanMan

Posted 7/18/2008 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Gene,

Good for you for taking action to solve two problems at once. Here's hoping for the best outcome possible...

Jim
Posted 7/18/2008 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gene,
You have my very best wishes that you can get peace out of this. I feel very much for the guys with incontinence. You are one tough cookie though and I know you will do well. My hope is for you to receive the highest blessing in this.

Tony
Posted 7/18/2008 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
Best wishes for a speedy recovery and much success!
Posted 7/18/2008 11:11 AM (GMT 0)
Gene, now you can concentrate on recovering and moving on with your life. yes, please keep us posted as I know others have interest in this. take care and God bless, kat
Posted 7/19/2008 12:40 PM (GMT 0)
Gene, So happy that you are finished with the surgery. I hope that you can continue to post how things are going. As you know, Pete is planning the AUS. The incontinence is so difficult and depressing, you were correct and strong in taking this approach. Best wishes for your fast recovery. Di
Posted 7/19/2008 10:34 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Gene

So glad you came thru the operation so well.  We all have a certain amount of pain but in a few weeks that will be a lot better.  Keep us posted as to your progress.  I am scheduled to have the third AUS implanted in September.  As you know two previous operations were failures because of a doctor who knew very little of what he was doing.  I am interested as to how large of an incision they made.  Berb from Australia said about one half inch.  Mine was about two inches with about 10 stiches and that happened 4 times.  I am haviing the one in September done by Dr. Elliott at Mayo in Rochester Mn.  In the meantime I have been experimenting with external catheters without much success.  If anyone has used those I would like to hear from them.

Gene just keep having the positive attitude you have and we will contiue to pray for you

Blessings

Jerryv

Posted 7/19/2008 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Jerry,
Pete also has been trying the external catheters without much success....however, he has been using the clamp about 2-3 hours a day. the doctor wants him to build up the bladder and get it used to holding fluid before the operation. We are seeing the doctor this Tuesday...At MSK and he will check to see if the scar tissue has not grown. Hopefully we can schedule the AUS for Sept..... Did you have radiation at any time..Why do you think the other AUS failed..? I am so happy that we can discuss this AUS business....It has been difficult to find anyone that has had one....even though they have been around for 30 years...(I learned here)

Gene, take it easy and relax and just enjoy thinking about how nice it will be when there is normalcy! You are in my thoughts! Di
Posted 7/20/2008 12:47 AM (GMT 0)

Divo

I did have a laser treatment and that was the start of my real incontinence.  Changed urologists and the one I got was well known in my area.  He may have known some things but nothing about AUS.  You trust these guys and after that you are at there mercy.  I never saw a AUS before the operation and did not know how to operate it after the operation.  This is the doctors excuse for the failure.  He said the pump broke and when I went to Mayo and told them they said they had been instaling these since 1972 and never had a pump break.  I wanted to see the pump but I never did.  Trusting the doctor I  had another unit installed after six weeks of healing and that did not heal and after six week waiting period it was still draining and that is when I went to Mayo.  Fortunately I did because I was so infected they operated on me in emergency at 11PM.  They put a picline in me and I was able to go home but had to go to local hospital everyday for three week before I was partially healed  Mayo said I should have waited for six month and that is where I am now.  The second failure was that I still had infection in me when they operated.

about the external catheters I tried a few different ones and am now working with Bioderm who supply tho ones used by NASA.  I tried the clamp but I think that was invented by some chinese torture doctor.

Blessing to all  and I will keep in touch

Blessings

Jerryv

Posted 7/20/2008 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
Day three post surgery:

My entire scrotum area is black and blue and huge.  The area between scrotum and rectum where the AUS was installed is also very black and blue.  But the pain is not as bad but I am on pain medication, although not as much as doc ordered. The penis is not as sore. There is no question that I am better and have experienced no fever. At this point, all I can say is these devices sure better work... I really think they will. 

Gene214

Posted 7/21/2008 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
Gene, sorry to hear things are difficult today...tomorrow they will get better...Has to!!!! The device WILL WORK!! I say it will

Jerry, you have been through the ringer! So sorry....but, in six months you can get the new one with a decent doctor. That is GOOD NEWS. We are seeing the doctor on Tuesday....He hopefully is good...he wears a huge turban on his head, but he really seems to know what he is doing....Pete needs the AUS...badly....Di
Posted 7/21/2008 3:09 AM (GMT 0)

Wow Gene, what a procedure!

Here's wishing you the very best for continued improvement and strong recovery!

You show us a lot of courage in your journey along with many of our friends.

Please continue letting us know how you're doing.

Sincerely,

Posted 7/22/2008 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Day 5 after surgery;

Went back to surgeon today for a follow-up. He seemed amazed at my progress. Swelling is going down. Ugly bruising is changing to light blue. Pain much better, taking fewer meds.  I clarified which AMS models I had installed: AMS 800 for the AUS and AMS 700 CX for the inlfatable prosthesis.  I am scheduled to go back on Aug. 18 for activation of devices.  For information on these devices, one can google and find out all kinds of clinical information.  As I progress, I (and others like me) can be a source of practical and experiential information. 

Gene214

Posted 7/22/2008 3:03 AM (GMT 0)

Encouraging news, Gene.

Glad things are looking up.

DanMan

Posted 7/22/2008 6:27 PM (GMT 0)

Way to go Gene.  I know the feeling  My scrotum was the size of an elephants and about the same color.  Went away in about two weeks.  Stay positive and let us know how the activation goes

Blessings

Jerryv

Posted 7/22/2008 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Gene, We are really interested in your progress. Pete had the cystoscopy today, and the doctor said he can schedule the AUS operation. It is scheduled for Sept 8. We were really happy driving home thinking that the diapers may be a thing of the past in a few months....I am thrilled to hear of your good success so far. Your positive attitude and good will toward others is a huge benefit to yourself and to everyone that reads your posts....Good going Gene!! :) Di
Posted 7/23/2008 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
I'm just counting time for my trip to Dallas. Looks like I will get to know I-35 quite well. Hang in there buddy.

KW
Posted 7/23/2008 10:37 PM (GMT 0)

One Week Post Surgery:

How quickly a week passes by when you're having fun! Really. In spite of the awful pain, it's been fun to see improvement every day.  Now the awful black and blue bruising has turned to a nice-looking tan...well maybe not nice looking. But I think I am ahead of the scale in healing. 

The AUS will, when activated, be a joy!  I hope I can learn to operate it quikly, although I am told it is not difficult to learn.  The doc will give instructions but I am already feeling around down there for the two extra "things".  I think I know which one is which, but I'll sure wait on the doctor's advice at activation.  I understand from Biff that one is rounded and the other is flat.  They are definitely different to the feel so I don't think I will get them mixed up.

The IPP will be activated at the same time.  Those who have undergone this implant say they are a little shorter.  I hope it is a "little" shorter. The doc said some length will be lost.  However... I look much larger.  The implanted cylinders are new and rather stiff, so you can perhaps imagine what they do when implanted.  I was at first worried that the doc had left it inflated a little, but he said no.  At any rate, this implant is looking good.

My email address is available to the left should anyone have questions.  I will check back in from time to time. 

Gene214

Posted 7/24/2008 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
Gene, I bet if you squeeze the wrong thing you'll know about it real soon......ouch...hehehe. Glad to hear you doing so well. Holler at you soon.

KW
Posted 7/24/2008 5:12 AM (GMT 0)
Gene,
That is quite some story. I sincerely hope all goes as well as it can..................a fighter such as you seem to be deserves the very best outcome.
Bill
Posted 7/24/2008 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
Picture this:

Gene has finally gotten the love of his life into bed. He is all set to do the "deed" and in the heat of the moment, pushes the wrong button! tongue

Gene, good luck for the recovery, and sorry I can't help thinking evil thoughts sometimes  :-)

 

Posted 7/24/2008 12:18 PM (GMT 0)

Piano,

That picture is funny indeed... unless it should really happen. Upon your artistic picture-rawing, I have devised a plan:  Step # 1 in he process would be to empty. Step # 2 would be to pump, pump, pump.  Step # 3 would be to woo my love.  Suddenly... Step # 4 could be a lecture on what is permitted to be touched and what is not.  Upon activation, I perhaps will change the plan.  I've got a little over thee weeks to develop and refine. 

Gene214

Posted 7/25/2008 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
go for it Gene! thanks for keeping us up to date. can't wait to hear how it all works out. I think we might hear some very humorous stories...:) kat
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