KW's AUS Journey

Best of my wishes to you, Kelly,
It's about time you get some good results. You have been so challenged by this, I have to say you have an amazing attitude. So now it's time you are rewarded. I will be reading this thread with great hope everytime I see you have posted in it.

Peace,

Tony

KW......Best of luck and thanks for allowing us to follow your progress. Pete is having the same operation on Sept 8.....di

....You are the Man!! YOU are an inspiration for many.....you're attitude and outlook will make this a big success for you I'm sure........as TC said, I'll be lookin' for your post as well...all the hope and positives vibes your way...

I've said it before but your tenacity and good humour in the face of adversity is an inspiration. I wish you all the best for your op and may the results be all you could hope for. I lok forward to reading a flow of good news.
Bill

OK KW,

Great to meet you & wife tonight in Dallas!  It was a great time for everyone, right?  Hey folks... if you get a chance to hear Dennis Holt speak on his double prostatectomy, subsequent incontinence and ED, and finally the healing he experienced with the AUS and penile implant, you will be enriched indeed. 

KW, I feel positive your outcome will be very good.  Those of us who pray are indeed praying for you.

Gene214

    Installing the Plumbing!!!!       Hey Everyone, I guess you’re ready to hear my take on my AUS procedure.     We arrived in Dallas after our three hour drive from Oklahoma City .   We were there a couple hours before my scheduled time for my pre-op test.   I thought we would go by just to see if I could work in early for my test.   I did,,,,they did….and in about an hour or so I had given my pee and blood and was on my way.   We had lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon shopping.   Yeah, I guess the wife and my mother should get something out of the trip why should I get all the FUN!!!     Thursday evening UT Southwestern was holding an ED & Incontinence seminar that we decided to go to.   We were also meeting HW member Gene214 and another patient of Dr. Morey’s at the seminar.   If any of you ever get the chance to hear Dennis Holt (former drummer of the rock band Kansas ) speak on his PCa, Incontinence and ED experience you should go see him.   He is truly one amazing man!   Another reason to go was because Dr. Morey (my Doctor) was going to be speaking and answering questions.   My wife had not met him and we thought it would be good for her to hear him.   After the seminar the wife and I went to get a late bite to eat.   Since it would be my last until Friday evening!     Friday morning we arrived at the hospital at 10:00 a.m.   We checked in and began to wait.   A few minutes later Dr. Morey came to call another family back for some words.   We were near the door and he gave us a nod and said he would see us soon.   We were called back to the “ready room” about 10:30 a.m.   Of course the first things to go are all the clothes.   On the way to use the bathroom one last time I told the nurse “ I’ve gotten used to the fact of having to loose the pants anytime I go to the Doctors office…….and the Dentist was kind shocked when I did it out of habit”…heheheh….   But I did get lucky.   The nurse said I could keep my briefs and pad on until right before they came to get me.   That was a relief!   Then we got the news……One of Dr. Morey’s cases had ran long and we would be delayed about an hour and a half!   When things got close we all know the visits you get.   The nurse, anesthesiologist, clergy, and the Doctors all come to see you.   With this being a teaching hospital we also talked to some nurse anesthetists and a resident Doctor.   The resident Doctor we met actually grew up in the town we live in.   I also have a feeling this Doctor was going to have a major role in my surgery.   In fact, I believe he probably did most of it as Dr. Morey assisted.   But, it’s not like I was going to know it ZZZZZZZZZ!!!!   about 2:00 p.m. or so they came to get me.   Yes and then it was “Off to see the Wizard”.   We all know the drill from there.     The next thing I remember was looking at the clock with one eye fighting to open the other and it was 5:15 p.m. ..   I soon had some ice water and was trying to keep my eyes open.   By 6:00 p.m. I was up in my room.   I was not in that much pain and yes, you all know what I did next!   I had to look under the sheet to see what damage had been done!   Yes I had to say Hi to Mr. Hang again!   But at least I was not wetting myself.   I was quite swollen, the “boys” looked black and blue and my penis was playing hide and seek!   But do ya really blame the little fella?   After getting settled in I told my wife and mother that they should go eat and get some rest.   I had the TV remote and ice water, what else could I need!   The hospital staff brought me a dinner plate about 7:00 p.m.   I ate most of it and did not have any nausea problems.   I did tell them in pre-op that I had some problems when I had my RRP so they said from now on go ahead and get the anti nausea medication.   A move I would highly recommend.   The rest of the evening I dosed off and on between watching TV and calling for more ice water.   I also had the pneumatic compression bags on my lower legs that inflated up and down to keep the blood moving. It’s kinda hard to sleep with that going on.   Over all I was not in that much pain, except when I tried to move.         Saturday morning finally came and the staff brought me breakfast.   I ate and drank everything they had.   Then I had a thought!   With all the water and liquid I had drank it might be an interesting car ride home.   When I had a few bites of breakfast left 4 “white coats” came in.   I soon learned it was the Director of Urology, and three resident / intern Doctors.   The Chief just slid the bed table away and said let’s take a look at things.   Of course, knowing the drill I had already started pulling sheets back and those little stocking undies down.   As the Chief asked how I was doing one of the other proceeded to remove my catheter.   He had it out so fast I think I still had a bite of eggs and taters in my mouth!!!   The Chief said that all I needed to do was urinate and that they wanted an ultrasound right after to see how the bladder emptied.   If all went well I could go home!   He did say that with just having the AUS installed and the swelling it would probably reduce the leaking for a while even though it was not activated.   I hoped so at least for the car ride home.   I finished my breakfast, and finally had to urge to urinate.   The nurse wanted me to use the tube in the bed so she could measure it and do the ultra sound.   I had to push a little to get and keep the stream going but seemed to empty.   The nurse said I had a little urine left in the bladder but it was ok.   She said she would go get my papers ready.   I called the wife and let them know that I would be able to go in a little while.   They were still having breakfast since we all thought it would be later in the day before I got released.   By the time they got there I was just waiting for the ride to the door!     One interesting note was that when getting ready to leave the nurse brought in a “support” for me to wear!   Now I have been in some sports that required a supporter and a cup.   But this thing……well…..looked like something that should have been made out of leather and sold at one of those Adult Novelty Stores.   Not that I know what all they sell in there!   But it is like a small athletic supporter with a hole for “the man” go through.   Kind of a male crotch less panty looking thing!   I went ahead and put it on even though it did not seem to do any more than my briefs and pad did.     My wife pulled the car to the door while my mother came up to get me.   The nurse came in and asked if we were ready.   I said we were just waiting for the ride to the door.   She said you can walk if you want, which was fine with me.   It looked like I had been riding a bike or a horse all day but I was able to walk just fine. So, off we go again!     I had also planned to meet HW member Jetguy while we were there.   He had called me Saturday morning saying he would be at the Hospital in about two hours.   I called him back and told him I was free to go.   We decided to meet at a McDonald’s for a few minutes.   We stopped there and chatted with him for a while just standing at the cars.   We also made some tentative plans for my October 6 th activation visit.   As usual of all of the people we have met through HW he was a great guy.     We were soon headed north up I-35.   Having planned for a painful bumpy ride (well…once you get on Oklahoma roads at least) I had taken TWO Lortabs!!!!   The girls had also bought me a “doughnut” to sit on.   But I soon found that it made a better car pillow than a seat cushion.   And yes….we do have a picture of that one!!!   I dosed off and on until we were almost home.   I sat up and started making some phone calls to some friends and relatives.       To sum it up we got settled in at home.   The wife went to get my med’s and food.   I just spent the afternoon resting and watching the Olympics or the golf.   That evening I did finally get the mirror out and survey the damage.   I still have not really felt the valve in the scrotum due to the swelling.   I have two incisions.   A 1 ½ inch one on the right side of the scrotum.   The second is almost the entire length of the perennial area from the base of the scrotum to near the anus.   I was kind of surprised by that one!   But I knew there was a chance that having the previous sling Doctor Morey might have to go in that route also.   Of course I am all shades of purple and blue in the groin area.   I also seem to have regular stitches in!   I will e-mail Dr. Morey to ask about this.     So, starting my second day post AUS I and doing OK.     I’m just planning a day of R&R.   Of course I will be checking HW from time to time and trying to keep track of my medication and food schedule.   What a pain, some meds can have food, others can’t.   But we do what we have to do in this thing.     I want to thank all of you for your support through this whole deal, especially you Incontinent and AUS guys.   You have all been great!     I will keep you informed on how things go from here on out.     KW

Hey KW,

Its over!!! Good for you for doing it and coming through the surgery so well. It sounds like you had a great medical team. Also good that you got rid of the catheter so soon. (I had one in for 4 days for lung surgery - just can't seem to get away from the darn things.)

So, take it easy even though you feel great. Heal well, my friend...

Jim

Kelly,

Congrates with the successful surgery.  It was a pleasure meeting you and Debbie Thursday night.

Don't worry.  When the swelling and bruising goes down, you'll be able to grasp the release pump just fine.  It will be hard to press at first, but it will get easier each time you use it.  Biff told me (Biff, where are you?) that his now works so well he can pee in a public restroom in a urinal and no one notices that he reaches down and opens the vave.  I'm not there yet, but no doubt will be.  Thus far in a public restroom, I have to go into a stall and shut the dorr to pee so as not to moon anyone!

Did you notice Divo's post?  They found no info on AUS until they came to Healing Well. As we share our experiences and as others here do, ignorance regarding these artifcial devices will not be so wide-spread. Tuesday I am meeting and having lunch with another HW guy who is considering these implants.  He wants to know all about my experience with them and I will share with him with the purpose of being a help to him.    

I feel gratified to know that I might help someone with some issues that I had such a difficult time learning about. 

Thank you Healing Well for making this site available.

Kelly, hope I too can see you on Oct 6th.

Gene214 

One week Post AUS   Hey Everyone, I wanted to give you an update on my AUS recovery.   I am doing fine.   I am still swollen in the entire groin area.   Everything is still black and blue.   The incisions are healing and are not leaking or draining.   The Doctor did put skin glue covering over the dissolvable sutures.   That material has been causing some pulling as the swelling goes down.   The sides of the scrotum are quite tender and sore.   I think it is mostly from the elastic edge of the pads rubbing and pressing on the skin.   I started wearing the support they gave me at the hospital more.   This puts a layer of cloth between the skin and the pad.   It seems to be helping.   The leaking stopped due to the new device and the swelling.   But, as the swelling is going down the leaking is coming back.   But, that was expected.   The Doctor said I can slowly resume normal activities.   Just no lifting!   I will probably stay off work until the 15 th of September (three weeks post op).   But that will depend on how I feel.   I do have the option to go to work on a lifting restriction.   I just have to watch myself and not do too much too soon.       I will update you all as things progress.     KW

Divo, I wish Pete and yourself the best in his AUS. If you ever have any questions feel free to holler at me. My e-mail is on my HW Profile if you want to send it there.
Please let us know how things go.
KW

KW....just wondering...what did the doctor say about driving...Also, are you feeling much pain? Tomorrow we go to preop at MSK...Pete will have the AUS next week..

Thank you for your continuing updates. Pete is very interested...He has a very bad hip also, and takes lots of strong pain medication. He needs a hip replacement , but the ortho doctor wanted the AUS put in first...He will have the hip replacement in December... Di

Hi Divo.  I was advised not to drive for 2 weeks.  There was no problem with the driving itself, but in the event that I had to take emergency action while driving, the stress on my body might damage the muscles which had not yet healed, and I could end up with a hernia which would be difficult to treat due to the presence of the implant.

Regards, Berb