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Had my AUS activated today

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Posted 10/12/2009 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Well today was the big day. I had an AUS implant put in on Aug 28, and 6 weeks later I had it activated at 11:00 am CDT I have used the bathroom 2 times since and it is working like a champ. It has been almost 2.5 years since I have been dry for this long. It is fairly easy to use, bit of a learning curve to master the technique and to also get used to my bladder filling up more before I empty it. Before I would be going every 30 - 45 minutes, I believe this is a conditioning thing more than a need to go, so today it has been hard to not get up and go if I feel a little pressure in my bladder. I actually stood there in the bathroom with my pants down coughing and pushing and not even 1 drop came out I even picked up a 40 pound bag of stuff not even a drop. If you can not tell I am ecstatic at the moment

I ask my doctor today what the mean time life of these devices are since I really do not want to go threw that surgery again (bad place to be cut open) and I was surprised that the the implant has gotten some great stat's in the long time reliability side.

All I know is that today for whatever time this device lasts I have closed a chapter in this journey

HOOAH!!!!

Gary
Posted 10/12/2009 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
Big congrats Gary...
I know others that just love the devices. I hope you get many years of satisfaction.

Tony
Posted 10/12/2009 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Gary, that is great news. That has to be a major quality of life victory after all this time. May it work well for years for you.

David in Sc
Posted 10/12/2009 11:58 PM (GMT 0)

Gary:

I wish you many years of satisfaction.  However, if in the unfortunate event you should encounter any problems, please post and share that information.

RHC Jr.

Posted 10/13/2009 1:00 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, I almost got emotional this evening when I sat down and had a couple beers (2) and I didn't have to go to the bathroom every 13 seconds
Posted 10/13/2009 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the AUS club Gary. I have had mine right at a year now. Before long it will be a "natural" thing when you go to the bathroom. I hope you continue to have good luck with no drips or dribbles. From what I remember in my research I found that less than 25 % of the implants need any work on them inside of 7 to 10 years. Many of them last 20+ years with no troubles.
Good Luck,
KW
Posted 10/13/2009 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
well I have my first day in with the AUS I have gone most of today with out any pad (just wanted to see how that felt again) all is good what a relief. I never thought I would ever see this day again

KW thanks for the post I also used Dr Morey great doctor
Posted 10/14/2009 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
Great news Gary!

Dr. Morey has lots of experience in urology reconstruction.  He gained practical experience patching up soldiers.  I have recommended him to many guys in DFW area.  He did a fine job on me!  He is with UTSouthwestern in Dallas.

Gene214 

Posted 12/11/2009 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
Have not been on for awhile but wanted to say 2 months with the AUS and all is well !works great
Posted 12/11/2009 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Gary,

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you this morning. I can feel the relieve you experience in your report.

Sure hope that the device will give you many years of trouble free performance.

All the best to you.

Magaboo

Posted 12/11/2009 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Congrats to You!!!! Having urinary problems post surgery was one of my concerns but so far I've been doing great. Glad you found a happy solution.

Larry
Posted 12/11/2009 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
Gary,
I am only at 5 months but my improvement curve has flattened out. I am glad it is working for you. You have given me hope that a solution is possible.
I had to smile when you said you stood with your pants down and lifted 40 pounds. I squirt every time I lift 10 pounds of wood to put in my wood burning stove. Congratulations.
Jeff
Posted 12/12/2009 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Gary, that is great news to hear, so glad the device is working so well for you.

David in SC
Posted 12/12/2009 12:47 PM (GMT 0)
Gary,


Your post was encouraging for me. Today is my two month anniversary since surgery. I have many months to go before I reach the AUS decision point and I still have faith my incontinence is going to get better. Faith and certainty are not the same thing and I am learning that even if continence does not return I have an option thanks to you and others who report on their experiences.



Congrats!



Steve
Posted 12/12/2009 12:50 PM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to say to any of you "leakers" out there, Don't Panic or get down. If you give you body time to try to recover and you still leak. There are options to get your life back. I know giving in to the idea of having plastic plumbing (the AUS) installed in you is not a easy decision. But, it can be a life changer......in a good way.
Good Luck to All,
KW
Posted 12/17/2009 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
KW... I can affirm what you said here to Gary & others.  I'm now 17 months post implants... still sooooo glad I got them.

Gene214

Posted 12/17/2009 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe a new guy dumb question, but if there are significant instances of incontenance with surgery, why don't they just put the AUS in at the time of prostate removal? Certainly there must be some indicators for certain patients that would tell a docotor that would be a good idea so a patient does not have to undergo a second major procedure? For example, if the removal takes you so close to the bladder neck that contenance is in question, why not? If you could make the AUS longer to replicate the lost length of urethra, would that help with penis shrinkage. If we could make the AUS even longer, could there really be a benefit for the wife when we get back from surgery? Okay, just had to add that last one.....ha.ha....
Posted 12/19/2009 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
To all you guys that have done the AUS. What caused you to go that route instead of a male sling? I am scheduled for surger end of January and was about ready to do a sling based on Dr. recommendation. She recommends either AMS InVance sling or new one Coloplast Virtue...since I an considered "moderate incontinence". After reading  of some of the problems in other threads and then the very positive comments on the AUS on this thread I am now leaning that way.

Can anyone give me  some more comments on how the AUS "feels" after inserted. How long to recover from surgery. Do you even notice it is there after your body adjusts. Any restrictions regarding activity, lifting or exercising etc.

Thanks in advance for any helpful comments.

Posted 12/19/2009 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
Tallguy,

I looked into the the AMS sling, discussed with my doc who does them when he thinks they will work. He said it would not be effective for me.  KW will be along soon, I'm sure.  He actually did have the sling implanted & it did him absolutely no good.  He finally had the AUS & is still well-pleased.  I have the AMS 800 AUS & am dry, except for a few little drips & dribbles every day (nothing a panti liner will not handle).  I have talked to others who had the sling and none of them I spoke to personally was satisfied with the outcome of the sling.  That's not to say it won't work for you, if you have just a little incontinence.

I never feel the AUS.  I reach for it and activate it when I need to pee, wait till it stops dripping, zip up and go on my way.  I've had it for 17 months. 

Gene214

Posted 12/20/2009 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Defender,  I think most of the time during the prostate removal surgery (open or robotic) they really can not tell how your body will react to the changes.  Your body needs time to heal first and for all swelling to go down.  As far a the AUS adding length! The device works like a minature blood pressure cuff that goes around the urethera at the base of the bladder.  So the only thing the wife gets out of the deal is not having to mess with the leaking.  Sorry Guys!!!!

Good Luck.

KW

Posted 12/20/2009 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
That is great news Gary !!! Congratulations. I can't imagine being wet that long. I just had 7 months of it and know that seemed like an eternity. I'm so happy for you. Just don't over do it and mess something up.
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