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Posted 4/29/2013 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
I have developed leakage in my AUS after less than two years. I have also, (I think) determined it to be associated with constipation. My limited understanding suggests to me that the accumulation of waste during constipation vies with bladder content for space and puts an additional burden on the AUS to control leakage. Is this a viable explanation for intermittent leakage? anyone??
Posted 4/29/2013 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
I can't speak to the AUS leakage but wondered what are you doing now (and what have you tried thus far) in terms of dealing with the constipation?
Posted 4/29/2013 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Don't want to become dependent on laxatives. I am on a high fiber diet augmented with Costco's version of fiber-fab capsules. When absolutely necessary, I use dulcolax. I have the stool softeners from Costco also, but am unwilling to give them a positive testimonial.
Posted 4/29/2013 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
I would suggest taking probiotics. They provide the beneficial bacteria to your colon to help it function more normally. Something like Phillip's Colon Health or Align brand of probiotics. You might have to try one brand for a while and then if you don't see improvements, try a different brand. They all contain different strains and one may work better for you than another. You might also try George's Aloe Vera. Google it and you will see what it looks like. It tastes very plain, almost like water. Also, you could try eating celery sticks every day. The thing about high fiber diets is if you're not getting enough water then it can become pasty and slow down in transit. So celery might get your system going.
Posted 4/29/2013 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, also you might try drinking coconut water...
if you try any of my suggestions, just try one or two at a time. I would try the probiotics (daily) first and eating a short stick of celery or two every day and see if that alone is enough to get things moving better.

Hopefully some other members can chime in and help answer your question about the AUS leakage.
Posted 4/29/2013 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your input. I will look into your suggestions. Just to let all know. The Ames 800 is a great and in spite of my intermittent leakage problems I think it is a wonderful device and would whole-heartedly recommend it.
Posted 4/29/2013 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
My AMS 800 AUS was put in 1/11/11, that's about 2 1/3 years. I started leaking a little, or just a slow leak increased to a noticeable threshold, about 6 or 8 months ago. Now I know I am definitely leaking a little. I don't know if in your case it is bowel issues, but I believe in my case that has nothing to do with it. I am guessing that my urethra has atrophied a little from the pressure of the cuff and I understand that this is not unusual. I think that the atrophy my be expected in almost all cases, it might only be a question of how long it takes to become noticeable. I was 100% incontinent after the RRP and I think that in my case it might be a factor as I am totally relying on the AUS to stop urine flow. I am not planning on contacting the doctor until later this year to see if he thinks I should do a revision now or wait, but my leaking has not been bad enough to affect the way I go about my daily life. Most days now I wear a light pad that lasts me all day so not too bad yet.
Hope yours is just as simple as bowel regularity.
Posted 4/29/2013 10:00 PM (GMT 0)
oh and beansqueezin... if you do try the celery, one way to make it easier is to buy a large bunch, wash it, cut it up, and then keep it in a container full of water in your fridge. That way it is always ready and you don't have to think about it. By soaking/floating in water, it stays fresh for longer than a week.

In fact, I usually let it soak in water for a while, then change out the water that it is soaking in one more time, just to help get more of any potential pesticides off of it (if I didn't buy an organic bunch).
Posted 4/30/2013 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
I do notice when I have material gathering in the bowel area, it puts pressure on the cuff and I can leak a bit.

 Not having a problem with constapation currently, but using a fiber drink in the past when I was eatting beef (not eatting beef now has cured that problem). It is important to use a fiber drink like Metimucal and consume a lot of water.

Cutting out beef and Pork with vegitables and I still consume lots of water has kept me very regular. I also have noticed a bit more leakage as time goes on. Still fairly dry but I have doubled my use of pads recently. And my pads get soaked. I also am however very active but seem to leak more when I sit for long periods at my office chair. Where I sit on the cuff.

Metimucal really works when used properly. In fact, when you feel the urge, head to the bathroom. Barely made it in times past smhair !

Neo

Posted 5/1/2013 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for sharing your experience(s) with leakage. I will monitor my own circumstance and keep an eye on this thread and try to respond to suggestions and the experiences others have had.
Posted 7/17/2013 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Been off the forum for a while but need to touch base with you AMS 800 guys. I continue to leek a little more as time passes. I have gone to wearing a heavier pad versus the light panty liners I have used since having the Aus installed in 2010. One Depends male pad easy lasts all day. I used the Depends light pad for "drips and dribbles" but feel safer with the heavier pads. Some of my leakage that goes through is "positional" when Willie gets stuck outside the pad and the bigger pad prevents that.
Been thinking I should go to my Uro and discuss revision surgery but not sure I really need that yet. Plus I am moving from Michigan to Reno so will need a new Dr.
Anyone have similar experiences. Still glad I have my Aus and a little leakage and wearing only one pad a day makes for a full life.
Posted 7/17/2013 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
My AUS also leaks a bit more. I go through two pads a day vs one before. The two can be fairly soaked up by days end or my the morning. Sitting a lot, causes a lot of leakage. Movement also contributes.

I would take the extra leakage over another surgery at this point.

Neo
Posted 7/17/2013 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like this is common. I think your advice is good to keep going. I cope just fine but was hoping I could go longer with little or no protection. Actually, I dont mind the Depends pad at all and it gives good peace of mind to know I won't leak through. It leaking gets much worse I think I will look into a revision. At age 70 not good to do too many surgeries.
Posted 7/17/2013 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
I have an appointment for early Aug. to get "pressure tested" to see if it time for a smaller cuff. Dr. says that he reviewed my records and a smaller cuff could be fitted if needed. about Mr. Willie not staying on the pad, that's a problem mainly I think because almost all pads seem to be designed for women. I have been using Tena for Men. they are triangular shaped and do a lot for solving that problem, only problem, no stores have them in my area so I have to buy them on line in case lots. Before I got the IPP women's pads worked better but how with a longer flaccid length it doesn't stay put too well. But men don't need a big bulk of pad down between the legs and the Tena for men tales that into consideration.
Yeah this is fun, some old farts talking about leaking and pads, but well there it is, or should say, here we are.
I am 69 and feel the same about surgery but sooner may be better than later just for that reason? Not sure about this but I think the surgery for cuff revision is much simpler and is out patient, but will know more next month.
Posted 7/17/2013 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Regarding revision surgery I guess if it is just refitting a cuff it may be simpler. But, my first Uro indicated that if the aus wears out, the whole thing has to be replaced it would be the same surgery and the original implant. It did not sound like you could just replace a part. Would like to hear what your Uro says about that.

I keep trying all kind of pads as well and will look at the Tena as well. I used them before the AUS. The new Depends ones for drips and dribbles are triangular as well but very thin. The full male pads are pretty bulky. I have been cutting them off about 1/3 and that makes them a bit more wearable and not as much to "sit on". Even the full one is not all that uncomfortable and does give a lot of assurance with the positioning problem.
Posted 7/17/2013 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
Somebody posted on the FT site about his revision which was done a Methodist Houston, same place by I am going and he made it sound like it was very simple, however he never answered my questions, like how simple? so In a couple of weeks I will know what it will involve for me. I know that the reservoirs are fitted in a choice of at least 4 pressure ratings so maybe that has to change too and what the heck a new pump too. Even if it did require a pubic incision for the new reservoir, the cutting to separate the urethral connective tissue from the pelvic floor I think was the source of a lot of the post op pain. But that's just what I am guessing, so I'll post on this subject as soon as I know. I don't ever remember anybody discussing this here so some of us can cover some new ground.
On one hand I am like you, coping without much issue but on the other, I got this thing to make me DRY so why wait?
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