Artficial Urinary Sphincter installed Friday 4/11 Activated, now dry!!!!

Finally dry after almost 2 years!

After a very painful attempt at my first activation 2 weeks ago, the second attempt today was successful. I was hesitant to make this post until I was able to urinate on my own using the AUS several times.

I went to my urologist today, who has been with me through my entire PCa journey, to have it activated. He spent all the time it took for me to understand the process. I emptied my bladder first before activation then he activated it. After that, he showed me where to place my fingers, what to feel for and how to squeeze it. Once it was squeezed, it takes a few minutes to recycle then we did it again.

At my first attempt with my surgeon, he activated it then sent me out to fill up my bladder with water. Once I was ready to urinate, about 30 minutes later, I went back and he showed me how to do it once in the bathroom. Then he sent me on my way.

I had no idea I had to press the controller as hard as I do. It is almost like pinching somebody on the arm until it hurts. It really doesn't hurt but you need to press the controller with your thumb and index finger until they are almost touching. When you are successful, you will feel the controller collapse sending the fluid to open the cuff.

What an amazingly simple device this is to end incontinence! Yes, it is different having a controller installed in your scrotum and a ballon in your belly, but the thing works as advertised.

My urologist was taught at the University of Miami by my surgeon. When I elected to have the AUS installed to end incontinence, I decided to have the teacher rather than the student operate on me. He is a rock star type surgeon who has installed hundreds of them. But since his practice is so busy, he is rushed from one patient to the next and doesn't allow the time necessary to teach the patient how to work the AUS.

When I explained what happened with my first attempt at activation, my urologist said he understood. He said my surgeon is a great doctor but he has always been "all over the place".

Thanks to everyone who has helped me through this chapter in my life. From your previous experiences to your words of encouragement. This adventure, like my Da Vinci surgery, is now complete and I can move on.

To any of you newbies who are afraid of the side effects of surgery and are looking for an easier way to fight the beast, there are solutions to side effects, ex. Implants, Trimix, slings, AUS, etc. Make the best decision for you when choosing a treatment plan. The first priority should always be stopping the cancer from killing you!!!! You may have heard the saying around here, dead men don't have sex. Kill the beast and go on from there.

As all of us know, we need to be ready for the next bump in the road and it ain't over 'til it's over! I have my next 3 month check up in 2 weeks and the anxiety will begin again. Will recurrence show it's ugly head? Will I remain in the Zero Club?

For now, AUS to me stands for ALL URINE STOPPED!

Bill from Florida

Thanks Mel


Bill

Great news, Bill. So glad that it works! Your explanation of how the device works was excellent. Our doctor took lots of time demonstrating the device. So far, it has worked like a charm. We actually went out for dinner tonight and didn't have the whole evening revolve around the bathroom! I can see his confidence building back up. Going swimming this weekend! Our best to you.
Beth

Thanks Beth, glad your hubby is doing well also.

Now he can concentrate on the beast. A lot of guys are doing great with Lupron.
The best to you both.

It was fun staying in touch with you and hearing your DH was activated the same week as I was.
Hopefully this banter back in forth will encourage others to have a sling or AUS installed and improve
their QOL sooner than later.

Bill from Florida

Bill,
Thanks for the kind words considering all the other guys here that do so much to help others.
I never liked that free man purse from AARP any way.

Keep doing what you have been doing, your numbers are great. You have thrown everything at the beast and it has worked for you.

I hope we can meet sometime at a GFMPH event or if our paths cross in the future. I live near W Palm Beach, FL.

Bill from Florida

Congrats Big Mac, it sounds like a total success.

Big Mac or others with AUS plumbing,

You may want to close this thread and move on, but a couple of questions if you don't mind.

From your description of the forceful and precise technique needed to deflate the cuff, it seems an accidental deflation would be unlikely except for something like a bicycle seat which I find horribly uncomfortable and avoid in favour of motorcycles.

Secondly, if I understand correctly, the balloon re-inflates the cuff over the course of a few minutes without further input. In my case, where the dribbling resumes immediately after urinating, would that mean remaining at the toilet until the device re-inflates in order to be pad free? (my current solution for incontinence is a clamp)

Congratulations, Big Mac, on your entire AUS experience. Right behind you.

And thanks, Knotreel, for your insight on what to expect after activation.

4 weeks to go!

WOWWWWW!!!!!

Lots of people really interested and cheering you on!! Contgrats!! I think most of us knew where this was
going to lead.. As we all been there and done that!!



Biker,

It takes just a few attempts (successful) then you are a pro.. I do a couple of small squeezes and watch the stream. Some times I pee like a race horse (using Big Macs verbage) an other times have to push it out.

I have a Neo Bladder with no muscles so internal body pressure can work or I use the same muscles like a bowel movement and that works as well.

To dkob131 asks this question;

"I have a question for the guys who have been activated for a while.

My activation was April 22nd and I have a an uncomfortable feeling where the urethra is shut off by the cuff, it feels like a lot of pressure is building up. I thought over time it would or will get better but it hasn't.

Does this feeling go away, do you get used to it ?

I don't leak at all, could the cuff be too tight ?"

David

Since I have no "feeling" of urination, I pay attention to pressure the fuller bladder puts on the cuff. I can feel some pressure and therefore know I need to urinate. Just one difference between me and the more normal guys.

So yes, pressure on the cuff is normal to me.

Also, right after being activated, I had to take some aspirin, the pressure of the cuff gave me a slight fever. Then I got used to it.

I wear a Depends pad, if I bend over, or sit on the edge of the bed, chair, bench, anything can slightly activate the cuff just a bit, Sneeze, cough. So besides a pad, I take a paper towel, fold it into a small pad, and place it in between the pad and me . When I go bathroom I slip it out and replace it with a new one.

That way,I keep the Depends pad dry for the major mistakes or oversleeping at night and so on. Just a continual learning how to cope with what I got.

NEO

Glad you finally got there BigMac and educated some folks in this thread along the way on what to expect.

Sounds like you will be a veteran by time we do the Prostate Cancer Awareness Walk in Clearwater FL on Sept 6. Karen and I are looking forward to seing you and Lorna then.

LupronJim

Thanks Jim,
Looking forward to the walk in Sept.

Thanks Jeff,
I saw some of the pictures, I know you all had a great time in the Keys. It is a beautiful ride there. Say hello to Sonny and the girls.

Bil from Florida

Biker56,
I am VERY PLEASED with my results so far. It was a hard decision to make but when my doctor called it the "Gold Standard" for urinary continence, he got my attention. Does it work out 100% of the time, no. But there is nothing you can do that is any better. Every treatment decision has negatives and positives. You know that with your RP.
All I can say us I wished I did this 1 year ago. It takes what it takes, as they say. Good luck with your decision.

Bill from Florida