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AUS After Salvage Prostatectomy

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Posted 3/21/2018 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
Four years ago, I had a salvage prostatectomy following radiation/hormone treatment in 2002/03. The good news is I am still undetectable.
I have had a few issues with incontinence and strictures. Also, recurrent UTI’s.
Recently I had a cystoscopy and the surgeon removed a couple of strictures. Prior to the procedure I could get by with a single light shield per day. Now I leak heavily – the Doctor advised that the strictures were keeping me continent. I miss my strictures! The procedure was carried out in the Philippines.
I am now considering an AUS. Will be meeting with my surgeon (in Dallas) in a couple of weeks for additional investigation.
My concerns:
1. Having an AUS installed if you have history of strictures
2. Having an AUS installed after radiation that took place 14 years ago.
This may be a long shot, but anyone had a similar experience?
I am 63 years of age, in good shape and active as a runner and golfer. I also travel extensively with my business. Leaking is not convenient!!
Posted 3/21/2018 4:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, Cebu!
I don't have a similar experience, but I can't help wondering: maybe now that the strictures have been removed and your external sphincter can't skate by anymore, it will regain strength over the next couple of months and you'll avoid the need for surgery? Or have you given Kegels and time the good ol' college try already?
Posted 3/21/2018 5:18 AM (GMT 0)
That would be great. Its only been two weeks but I have been doing the K's and I have noticed a slight improvement. For the time being I am on zero booze, full strength English Breakfast Tea and soft drinks. PC- the gift that keeps on giving even after 16 years!

Looking on the bright side - still upright and on the move.
Posted 3/21/2018 6:00 AM (GMT 0)
I'd say go for your Dallas consult but don't pull the trigger on surgery till June at the earliest, if you can bear to wait. Seems like a positive sign that you've noticed even a slight improvement. For most of us who eventually regained continence, it was in fits and starts. After a couple weeks of no improvement or backsliding, one day you realize your pad isn't getting very wet and doesn't need changing at noon, etc etc. Maybe think of yourself as if you'd just had the cath removed after RP and take it from there.
Posted 6/1/2018 12:27 PM (GMT 0)
Had my AUS implant surgery on May 29th in UT Southwestern, Dallas. So far so good. Outpatient procedure. Surgery at 1030 AM and back in the apartment by 430 PM. Surprisingly, zero pain or discomfort. Some swelling and bruising but not too bad.
Leaking heavily and using a combo of pads and condom type catheter to control things. Now have to wait 6 weeks for activation.
Surgery was by Dr. Morey and he is first class. Explained the pros and cons before the procedure in a very clear manner. My only comment post op is that more explanation/advise should be given on how to handle the 6-week leak period given that you want to keep everything as clean as possible.
Whilst in Dallas will have my follow up and 3 monthly PSA test with Dr. Roehrborn. He also attended the AUS procedure as a spectator!
Posted 6/1/2018 12:41 PM (GMT 0)
Great decision! It will make a major impact to improve your quality of life... I am very happy with the results of mine. For the leakage until activation, I used a pouch and not a pad. Kept urine away from the incision area. Coloplast 4200B. If you shop around, you can find them for about $50 for a box of 30.

www.athomemedical.com/searchresults.asp?Search=4200b&Submit=Go


Cheers

pasayten
Posted 6/1/2018 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
Pasayten - Thanks for the advise.
Posted 7/12/2018 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Had my AUS activated today and guess what- it works!! Dr. Morey (UT Southwestern, Dallas) activated the devise and I went for a pee. Pressed the magic button a couple of times and bingo. No drips or leaks afterwards. I confess to a tear being shed.

Now home and had a second go. Full stream etc.

Had no problems post-surgery. Healed well. No discomfort.
Given the all clear to start running and golfing again. The hardest part of my recovery was spending three weeks at my in-law’s place - their house on the 5# fairway. One course of 8 in their complex. What a torture.
Posted 7/12/2018 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Great news!!! Doesn't get much better.

and sorry about that being so close to the fairway - must have been rough ...

Andrew
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