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Artificial sphincter do you always know it is there (feel it)

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Posted 4/23/2019 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
I had daVinci radical prostatectomy in April 2010 and have dealt with moderate stress incontinence since that time. I have decided to consider the AMS 800 artificial sphincter. I have done considerable research on it and it sounds favorable for me. Question: do you ever get to the point you do not know it is there? With the pump being in the scrotum my guess is that you always know it is there (you feel it). What about the rest of the device...do you constantly feel it?

I have other questions too. The doctor I plan to use is Dr. Allen Morey at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He is 365 miles from where I live. Any suggestions on how to handle getting home after surgery? Better to drive or fly? Suggestions on how to stay comfortable traveling. Suggestions on navigating the airport if I fly. My wife would be with me.
I am 73.

Thanks for any suggestions!

bbqdude
Posted 4/23/2019 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
I am generally not aware of my device unless I am activating it so I can pee or washing my privates in the shower. The control bulb makes for an odd lumpy bit in the shower but it is not bothersome. I am never aware of the device itself or of the reservoir -- only the control bulb. I often go all day without thinking about my device. The operation of the control bulb is totally automatic.

As for traveling comfortably, it probably won't be a big problem. The incision is surprisingly small and the drugs they will give you will keep you pretty comfortable. If I were you I think I'd fly. It's not any faster, by the time you check through security and wait at the gate, but the actual stuck-in-your-seat time is less. The time spent in the airport gives you more opportunities to squirm looking for a better position. If your chosen airline allows you to pony up a few more bucks for a more comfortable seat (on Delta they are called "Delta Comfort" seats) this might be a good time to splurge.
Posted 4/23/2019 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much PeterDisAbelard!!! This information is very helpful and truly appreciated!!! I will check on the airline seating for sure. Unfortunately I will probably have to fly Southwest as the airport (Love Field) is just a few miles from where I will have the surgery. I don't think there are seating options with Southwest but I will check it out for sure.
Posted 4/28/2019 5:40 PM (GMT 0)
Bringiton, I had an AUS "installed" 11 month ago. I felt light discomfort from the bulb and the tubes in my scrotum for 2 to 3 months following the surgery. At this point, I am pretty much unaware that it's there. Because of radiation damage it's not perfect, but 1 light pad per day ( that somedays is hardly needed ) is much, much better than 8-10 heavy pads a day. Or wearing a clamp!

As for after surgery travel, I live 200 miles from the hospital where I had the surgery. The drive home was a tiny bit uncomfortable at times.
Posted 4/28/2019 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
Bringiton,

You can buy an upgrade on SW that lets you board in the first wave, which gives you the option to avoid middle seats. I don't remember how much it was, but not a deal breaker. You still have to get in line based on arrival.

Another option is if you have a disabled car plackard (from TX or other states, not an issue), or can get a temporary one right before your trip. Either the Blue or Red plackard will get you in preboarding. The red (temporaries) still require a doctor statement, and may cost a few bucks.
Posted 4/28/2019 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Idguy for the information. This sounds favorable to me. Thank you also to 142. I am sure I will be flying on Southwest as it is the only airline that flies the larger jets into my city. I will definitely check out those options.
Posted 4/30/2019 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
bbqdude,

I would highly recommend that you purchase a quality large oval-shaped foam donut seat cushion for your plane trip as well as for antime you sit during the first month of your recovery. Do a search for "oval 18 inch donut foam seat cushion with cover" on your favorite shopping site. The cover hides the fact that it has a hole for your nether region. I bought one during my recovery from a salvage prostatectomy in 2017 when I needed to wear an uncomfortable Foley catheter for 9 weeks straight. I bought second one last year as a spare and they both came in very handy as I recovered from my AUS placement. I used one whenever I sat in any chair, car. recliner etc. and it made a world of difference.
Best wishes for your recovery from the prostatectomy and your upcoming AUS placement surgery.

Dino F (also age 73)
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