Artificial sphincter

Need some advice. I have been to incontinent since removal of my prostate five years ago Soak 3 to 5 pads per day. Doctor has recommended an artificial sphincter. Understand success is high but obviously nervous about surgery and then the issue of pressing a button in scrotum when having to urinate. Any input and advice would be greatly appreciated. The incontinence has limited a lot of things I used to do for fear of having soaked pants but is this really a good solution or should I just suck it up. Thanks all in advance

Yes, as Tico said, lots of previous discussion on the topic. The short version, for me, is that I was going through 4-6 pads/day and since I am very active, I wanted a solution and the AMS800 has worked for me. I had it installed 3-years ago, 1 year after prostate removal, and haven’t worn a pad since. Operating it is not a problem and it becomes 2nd nature within a day a two. Yes, there is a risk since it is surgery but the vast majority of us sail through that just fine. You should also be aware that the device, or your urethra, don’t last forever and having to go through a 2nd surgery to replace/refit it in 8-12 years is not unheard of. I’d do it again without consideration as I am not going back to pads/diapers/accidents. I’m a very active 70-year old, running, swimming, mechanic, motorcycling, hiking, etc. and don’t want to have to keep track of where my next pad is nor deal with diaper rash again.

Sr Sailor said...
An obvious comment:
You need to have the procedure done by someone who has a great deal of experience.

That goes for ANY procedure.

One thing I’d suggest as well, is to go to YouTube and watch the surgical procedure. There are several available. I found it fascinating, gave me a good understanding of what was going to take place, as well as the ability to have a more informed conversation with the doctor. I did the same for my RALP.