[Guest]

I have been incontinent for 3 years after prostate surgery. I would like to know if there are any surgeries, mico-surgery, etc. available for repair of the problem. Not much else has helped. My urologist says that the only procedure is to put in an artificial sphinter.

[Guest]

There are several very informative posts re this problem at:
http://www.urologychannel.com/hcforum/search.php3?q=artificial+sphincters&FID=&date=&UserName=&refFID=24&action=search&Submit=Submit

[quote] I have been incontinent for 3 years after prostate surgery. I would like to know if there are any surgeries, mico-surgery, etc... [/quote]

[Guest]

Richard,

Seven months ago I had surgery for total incontinence. It was not the artifical sphincter that it seems most urologist recommd but the male sling. This is not a bladder sling but one designed especially for men who have had prostate surgery.

I found this procedure much superior to the artificial sphincter because of several reasons. First it is an out patient surgery, the results are known immedialtly, it is less expensive and urination is very natural unlike the AUS. I have had a few problems but the last time I saw my urolotist she said that the mimimual leakage I have is just the same or better than men she has experienced with the AUS..

I average one pad a day and some days none. Before surgery I wore a Cunningham clap at all times and a full dieaper at night, which didn't always work.

I"m very please with the results of the procedure. You might want ot contact Urology Northwest in Seattle for further information. Dr. Jacoby invented the procedure and I felt very confident with her as a surgen.
[quote] There are several very informative posts re this problem at:
http://www. urologychannel... [/quote]

[Guest]

Thank you for the information. This sounds like something I am interested in. Question..Under what conditions do you still have to use pads for? How do you know you don't need one? I do a lot of gardening and bend over often, would that be a problem?

Thanks

Richard
[quote] Richard,

Seven months ago I had surgery for total incontinence. It was not the artifical sphincter that it seems most urologist recommd but the male sling... [/quote]

[Guest]

Richard,

I will try to answer your questions concerning the pads I use and your activity of gardening.

I know when I have to use a pad when I start to leak a little bit. Most generally this starts in the afternoon and it is only a small amount but enough to warrant a pad. I do wear a pad at night because I also leak at night. Most generally the leaking at night is very small. I suppose I could say I use two pads a day.

As for the gardening you said you engage in, I would have no problem of leakage. I don't leak when I cough or sneeze either. I can lift heavy pails of water and heavy presses that I use in my work and still not leak.

I know what I have described above isn't the normal pattern for leakage because of a weak or non functioning sphincter. I have learned that there are no averages or what will happen in every case.

My urologist has prescribed Detrol for what she thinks are badder spasms. I don;' t think they make much difference as far as the amount or frequency of the leakage.

I mentioned in the first letter that my urologist mentioned that the male slings effectiveness is as good or better than the artificial sphincter. I'm very pleased with the results of this surgery. I wish I wouldn't have had to go so long, trying many things that didn't work for my total incontinence.

By the way my insurance picked up all of the doctor's charges and most of the hospital bill.

I hope this helps and that what ever
you try it is successfull. I think there are far more cases of incontinence after prostate surgery than the doctors or statistics show.





[quote] Thank you for the information. This sounds like something I am interested in... [/quote]