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Hi gang:

So, I'm a little over two weeks out from going bionic (AMS LGX), healing up well and have already begun daily cycling. Deflation is no problem whatsoever, but pumping is, at least as of now, a somewhat slow, arduous process: fingers sliding off the bulb; the bulb not remaining stationary.

Can anyone pass along some of their wisdom? Is there any way to pump more efficiently? Just any tips or advice whatsoever that concerns pumping.

By the way, loving the board so far. Everyone is very cool, very helpful. If only all of society could be this way.

F1 

I have an AMS 700 and I found pumping a bit clumsy at first. It absolutely gets better & easier over time. But if it's slipping, use two hands. One to stabilize, the other to squeeze. I did that at first, but now I can easily use just one hand. I was still swollen and sore at two weeks. I didn't start daily pumping until about six weeks post-op. I prefer to go kinda slow. One squeeze, the let the fluid have a moment to move through the tubes. Then another squeeze. The pump will soften and you'll get faster in time. But the connecting tubes will always be narrow, and can only pass fluid so fast. So there's no need to rush.

jssherrard wrote:I have an AMS 700 and I found pumping a bit clumsy at first. It absolutely gets better & easier over time. But if it's slipping, use two hands. One to stabilize, the other to squeeze. I did that at first, but now I can easily use just one hand. I was still swollen and sore at two weeks. I didn't start daily pumping until about six weeks post-op. I prefer to go kinda slow. One squeeze, the let the fluid have a moment to move through the tubes. Then another squeeze. The pump will soften and you'll get faster in time. But the connecting tubes will always be narrow, and can only pass fluid so fast. So there's no need to rush.

Thanks, jssherrard! I'm glad to hear that it softens up over time; it's tough right now.

How exactly should I stabilize with the second hand?

fucked0ne wrote:

jssherrard wrote:I have an AMS 700 and I found pumping a bit clumsy at first. It absolutely gets better & easier over time. But if it's slipping, use two hands. One to stabilize, the other to squeeze. I did that at first, but now I can easily use just one hand. I was still swollen and sore at two weeks. I didn't start daily pumping until about six weeks post-op. I prefer to go kinda slow. One squeeze, the let the fluid have a moment to move through the tubes. Then another squeeze. The pump will soften and you'll get faster in time. But the connecting tubes will always be narrow, and can only pass fluid so fast. So there's no need to rush.

Thanks, jssherrard! I'm glad to hear that it softens up over time; it's tough right now.

How exactly should I stabilize with the second hand?

Use your non-dominant hand to hold the unit steady by grasping the tubes just above the pump (or the sides of the release block), and use your dominant hand to squeeze the pump bulb.

Of course you’re only a few weeks out from surgery, so you might still be sore & swollen. Don’t rush things. If you feel pain, then stop.

jssherrard wrote:

fucked0ne wrote:

jssherrard wrote:I have an AMS 700 and I found pumping a bit clumsy at first. It absolutely gets better & easier over time. But if it's slipping, use two hands. One to stabilize, the other to squeeze. I did that at first, but now I can easily use just one hand. I was still swollen and sore at two weeks. I didn't start daily pumping until about six weeks post-op. I prefer to go kinda slow. One squeeze, the let the fluid have a moment to move through the tubes. Then another squeeze. The pump will soften and you'll get faster in time. But the connecting tubes will always be narrow, and can only pass fluid so fast. So there's no need to rush.

Thanks, jssherrard! I'm glad to hear that it softens up over time; it's tough right now.

How exactly should I stabilize with the second hand?

Use your non-dominant hand to hold the unit steady by grasping the tubes just above the pump (or the sides of the release block), and use your dominant hand to squeeze the pump bulb.

Of course you’re only a few weeks out from surgery, so you might still be sore & swollen. Don’t rush things. If you feel pain, then stop.

Okay, gotcha. Yeah, I wasn't sure if it was okay to grab the tubes or not.

fucked0ne wrote:Hi gang:

So, I'm a little over two weeks out from going bionic (AMS LGX), healing up well and have already begun daily cycling. Deflation is no problem whatsoever, but pumping is, at least as of now, a somewhat slow, arduous process: fingers sliding off the bulb; the bulb not remaining stationary.

Can anyone pass along some of their wisdom? Is there any way to pump more efficiently? Just any tips or advice whatsoever that concerns pumping.

By the way, loving the board so far. Everyone is very cool, very helpful. If only all of society could be this way.

F1 

I defiantly understand your condition. I too have been there. The entire operation, all the stages were rated a 8 - 10. But the pump (Cycle) was rated a 2. No one or no where did I hear or read that Cycling (Pumping) was as difficult as it was for me. Even my URO didn't have any answers. If you contact AMS Support, they will provide you a couple AMS Tech Support people. At least they did for me. They met me at the URO office and did a fully going over and how to actually use this new thing. I was about ready to have that damn thing removed because of the Pump. I thought I had a defective pump. But I hung in there and finally leaned or got use to the pump. Of course, I had a lot of catching up too. One thing that got me more convinced, the Support techs said to me....."You can't hurt this thing". Yes, the pump would slip around. The Bulb was hard as a damn ROCK. I to was afraid I was gonna damage or break something. They assured me, you can't hurt that thing. Just don't hit it with a hammer. Now, I am up to 18 - 20 pumps. A little over 5 1/2 months post operation. But it was a struggle for me. Now it easier and better. I cycle twice a day, AM & PM. Of course I take hot showers before each time and make sure the sack is warm from hot water. It makes things easier. So GOOD LUCK, and don't give up.....You will get there.

Good morning, I am a little over a month out with my new LGX, Titan previously, What I have found is what alot of people have said on here is that the pump is hard to squeeze, at least the original MS pump in which I have. There are a few out there with the new Tenacio pump, anyway I started cycling a little at 10 days, but the pump was hard to squeeze, got in a hot shower and got it all warmed up, I released some of the fluid out then started pumping, gently, since this was a revision I had really no issues as I knew what to expect. So now I have been a month out, I hold the block assembly on the ends try to pump, so far the best thing I can say is release some fluid and then the pump is much easier and seems work ok. I would like to hear the folks with the Tenacio pump how it is working out for them, I would have liked to have that implanted but it was not available yet for my surgeon but I believe all can get it now. But I am liking the LGX better than the Titan and so is my wife.

F1, attached is an instructional video for the AMS implant and it gives troubleshooting also.

https://youtu.be/qwp0YfSLxIU?si=80h3mNk2e2Ka0tqW

I use my right hand to inflate. I use my right index finger knuckle and the knuckle of my right thumb to inflate the AMS 700 implant. This method works good for me, because it uses your forearm muscles rather than the strength of your fingers.
Find the one that works best for you.

Good Luck F1,
S-Works

wilsonmill wrote:Good morning, I am a little over a month out with my new LGX, Titan previously, What I have found is what alot of people have said on here is that the pump is hard to squeeze, at least the original MS pump in which I have. There are a few out there with the new Tenacio pump, anyway I started cycling a little at 10 days, but the pump was hard to squeeze, got in a hot shower and got it all warmed up, I released some of the fluid out then started pumping, gently, since this was a revision I had really no issues as I knew what to expect. So now I have been a month out, I hold the block assembly on the ends try to pump, so far the best thing I can say is release some fluid and then the pump is much easier and seems work ok. I would like to hear the folks with the Tenacio pump how it is working out for them, I would have liked to have that implanted but it was not available yet for my surgeon but I believe all can get it now. But I am liking the LGX better than the Titan and so is my wife.

I admit, I am a total newb to this all this and just got my implant literally 4 days ago - AMS CX with Tenacio pump. I know this doesn’t help current guys with the MS pump but hopefully it helps those that need revisions or first-timers looking to go bioanic. I would definitely recommend finding a Doctor who has the Tenacio pump just based upon my 4 days experience compared to stories here on FT. I really believe the ridges on the Tenacio are a game changer just like my doctor said. I am only 4 days post-op and it was so tempting to pump and play with the device because it was so easy to set my fingers on the ridges of the pump and it is very easy to find the release valve mechanism at the top and hold it with my other hand. All this 4 days after surgery and obviously some swelling. I can only imagine it will be even easier later once I am healed. My only concern is if the ridges of the Tenacio pump will rub me the wrong way at all when I start riding bicycles again. I doubt it really but it is a valid thought. Time will tell.

Hang in there F1 and the guys using the MS pump and lean on the encouraging stories of FT members who experienced similar issues and got it all figure out over time.

For those looking to go bionic or need a revision - take the time to find a high volume doctor that is using the Tenacio pump. I really believe you will bypass many possible frustrations in the future learning to use your new implant. I can also see first hand how the Tenacio will really benefit the guys who have lost some of their grip and pinch strength as they are more seasoned.

Truthedge, my wife and I ride bicycles as well, mostly rails to trails,,I can say that my first implant riding was finding the right bike shorts, tight with gel padding worked, I had also bought a new seat. With the MS pump I just got a month ago I believe it's going to be about the same when riding. Hopefully the tenacio will be ok as well, I guess we all have to find the right equipment as we are all different.