AMS 700 stopped working

[sliphill]

Im 67 and was implanted with the AMS 700 almost 6 years ago. It has worked flawlessly up until yesterday. When I try to pump it up, the bulb goes flat. I hear a sound that makes me think that there is no saline solution in the resovior. Im really nervous at the thought of going through another implant again. Maybe its worse because they have to pull the old one out!

[sswinsfba]

Im 67 and was implanted with the AMS 700 almost 6 years ago. It has worked flawlessly up until yesterday. When I try to pump it up, the bulb goes flat. I hear a sound that makes me think that there is no saline solution in the resovior. Im really nervous at the thought of going through another implant again. Maybe its worse because they have to pull the old one out!

Obvioulsy a leak of some kind.

Your doc may be able to tell whether it's just a bad valve or a leaky reservoir or something else after examining you but probably won't know exactly what needs to be "fixed" until he opens you up again.

Whatever the case, Medicare should pay for it. So, I'd say it's up to you whether to request all new gear or just a repair. The risks of another surgery probably would be the same either way IMO.

Good luck!

[newbie443]

Replacement surgery is more difficult for the surgeon. So much so not all surgeons will do them. None of my local doctors do them. May have something to do with the power of big insurance in my state government. If you have Medicare, it is not a problem though. Replacement surgery generally is much easier for the man though. There is a slightly higher risk of infection due to germs in the bio fluid that surrounds all the components. Not in all men but is some. Almost 1/2 of diabetic men in the publication I read. I have not read or do not remember the number for non-diabetic men.

Surgery is not on my fun list of things to do. It is up to you if you are through with having erections or not.

Good luck with this.

[sliphill]

I am not through with having erections. Im healthy and I want to have sex. Im calling the doctor tomorrow.

[lewisbl]

Mine failed also, but I've had one revision already. The only pain I had was from the IV on the revision. Good luck with your revision.

[sliphill]

Thanks. Did yours fail like mine did. Bulb colapsing therefor not being able to pump up the cylinders. How long did it take you to heal?

[Hrc714]

My AMS 700 failed with the same symptoms. The recovery was easier on the revision. One thing that made it easier was going home without a catheter. The Dr said if I could demonstrate urinating before release, I would not need the catheter. It was difficult and I was still somewhat groggy, but I was able to pass that test. Unfortunately in my groggy state, it got away from me and I pissed all over everything and everybody. Nurse was not pleased. (Sorry) Not having the catheter made first night much more comfortable. Do see if that is an option for you.

Another trick is to add yourself to the standby list if you are driving distance from the surgery center. Likely surgeons are booked many months in advance. Pack a go bag and be ready to fill in for late cancellation. They happen quite frequently and you can save months of waiting.
Good luck!

[sliphill]

Why did you decide to go with the titan? Your AMS 700 lasted about the same time as mine. Maybe the AMS 700 is not as durable. How do you like the titan compared to the AMS 700.

[Hrc714]

Surgeon picked the titan as she wanted to eliminate the RTE’s and needed a size that AMS didn’t offer. I actually liked the AMS more due to comfort in the deflated state. (Softer). Not thrilled with the short lifespan I experienced.

[sliphill]

Nope, I’m going tell the doctor that I want the Coloplast Titan. Dr Clavell said that if you experience the dog ears when flacid, to just give it a few pumps to get rid of the sharp edges of where the cyclinders fold. He also said that he has never seen a titan fail.