Anyone know how to fix AMS?

[Mark1974]

You are opening a can of worms that you will never be able to put the lid back on trust me ...so much can and will go back .. what you see on the videos is nothing like it will be if you go probing around .. friend got shoot many years ago .. bunch of us got together and played "DR" .. we probed and got the bullet out ..sewed it up with nylon parachute thread .. found out later we were only a 1/4 inch from a main artery ... we never "played" dr again no matter what ..

That's pretty intense.

Was this in a military context?

[easymoney]

No the dumb and young being raised around detroit Mich in the late 60's early 70's

[JohnHC]

So were you just unlucky to get 2 failure in so short time or do you practice any particular sport or job?

I understand your frustation, but how much you think it wuold cost for have it repaired by a real doctor without anesthesia expenses? Still too expensive ?

I'm just that lucky. Told my Dr if there's a bad one out there, I'll get it - so first one pinhole leak left cylinder right after surgery before 2 week followup, revision about 2 months later, worked about 6 months then I'm assuming connector failed from what I can feel down there. No I don't lift weights, power lift, bicycle or anything of the sort or even had any straining while pooping. Most if not all Drs won't fix them, they just remove and replace because it's less likely to get infected. No I do not have any real plans to do this even though it would be easy with the right stuff.

[JohnHC]

John I echo the other opinions - do not do it! Get in touch directly with your last surgeon and see if they will 'go to bat' with AMS, and alternatively contact AMS directly (describe the issue, the financial burden, etc). Insurance companies respond much better to MDs and medical device companies. Another alternative is to seek a 'cash price' from the surgeon after its determined what exactly is wrong. If a connector the repair is pretty straightforward - and you might get it done by taking a personal loan. Your option 1: DIY surgery - don't do it. Option 2: tell your wife (and yourself) know erectile sex for 7 - 8 years - really!?!?

AMS isn't the problem. They have a warranty and will replace it but it doesn't cover Drs fees or the hospital. Insurance is being the dick in this case. Cash price isn't an option as we drained savings and maxed out credit cards / loans to pay for the first one and the revision. And no I have no plans to do it myself, most Drs won't do a "fix" no matter how easy it is because bodily fluids have infiltrated the device making infection more likely, that's why they remove and replace. And yes No sex for 7 to 8 years until I qualify for Medicare or until I could somehow raise the money which isn't likely... Wife is very much pissed off

[JohnHC]

I agree with the others. I don't think Dr Eid or Dr Levine would even try to fix their own implants (if they had them)

I know if I were in your situation I would reach out to my urologist who implanted me and see if I could finance a malleable. Then when Medicare becomes available I would re-implant an inflatable if it would be important to you to do so at that time.

If your doctor doesn't finance I would look for one who does. This is the most practical solution I can think of.

My Dr won't finance because of the issues with my insurance, and that's something they just don't do, not even for 12 months. And trying to finance the amount it costs right now isn't even feasible because we drained savings, maxed credit cards and refinanced a loan to pay for the first one and the revision - basically tapped out and have pretty much cut whatever bills back that we can to try and build back our savings. So just basically screwed royally. No malleable isn't for me, I sometimes help out with the youth at church and really don't think it would be that great of an idea to have a permanent boner while working with kids.

[Txagq8]

John:

You don’t have to answer this if it makes you uncomfortable, but what part of the country are you in and what doc did you use?

I’m of the opinion (and God I know it’s tough to be patient) that not all is lost.

I suspect a methodical search of better surgeons will turn up one who might be willing to take a look at your case.

Forget, for a moment, that this is about a broken penile implant your insurance company refused to pay for. What we now have is a malfunctioning prosthetic device inside your body. As badly as the government, insurance companies, and big pharma have fucked up our medical system….nothing surprises me. A good surgeon with a smart insurance claims clerk may very well be able to find a CPT code covering “removal of malfunctioning prostheses” and your insurance might pay that code without batting an eye.

As I said in a different thread recently, the vast majority of these doctors are not without compassion. Sure, they like to make a few $$$. But the way in this business to do well is to establish a reputation for good work and happy patients.

So let’s say my vision comes true and the insurance carrier will eat the cost of removing the non-functioning prosthetic device. That’s paid for your pre-op, your anesthesia, your OR, and the surgeon to do the removal.

Don’t you think for just a nominal extra service charge this doc will slide a new one in and stitch you up? AMS is providing it at no cost.

Truthfully, I have no idea what will happen. But I have always operated on the theory if I complain loudly enough, for a sufficient length of time, eventually the right person will get tired of hearing me bellyache and they’ll give in.

I wish you the best.

[Thisworld]

I'm just that lucky. Told my Dr if there's a bad one out there, I'll get it - so first one pinhole leak left cylinder right after surgery before 2 week followup, revision about 2 months later, worked about 6 months then I'm assuming connector failed from what I can feel down there. No I don't lift weights, power lift, bicycle or anything of the sort or even had any straining while pooping. Most if not all Drs won't fix them, they just remove and replace because it's less likely to get infected. No I do not have any real plans to do this even though it would be easy with the right stuff.

Damn man, what a shitty situation. The only thing i can tell you is that in Turkey they have pretty low prices with reasonable good doctors. So you may want to think about it

[easymoney]

lok into a mallabble you may find a surgeon who is willing to work with you ..less chance of failure and cheaper .. will last at least the 8 years till you get medicare then you can decide if you want to upgrade to an IPP ..I have a Rigicon mallabble for just over a year now ..

[Txagq8]

I doubt your insurance would reject CPT 20680 “removal of deep hardware.”

If they’ve paid to get you that far, and AMS is paying for the new device, with the right sympathetic surgeon you are nearly there.

Between constant haranguing from the doctor’s insurance department and a demand letter from an attorney I think you can get this fixed.

I’m 68. I was never the most popular, best looking, most athletic, best hung, smartest, coolest, studliest guy out there. But I act like I am. Two lessons I learned at critical times: showing up is half the battle, and never, ever give up.

Keep me posted. If you need someone to let you vent PM me. I’m good at that. If you can get a word in edgewise.

[oldbeek]

My doctors in Los Angeles will fix it. They some what specialize in F ups. First place connectors are not going in my body. Use the preconnected system. The doctor you had is your problem. Insurance?? I had a employees daughter that needed brain surgery and was afraid of using Kaiser hospitals. He went USC/KECK and they found a code and called it an emergency and did the operation for free. Keck charged my insurance and medicare $79,000.00 for my implant. It was paid in full. They have money to play with for your type of cases. Dr Boyd is very empathatic and works because he likes helping guys like you. It is a teaching hospital so your case may be done as a teaching moment by a student but you will get fixed. Ask them to take on your case.