Is this a slow leak?

[radiodec]

Hey guys haven't been here in a while too busy enjoying the bionics. Now I have a question, does this sound like I have a leak problem? I have an AMS 700LGX that will no longer pump up to full rigidity. It pumps to about half way just as it always did but then the bulb on the pump stays flat and doesn't refill. Talked to AMS, their suggestions didn't help. Off to my urologist. Just the question, does this sound like a slow leak?

[Zxylpk]

coincidentally, I seem to have a similar thing going on. Let us know what you find out. I'll be talking to my Dr. today - I'll do the same.

[Lost Sheep]

Sounds at first reading to definitely not be a slow leak. That the pump bulb not refilling most likely is a problem of the tubing not allowing refill of the bulb.

BUT........

If there was a leak in the past that has now left insufficient saline for inflation, that would exactly match your symptoms.

Can you feel the reservoir? Does it feel any differently than it did before? (Like less full?)

[Zxylpk]

Lost Sheep, thanks for the informed assessment. You could be right. I just hung up with my Dr. & he wants to see me asap. Got an appt for tomorrow. I'll let you guys know what he says.

[radiodec]

Saw my urologist today. He affirmed that I definitely have a problem and suspects that I have had a leakage problem. No fast decisions or repairs though. I am now scheduled for a CT scan to confirm things and get a handle on what might be going wrong.

He predicts a full revision if it is indeed a leak. Says that symptoms are consistent with reservoir running out of fluid. It pumps like normal until it just won't refill the pump bulb.

Long story short, looks like I won't know for sure what is going on until after July 19.

[Tybeeman]

I am sorry to hear that I just had my implanted Monday. I can imagine going Thursday this in 4 years

[sliphill]

Saw my urologist today. He affirmed that I definitely have a problem and suspects that I have had a leakage problem. No fast decisions or repairs though. I am now scheduled for a CT scan to confirm things and get a handle on what might be going wrong.

He predicts a full revision if it is indeed a leak. Says that symptoms are consistent with reservoir running out of fluid. It pumps like normal until it just won't refill the pump bulb.

Long story short, looks like I won't know for sure what is going on until after July 19.

Wow, reading these posts of implants going bad prematurely is a little concerning. But what are you going to do. Implants are mechanical with moving parts, so I can understand they will eventually wear out. But if mine goes bad in 4 years, I would do it again. And I haven't even used mine yet. Good luck Radio!

[Lost Sheep]

Radiodec,

What kind of implant to you have?
(EDIT: - Oops. I did not recall the original post specified an AMS LGX))

Coloplost devices have tubing and other parts fail more often then the penile implant part. It is just barely possible that a revision might not require removal of the implant or reservoir if the leak is indeed the cause and confined to the pump or a connector easy to reach in your scrotum.

Some surgeons would remove and replace as a matter of policy "start over completely and don't worry about other possible failures". This is reasonable if the entire assembly is suspect.

If the failure is confined to an easy-to-access part of the body, it may be less risky to confine the surgery to just that part.

NOTE: I am not a medical professional (or even amateur) of any sort. This just makes sense to me as the owner of one flesh-and-blood body.

[sliphill]

Radiodec,

What kind of implant to you have?

Coloplost devices have tubing and other parts fail more often then the penile implant part. It is just barely possible that a revision might not require removal of the implant or reservoir if the leak is indeed the cause and confined to the pump or a connector easy to reach in your scrotum.

Some surgeons would remove and replace as a matter of policy "start over completely and don't worry about other possible failures". This is reasonable if the entire assembly is suspect.

If the failure is confined to an easy-to-access part of the body, it may be less risky to confine the surgery to just that part.

NOTE: I am not a medical professional (or even amateur) of any sort. This just makes sense to me as the owner of one flesh-and-blood body.

I wonder if the recovery of a revision is worse than original implant. I'm sure someone will chime in to inform us.

[Zxylpk]

radiodec, I am very sorry to hear this - especially since it appears we both have the same implant and mine appears to be doing something similar. Does not bode well for ams 700 lgx. At least you've had yours for 4 years, I've had mine for 4 months - haven't had time to wear it out yet.