penile prosthesis question.

Discussion:

(too old to reply)

Jerry W

2010-10-07 06:03:35 UTC

I had the implant four months ago. To date, I still have not been able to
inflate it. The pump bulb feels like a solid piece of rubber. When I have
asked my doctor about it, he says I need to pull the pump down every day. I
have been pulling the pump down every day for four months, and no change.
My wife and I are both anxious to resume our sex life. To try now is worse
than before the implant .

I called another urological clinic and tried to make an appointment, but
they refused to see me, as they didn't want to become responsible for a
surgery another doctor had done.

I have been calling the clinic where I had the surgery done about twice a
week for the past two months, and keep getting a call back telling me to
just keep pulling the pump down, and the pump will free up. The soonest I
could get an appointment there is in mid December. Neither my wife or I
want to wait until December. I suspect I will have to have my scrotum
opened up again to get this fixed. I have a lot of bills for the surgery,
and don't want to amass perhaps the same bills as the first time.

I get along very well with this doctor, and would hate to get into anything
legal with him.

Has anyone out there had a similar problem? If so please post a reply
telling how you got the pump to free up. I am also open to any suggestions
as to what course to take next

Muerta

2010-10-09 16:43:09 UTC

Permalink

Wow, that really doesn't sound right.

We've had complaints in here about loss of length after surgery, abut
nothing like this.

Please keep us up on how it's going and hopefully that thing gets into gear.

Post by Jerry W
I had the implant four months ago. To date, I still have not been able to
inflate it. The pump bulb feels like a solid piece of rubber. When I
have asked my doctor about it, he says I need to pull the pump down every
day. I have been pulling the pump down every day for four months, and no
change. My wife and I are both anxious to resume our sex life. To try now
is worse than before the implant .
I called another urological clinic and tried to make an appointment, but
they refused to see me, as they didn't want to become responsible for a
surgery another doctor had done.
I have been calling the clinic where I had the surgery done about twice a
week for the past two months, and keep getting a call back telling me to
just keep pulling the pump down, and the pump will free up. The soonest
I could get an appointment there is in mid December. Neither my wife or I
want to wait until December. I suspect I will have to have my scrotum
opened up again to get this fixed. I have a lot of bills for the
surgery, and don't want to amass perhaps the same bills as the first time.
I get along very well with this doctor, and would hate to get into
anything legal with him.
Has anyone out there had a similar problem? If so please post a reply
telling how you got the pump to free up. I am also open to any
suggestions as to what course to take next

c palmer

2010-10-10 08:41:31 UTC

Permalink

hi jerry - i forwarded your post to a friend of mine who had an implant
put in early this year. this is what he wrote....

~ curtis

-------

As for the question from the newsgroup, I don't really understand, as MY
doctor pumped my implant up at my 6 week checkup to make sure everything
was working correctly.=A0

Hard to believe he has not had a final checkup to show him how to use
the pump.=A0

In the beginning, the pump is very hard to squeeze....... I have an AMS
model.=A0 I understand that the Coloplast model is even HARDER to pump
in the beginning.=A0

Something just doesn't sound right in all of this.=A0 Hopefully, he got
some answers from folks on the forum that will have given him some help.

knowledge is power - growing old is mandatory - growing wise is optional =

"Many more men die with prostate cancer than of it. Growing old is
invariably fatal. Prostate cancer is only sometimes so."
http://community.webtv.net/PALMER_ENT/doc

Denise White

2010-10-10 10:11:04 UTC

Permalink

Post by c palmer
knowledge is power - growing old is
mandatory - growing wise is optional

Very wise words to live by. How about:

digital is mandatory - high definition is optional. DVD is mandatory -
Blu-Ray is optional.

Post by c palmer
"Many more men die with prostate
cancer than of it. Growing old is
invariably fatal. Prostate cancer is only
sometimes so."

21 grams is the weight of a stack of 5 nickels. We (humans) lose 21
grams at the exact moment(s) of our death(s). Not very much, but enough
to go through the wormhole(s).

--
Denise White

Jerry W

2010-10-11 21:34:16 UTC

Permalink

I have the AMS ultrex 700. I still can not get it to pump...the pump has no
give to it and feels solid.

Post by c palmer
hi jerry - i forwarded your post to a friend of mine who had an implant
put in early this year. this is what he wrote....
~ curtis
-------
As for the question from the newsgroup, I don't really understand, as MY
doctor pumped my implant up at my 6 week checkup to make sure everything
was working correctly.
Hard to believe he has not had a final checkup to show him how to use
the pump.
In the beginning, the pump is very hard to squeeze....... I have an AMS
model. I understand that the Coloplast model is even HARDER to pump
in the beginning.
Something just doesn't sound right in all of this. Hopefully, he got
some answers from folks on the forum that will have given him some help.
knowledge is power - growing old is mandatory - growing wise is optional
"Many more men die with prostate cancer than of it. Growing old is
invariably fatal. Prostate cancer is only sometimes so."
http://community.webtv.net/PALMER_ENT/doc

Jerry W

2010-10-15 04:42:49 UTC

Permalink

I finally got an appointment, and it is in October!

To clarify things, two days before my 6 week appointment I received a call
that informed me that my doctor had to go out of town on a family matter.
They said the earliest they could get me in was in December, but they had a
cancellation, so I am getting in this month.

So, I have not had the checkup appointment yet.

Jerry W

2010-10-22 06:02:40 UTC

Permalink

Someone posted about loss of length. I was 7 1/2 inches before, and after
the implant, I am 6 1/4. When I get it working, with the 15-20% expansion,
I might not have lost any length.

Post by Jerry W
I finally got an appointment, and it is in October!
To clarify things, two days before my 6 week appointment I received a call
that informed me that my doctor had to go out of town on a family matter.
They said the earliest they could get me in was in December, but they had
a cancellation, so I am getting in this month.
So, I have not had the checkup appointment yet.

Jerry W

2010-10-22 06:17:02 UTC

Permalink

I posted another message that evidently did not make the newsgrou, in which
I described my visit to the doctor today. The doctor could not inflate the
implant, either. He squeezed so hard on the pump that my scrotum is still
sore and puffy. He was confused that he could not work the pump, but said
he still thinks it will straighten out and work. He said to keep pulling
down on the pump, and squeezing it and to call him in a month and report my
progress.

I am not making any of this up. Has anyone out there had a similar
experience? I would appreciate hearing any ideas.

Post by Jerry W
Someone posted about loss of length. I was 7 1/2 inches before, and
after the implant, I am 6 1/4. When I get it working, with the 15-20%
expansion, I might not have lost any length.

Post by Jerry W
I finally got an appointment, and it is in October!
To clarify things, two days before my 6 week appointment I received a
call that informed me that my doctor had to go out of town on a family
matter. They said the earliest they could get me in was in December, but
they had a cancellation, so I am getting in this month.
So, I have not had the checkup appointment yet.

Festus Hagen

2010-10-22 14:11:01 UTC

Permalink

If all the information you have provided is indeed accurate, then there
is a serious problem. Either the pump is defective or there is an
obstruction (probably the pump though).

You need to push your doctor hard to get to the bottom of this and
correct the problem. Pulling down on the pump has nothing to do
squeezing the bulb and inflating the device. All that does is move the
pump down to the bottom of your scrotum to a more comfortable and
accessible position.

As for the Coloplast Titan models being even more difficult to inflate,
I was able to easily squeeze the bulb and cause inflation a few days
after surgery. I wasn't supposed to but, I did try it. Deflation was
VERY painful though.

Post by Jerry W
I posted another message that evidently did not make the newsgrou, in
which I described my visit to the doctor today. The doctor could not
inflate the implant, either. He squeezed so hard on the pump that my
scrotum is still sore and puffy. He was confused that he could not work
the pump, but said he still thinks it will straighten out and work. He
said to keep pulling down on the pump, and squeezing it and to call him
in a month and report my progress.
I am not making any of this up. Has anyone out there had a similar
experience? I would appreciate hearing any ideas.

Someone posted about loss of length. I was 7 1/2 inches before, and
after the implant, I am 6 1/4. When I get it working, with the 15-20%
expansion, I might not have lost any length.

Post by Jerry W
I finally got an appointment, and it is in October!
To clarify things, two days before my 6 week appointment I received a
call that informed me that my doctor had to go out of town on a
family matter. They said the earliest they could get me in was in
December, but they had a cancellation, so I am getting in this month.
So, I have not had the checkup appointment yet.

hi jerry - i forwarded your post to a friend of mine who had an implant
put in early this year. this is what he wrote....
~ curtis
-------
As for the question from the newsgroup, I don't really understand, as MY
doctor pumped my implant up at my 6 week checkup to make sure everything
was working correctly.
Hard to believe he has not had a final checkup to show him how to use
the pump.
In the beginning, the pump is very hard to squeeze....... I have an AMS
model. I understand that the Coloplast model is even HARDER to pump
in the beginning.
Something just doesn't sound right in all of this. Hopefully, he got
some answers from folks on the forum that will have given him some help.
knowledge is power - growing old is mandatory - growing wise is optional
"Many more men die with prostate cancer than of it. Growing old is
invariably fatal. Prostate cancer is only sometimes so."
http://community.webtv.net/PALMER_ENT/doc

Jerry W

2010-10-22 20:46:24 UTC

Permalink

jI have been suspecting the pump either being bad, or the tubing being
kinked. The pump is way down at the bottom of my scrotum, and pulling on
it any more causes irritation.

Thanks for the reply.

If all the information you have provided is indeed accurate, then there is
a serious problem. Either the pump is defective or there is an obstruction
(probably the pump though).
You need to push your doctor hard to get to the bottom of this and correct
the problem. Pulling down on the pump has nothing to do squeezing the bulb
and inflating the device. All that does is move the pump down to the
bottom of your scrotum to a more comfortable and accessible position.
As for the Coloplast Titan models being even more difficult to inflate, I
was able to easily squeeze the bulb and cause inflation a few days after
surgery. I wasn't supposed to but, I did try it. Deflation was VERY
painful though.

Someone posted about loss of length. I was 7 1/2 inches before, and
after the implant, I am 6 1/4. When I get it working, with the 15-20%
expansion, I might not have lost any length.

Post by Jerry W
I finally got an appointment, and it is in October!
To clarify things, two days before my 6 week appointment I received a
call that informed me that my doctor had to go out of town on a
family matter. They said the earliest they could get me in was in
December, but they had a cancellation, so I am getting in this month.
So, I have not had the checkup appointment yet.

hi jerry - i forwarded your post to a friend of mine who had an implant
put in early this year. this is what he wrote....
~ curtis
-------
As for the question from the newsgroup, I don't really understand, as MY
doctor pumped my implant up at my 6 week checkup to make sure everything
was working correctly.
Hard to believe he has not had a final checkup to show him how to use
the pump.
In the beginning, the pump is very hard to squeeze....... I have an AMS
model. I understand that the Coloplast model is even HARDER to pump
in the beginning.
Something just doesn't sound right in all of this. Hopefully, he got
some answers from folks on the forum that will have given him some help.
knowledge is power - growing old is mandatory - growing wise is optional
"Many more men die with prostate cancer than of it. Growing old is
invariably fatal. Prostate cancer is only sometimes so."
http://community.webtv.net/PALMER_ENT/doc

Festus Hagen

2010-10-22 21:12:55 UTC

Permalink

While it is possible that the tubing is "kinked" it's not likely. More
likely is a defective pump. You need to contact the customer services
Rep. for AMS. They can contact the doctor and help to get this resolved.
AMS will be more than happy to replace any defective products at there
expense. The problem is the DOC doesn't want to eat the cost of booking
the OR on his time and his time. He knows it's screwed up but he's
putting you off as long as possible.

Post by Jerry W
jI have been suspecting the pump either being bad, or the tubing being
kinked. The pump is way down at the bottom of my scrotum, and pulling on
it any more causes irritation.
Thanks for the reply.

Post by Festus Hagen
If all the information you have provided is indeed accurate, then
there is a serious problem. Either the pump is defective or there is
an obstruction (probably the pump though).
You need to push your doctor hard to get to the bottom of this and
correct the problem. Pulling down on the pump has nothing to do
squeezing the bulb and inflating the device. All that does is move the
pump down to the bottom of your scrotum to a more comfortable and
accessible position.
As for the Coloplast Titan models being even more difficult to
inflate, I was able to easily squeeze the bulb and cause inflation a
few days after surgery. I wasn't supposed to but, I did try it.
Deflation was VERY painful though.

Someone posted about loss of length. I was 7 1/2 inches before, and
after the implant, I am 6 1/4. When I get it working, with the 15-20%
expansion, I might not have lost any length.

Post by Jerry W
I finally got an appointment, and it is in October!
To clarify things, two days before my 6 week appointment I received a
call that informed me that my doctor had to go out of town on a
family matter. They said the earliest they could get me in was in
December, but they had a cancellation, so I am getting in this month.
So, I have not had the checkup appointment yet.

hi jerry - i forwarded your post to a friend of mine who had an implant
put in early this year. this is what he wrote....
~ curtis
-------
As for the question from the newsgroup, I don't really understand, as MY
doctor pumped my implant up at my 6 week checkup to make sure everything
was working correctly.
Hard to believe he has not had a final checkup to show him how to use
the pump.
In the beginning, the pump is very hard to squeeze....... I have an AMS
model. I understand that the Coloplast model is even HARDER to pump
in the beginning.
Something just doesn't sound right in all of this. Hopefully, he got
some answers from folks on the forum that will have given him some help.
knowledge is power - growing old is mandatory - growing wise is optional
"Many more men die with prostate cancer than of it. Growing old is
invariably fatal. Prostate cancer is only sometimes so."
http://community.webtv.net/PALMER_ENT/doc

Jerry W

2010-10-26 06:06:28 UTC

Permalink

I called AMS Customer Service. when they returned the call, they said they
were going to mail me complete instructions for inflation. I wonder if this
will be what I already have, or if it might be helpful. AMS did not think
it was the pump. If I am able to get it to work after getting the
instructions, I am to call them back.

If it is the pump and I get it replaced, I will have to pay out $1200 to the
hospital for the second time.

Post by Festus Hagen
While it is possible that the tubing is "kinked" it's not likely. More
likely is a defective pump. You need to contact the customer services Rep.
for AMS. They can contact the doctor and help to get this resolved. AMS
will be more than happy to replace any defective products at there
expense. The problem is the DOC doesn't want to eat the cost of booking
the OR on his time and his time. He knows it's screwed up but he's putting
you off as long as possible.

Someone posted about loss of length. I was 7 1/2 inches before, and
after the implant, I am 6 1/4. When I get it working, with the 15-20%
expansion, I might not have lost any length.

Post by Jerry W
I finally got an appointment, and it is in October!
To clarify things, two days before my 6 week appointment I received a
call that informed me that my doctor had to go out of town on a
family matter. They said the earliest they could get me in was in
December, but they had a cancellation, so I am getting in this month.
So, I have not had the checkup appointment yet.

hi jerry - i forwarded your post to a friend of mine who had an implant
put in early this year. this is what he wrote....
~ curtis
-------
As for the question from the newsgroup, I don't really understand, as MY
doctor pumped my implant up at my 6 week checkup to make sure everything
was working correctly.
Hard to believe he has not had a final checkup to show him how to use
the pump.
In the beginning, the pump is very hard to squeeze....... I have an AMS
model. I understand that the Coloplast model is even HARDER to pump
in the beginning.
Something just doesn't sound right in all of this. Hopefully, he got
some answers from folks on the forum that will have given him some help.
knowledge is power - growing old is mandatory - growing wise is optional
"Many more men die with prostate cancer than of it. Growing old is
invariably fatal. Prostate cancer is only sometimes so."
http://community.webtv.net/PALMER_ENT/doc

Muerta

2010-10-26 16:00:24 UTC

Permalink

Post by Jerry W
If it is the pump and I get it replaced, I will have to pay out $1200 to
the hospital for the second time.

Something very "not right" about that.

Jerry W

2010-10-29 06:44:50 UTC

Permalink

I received the instructions, and it was what I already had. I am squeezing
the pump bulb every day, one handed and two. I squeeze intil it hurts and
my scrotum starts to swell. The pump bulb still feels like a solid ball of
rubber.

Post by Muerta

Post by Jerry W
If it is the pump and I get it replaced, I will have to pay out $1200 to
the hospital for the second time.

Something very "not right" about that.

Muerta

2010-10-29 12:57:05 UTC

Permalink

I would think that surely the doc checked the function before stitching up,
and that with something of that magnitude there's a "no worry" warranty,
that would cover everything in thecase of a malfunction.

I'm just not seeing the fairness of having to put out more money to get
someone's mistake fixed.

However, I realize the first concern is that it's not working, there fore a
delay in the end result for you, and although it's insignifigant to say, you
have my sympathy.

Post by Jerry W
I received the instructions, and it was what I already had. I am squeezing
the pump bulb every day, one handed and two. I squeeze intil it hurts and
my scrotum starts to swell. The pump bulb still feels like a solid ball of
rubber.

Post by Muerta

Post by Jerry W
If it is the pump and I get it replaced, I will have to pay out $1200 to
the hospital for the second time.

Something very "not right" about that.

Festus Hagen

2010-10-29 19:15:51 UTC

Permalink

MFG's will replace defective products, doctors will re-do the work on
their dime. Hospitals will not provide an OR or a bed free to anyone.
The charges for the OR / bed should be charged to the MFG or the DOC. It
shouldn't fall on your shoulders.

Post by Muerta
I would think that surely the doc checked the function before stitching up,
and that with something of that magnitude there's a "no worry" warranty,
that would cover everything in thecase of a malfunction.
I'm just not seeing the fairness of having to put out more money to get
someone's mistake fixed.
However, I realize the first concern is that it's not working, there fore a
delay in the end result for you, and although it's insignifigant to say, you
have my sympathy.

Post by Muerta

Post by Jerry W
If it is the pump and I get it replaced, I will have to pay out $1200 to
the hospital for the second time.

Something very "not right" about that.

Jerry W

2010-11-10 17:49:22 UTC

Permalink

I now have more to report. I contacted AMS customer service again on
Monday. I asked about the possibility of a defective pump, and was told
that the odds against that were in the millions to one, and that my
technique is all all wrong when I try to work the pump.

Yesterday, I saw the urologist again, and again he was unable to inflate the
pump. He said that in his opinion, the pump is defective. Then he told me
that when he tried to inflate the implant it was the hardest pump to work he
had ever seen. He managed to give to get it to pump three times, but did
not get the device fully inflated. He apologized to me, and said that it
was a first time experience, he figured it would loosen up and work.

He said the entire implant, not just the pump would have to be replaced. He
said the biggest obstacle is to get AMS to agree to a replacement. He will
have to convince AMS that the pump is bad, and I might have to cover the
entire cost of the replacement, and the old imp
would have to be returned to AMS for evaluation, and if they find a defect,
they will reimburse me. He is going to try to get AMS to replace the the
implant up front, but it will be an uphill battle. He might have to get
Medicare approval to do the surgery again, and that he could see what he can
do about getting it so I won't have to pay the hospital and anesthesiologist
again.

Post by Muerta
I would think that surely the doc checked the function before stitching
up, and that with something of that magnitude there's a "no worry"
warranty, that would cover everything in thecase of a malfunction.
I'm just not seeing the fairness of having to put out more money to get
someone's mistake fixed.
However, I realize the first concern is that it's not working, there fore
a delay in the end result for you, and although it's insignifigant to say,
you have my sympathy.

Post by Jerry W
I received the instructions, and it was what I already had. I am
squeezing the pump bulb every day, one handed and two. I squeeze intil it
hurts and my scrotum starts to swell. The pump bulb still feels like a
solid ball of rubber.

Post by Muerta

Post by Jerry W
If it is the pump and I get it replaced, I will have to pay out $1200
to the hospital for the second time.

Something very "not right" about that.

Festus Hagen

2010-11-11 03:56:56 UTC

Permalink

Jerry, this doesn't surprise me at all. As I stated before it seemed to
be a bad pump or obstruction. AMS is a very good company and I don't
think you will any problem with them. It sounds like your doctor under
reacted, then over reacted. When the implant was installed, a company
representative was present for the surgery. He observed the difficult
inflation and it was no doubt discussed while you were under. I doubt
they will have much of an issue. You are NOT the first to have a
defective pump. Also, you better do some more digging around before the
salvage operation is done. A pump CAN be replaced without removing the
rods. It's called a revision. If the pump is the ONLY problem with your
implant, a salvage operation shouldn't be needed. It sounds like a
revision is all that is needed, but there is no way to tell for sure
until you get opened up. I suggest you gather some information and
discuss it thoroughly with your doctor.

I now have more to report. I contacted AMS customer service again on
Monday. I asked about the possibility of a defective pump, and was told
that the odds against that were in the millions to one, and that my
technique is all all wrong when I try to work the pump.
Yesterday, I saw the urologist again, and again he was unable to inflate
the pump. He said that in his opinion, the pump is defective. Then he
told me that when he tried to inflate the implant it was the hardest
pump to work he had ever seen. He managed to give to get it to pump
three times, but did not get the device fully inflated. He apologized to
me, and said that it was a first time experience, he figured it would
loosen up and work.
He said the entire implant, not just the pump would have to be replaced.
He said the biggest obstacle is to get AMS to agree to a replacement. He
will have to convince AMS that the pump is bad, and I might have to
cover the entire cost of the replacement, and the old imp
would have to be returned to AMS for evaluation, and if they find a
defect, they will reimburse me. He is going to try to get AMS to replace
the the implant up front, but it will be an uphill battle. He might have
to get Medicare approval to do the surgery again, and that he could see
what he can do about getting it so I won't have to pay the hospital and
anesthesiologist again.
If all the information you have provided is indeed accurate, then there
is a serious problem. Either the pump is defective or there is an
obstruction (probably the pump though).
You need to push your doctor hard to get to the bottom of this and
correct the problem. Pulling down on the pump has nothing to do
squeezing the bulb and inflating the device. All that does is move the
pump down to the bottom of your scrotum to a more comfortable and
accessible position.

Jerry W

2010-11-22 18:21:09 UTC

Permalink

I have seen the doctor again. He talked to the AMS rep about my failed
surgery. At this point, I will be responsible for all charges, unless
Medicare will approve having it done over. AMS (at least at this point)
will only give replacement parts if they are proven defective. The AMS rep
strongly disputed there could be any problem with the pump. I hope AMS
becomes more reasonable about this. Even if Medicare agrees to go in and do
it over, I will still be responsible for the $1200 upfront to the hospital.
I will hopefully know more when I see the doctor again in two weeks.

Jerry, this doesn't surprise me at all. As I stated before it seemed to be
a bad pump or obstruction. AMS is a very good company and I don't think
you will any problem with them. It sounds like your doctor under reacted,
then over reacted. When the implant was installed, a company
representative was present for the surgery. He observed the difficult
inflation and it was no doubt discussed while you were under. I doubt they
will have much of an issue. You are NOT the first to have a defective
pump. Also, you better do some more digging around before the salvage
operation is done. A pump CAN be replaced without removing the rods. It's
called a revision. If the pump is the ONLY problem with your implant, a
salvage operation shouldn't be needed. It sounds like a revision is all
that is needed, but there is no way to tell for sure until you get opened
up. I suggest you gather some information and discuss it thoroughly with
your doctor.

I now have more to report. I contacted AMS customer service again on
Monday. I asked about the possibility of a defective pump, and was told
that the odds against that were in the millions to one, and that my
technique is all all wrong when I try to work the pump.
Yesterday, I saw the urologist again, and again he was unable to inflate
the pump. He said that in his opinion, the pump is defective. Then he
told me that when he tried to inflate the implant it was the hardest
pump to work he had ever seen. He managed to give to get it to pump
three times, but did not get the device fully inflated. He apologized to
me, and said that it was a first time experience, he figured it would
loosen up and work.
He said the entire implant, not just the pump would have to be replaced.
He said the biggest obstacle is to get AMS to agree to a replacement. He
will have to convince AMS that the pump is bad, and I might have to
cover the entire cost of the replacement, and the old imp
would have to be returned to AMS for evaluation, and if they find a
defect, they will reimburse me. He is going to try to get AMS to replace
the the implant up front, but it will be an uphill battle. He might have
to get Medicare approval to do the surgery again, and that he could see
what he can do about getting it so I won't have to pay the hospital and
anesthesiologist again.
If all the information you have provided is indeed accurate, then there
is a serious problem. Either the pump is defective or there is an
obstruction (probably the pump though).
You need to push your doctor hard to get to the bottom of this and
correct the problem. Pulling down on the pump has nothing to do
squeezing the bulb and inflating the device. All that does is move the
pump down to the bottom of your scrotum to a more comfortable and
accessible position.

Muerta

2010-11-24 18:14:10 UTC

Permalink

That's a drag

Although I do not favor litigation, this may be an exception.

Post by Jerry W
I have seen the doctor again. He talked to the AMS rep about my failed
surgery. At this point, I will be responsible for all charges, unless
Medicare will approve having it done over. AMS (at least at this point)
will only give replacement parts if they are proven defective. The AMS rep
strongly disputed there could be any problem with the pump. I hope AMS
becomes more reasonable about this. Even if Medicare agrees to go in and
do it over, I will still be responsible for the $1200 upfront to the
hospital. I will hopefully know more when I see the doctor again in two
weeks.

Post by Festus Hagen
Jerry, this doesn't surprise me at all. As I stated before it seemed to
be a bad pump or obstruction. AMS is a very good company and I don't
think you will any problem with them. It sounds like your doctor under
reacted, then over reacted. When the implant was installed, a company
representative was present for the surgery. He observed the difficult
inflation and it was no doubt discussed while you were under. I doubt
they will have much of an issue. You are NOT the first to have a
defective pump. Also, you better do some more digging around before the
salvage operation is done. A pump CAN be replaced without removing the
rods. It's called a revision. If the pump is the ONLY problem with your
implant, a salvage operation shouldn't be needed. It sounds like a
revision is all that is needed, but there is no way to tell for sure
until you get opened up. I suggest you gather some information and
discuss it thoroughly with your doctor.

I now have more to report. I contacted AMS customer service again on
Monday. I asked about the possibility of a defective pump, and was told
that the odds against that were in the millions to one, and that my
technique is all all wrong when I try to work the pump.
Yesterday, I saw the urologist again, and again he was unable to inflate
the pump. He said that in his opinion, the pump is defective. Then he
told me that when he tried to inflate the implant it was the hardest
pump to work he had ever seen. He managed to give to get it to pump
three times, but did not get the device fully inflated. He apologized to
me, and said that it was a first time experience, he figured it would
loosen up and work.
He said the entire implant, not just the pump would have to be replaced.
He said the biggest obstacle is to get AMS to agree to a replacement. He
will have to convince AMS that the pump is bad, and I might have to
cover the entire cost of the replacement, and the old imp
would have to be returned to AMS for evaluation, and if they find a
defect, they will reimburse me. He is going to try to get AMS to replace
the the implant up front, but it will be an uphill battle. He might have
to get Medicare approval to do the surgery again, and that he could see
what he can do about getting it so I won't have to pay the hospital and
anesthesiologist again.
If all the information you have provided is indeed accurate, then there
is a serious problem. Either the pump is defective or there is an
obstruction (probably the pump though).
You need to push your doctor hard to get to the bottom of this and
correct the problem. Pulling down on the pump has nothing to do
squeezing the bulb and inflating the device. All that does is move the
pump down to the bottom of your scrotum to a more comfortable and
accessible position.

Festus Hagen

2010-11-25 04:39:38 UTC

Permalink

I think I would lawyer-up at this point...

I have seen the doctor again. He talked to the AMS rep about my failed
surgery. At this point, I will be responsible for all charges, unless
Medicare will approve having it done over. AMS (at least at this point)
will only give replacement parts if they are proven defective. The AMS
rep strongly disputed there could be any problem with the pump. I hope
AMS becomes more reasonable about this. Even if Medicare agrees to go in
and do it over, I will still be responsible for the $1200 upfront to the
hospital. I will hopefully know more when I see the doctor again in two
weeks.

Post by Festus Hagen
Jerry, this doesn't surprise me at all. As I stated before it seemed
to be a bad pump or obstruction. AMS is a very good company and I
don't think you will any problem with them. It sounds like your doctor
under reacted, then over reacted. When the implant was installed, a
company representative was present for the surgery. He observed the
difficult inflation and it was no doubt discussed while you were
under. I doubt they will have much of an issue. You are NOT the first
to have a defective pump. Also, you better do some more digging around
before the salvage operation is done. A pump CAN be replaced without
removing the rods. It's called a revision. If the pump is the ONLY
problem with your implant, a salvage operation shouldn't be needed. It
sounds like a revision is all that is needed, but there is no way to
tell for sure until you get opened up. I suggest you gather some
information and discuss it thoroughly with your doctor.

I now have more to report. I contacted AMS customer service again on
Monday. I asked about the possibility of a defective pump, and was told
that the odds against that were in the millions to one, and that my
technique is all all wrong when I try to work the pump.
Yesterday, I saw the urologist again, and again he was unable to inflate
the pump. He said that in his opinion, the pump is defective. Then he
told me that when he tried to inflate the implant it was the hardest
pump to work he had ever seen. He managed to give to get it to pump
three times, but did not get the device fully inflated. He apologized to
me, and said that it was a first time experience, he figured it would
loosen up and work.
He said the entire implant, not just the pump would have to be replaced.
He said the biggest obstacle is to get AMS to agree to a replacement. He
will have to convince AMS that the pump is bad, and I might have to
cover the entire cost of the replacement, and the old imp
would have to be returned to AMS for evaluation, and if they find a
defect, they will reimburse me. He is going to try to get AMS to replace
the the implant up front, but it will be an uphill battle. He might have
to get Medicare approval to do the surgery again, and that he could see
what he can do about getting it so I won't have to pay the hospital and
anesthesiologist again.
If all the information you have provided is indeed accurate, then there
is a serious problem. Either the pump is defective or there is an
obstruction (probably the pump though).
You need to push your doctor hard to get to the bottom of this and
correct the problem. Pulling down on the pump has nothing to do
squeezing the bulb and inflating the device. All that does is move the
pump down to the bottom of your scrotum to a more comfortable and
accessible position.

Denise White

2010-11-25 14:58:33 UTC

Permalink

Post by Festus Hagen
I think I would lawyer-up at this point...

I'm thankful this Thanksgiving that my hubby only needed Cialis for
daily use to cure our problems.

--
Denise White

Festus Hagen

2010-11-25 21:01:35 UTC

Permalink

We aren't all so lucky...

Post by Denise White

Post by Festus Hagen
I think I would lawyer-up at this point...

I'm thankful this Thanksgiving that my hubby only needed Cialis for
daily use to cure our problems.
--
Denise White

Denise White

2010-11-27 23:46:14 UTC

Permalink

Post by Festus Hagen
We aren't all so lucky...

That's true. I really feel sorry for the guy in question. I remember
reading that implants work for 90% of those who get them. I hope he's
not one of the 10%. The male penile erection is just as important to
many (most?) women, as the female clitoral erection is to many (most?)
men.

--
Denise White

Jerry W

2010-12-01 20:04:19 UTC

Permalink

I have been seriously about getting an attorney. However, this is not the
thing you want to become public record and the whole community find out you
have an implant. It could be that a couple of letters from an attorney
would shake things up, and I have been seriously considering getting an
attorney. AMS Customer Service has told me they have no more advice on
getting it work, but they did emphasize again that in their opinion, it is
NOT the pump. I have also seriously thinking of getting an appointment at a
different urology clinic to get a second opinion.

The doctor told me he talked with the rep again, and the AMS feeling is
still that there is nothing wrong with the pump. The doctor suggested an
exploratory surgery to see if anything is kinked, but I would still have the
same pump afterward. I told the doctor I have no confidence in the pump,
but he said first things first, and if everything looks good (tubing,
reservoir and prosthesis) then maybe A will reconsider might mean that I
have to have not but two more surgeries to get it fixed.

The surgery at this point has actually made it even more difficult to try to
have sex, and it is just as stressful for my wife as it is for me.

Post by Denise White

Post by Festus Hagen
I think I would lawyer-up at this point...

I'm thankful this Thanksgiving that my hubby only needed Cialis for
daily use to cure our problems.
--
Denise White

Denise White

2010-12-02 19:53:06 UTC

Permalink

Post by Jerry W
The surgery at this point has actually
made it even more difficult to try to have
sex, and it is just as stressful for my
wife as it is for me.

Believe me, we know about stress. Due to his age (57) and his always
lower than mine (and lower than average) libido, my needed twice a day
everyday are over. 3 times a week is all he can take now. "Intercourse"
3 times a week is all he can take now. Fortunately, he (we) are always
in the mood for oral and/or toys.

--
Denise White

Muerta

2010-12-03 16:48:03 UTC

Permalink

Shit, that's more hassle than it should be.

I mean, ultimately I'm sure you'll get resolved, but for the company to flat
out deny any responsibility is ridiculous.

I totally understand that candor is important, but you have a product
liability issue here which has caused pain and suffereing beyond what can
reasonably be expected because of a company's product not performing as it
was represented to work.

I think your Docs suggestion for exploratory surgery to try to determine
what is going on is reasonable, but I would still hold that it raises the
liability bar for the company.

But then again, that's counsel's part.

Post by Jerry W
I have been seriously about getting an attorney. However, this is not the
thing you want to become public record and the whole community find out you
have an implant. It could be that a couple of letters from an attorney
would shake things up, and I have been seriously considering getting an
attorney. AMS Customer Service has told me they have no more advice on
getting it work, but they did emphasize again that in their opinion, it is
NOT the pump. I have also seriously thinking of getting an appointment at
a different urology clinic to get a second opinion.
The doctor told me he talked with the rep again, and the AMS feeling is
still that there is nothing wrong with the pump. The doctor suggested an
exploratory surgery to see if anything is kinked, but I would still have
the same pump afterward. I told the doctor I have no confidence in the
pump, but he said first things first, and if everything looks good
(tubing, reservoir and prosthesis) then maybe A will reconsider might
mean that I have to have not but two more surgeries to get it fixed.
The surgery at this point has actually made it even more difficult to try
to have sex, and it is just as stressful for my wife as it is for me.

Post by Denise White

Post by Festus Hagen
I think I would lawyer-up at this point...

I'm thankful this Thanksgiving that my hubby only needed Cialis for
daily use to cure our problems.
--
Denise White

Festus Hagen

2010-10-29 19:13:55 UTC

Permalink

If the DOC can't pump it up something IS wrong, and it needs to be
addressed accordingly.

I received the instructions, and it was what I already had. I am
squeezing the pump bulb every day, one handed and two. I squeeze intil
it hurts and my scrotum starts to swell. The pump bulb still feels like
a solid ball of rubber.

Post by Muerta

Post by Jerry W
If it is the pump and I get it replaced, I will have to pay out $1200
to the hospital for the second time.

Something very "not right" about that.

j***@gmail.com

2014-04-28 00:21:21 UTC

Permalink

Post by Jerry W
I had the implant four months ago. To date, I still have not been able to
inflate it. The pump bulb feels like a solid piece of rubber. When I have
asked my doctor about it, he says I need to pull the pump down every day. I
have been pulling the pump down every day for four months, and no change.
My wife and I are both anxious to resume our sex life. To try now is worse
than before the implant .
I called another urological clinic and tried to make an appointment, but
they refused to see me, as they didn't want to become responsible for a
surgery another doctor had done.
I have been calling the clinic where I had the surgery done about twice a
week for the past two months, and keep getting a call back telling me to
just keep pulling the pump down, and the pump will free up. The soonest I
could get an appointment there is in mid December. Neither my wife or I
want to wait until December. I suspect I will have to have my scrotum
opened up again to get this fixed. I have a lot of bills for the surgery,
and don't want to amass perhaps the same bills as the first time.
I get along very well with this doctor, and would hate to get into anything
legal with him.
Has anyone out there had a similar problem? If so please post a reply
telling how you got the pump to free up. I am also open to any suggestions
as to what course to take next

j***@gmail.com

2014-04-28 00:22:34 UTC

Permalink

Post by Jerry W
I had the implant four months ago. To date, I still have not been able to
inflate it. The pump bulb feels like a solid piece of rubber. When I have
asked my doctor about it, he says I need to pull the pump down every day. I
have been pulling the pump down every day for four months, and no change.
My wife and I are both anxious to resume our sex life. To try now is worse
than before the implant .
I called another urological clinic and tried to make an appointment, but
they refused to see me, as they didn't want to become responsible for a
surgery another doctor had done.
I have been calling the clinic where I had the surgery done about twice a
week for the past two months, and keep getting a call back telling me to
just keep pulling the pump down, and the pump will free up. The soonest I
could get an appointment there is in mid December. Neither my wife or I
want to wait until December. I suspect I will have to have my scrotum
opened up again to get this fixed. I have a lot of bills for the surgery,
and don't want to amass perhaps the same bills as the first time.
I get along very well with this doctor, and would hate to get into anything
legal with him.
Has anyone out there had a similar problem? If so please post a reply
telling how you got the pump to free up. I am also open to any suggestions
as to what course to take next

l***@gmail.com

2018-07-06 15:28:01 UTC

Permalink

I had a AMS700 installed about 5years ago and one day it would not pump up.It actually (the pump)moved and I had a lump in my groin. Having switched to a Medicare Advantage plan I had to switch back to regular medicare to find an "experienced" doctor to replace the AMS. I found a doctor who does at least 5-10 per month. I believe that this was very fortunate since the failed AMS did a lot of damage. I was under for 5 hours. Another less experienced doctor may have just sewed me up meaning no more sex.
Well its been about 3months and got go ahead to use it. I have a very hard time deflating. Inflating works but also hard work.They had me play with a model in their office which is easy to operate. The support is outstanding either in their office or on the phone,

This doctor only works with Titan Coloplast and not AMS. I hope the deflating gets easier.Some people say you need to pump/deflate every day in the beginning

Alex

Post by Jerry W
I had the implant four months ago. To date, I still have not been able to
inflate it. The pump bulb feels like a solid piece of rubber. When I have
asked my doctor about it, he says I need to pull the pump down every day. I
have been pulling the pump down every day for four months, and no change.
My wife and I are both anxious to resume our sex life. To try now is worse
than before the implant .
I called another urological clinic and tried to make an appointment, but
they refused to see me, as they didn't want to become responsible for a
surgery another doctor had done.
I have been calling the clinic where I had the surgery done about twice a
week for the past two months, and keep getting a call back telling me to
just keep pulling the pump down, and the pump will free up. The soonest I
could get an appointment there is in mid December. Neither my wife or I
want to wait until December. I suspect I will have to have my scrotum
opened up again to get this fixed. I have a lot of bills for the surgery,
and don't want to amass perhaps the same bills as the first time.
I get along very well with this doctor, and would hate to get into anything
legal with him.
Has anyone out there had a similar problem? If so please post a reply
telling how you got the pump to free up. I am also open to any suggestions
as to what course to take next