Young man with broken pump

[C_lab34]

Hello everyone. I used to frequent this forum as a very anxious and depressed young man of 27 or 28. I had struggled with ED all my life, and finally was implanted by Dr. Kramer in Baltimore about five years ago. Though my initial recovery was a bit rocky, and I had to deal with the neurosis of adjusting to a prosthetic device, I was able to move on and really enjoy my life and my implant for about five years. I have not been on the forum because I needed time away from the whole atmosphere of worrying about my penis so much. I had obsessed over it so much and it was such a tremendous relief not to worry about it anymore.

But the inevitable has happened at 34 years of age, far sooner than I would have liked. Recently the pump of my AMS CX has completely collapsed. From what I can tell, the rest of the device seems to be fine. Because of the pump staying flattened, it's not useable.

To complicate matters, at the moment I have no insurance. I am reviewing my options, and may have to go for some lower-cost out of pocket surgery, though I'd probably need to get some help from family/loans? to make that happen. I am trying to stay calm and level headed about all this, but I must admit it has thrown me back into an anxious state of mind, wondering just how I can pull this off in a reasonable time frame.

One thing I am wondering is how long I have living with a broken device before there is some atrophy, scarring, contraction, etc. Right now, without using any pills or other aids, I have enough natural blood flow for pretty decent engorgement of the natural tissues surrounding the implant. I can achieve a semi hard erection that is about the size of my normal full erection, and it is hard enough for me to masturbate, but probably not hard or durable enough for consistent penetration. I am hoping that this will be enough activity and blood flow to at least prevent serious shrinkage until I can get into a position for a replacement.

I am also thinking that a cheaper option might be having only the pump replaced, if in fact that is the only part that's broken. I am in the area of Southern Indiana, so I am interested in more regional options. If anyone knows of doctors, especially in the roughly midwestern area, who still offer reduced price deals for out of pocket payment, I would greatly appreciate that information. I am grateful for any input and relating of similar experiences from others who have undergone revision.

[newbie443]

Have you contacted AMS? Most times when the bulb collapses it can be filled by pushing the deflate button. But if this is not working AMS may have another fix.

[Waynetho]

One thing you can try that may re-prime the pump is to squeeze the ends of the pump block together (the deflate button on between the ends, on one side). Squeeze end-to-end and the bulb should reinflate if the reservoir has fluid in it.