Chamber and committees

Anonymous submission of 26 July 2021

PE1865/DDD - Suspend all surgical mesh and fixation devices

As one of the many mesh injured patients in the UK, I wish to outline the gravity of the damage done to me personally by this appalling device.

In 2013, I had a grade 1 cervical prolapse and mild stress incontinence, requiring me to wear only a panty-liner for exercise. I was told that they could sort out the prolapse with the mesh but also stop the incontinence too while they were in there.

I asked about the risks, and was told that apart from the usual anaesthetic risks, the other risks were:

1. Double voiding that would probably settle down within a few weeks - which it did.
2. Scar tissue that could be dealt with by using dilators once healed to stretch the tissue
3. Possible infection, but that they would administer antibiotics at the time of surgery to mitigate this. Thankfully, I had no infection.

Had the risks of the horrors that so many of us have experienced been raised, there is zero chance that I would have signed the consent form.

Immediately after surgery in September 2013, and ever since, it has been impossible to insert anything into my vagina without excruciating pain. I have been referred for countless appointments, including several hospital consultations, gynae-physio and a pain clinic, and more recently for a rigid cystoscopy and MRI scan. (Awaiting results of the latter)

My after care has been mixed. My GP and the physiotherapist have been very compassionate, as was my surgeon in Aberdeen initially. The two surgeons I met on separate occasions upon referral to Glasgow for 'second opinions in the current climate' (as per my notes), at my own expense, showed no compassion and I would describe one of them as brutal with her examination. 

Since having the mesh implanted, intercourse has been impossible, and my marriage has now ended. Pain in my vagina is increasing with a constant feeling of something sharp in there. I have increasing hot, tight, pulling pain radiating down my thighs and into my groin and lower abdomen meaning that walking any distance is becoming harder all the time. Sometimes the pain wakes me up. I have clinical depression that is affecting my daily life and relationships significantly and mounting fear and anxiety as these pains increase, reminding me of the time bomb inside me, as well as the fear of the risks that go with the very complex removal surgery. This device is consuming my life, as well as that of many thousands of other women.

At my recent appointment with my implanting surgeon for my cystoscopy, he seemed quite defensive when I asked questions and told me that I get the acute pain on insertion 'because I expect to feel pain'! I have told him I do not blame him for this awful situation, but rather the manufacturer, believing that surgeons used it in good faith. At that time, I was promised a follow-up call within a month, which finally happened three months later after I had made two calls to his secretary then sent a strong letter requesting the promised call to discuss these worsening symptoms. On this occasion, the surgeon was extremely compassionate and helpful.

This petition, and its outcome, is essential to prevent other women's lives being ruined by mesh and that it needs involvement at the highest level, as it seems that ranks close within the medical profession in situations like these. Many of us are made to feel that 'it's all in our head' or that our other symptoms have 'nothing to do with mesh'.

I am frankly furious with such reactions. I am an intelligent person who has always respected and revered the medical profession. I was also very fit, active, enthusiastic and vibrant and I mourn for that person I used to be. You cannot put a price on that loss and it makes the defensiveness and / or denial by surgeons all the more galling and unacceptable.

I hope this helps to add weight to any decisions you make in banning such practices forever.