Chamber and committees

Dawn Kennedy submission of 7 July 2021

PE1865/FF - Suspend all surgical mesh and fixation devices

My story – which I have tried to keep short as possible but when you have years of people not understanding or believing, hospital scans, biopsies, retaining fluid, infections etc etc etc it gets quite hard not to become stressed or emotional.

I had mesh tape surgery in 2014 after having a history of water leakage and partial prolapse. I was told I was one of the lucky ones and was put forward for a research study called SIMS. My problems started as soon as I got home. My body was rejecting the mesh. I was in severe pain, my temperature was sky high. I phoned the hospital and told not to worry and that this was normal.

I have since over the years had many more problems. UTI’s, Lichen Simplex, mesh tape erosion into vaginal wall. I have also had post menopausal vaginal bleeding for two years. Getting passed around from doctors appointments, hospital appointments for years thinking I had cancer or Lupus.

I am now thinking about full removal of mesh. Although I am very concerned that I would need a translabial scan so I can gain some insight into any other damage this mesh may have caused me and to see what are my best options for my health.

I would sincerely hope that in writing this, which I find upsetting and stressful. Mainly because over the years it has caused stress, embarrassment, activities I would like to do but can’t etc and not being believed. That some good will come out of this and hope that by adding my story will help get this petition the help it needs, so that we as NHS patients can start living a little.