Chamber and committees

Anonymous submission of 7 July 2021

PE1865/II - Suspend all surgical mesh and fixation devices

In 2013 my life changed forever when at the age of 49 I had vaginal mesh and a mini sling inserted to fix a pelvic organ prolapse.

It became apparent very quickly that problems were emerging. 6 weeks after the second mesh was inserted I asked if it could be removed as it was ineffective. At this point for the first time I was told by my surgeon, NO that wasn’t possible.

It then became obvious that I had not been fully informed of the risks involved. I had a steady flow of appointments as my symptoms became worse. All of the time the surgeon continually told me he “was gutted as I was the only one who had problems” and that “it wasn’t the mesh” causing my problems. I was being made to believe it was all in my head.

I then asked for a second opinion and was referred to a consultant in Glasgow who confirmed my problems were mesh related. However, I was told that due to the nature and placement of the mesh it could not be removed as it would be too risky.

As a result I now live in chronic pain, have developed additional auto immune diseases and my mobility is affected.

Whilst the consultants all seem to have different opinions, we all know it is wrong to continue offering this life changing surgery. There is very little support locally and GPs have very little understanding.

I feel the need to support the above as this cannot be allowed to happen to other women.

The first petition by Elaine and Olive has successfully raised awareness across the world, however it seems the government have not followed through on recommendations suggested to them by various bodies involved.

I plead with you to give serious consideration to this petition, keep Scotland at the forefront of the decisions that impact on women across the world and put an end to the catastrophe that has emerged.

Being mesh injured has impacted on every area of my life. Please do not allow this to happen to any other woman in Scotland.