Chamber and committees

Isobel Mclafferty submission of 25 June 2021

PE1865/M - Suspend all surgical mesh and fixation devices

Please accept this submission to support the suspension of all surgical mesh and fixation devices.

My journey began after giving birth. At my six week check-up, it was confirmed that I had symptoms of prolapse and I was referred to Gynaecologist who confirmed that I had a stage two rectocele. I underwent physiotherapy which sadly did not help. I was told that a simple surgery could be completed which would support the prolapse but may have to be repeated after 10 years. Absolutely no other complications were mentioned.

I underwent the procedure. At that point, I also had an ablation and was sterilised. Post-operative pain wore off but I was still experiencing heavy bleeding. I also noticed that 'wire' had started to protrude into my vagina causing pain and discomfort. Was told that this was common and it was removed under full anaesthetic. Pain continued with muscle cramps/toothache sensation around my abdomen. Told I required a hysterectomy. That was scheduled and took place one year after the mesh was inserted. It did not sort the pain that I was experiencing daily and only exacerbated the problems with my bowels (original issue). Another mesh protrusion into the vagina was performed under full anaesthetic.

Was referred to a bowel surgeon who told me `what did I expect after having children` and if it was that bad he could remove my bowel. This was an all-time low. I then spent the next two years self-medicating so that I could continue to function. A family member made me return to my GP for another referral. I was not coping with the pain and it was having an impact on my ability to do my job. I then saw a different Gynaecologist who confirmed that my mesh was causing issues and referred me to the Glasgow clinic.

After a long wait I was seen and told that my mesh needed to be removed. Another 6 month wait for surgery which sadly was not successful, as they could not remove the mesh. I waited 7 months for my post-operative check-up. Returned to my Gynaecologist who then confirmed I had a bladder prolapse and vaginal vault prolapse with ongoing issues with bowel. He attempted to add support to my bladder using my own tissue which has helped.

I have now been discharged from all consultants and am solely under my GP. The ongoing pain became so significant that I was medically retired from my job as Faculty Head in Education August 2020 age 51 after nearly 30 years in a profession that I loved. I was absolutely devastated to have to do that.

My care as a rectopexy patient has been disgraceful. All information that I now have is only from personal research. My original Gynaecologist never at any point discussed side effects of the mesh which have been life altering.

I do not feel supported or listened to. I have been dismissed and now left to live my life with multiple prolapse and pain from mesh. I have been unable to see a consultant who is able to help me or who is skilled enough to be able to remove the mesh. I don't know what remains inside me but am aware of the pain it causes every day. I have written to three different health secretaries over the years but no one has supported me in my desperation to find an appropriate pathway. False promises with no progress to the quality and standard of care.

I eat a strict healthy diet to ensure that I'm in control as much as possible. Despite this I still need to use catheterisation to fully empty my bladder and irrigation to fully empty my bowel. I require the use of a stick to walk and my mobility is much poorer. I am unable to lead the full life that I once could.

This has been a 12-year journey. My life has been altered beyond recognition. The financial, mental and physical impact has been massive and no one seems to care. I deserve better than this as do my family. This submission is vital to the petition because I don't want any other woman or man to experience what I have experienced.