Chamber and committees

Jacqueline Mitchell submission of 26 July 2021

PE1865/YY - Suspend all surgical mesh and fixation devices

I would like to support this petition as I myself am a victim of this mesh scandal.

In 2011 my life was turned upside down following an insertion of a vaginal mesh implant for stress incontinence.  If I had known then what I know now, I would never have gone ahead with this procedure. I would have rather lived with the stress incontinence than the debilitating effects of this Mesh.

I was ill informed about what was being placed inside me, told it was a simple operation, “just a little sling, like a hammock to support the bladder”! At no point was I ever told this was in fact Mesh.

Since having this mesh placed inside my body I have suffered years of worsening urine symptoms, urge incontinence which has now become totally uncontrollable, daily pain in my pelvic area, recurrent UTIs, pain and weakening of legs, vaginal burning and lower back pain.  My mobility has reduced over the years and I am no longer able to enjoy the exercise I used to do which not only helped keep me fit and healthy, it promoted my optimal mental health, which is also now affected.

This has also had huge impact in my family and also on my social life.  I wake up in pain daily.  

I beg you, please push to ban these products.  Please do not put our future generations through this torture.  My life has been ruined since having this mesh implanted. Please do not ruin any others lives, particularly as we now have the evidence to support the devastating negative effects it has in people’s lives.  Why would you even consider this with the evidence that is now clear to see? 

Since this journey began I have been passed from pillar to post with not one bit of support or recognition of the complications of mesh, until now! Thank goodness for the people who have fought hard for victims of mesh implants.  We are not crazy, we are not imagining these symptoms, they are real!!  

Unfortunately, the government have previously not followed through with recommendations suggested by the various bodies involved in the mesh scandal.  Please listen to us! We need to push more for change.  We must not allow this to happen to one other person, please do not allow any more lives to be ruined.