FDA Warns About Complications of Surgical Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Stress Urinary Incontinence

Published: October 22nd, 2008 • Comments: 70

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The FDA issued a public health notification yesterday to warn about a number of serious problems that have been associated with transvaginal placement of surgical mesh that is used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

According to reports received by the FDA from nine different manufacturers, over 1,000 people have suffered severe complications from the surgical mesh, including reports of infection, pain, urinary problems and bowel, bladder or blood-vessel perforations. Women have also reported recurrences of the prolapse or incontinence, and the need for additional surgeries to remove mesh that had eroded into the vagina.

A pelvic organ prolapse occurs when organs such as the bladder, uterus, bowel or rectum drop and push against the wall of the vagina. This happens when the muscles holding the pelvic organ in place become weak or stretched, often due to childbirth or surgery. The surgical mesh is used to support the muscle.

Female stress urinary incontinence is a condition where urine is involuntarily released during moments of physical stress due to weakened of the muscles that support the bladder and urethra. In repair procedures, the surgical mesh is designed to act like a hammock to reinforce the muscle.

The FDA recommended that physicians obtain specialized training for various placement techniques and that they closely monitor patients for problems with the surgical mesh. They have also indicated that patients should be informed of the surgical mesh risks, so that they understand that complications could seriously impact their quality of life.

No specific groups of patients were identified as being at an increased risk of thee surgical mesh complications. In addition, the notification does not single out any particular manufacturers or types of mesh.

In 2006, a type of surgical mesh used for stress urinary incontinence, known as the ObTape Vaginal Sling, was removed from the market by Mentor Corporation just three years after it was introduced when a large number of women experienced severe problems.

The Mentor ObTape surgical mesh differed from most other mesh devices, since it contained a “non-woven” design. This blocked oxygen and nutrients, substantially increasing the risk of surgical mesh problems, and some estimates suggested that the complication rate could be as high as 17% to 18%.

There are currently 22 ObTape surgical mesh lawsuits pending throughout the United States, which have been filed by women who suffered severe infections, extrusions and urinary tract erosions.

There Are 70 Comments So Far • (Add Your Comments)

Comment by melissa on 23 October 2008:

yes… i just had removal of mesh due to bladder sling gone bad. this has been the worst 7 months of my life. i am in physical therapy for my bladder and pelvic floor muscles. i would not recommend these surgeries to anyone!
Comment by valerie on 27 October 2008:

I had vaginal repair using mesh 3 yrs. ago & have had constant vaginal pain since then which has not been diagnosed till this report came to my attention
Comment by Lesa on 7 December 2008:

I had rectocele and cystocele repair on Oct. 7th of ‘08…then had the repair , repaired 29 days later on the 27th. it is now the first week of December and I am still uncomfortable sitting upright and pieces of what look to be sututres are coming from my vagina. A little clump came out this morning and one stitch about a week ago. My husband has been checking out the AREA using a flashlight and now sees more sutures than he saw this morning. I freaked and cried…will call Dr. tomorrow since today is a Sunday….but this doesn’t seem natural…altho I am not bleeding…
Comment by Judy on 19 December 2008:

I had this surgery on September 2, 2008, and things were going along beautifully and was giving a clean bill of health. Doctor said I could resume normal sexual activity. Well the first time, my boyfriend and I tried it was like trying to put 10 pounds of potatoes in a 5 lb bag and the pain was awful. I called the doctor and they said that it happens and to keep trying. We did and it was not any better. I went back to the doctor on October 24th and he said Oh NO. He said my bladder was prolasping again, he had to cut out some of the mesh that we were feeling and he said I was his first failure. He said he wanted to keep an eye on it so I went back on November 24th and it had gotten a little worse. I returned today and he said it was still failing but was still attached and to keep using the Premarin Cream as it looked better this time. I have to return on January 22nd. After I started back to work at both my jobs, I noticed a terrible pain in my hip which I never had before the surgery. It had gradually gotten worse and it almost drops me to the floor when the stabbing pain hits. I asked him about it and he said it could have been from the fact that I was in surgery for 6 1/2 hours total as he had to remove scar tissue from my hysterectomy I had in 1990. This is the worst pain I remember by far in my life. Childbirth was not this bad. I am seeing an orthopedic doctor on Dec 23rd to see if he can figure out what is going on. Was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this complication? This has ruined my quality of life as I am a very active person.
Comment by Mommy2Boys on 7 January 2009:

At 32 years old, I had a total hysterectomy (for utuers prolapse) w/ AP Repairs (for rectocele & cytocele), TVT & bladder sling in Feb 08. Since then, I’ve had several bladder infections, painful sex, sometimes unable to have sex due to the pain, and the past month or so I’ve felt the old prolapses back. Also, I’ve had weird stabbing pains in my hipbone/pelvic area. They don’t last long and but they hurt and they are getting more frequent.

Until today, I had no idea that these recalls/warnings had been put out. I am now terrified that this is what is causing my problems…will be calling my doc tomorrow. Does anybody have these symptoms and know for sure that it is due to this mesh???
Comment by Ruth on 8 January 2009:

I had a Gynecare Prolift implant for prolapsed bladder performed in April of 2008. Following this surgery I was unable to void, so I was on catheter for 2 weeks. I began getting Urinary Tract Infections and have subsequently had 9 UTI’s. I was put on self cath for many months. I started taking xanax for anxiety as I am extremely active and have never suffered this type of problem. I went to a urologist who performed a surgery and I am now off the self cath, but I am up 4 to 6 times per night to void and continue to get UTI’s. The urologist told me I need a surgery to release the sling which may be too tight, and that this may cause incontinence. Then I would need a further surgery. This sling has caused me untold grief, and I would have lived comfortably with my prolapsed bladder if I had been told of the side effects.
Comment by elizabeth on 8 January 2009:

I had an Op for Posterior Prolaps Feb 2008, also Mesh for Vaginal Vault.
(To cut a long story short) I had a fall in June and have been in terrible pain and disscomfort since, surgeon was addament nothing would have moved,!! Eventually in August she agreed to loosen tape, another surgeon told me to be fair to me it was too tight !! It has given me no reliel anyway and after goung backwards and forwards for months to the hospital I still cannot SIT comfortably, and am in pain and disscomfort all the time. I’m still trying to get help, not giving up. I want my life back as I have had none for SEVEN months. Be very careful with this procedure , it speaks for itself !! If I could have my Prolaps back tomorrow i would. I,m 69 years and I too was very active, it is heartbreaking.
Comment by sha sha on 17 January 2009:

I just ran across this blog and with a shock realized that I was reading my mother’s blog. All my life she has been the picture of health and vitality and to see this totally unnecessary problem arise from this surgery is heartbreaking. To all family members who care about their mothers, please read this and take note. Sometimes we don’t do enough or care enough until it is too late. If I had really understood the severity of my mom’s problem, I would have reacted much sooner to become educated on this and what I can do to help. I would have been much more supportive. It’s critical that we help as much as we can by taking an active role in managing our parent’s healthcare.
Comment by Cristine on 28 January 2009:

I had the surgery 21 days ago,and after experiencing cramping,discharge and pain in my lower back and hip,I was able to get in to see a soctor.(Mine was on vacation) I was told the mesh had eroded thru the wall of my vagina.Doctor suggested I use the estrogen cream for a few weeks before we talk about surgery.But my thought is obviously my body is rejecting the material, so I would just as soon have it removed.I am just totally disgusted and freaked out about the whole thing!
Comment by jackie on 9 February 2009:

women, get a good attorney right now!! I am crippled now and the metal in the mesh has given me lupus!! I have been to the ER’s at least monthly since the awful thing was put in May 2007. the worst part, my doctor at loma linda just let the damage keep going and going and only removing the last half of that sling 5 months ago.
DO NOT let your doctor take this lightly….my life is destroyed and live on pain killers plus with the lupus now I am fighting for my life. I never imagined the destruction something like this could do to your body. Listen to your body and if you feel something isn’t right, find a doctor who will take care of you. God Speed to you in pain.
Comment by ksc on 17 February 2009:

Someone please tell me what to do.I had a sling put in in August 2007.I’m so scared thinking about what is going on with this thing inside me.I had a miniarc sling.I’ve called two lawyers …both said they are involved in different sling lawsuits.
With this warning from the FDA I want some help.My urologist has never seen me since this was placed.
I don’t know where to turn.
Comment by Dianne on 24 February 2009:

I had a rectocele surgery 2 years ago –after the first one I thought i had strained and did some damage while having constipation issues –went to the dr and had another surgery to repair the mess that I had –went to get the stitches out and found out that i have what feels like a mest wire that has been cut with sharp edges inside my vagina –I am sick about this mess –has anyone else out ther experienced this ??
Comment by Shirley E. on 5 March 2009:

In response to Judy from December 19, 2008, I had this surgery about 5 years ago. The hip pain I had from the time I woke up after 5 hrs on the surgery table. They said it was my sciatia from laying on my back so long on a hard table in an awkward position. That pain was so terrible I could hardly move. It lasted day and night for about 6 weeks. and every once in awhile returns but not like that bout. Stiff upper lip, you will make it through.
Comment by Lisa on 19 March 2009:

I had an Apogee and a Perigee graft placed in July of 2006 for bladder prolapse , rectocele and entrocele repair. I have had to have 5 surgeries since to remove as much of the mesh that my doctor can I also had to have a hysterectomy due to the mesh problems now my Dr. thinks the mesh is erroding through my rectum. I have had chronic pain, painful intercourse not only for me but also for my husband the mesh cut him during intercourse, painful bowel movements pain in my buttocks at the site where they pull the arms of the graft, and also pain in my hips. I am on pain killers that are no longer helping that much had to go see a colon- rectal specialist had an MRI and have to have a colonostomy all due to this mesh I will NEVER have any other mesh put in my body or wish this on even my worst enemy. I have not been able to find an attorney to help me I have called several but they say there is no class action suit and the manufactors of these products are hard to get anything from because they are so protected and they all want to go after the DR. my new doctor say that the Dr. may be at 10% fault but probably 90% the mesh company.
Comment by lisa on 19 March 2009:

I meant I had to have a colonoscopy and the colon rectal surgeon said that the only treatment if the mesh erodes through the bowel is a colonostomy. Sorry I made a mistake in the last posting.
Comment by Sharon on 29 March 2009:

I had obturator transvaginal tape procedure in 05. I started having pain in 07 and it escalated, also bladder infections. Had a cystoscopy by urologoist who said the tape had not pentrated my bladder and was very defensive about the TVT procedure and did not give me any explanation for my symptoms. I am going to another doctor.
Bottom Line: I was pressured into this procedure by my gynologist when I had to have a hysterectomy and I regret ever having this done and am very angry and upset.
Comment by ksc on 3 April 2009:

Is it possible that we can unite?I don’t know where to turn for answers?If the FDA comes out with a warning like this,it is obvious we have something to worry about.I worry every day about LONG TERM.I’m in my fiftys,what about when I’m seventy?This material will be old.Will it fall apart?Will it get moldy?Will it cause infection?
Can anyone help? I had a miniarc sling placed in 2007.The dr. told me they were very safe.He stated they didn’t have any problems with slings at all.
I
Comment by Maria on 7 April 2009:

I had the Bard/transvaginal mesh surgery for bladder prolapse in July 07,six monthslater started having pain in my pelvis,sex became painful,I tried toignore thepain as I have 3 kids under 6 and an autistic son, as time went on the ,esh worked its way down in pieces,in Feb of 09 when my husband could feel thehard mesh he forced me to goto my ob,found out the mesh had eroded,was in pices adhered to different organs,emergency surgery 2 days later,5 day hospital stay,went home with a cath bag for a week,bagis out and I’m voiding allll the time,this defective mesh has ruined thelastyearof my life,I have not been able to go back to work,have not had sex in manymany many months and my husband isvery agitated although he knows its not my fault,it has caused marital strife.my ability to be a patient kind mother has deteriorated tothe point family members have been helping out daily with my kids,my nerves are that shot.I have contacted a lawyer and the company directly who made the mesh,been told theyare settling out of court,not sur ewhat road I’ll tak ebut I amdetermined to be compensated,not enough trials were done or theywould have seen the mesh erodes,anyone who has this problem needs to be compensated,call a lawyer,or find out from your Dr. the comapny who madethemesh andn the specific mesh used and contact them and see if they are willing to settle out,there IS a class action suit as we speak but it could drag on for years and I want compensated NOW!I’ll let everyone know my out come,please dont passive,it’s your body you trusted professionalsl to repair,if you’vehad the mesh erosion,you qualify for compensation……………
Comment by Jennifer on 9 April 2009:

I actually have a question and for some advice.I saw a urologist for the 1st time yesterday,and he advised after examaning me to get this surgery done,due to my bladder being dropped,and causing me problems,leaking when sneezing and various othe things.He said in someone my age(34) I would be crazy not to do this surgery.He does not advise using the mesh,only the sling,unless the sling did not hold,he said he usually does not put the mesh in if you are younger.
Comment by lou on 28 April 2009:

I work for a urology group…I know that we rarely use mesh for
the sling procedure. I also know that there are manufacturers out there
who have done lots of clinical studies to ensure the safety of their product. I think it is a safe procedure, but I would make sure the doctor
doing it has done enough that you would feel comfortable about it…..
If you are having problems I would go to a doctor..if the one who performed your procedure won’t see you then go somewhere else
There is always a good doc around to help you…don’t give up if you are in pain..go out of state if you have to just get some help and some advice
Comment by Lana on 10 May 2009:

Jennifer,

It is better to be incontinent than to suffer life-long complications and pain from the implantation of sythetic surgical mesh.

If a doctor is going to implant a “sling” in you, what is it made of?

Most slings nowadays are synthetic….be sure to ask the question…

blessings, Lana
Comment by Lana Keeton on 10 May 2009:

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DR. G. WILLY DAVILA, CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPT OF GYNECOLOGY, HEAD OF UROGYNECOLOGY & RECONSTRUCTIVE PELVIC SURGERY
CLEVELAND CLINIC WESTON, WESTON, FL

DR. RICHARD MILLER, PROFESSOR OF SURGERY,
MEDICAL DIRECTOR, TRAUMA INTENSIVE CARE UNIT,
DIV OF TRAUMA AND SURGICAL CRITICAL CARE
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Comment by rosemary on 11 May 2009:

I had surgery on 11/10/06. I had an A&P repair with the Gynecare Prolift Mesh. I had terrible pain in my left hip and leg upon awakening in the recovery room. I stayed all night in the center, and had awful pain all night. I was told it was probably my back from the position I was in during surgery. The pain lasted for 15 months. I had multiple procedures for mesh erosion, Epidural Steroid Injections for back and hip pain that did not help because it was not my back causing the problem. I experienced terrible pain with intercourse every time we tried. I was told to wait a few weeks and try again, but the pain was too severe. I eventually had to have part of the mesh removed. I still was no better for a few months. I now have some pain in my hip, but things are some better. I put my trust in my Doctor and a product that he believed in and it ruined my life. PLEASE TELL ALL THE WOMEN YOU KNOW THAT IT IS NOT WORTH IT. MY RECORDS ARE NOW AT A ATTORNEYS OFFICE.
Comment by Rhonda on 12 May 2009:

I had the TVT sling surgery in July 07. I am 35 years old. My gynecologist told me how great it was….and acted like it was an easy fix….and no big deal. Oh how I wish I would have done more research on my own! I started having pain about 6 months after the surgery…a pinching feeling when sitting and walking….and sex was very painful.
In July 08 I had my first revision….by this time, the mesh was nearly coming through my vaginal wall….my dr trimmed a piece of the mesh on the right side of the sling. I got through this…..maybe feeling a little better at first. Within a few months, the pinching pain was back. Sitting comfortably was not possible. Sex-painful again. I have had sooo many UTI’s since having the initial surgery. This Feb. (2009), I had my 2nd revision. This time I saw a urologist, not my gynecologist like with the first two surgeries. She removed all the mesh she could from the right side (which has always been my problem area). She said the band was so tight that she understood why I was in pain. After this surgery…I was a new woman! I felt better than I had felt in almost 2 yrs. I felt like I had lost my life before…and now I had it ALL back. I’m talking answered prayers from this nightmare. Don’t know how many nights I cried over all of this. Unfortunately, about a week and a half ago, I started experiencing pain on the right side and frequent urination. I went to see my urologist today. The sling seems to be in place, but she thinks I have inflammation of my pelvic bone (and I had another UTI). Sitting is painful and when I bend over….I feel the pinching and pulling in my vaginal area. I go tomorrow for pelvic xrays and possibly a bone scan. Has anyone else had this problem? It’s like people can’t really understand how this has affected our lives…….I just want my life back…..I don’t care if I pee on myself!!!! Just give me my life back!
Comment by Karen on 14 May 2009:

I had a partial hysterectomy back in 1998 also a bladder repair the
surgeon used some kind of mesh back then. Everything was fine I
had no problems. Then in 2006, I had to have a rectal repair and also
a vaginal repair. I also had a benign cyst on my left ovary that was
then removed. The second surgery was done by a different Dr. He
had to do another bikini cut like I had the first time. There was alot of
bleeding and he said he had a hard time with all of the mesh that was
put there from the first surgery.
I have had nothing but pain alot of pain. Intercourse with my husband is unbearable. I had been using the premarin vaginal cream, but it does nothing. I just have not been myself since this surgery, also a bloated abdomen, It is like he stitched my abdomen up so tight. Also, my vagina was stitched up very tight. I kept going back and back to this Dr. He informed me every time he does not know why months after I was still feeling that way. He thought it was all in my head, so frustrating. I did not go back to him. Since then my new family Dr. cannot figure out why it is so painful. My lower abdomen is painful also. I’m a mess and I just need some answers, I feel like I’m falling apart mentally and physically. I’m only 48 yrs old and did enjoy an active sex life with my husband. Now we very rarely have intercourse, too painful. Is there anything that can be done. My rectal repair is falling apart and my bladder repair needs a lift again. Sorry if I’m going all over the place with this but I was just searching through the info and I think I finally found my answer. Maybe the mesh.
Comment by Kimberly on 14 May 2009:

I had a total hysterectomy in May of 2006. I also had surgery for pelvic organ prolaspe using the surgical mesh. My incontinence has not improved and I have pain during intercourse. I was not advised of the FDA alert until last week. I had not been back to my doctor because I thought it was just me and there was nothing to do to fix my problems. I went for a three year check up (doctor recmmended a three year wait for pap test) and complained that I still had urinary problems and pain with sex. The doctor who performed my operation had moved out of state and I saw a new doctor. He told me that the pain was due to the fact that I wasn’t taking hormones and if used hormones that would help. It didn’t. I have a schedule appointment next month to review my “urine diary” to see what can be done. The letter from my doctor’s office with the FDA alert was not sent to me until after I went in for my check up and had complaints about the same problems that were discussed in the FDA alert.
Comment by Sally on 15 May 2009:

I had surgery in Ocotber 2008 to repair a grade 3 bladder prolapse and prolapse of the lower bowel. I have had rectal, pelvic and lower back pain since the surgery. I am having a colonoscopy on Tuesday to find out if the issue is my colon or if the sling is causing the problem. Readiing all of the emails with similar complaints really frightens me. My prolapse was really bad but the pain now is even worse. I hope that this can be corrected without complications. I can literally feel two hard nubs that feel like platic at the back of my vagina. This cannot be normal and scares me.
Comment by Sue on 19 May 2009:

In Nov. 08 I had a full hysterectomy due to bladder prolapse and the mesh. I have had 2 surgeries since to correct and remove alot of the
mesh but my bladder is falling out again! I still have pain in sitting, sex of course and the more active I am the more my bladder hangs. My doctor told me about a devise I can insert for activities, has anyone tried it? I also am looking at these lawsuits against the Mentor Corp. or whoever; this needs to stop or be corrected. I’ll never be the same again. I still see my doctor every couple of weeks; keep going till they fix you.
Comment by Marion on 24 May 2009:

I had surgery on May 9, 2008 for uterine prolapse. What a mistake!!!! I had no incontinence befoere the surgery. It was just my bladder coming out of my vagina. I was referred to a gynacologist which recommended surgery. My mom and sister had it done over 40 some years ago and never had a problem after thar. My gynacologist did the surgery after taking lessons from a docter in Las Vegas. He used a prolift mesh which he said was a new procedure. I had the surgery May 9th, 2008. The hospital neglected to do an ultrasound which was recommended by the doctor after the surgery. It was not done! I was in such pain during the nights following the surgery I actually asked the nurse to give me something to let me die. They said they could not do that. They gave me morphine and also a morphine pump to help with the pain. I was trying to vomit all night with nothing to come up. They gave me something to help the vomiting but still nothing helped. My stomach hurt so bad from the dry heaves, I could hardly move. When the doctor came in, which was Mothers Day 2008, a nurse was with him to check how I was feeling. I told him my suffering and wanted to die. He asked if I had had an ultrasound. I told him I had not had one. No catheter was put in after the surgery. He and the nurse inserted a catheter and their comment was “no wonder you were in such pain, your badder was full and over flowing”. They catherized me. I filled the bag and it over flowed. They drained 700 to 800 cc. I told the doctor I couldn’t go home as I was in such pain. He recommended I stayed an extra day and was released May 12 around 6:30 P.M. From that time, I have had NO control of my bladder. I have had pain in my left hip/leg, back pain and severe stomach aching. I went for therapy for my incontinence and back/leg pain with 2 sessions a week for 10 weeks. Nothing has helped. I have had bloating which feels like I am going to burst. I have had 2 CT-Scans, sent to a urologist specialist, and finally to a female specialist 100 miles away in Orange County. I was “home bound” because I could not control my bladder. I was put on antibiotics for UTI’s one after another. My female specialist has done many many procedures, removed mesh several times. She finally injected collegan for my incontinence on March 10th, 2009.. That has helped the incontinence but not the bloating, leg, back pain and the severe pressure on my stomach. The past year has been a night mare. I just had a series of blood tests, am going for a series of ultra-sounds and a heart doctor for more tests. I get light headed and feel like my heart is skipping. I think the stress is getting to me. I felt like I was a healthy 80 year young person before this surgery and now feel like I am a 180 year OLD person. If any person has had all these problems, please let me know. If anyone has any ideas what else can be done, please let me know. I am at a loss. My female specialisrt in Orange County said when the collegen wears off, she will put me in the hospital and do some type of mesh procedure.
Comment by Marion on 1 July 2009:

This is Marion again ( see the above). It is now July 1st and am still just as miserable. The bloating is getting worse, my back is killing me, I still have leg pain. The collegen helped at first but my incontinece is coming back. I wear pads day and night. Oh how I wish I could turn back the clock. I would rather have the prolapse than what I have gone thru since May 9th, 2008. By evening, my stomach feels like it is going to burst, my back feels like it is going to break, and I have pain in my left kidney area. My female doctor has removed peices of mesh and I am now having her save the peices of mesh she has removed. I am waiting for the results from my primary doctor to see what is going on. Please, please tell others of the problems that can result from this surgery. I have gained weight due to not being able to be active like I was before the surgery. Reading over the other comments, it all sounds so familiar! I have been contacted by attorneys but am waiting for the results of all the test that I have had in the last 2 months. I will then decide what steps I should take.
Comment by laura s. on 11 August 2009:

I am another victim of the surgical mesh. I suffered for almost a year before I had the straps of the mesh patch surgically released. The surgeon that did the original surgery told me twice that the mesh was not the problem, which delayed my diagnosis by many months filled with pain, embaressment, and depression. I am asking anyone who has experienced this horrible result from the mesh to please, please, report this to the FDA and don’t give up on finding a urologist or specialist surgeon to help you with your condition. Don’t let the pharmacuetical companies ruin your life by giving up on this fight to bring an awareness of their dangerous products into the publlic eye. Also, don’t be too trusting of some of the misleading surgeons that don’t explain the complete side effects of the unnatural substances that they are putting in your body for their own profit. Be a voice for yourself as well as our future generation!
Comment by Susan H on 15 August 2009:

I had anteroir/posterior lift in May 2007, several months after I had several heavy periods and then stopped having them. I also starteded feeling stuff that was sticking me, and sometimes very painful intercourse. I went back Dec 2008 for heavy bleeding, and had a DC, and a sling revision,I was not told by my physican that there were these complications with the Prolift Sling. Feb 09, I had a ruptured ovary on my left side, with a cyst on the lright ovary, this resulted in a total abdominal hysterectomy. For nine weeks I kept telling my OB that I felt something sticking me, sex was painful, my lower abdomin hurt, and up in the left side at my kidneys. I was put on Premarin Cream 1Mg every night for two weeks, at my follow up visit I informed him that it felt as if something was comming out, I was told my vagina was swollen and irritated from the cream, and to cut back. Every office visit I have told him about the pain, my husband penis was actually cut from the mesh, I informed my OB, who told me he did no’t see any more mesh protruding, but my husband looked with a flashlight and found a piece sticking out that looked like a candle wick, why my doctor could not see this I do not know. It has caused a lot of misery in my life, and has affected my mental state. As I sit and write this I still feel as if something is sticking me. I want this fixed and to be my self again, sex is getting non-exsitence due to the factt, my husband, and I can feel the rough edges of this. I want compenstated for this pain and misery. This has caused a great distress in my life
Comment by Vendla on 16 August 2009:

I’ve now had 3 surgeries related to Apogee & Parigee systems. I’m appalled when I read everything on this site! It is like all of us were in the same place with this. Not a fun way to try and have a problem addressed and have it fail due to a product! The last surgery was a abdominal, not vaginal thanks to all the problems created by this.
Comment by D'Anna on 16 August 2009:

I had bladder and rectal repair due to the tissue being thin in both areas. I had some incontinence and was told by my doctor that the surgery would not be a walk in the park. What she didn’t tell me was it would be a long walk through hell!
The gynecare was used placed in my body on Oct 22,2008. I wnt home with a catherater and one week later the cath was removed. I could not urinate on my own. For 3 months I self cathed and had repeated infections. On January 15,2009 the same doctor went back in and cut the mesh away from my urethra so that I could urinate on my own.
On May 28, 2009 I had my vagina pulled back up because it had “fallen”. This surgery was done by one of the best in Ohio. I am now experiancing buring, vaginal yeast infections and lower stomach cramping. Sex is very painful and I am trying to continue to keep my job.
If you have a doctor that is telling you to have thias surgery, do your reseach and have a secondary game plan.
I am 50 years old and wish I could turn back time to Sept 2008 when I thought it would help me to have this reapir surgery.
Comment by Susan H on 18 August 2009:

It is Susan from above. I have been wondering, if anybody had been diagnoised with fibromyalgia before this surgery , or any type of arthriitis. Since having this mesh placed, I believe that it has worsened by symptoms of these disease. I ache and hurt all over, and it seems that my bones and muscles hurt much worse, and the pain seems to be progressing.
Comment by Yvonne on 22 August 2009:

On November 5th 2008, I had the Monarc and Perigee slings placed without complications. For two weeks I could barely walk due to bilateral hip and groin pain, but otherwise things seemed to run the usual course. The one problematic thing I did notice was a constant greenish vaginal discharge that never went away even after my two month check-up. I saw the Urologist at two weeks post -op and he said he did not want to see me back for four months. I was subsequently laid off and lost my insurance. During that time, my husband and I remained abstinent due to the severe discharge and the fact I felt the anterior mesh. I continued the cream daily as the Urologist had instructed, but by the end of May 2009 when this did not close and pieces were hanging out of the opening ass well as the hip pain and buttock pain continuing and increasing, I went back to the Urologist paid him cash and said FIX this! I then had the excision of the eroded and extruded mesh and take down of the necrotic tissue around the area of the opening where the mesh was eroding out from. Then at 5 by six weeks the mesh had eroded out again, so I went back to the Urologist to show him. He looked in there and said to me, “I only see two small areas at the very top where the arms are that are not healed that I can feel” . ” I The suture line is intact and there is no mesh exposed.” I told him back up to the anterior repair that you did because there is again a piece dangling on the left and the entire line again exposed my husband can feel this and I can feel this it is even larger than before and more rough. The piece hanging is larger. He had his MA glance over his shoulder and quickly concur and that was that. I am a medical professional who performs pelvic exams on women, so I know what to look for, how to examine them and he did not perform due diligence. I was appalled. He would not listen to me and wanted no part of another problem, it was very clear. I was never given any literature about the meshes and the possible failures nor was I counseled about the fact that i likely was not a good candidate for the meshes given that I have extremely thin vaginal tissue due to having had hysterectomy at the age of thirty two and being fifty now with estrogen levels having been depleted long ago. I would have never had the mesh placed having known this. I only learned about all of these things by researching this the day of my appointment to evaluate my second erosion and extrusion. I have been told like many of these other women to go home and use the Premarin Vaginal cream. Well, I can attest to using this faithfully and compliantly for a daily regimen for many months without any success. It is my belief that the surgeons resort to telling the patients to use this as a back-up so they have something to hang their hats on in court when it comes to patient compliance when they have nothing else to place blame on and have to come back to the patient when something fails.
Comment by Yvonne on 23 August 2009:

This is Yvonne from above. I read my lengthy paragraph and found spelling errors and omissions. I wanted to clarify a couple of things.
My Urologist never agreed that the second and more serious erosion and extrusion has occurred. I am now in the process of seeking another MD for yet another repair due to the pain of the material that is falling out and rough. The other omission is that my life has been completely change by this and certainly not for the better. My husband and I have not been able to be sexually active due to this since November 2008. Before this we had a fulfilling intimate life which has been destroyed. Prior to the sligs, I never had back, hip or buttock pain the radiated to my posterior thighs. I have trouble sitting and even lying down due to throbbing and shooting pain. I had this pain gradually come on and it has grown in intensity over the past 9 months. The pain is in the entire pelvic girdle and is deep bone pain it is like nothing I have ever experienced before and I have had a c-spine fusion multiple levels anterior and posterior of which I take no pain medications. I had a fused ankle. This pain is far greater in intensity.
Comment by Penny on 23 August 2009:

At 52 I had a prolapsed bladder and a uteris full of fibroids. With my gyn we made the decision to do a complete hystorectomy and she recommend the use of “this great new mesh” that would make the bladder stay in place longer. I had the first surgery in Sep 07. I did not have many issues at that time but within months my husband could feel the mesh and then I began to feel it. I went back to my gyn and he cut some of it away and told me if it continued to be an issue I would need to have surgery so they could cut it closer to the tissue. I thank God that when it did continue I decided to find a new doctor. I had gone to the office of a Womens Pelvice Surgeon for tests before the first surgery so I decided to go back to him. Based upon what I know now that was probally one of the best decisions I have ever made. He explained that my body was rejecting the mesh and that my bladder was already falling again. He also explained that the mesh was created so that more doctors could do this surgery. He also told me that he was seeing a lot of women with mesh problems and removing it for most of them. I was set to retire in January 09 so I wanted to go ahead and get this fixed before I changed insurance. Another great decision as when he performed the surgery he found that the mesh had mostly balled up inside me and had created a “Steril Absess”. I have no doubt that had I not acted as quickly as I did I would have suffered as many of you have. My recommendation is to find a good “Womens Pelvic Surgeon” and get a consult. Also to tell every women we know to never allow anyone to use the mesh on her.
Comment by Laura on 24 August 2009:

Susan, I had a hysterectomy with A&P repair in 2006. Immediately following the procedure had terrible pain in my spine. It was so bad I couldn’t turn over in bed and had to carefully work my way out of the bed. I found that I had arthritis by having an MRI, but these symptoms were not present to my knowledge as such prior to surgery. I had an accute attack of arthritis, and I spent the last two and a half years seeking and getting help for arthritis symptoms after the hysterectomy with A&P repair..

Further, The gynecological surgeon essentially blamed my bodies autoimmune (ARTHRITIS!!!!), problem for causing me to have 11 months of bleeding vaginally after the hysterectomy and needing to be burned and coterized several times removing granuloma tissue before he pulled out a long suture vaginally. WA LA!, it seemed as if that problem was gone, but it layed beneath the surface until this year. My husband left me during the continual bleeding thing. I had no sex for nearly three years, and therefore did not have erosion vaginally that I could detect, nor did I have any symptoms other than severe back pain that went thru to my hip. Diagnosis, Osteoarthritis..

I have been standing up and falling to the floor, feeling as if my hip is giving out, this started a year after the surgery. Scans were done and no doctor was able to give any explanation for my hip failing me!!, reading this blog has been eye opening.

Then it finally happened, The bio arc sling got ugly enough to portrude vaginally and I found it over 2 1/2 years later!, The surgeon who did the surgery, said that I would probably have a tiny knot of string needing removal. A second surgeon went in and found a huge mess!!!, an infected ball of granuloma tissue, the sling had broke and rolled up like a taco in two places, one going vaginally and one toward my pelvic bone. I cannot sit for more than an hour and three colonal rectal doctors say I can do nothing. I am currently trying to get help for pain that has continued possibly due to the posterior portion but still could be remaining mesh. After the sling removal I tried to work until I couldn’t bear the pain any longer. The mesh is supposed to dissolve right, no worries!!!,..The posterior part is not operable?!, I am now unemployed and paying for Cobra health insurance.

What is it going to take for the FDA to stop allowing doctors to have women be put at risk and for doctors to be quietly sitting aside not telling women the truth after the slings and mesh implants have been put in as to the problems that might occur.

I suppose its ridiculous to consider a recall of the slings? Or is it. Were IUD’s recalled at some point?

I think all women who have ever had a mesh implant ought to be contacted by the FDA as to the warnings of complcations that could arise assuming the medical community is too scared to do it.

Also, we need to be given avenues to get immediate help! from doctors who are knowledgeable if seroius implications of damage arise.

Why are we left out here to suffer,?!, The last three years of my life have been spent with suffering and maybe, the erosion wouldn’t have caused so much damage if I could have been INFORMED and TREATED sooner.

I went thru HECK of a process and was given warnings forward backwards and sideways in order to begin taking the drug accutane!,

WOMEN there ought to be fair warning given to us regarding complications, especially after having ANY SUSPICIOUS SYMPTOMS after an implant has been done!!!,

Can the FDA somehow help the doctors so they can become a women’s best advocate and start treating women quickly who could possibly be having mesh complications?

I need a surgeron, can anyone help me?,
Comment by Amy on 2 September 2009:

I was scheduled to have a partial hysterectomy, laprascopic, in July of 2009. I was told I would be off work one week. That didnt happen. I woke up in recovery with a catherter and severe pain. While performing the hysterectomy, my surgeon said I had quite alot of scar tissue that he began to remove. Doing so, he accidently knicked my bladdar and had to then had to open me up and repair my bladder. He also mentioned that he placed “mesh” inside me so the scar tissue wouldnt grow back again. I also was required to have a catherter for 2 weeks which alone with the pain from the incision was too unbearable. About two weeks into my recovery I noticed a horrible odor. I called the doctor and was diagnosed was a bacterial vaginal infection. I returned to work on the 24th of August thinking I finally had a clean bill of health.
I was wrong. I began having these horrible sharp pains near my pelvic bone on my right side of my body. The kind of pain that would bend me over trying to catch my breath. The pain would gradully go away and suddenly and unexpectantly happen again. It feels like someone in stabbing me over and over again. I cannot hold my urine anymore either and sex with my boyfirend is horrendous. It is so painful! I went back to my surgeon and he told me is all a part of recovery and maybe I returned back to work too soon. Prescribed me some toradol and excused me from work another two weeks. I have read some of these blogs and I am wondering if anyone has any knowledge of what is happening to me and if I am going to continue to have these problems. I am a single mom working two jobs, raising two teenagers and need some answers.
Comment by Geralyn on 2 September 2009:

Amy I am not a doc. BUT it sounds like you need to find another doc. But before you even do that. GO to an emergency rooom and complain abuot the pain so somebody will take an x ray.
Comment by Yvonne on 7 September 2009:

Hello again. I thought I would update you to the latest regarding the erosion of the mesh with extrusion given my initial report that my Urologist/surgeon denied the second repair failed. I recently was seen by my Primary care MD who is female and does OBGYN care as well. She examined me thoroughly and found the erosion and the extrusion with the fistula. She also found that there were two similar small areas of erosions as rough in the most upper portion of the vaginal area on each side where the “arms” of the sling are attached, a part I did not were a problem as the Urologist never said anything to me.
My Primary care MD confirmed this needed to be addressed as I had been distressed and tried to convey to the Specialist who basically ignored two weeks earlier. I lost trust in him. I told her I would not return to see him and wanted a referral to a Urogyncologist who could handle such complicated cases. Her response to me was compassionate and firmly stated: “You gave him an opportunity to address this now, twice. When there was a continued problem and he did not acknowledge this, I agree it is time to move on.”
I can only surmise from the sample of cases I am reading and the cases that will continue to be posted that women will find they too are not alone when they investigate what has happened to them with placement of the transvaginal meshes and the post operative complications. There are likely thousands of other women who will eventually find their way to this very site just as we have. I hope they too will report what has happened to them in the same manner. It is my belief that there is significant under reporting by the Physicians. The reason I say this is because I believe the patients are reporting the symptoms and having repairs done, but not all and in fact few of the repairs are being reported or the FDA would be taking more notice than they have and would look into this more seriously than it would appear they are doing at this time, or at the very least insist on forcing the various manufacturers of the “Meshes” to re-call their products due to lack of safety until further investigation can be performed.
Today, I filled out a survey sent to me by the hospital and the surgery center where my surgeries have been performed and I questioned them in the comments section if my surgeon has properly reported to the FDA the complications related to the meshes as required are to be reported. I placed them on notice that I am aware of the proper reporting procedures.
Comment by Kelly on 17 September 2009:

I lost my relationship and my job because I was so sick post, prolift placement. I was to have an A and P repair. The DVD that I received to view as a learning tool made it look like I was going on a holiday.They kept saying how much better the sex would be. (I never ever had any problems with it.) 7 weeks post surgically everything fell out. My uterus was literally sitting in my panties. The pain was terrible and I was driven into a terrible depression which I still haven’t overcome. I have never been treated for dpression. A month after the failed procedure I had to have a laproscopic hyster and was out 5 hours to have the mesh removed. I still have a piece in my rectum. 3 weeks after that I developed a hematoma inside my anterior wall as the porcine mesh the Dr. placed to support the wall was decaying and it had to be removed that afternoon. I am in pain every day. I can’t have a whole relationship with a man and may never be able to again without pain. I have only just now been able to wash there without feeling like a freak.
The hospital wishes to offer me a settlement. They had better make it good because I have reached the point that I would sooner see it tried in court and not win a penny than have any other woman have to endure this. I wouldn’t have done this to my dog. My heart is broken. This product need to be removed from the market.
Guess what the Dr. used to support my bladder after the mesh came out. MY OWN LIGAMENTS! DUH! Thanks for offering me that in the first place. I can’t say the Dr’s name but she sure took my money. I hope she rots in —-.
I have to have pelvic floor physio and have been referred to a sexual therapist. I’m just so devastated. I tried to have relations and ended up in the bathroom with the door locked sobbing.
Comment by Marion on 18 September 2009:

I wrote a comment several weeks ago. My surgery was on May 9, 2008. Since my last report, I have had 2 ct scans, several ultra-sounds, blood tests and put on depression medicines to calm my nerves. Before the surgery, I was in great health but since, I have fallen apart. I had severe heart palpitations and put on another blood pressure medicine. I am taking 3 different b/p medicines. I am also on warfarin which is a blood thinner. I was sent to a heart specialist and now am going to a pulmonary heart doctor. My stomach is still so bloated as I stated in my last blog. I look like I am pregnant and due any minute. It still bothers me to walk without holding my stomach so it won’t giggle due to the pain. I am seeing my woman specialist again for a consultation as to what is causing all this problem. If she finds all of these problems are caused from the mesh, she is going to have surgery done to hopefully correct what was done to me. My back hasn’t stopped aching since my surgery over 16 months ago. She suspects my body is rejecting the mesh. My primary doctor says all of these tests and specialist visits are to cover all the avenues. (in other words, cover their a_ s) before a law suit is maybe done? My heart goes out to all these women that have reported their problems as I am in the same boat without a paddle. If and when I have the surgery I will keep everyone posted on my results. I pray that I will return to normal once again like I was before the prolapse surgery. I regret not doing research on the prolift mesh before I had the procedue done. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine what I have gone thru. By the way, the collagen helped the incontinence for about 7 months but it has slowly worn off. My woman specialist said when it didn’t help anymore, she would inject a new type of medicine into my uretha which would help the incontinence.for a longer period of time. I NEVER had incontinence before the prolapse surgery. She also has me using Estrace Cream to help with the bleeding. I appreciate reading the coments as I know this is not all in my head.
Comment by Lana on 20 September 2009:

These doctors who deny the complications are mesh are pathetic. They are so interested in covering their fannies, they tell any lie necessary. I am so sorry everyonei is suffering so. I have taken action and contnue to fight for all of you. Truth in Medicine is leading the charge to get this stuff off the market. Our website is www. truthinmedicine. us. com

Our first conference is this coming weekend. We have a good group of medical professionals who will be speaking and who we are bringing together to help women like the ones on this site who have been abandoned. Hope you find the solutions you are looking for.
Comment by rebecca c on 21 September 2009:

IN RESPONSE to SUSAN H….
I too was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia prior to my pelvic surgeies.I had my surgeries done 6 days ago and feel so uneducated on what the recovery REALLY is like. I have given myself two enemas due to the constipation (due to surgery and narcotics). My back pain is almost unbearble. I take Tramadol for my Fibromyalgia and now since surgery the Tramadol dont even ease the pain for a moment. I am helpless and in major pain. I am a tough cookie, 2 kids, work full time, and with this Fibromyalgia and NOW constant low back pain, I am becoming depressed. I felt rushed out of the hospital after 3 days. I was not given an antibiotic after I left hospital and fear infection, due to constant pain in pelvic area and fever. Dr says all is fine and when I asked “could I be infected”, he laughed and said :no, silly”..HELP
Comment by Cindy on 22 September 2009:

Comment by Susan H on 18 August 2009:

It is Susan from above. I have been wondering, if anybody had been diagnoised with fibromyalgia before this surgery , or any type of arthriitis. Since having this mesh placed, I believe that it has worsened by symptoms of these disease. I ache and hurt all over, and it seems that my bones and muscles hurt much worse, and the pain seems to be progressing.

Susan, now that you mention it, I have had all over aches and pains and have wondered if I have fibromyalgia. I do have arthritis in my lower back anyway, but the pain in the back has been lower since my surgery a little over a year ago.
I had uterine prolapse, rectocele, and cystocele surgery resulting in my uterus and cervix (found out was precancerous) removed and mesh being used to repair the rectocele and cystocele. Now a year later and a urogyn says the mesh needs to come out and the prolapse (both rectocele and cystocele again) would have to be addressed in another surgery. Although he could help the leaking issue in the first one.
Comment by lynda on 28 September 2009:

I had a monarc sling in 2005, terrible pain in leg, swelling still now in 2009, didn’t help the leaking,, also i was on pain pills which may have caused the leaky but they never said that , just wanted to do the sling, sorry I ever did still haveing pain and swlling in the upper inner part of my thigh, also had blood transfusion, doc said there was a point I should have stopped, sorry, ha, I tried to sue but attorneys said I still have both legs, and then destroyed all my paper work and took it to the out to the statue of limitations
Comment by martha on 3 October 2009:

HELP! I’ve undergone TWO surgeries this year for vaginal prolapse and more and problem just keep getting worse while doctors say they can no longer help. HOW CAN I GET THE MESH REMOVED and a doctor who cares!
Comment by Cindy on 5 October 2009:

Just found out over the weekend that Gynecare mesh was used in my surgery Aug ‘08. Have another appointment with a surgeon but not feeling like he is the one to do the removal and fix the prolapse that never was fixed by the mesh. Would love some input on where to go if living in Maryland.
Comment by sterre on 13 October 2009:

Dear women, I’m living in Europe and also a victim of Gynecare mesh. In decmber 2006 I’ve had a total Prolift. Since that time lots of pain. In a few weeks I will visit another surgeon to ask for removal. I don’t know if that is possible. Now I’m feeling sad and it is impossible to do my work.
Comment by Mary on 17 October 2009:

Dear Sisters,
I feel like I know you all and I could have written most of these articles. I had a rectal and bladder sling surgery for what I thought was bladder infections. The operation was a failure and I couldn’t hold my urine at all. The dr. said she’d have to redo the surgery. Before the surgery she said you’re going to be so happy with the surgery. So after two surgeries now I have mesh protruding through my vagina at two places. I have terrible back pain and a different dr. said I’d need surgery to repair the tears. I am bleeding, spotting and have a bladder infection. I’m still working and it’s so hard. My bowels are terrible and I’m always straining and constipated. I’D GIVE ANYTHING IF i’D NEVER WOULD HAVE HAD THIS OPERATION DONE. I was much better before. Now I’m facing more surgery and this awful back pain. I cry lots with pain and I want this mesh OUT. Is there any help???? How can so many have been treated so badly. So sorry. Love you all. Wish I could help. We must band together so noone else will suffer.
Comment by Yvonne on 23 October 2009:

Hello to all . I am back to update you regarding the Mesh issue. I have had the opportunity to see my new surgeon and have surgical plans set for three weeks from now while I arrange my own patient schedule. The plan is to remove as much of the two Mesh slings as possible by peeling them from my urethra, bladder and other surrounding tissue. The urodynamics and cystoscopy tests I endured were extremely painful when normally they are not due to the nerve damage found that I now have from the mesh erosion and original surgery. Oh, did I mention from my records review received from my previous Urologist, I was told by my new surgeon that I never needed to have the urethral sling based upon the fact that I never had incontinence and I never needed to have the bladder mesh because I never had anything more than a 2 plus prolapse bladder but told I had a 4 under anesthesia, therefore; was documented as such and told I needed to have it fixed. I discovered my previous Urologist embellished the records so that he would get authorization to do the procedure by my insurance co. That was when I had insurance. Now I have none. I was laid off and now work part time, so I now have to pay cash out of my home equity to have the extensive repair for a surgery I never even needed which has left me injured and with permanent nerve pain. I am so very sorry to hear that there are other women who have been injured by these products and by the medical providers who see fit to continue to use the products despite the complications. There must be a pay-off somewhere! God Bless you all!
Comment by Kim on 24 October 2009:

on July 29th 2009 I had cystocele and rectocele surgery to repair my prolapsed bladder and rectum. I was given 2 mesh slings, one for the bladder and the other one to lift every thing up. I don’t know what kind of mesh slings were used and as you can see I am not even sure where the second one is. I am so mad at myself for not researching everything that was being done to me and being an informed consumer. I like so many other people trust the doctor and the system. What was I thinking!
Since my operation I have had non stop issues. Right after the procedures I suffered unbelievable pain in my rectum. The pain got so bad that my doctor readmitted me to the hospital for pain control.
Then my doctor decided to reoperate see what was going on and fix the proplem. She ended up taking the retocele down, which fixed the problem.
Now 8 weeks later my bladder has dropped and there is a piece of mesh coming through my uterus. My doctor wants me to have an MRI and then come back and decide what to do. She is not sure what to do because this has not happen to her and she has done many many many of these operations. She is a urologist and is the best at this in my area.
Now I am finally doing the research and I find this web site. I have had hip pain since the operation and thought I was getting it from my morning walks. I can not believe that there are so many people with my same symptoms. After reading everything on this page I think the best thing for me to do is try to get the mesh removed. Other than that it appears this could go on for ever. Hopefully because the mesh has not been in that long it can be removed.
I will let you know what happens
Comment by Rhonda on 2 November 2009:

I am suppose to have surgery in Jan 2010 for {pop} pelvic organ prolaspe and complete hysterectomie.They are suppose to use a mesh sling !!!
I am trying to do my research and find out resources on this issue.I am glad I found this website on these issues.Thanks.
Comment by Kristine on 5 November 2009:

Yesterday I talked with a woman who goes to the same Bible study as Me and she had sythetic surgical mesh sling put in to prevent “small accidents” She had part of that sling removed 3 years ago due to pain and due to the fact that the sling wore a hole into her urethra. but they coudnt remove all of it.3 years later and my goodness, she has had some serious problems ever since that initial surgery. She has a severe chronic ‘burning’ pain in her hips and this is unbearable. She is constantly on pain medication so that she can work. Now she has an appointment set up a month from now with a gynecologist.

Please, ALL women: Avoid this surgery at all costs!!! Have you heard of any good long term benefits….After reading this page I am convinced that there are no good benefits. And You are in my prayers….Those on this page who deal with all these awful complications. May the Lord be with You.
Comment by Bridget on 18 November 2009:

I had the treatment where they went through my vaginal wall and wrapped (or taped) my urethra to make it smaller. After about 3 years, I began having vaginosis. I don’t think I had even a week since then that I didn’t have an infection in my vagina. I have been to see so many doctors and specialists, it’s pathetic!
Finally, while reaching for a tampon string, the tape had broken through the vaginal wall and was hanging in my vagina.
6 years of bacterial vaginosis and mileage to doctors and specialists. Unbelievable. Now they have to find out if it’s all out or not and will most likely do surgery to do that.
Comment by Yvonne on 26 November 2009:

Today is Thanksgiving morning and I wanted to take the time to update you with my progress because I have a lot to be thankful for today. I am one week post removal of my Monarc and Perigee mesh. I am so thankful for the wonderful Surgeon who was willing to listen to me when I told him I had another erosion and horrible pain associated with these products. I am grateful that he took seriously the fact that I had pain when he showed me where my pain was originating from while he performed my pre-op cystoscopy and urodynamics even though they were so painful, not dismissing and actually acknowledging that I had TRUE pain.
I have post operative bleeding/drainage vaginally like menstruation from peeling the mesh from all of the tissue, but for the most part I have no NEW pain. By this, I mean I still have the inflammatory pain from the slings which I am told will take time to resolve. I still have pelvic pain and will have to have Pelvic Floor therapy with dilators afterward due to the significant tissue that the first Ugologist removed from my vagina. I had specifically asked that he NOT remove any before I had either of the surgery’s (original and the 1st erosion repair) which he did. I requested all of my records when I went to the New Uro-GYN who did my final removal just one week ago. I also requested the op reports from the first surgeon which showed he “removed extra vaginal tissue.” I was shocked! None of the vaginal tissue is considered extra! I am a licensed healthcare provider trained in female anatomy. I understand how necessary this is for comfort stretch during intercourse, etc. I am so angry because I specifically asked for this to remain intact and was assured it would be. It was not, then I was never told it had been removed, why, or otherwise. I had to find out on my own. Other inconsistencies were in the records, like tests he said were performed in clinic to confirm incontinence-which I did not have. These where never performed. I was fully awake. I would know.

This Thanksgiving day is a day for healing and being thankful, I am on the long road to recovery however long this takes. I have a wonderful husband who is committed to helping both of us heal. I can give thanks to the Physician who saw that I needed help and was willing to do the right thing, be compassionate, uphold the medical oath of Do No Harm, and take the challenge and risks of fixing a colleague’s wrong doing. God bless those of you who are still suffering from this nightmare. My heart goes out to you. I hope that you will find a compassionate Physician as I have, be strong and persistent. You will get through this.
Comment by Anonymous on 27 November 2009:

I had the anterior prolift surgery after several traditional surgeries failed about 2 years ago. I went back to the Urogynecologist complaining that I’m having excessive vaginal discharge. He said right away that they would presume it is erosion until proven otherwise. He examined me and said that he saw a grandolouma (sp?) on the side of my vaginal wall but everything was where it was supposed to be and he didn’t see any erosion. I’ve never felt the mesh or anything but there is so much excess discharge that I have almost no sensation during sex now. (My husband noted that it has been even heavier lately).

I’m beginning to think that I’ve had a failure in another area that wasn’t covered. I’d had multiple traditional surgeries that failed. I originally had a recetocele (sp) and a cysteocle but different compartments had failed.

Sex was a little painful when we first tried again but then it was wonderful for a while. Slowly the discharge got to the point where it make sex not pleasurable at all.

I’m only 32 years old and I’m just getting so depressed. I called my regular OB and then they want me to have an ultrasound to rule out an adrenal mass. From everything I’ve read, that doesn’t really seem to explain the vaginal discharge.

After reading the posts here, I feel somewhat relieved that I’m not having pain like many of the women here but I’m devastated and I am not going to accept “some women produce more discharge than others” blah blah. If these doctors won’t help, I will find one that will!
Comment by Susan on 12 December 2009:

I had the prolift for my prolapsed bladder on Oct 10th. I am still in severe pain and have mesh eroding into my vagina. My doctor said I need to use estrogen cream for 2 wks and then he may have to excised the exposed mesh and repair the vaginal tissue. I want to get it all out of me. If anyone has had experience with getting the mesh removed entirely, please let me know. I wish I had of researched this mesh procedure before getting it placed in me. I was in such pain with my low bladder that I jumped at anything that would left it back up in its place. I am only 49 and was in great shape, I can’t even stand without pain. I have been in pain since the first of Oct.!
Comment by Penny on 14 December 2009:

Yes, I had mine removed last year one year after it was put in. The 1st dr told me the same thing yours did and it did not get better. Go to a good womens pelvic surgeon and have the surgery done right.
Comment by LORENA m on 15 December 2009:

I had a bladder ling put in after my gyn, sent me to this urologist, to see if he could tell where some blood in urinewas coming from next thing i no i am having out patient surgeryfor a bladder sling ,could not void afterwards had to e catherized ain, discomfort bloating i was told all that would go away ani would feel like a new woman……….. wrong…..i had to go to ers to be catherized so many times ,i would complai to him that i couldn,t void only dribble i was never emptying my bladder an a year later i still can,t empty and i have to catherze myself 5 an 6 times aday. my life is a nitemare i was told by my doc. that perormed this surgery, that i was the ony one thats complained and i would have to learn to live with it . i topped seeing him and suffered an had to learn to catherize myself so i didn,t explode from urine. isuffered,cried, and mentaly and emotionally sufered really badly.i finally found a doc to take a look at me an i have a blockeage and other problems. i ws a happy always on the go doin diffeent things and now i can,t even enjoy my grandkids or do any thing because i,m so miserable , the new doctor wants to schecule surgery but, im so scared. i don,t want to live like this, its horrible, my grown kids are seeing me suffer and they are furious that this doctor did this to me an now wats to sugar coat things he said in office.my stomach is so swollen i cant wear none of my clothes this s over a year later.surgery was june 08 please somebody help me please. my sling was progene tvt im swollen all the way under my breast severe presser all the time. when i went to this doc. i had a flat stomach and weighed 116lbs oh an had to fight tooth an nail to get my records because, he handles his on and i,ve all ready seen things in there that not true. where do i go for help the doctor an the pharmceuical co needs to be accountable for my suffering and all other women thats had this bladder sling surgery . i hope you can hep me soon i can,t do this on my on
Comment by valerie on 15 December 2009:

In June 2006 I had to have an emergency hysterectomy with bladder repair and rectum repair with mesh as I was in third stage prolapse of everything. June 2007 I needed to undergo more procedures for more prolapses. I had prolapsed rectum, bladder, small intestines and the vaginal prolapse. In September 2007 I underwent surgery again, this time through the abdomen for prolapsed bladder and vaginaul vault repair. In September 2007 I was hospitalized yet a 4Th time but this time for hemorrhaging. In September 2008 I had a 2Nd stage prolapse again, so I quit housekeeping. I got a desk job and t went down to normal. In November the doctor told me everything was back to normal, but keep to restrictions. In December my job description changed and I did too much, my bladder went to 2Nd stage prolapse again. In Jan. I was fitted for a pessary. In February I had to go on sick leave due to stress at work and suffered extreme depression and anxiety disorder due to workplace bullying, discrimination and harassment. I am going through court proceedings with this issue. I just went for a checkup again and found out that the pessary is holding up the bladder, but there is 2 more prolapse again and nothing can be done but keep to limitations to decrease my risk and lose weight. I have poly ovarian cysts, and extreme pain in the rectum and stomach if i stand for more than an hour, or sit for more than 2 hours. My stomach swell 3-4 inches daily between wake up and bedtime. My limitations are no physical excursion, no standing for long periods, no sitting for long periods, no lifting more than 20 lbs. I called my physio therapists and now sh says no aerobics or high impact activities. I can come twice a week for the bike and that’s it. I am at such a loss. weight loss will decrease my odds of prolapse, and help my poly ovarian cysts, but how and what can I do?
Comment by jennifer on 11 January 2010:

in 2004, i had tvt sling surgery i was 18 at the time. i am now 24 and about to go through my third surgery. i had no clue why i was haveing so many problems.twice in 2005 i had to have mesh removed from my vaginal wall because it protruded out. in 2008 they removed my sling and did a different surgery. i didnt know why they did this but i didnt question them, in that same year i had to get a hysterectomy ( that was very hard).now bringing in a new year once again i am haveing more problems it is as if i didnt even have the surgery i am leaking again, i have had many uti which got so severe that it made it to my kidneys, i dont have the urge to pee once again , i was diagnosed with cystitis, i am not emptying (voiding) once again and i could keep going.i am tired of all my problems i just dont know what to do. i dont want to even go out with friends or family because im scared i might pee or the pain will get me.i have one child of my own and 2 step kids and cant even get up some days to do things with them.
Comment by Yvonne on 5 February 2010:

I thought I would share with all of you my outcome regarding removal of the Monarc and Perigee slings. I am 8 wks post op and have had significant relief from the hip and low back pin. Not complete resolution, yet but remain hopeful. I have had 100 % resolution in the burning pain while urinating and bladder pain with having urine in my blabber. I have not had resolution with having to push to urinate, but this is likely a retraining issue.
I have significant post op vaginal scaring and shortening of the vagina from the first two surgeries, not the final mesh removal. This will take pelvic floor physical therapy to improve the physical pain I experience with sexual intercourse. This may never completely resolve as well.
The final report to me and most concerning of all, is that I was told by the Urogynecologist prior to removal of the mesh that any amount of prolapse I had as well as incontinence would return once the mesh was removed. I said I could live with the prolapse retuning and stated I NEVER had any urinary incontinence before the original surgery so I was not at all worried about having any afterward. I also had reviewed my medical records from the first Urologist who said I had a grade I prolapse on one visit and then the next visit it had changed to a grade III-IV in a matter of less than a few weeks.
This raised questions for me and there was other inconsistent documentation as I know as a healthcare provider, a prolapse should not progress in this manner over this period of time.
After the removal of the mesh, I was told I have NO PROLAPSE… I kept saying No Prolapse at all, he repeated: None. My exam also shows NO stress urinary incontinence of which I also knew and had stated as well as documented prior to having the original placement of the Mesh. The bottom line is the Mesh was pulling up on my bladder and urethra so much, it caused extreme pain and inflammation and difficulty urinating. The mesh I am also told NEVER incorporated and peeled away very easily with a small exception of where the ARMS are placed in the most upper portion at the obterator thus could not be removed and is my continued source of inflammation and pain.
I must say, I was speechless when I was told I had no residual prolapse because I was told before having the Mesh removed, I would have everything go back to pre- Mesh prolapse status. The Urogynecologist who I hired to take over my case for the removal of the Mesh, had no idea that the records were not accurate until he removed the Mesh and found I had NO Prolapse at all. I had also stated to him I had never had incontinence prior to my first surgery and I think he did not believe me, but when he examined me post- Mesh removal, and I had no signs of stress incontinence or otherwise, he knew I was being honest with him. I also told him I had never documented incontinence on my new patient records to the urologist, I saw him for a Biopsy of my urethra for a caruncle only and then was told I had all of these additional problems while “Under Anesthesia”. I just kept stating, “I suffered for 14 months with serious pain for a surgery I did not need”, “I almost lost my marriage for a surgery I never needed.” For the first time in my life I felt chilled to the bone and speechless, I softly cried…
For doctors to continue to put the Mesh products in patients at a rate in which they do, there must be “Incentives” by the Pharmaceutical Companies to do so. These mesh products are not benign and are injurious in the wrong hands especially when used in a careless, non-selective manner especially if not diligently and aggressively monitored and when problematic removed promptly. Patients quality of life suffers in the hands of incompetent, ill-prepared, and indifferent professionals who chose to use these products who are not adequately prepared to deal with the serious complications that are occurring when using these products.
It is my hope that all of you here of this site as with the many out there who suffer, will find a compassionate professional who is willing to help and believe that you have the serious complications related to such a flawed product used at the hands of unscrupulous medical providers who are not willing to stop causing HARM to their patients at the hands of another Pharmaceutical Company.
Comment by Cindy on 22 February 2010:

To all my sisters in life. I had my first surgery in Feb 2005. , My Dr. said great things about this mesh that would provide great relief to my prolapsed bladder. He performed the surgery, the nurse taught me how to catherize myself and I was sent home the same day. The pain was unbearable, or so I thought. I soon learned it would get alot worse. I had erosion through my vaginal wall within 2 months. I went back to my Dr. and he sat me in a chair, retrieved a pair of scissors and :trimmed ” the mesh. Looking back I was sooo stupid and naive’ to go along with that. This continued for months. I could not have any sexual activity with my husband, he was such a happy camper. LOL After numerous visits with my Dr. I eventually realized he had no idea what he was dioing or how to fix it. I lived for another two years with the mesh protruding thru my vagina. Then I went to my reg. Gyn. and explained to her I couldn’t live this way anymore. The pain was unbearable, I leaked urine, had no sex life, couldn’t be active and was just not feeling good all over, not to mention the monthly UTI’s. She performed the surgery to try t clean up the first surgery and was very hoprful. Needless to say, Bumpkass, I had the erosion in the vagina the UtI’s the backaches the pain, etc,After going back for follow ups I gave up and just maintained my lifestyle doing very little activities. As time went on the erosion got worse, the pain was constant and with my age (46) my body was producing less lubrication which made the mesh more painful. Well as of last Tuesday , Feb 16, 2010 I had my third surgery. Thsi Dr,. hhas been very straught up, which I appreciate. He explained he couldn’t dialate my cervix because I had too much mess and scar tissue, that he would have to “just start cutting”. He said the mesh and dissentigerayed and turned mre into chunks of cement . Well the surgery was performed, he did at one point have to call in another surgeon because he found pieces of mesh in my lower intestines and bowels. He doesn’t do that area. I respect that. He did advise I still probably won’t be able to have sex, the vaginal skin is too thin and the scar tissue has narrowed the opening. He also warned me i may have severe incontinence, great fun… and of course more pieces can move around and materialize in the future. Not the best outlook on my future. I have had my future limited by a Doctor who did not infrm me of any of these potential problems, The manufacturer who dares to make a product that can maime a woman so severe and the FDA who approved this product when so many complaints were aware f these problems. I truly feel someone needs to apologize to me and compensate me for the last 5 years of my life that I have endured this pain.and for the unknown of my future. One last question to the aforementioned.. Would you let your wife ,your mother, your daughter have this mesh surgically implanted in them? Think about this, and if this reaches just one person and stops them from this surgery my experience won’t be in vain
Comment by NANA on 23 February 2010:

I HAVE TO SAY AFTER READING ALL THIS I AM TERRIFIED OF WHAT I MAY BE FACING. I HAD THE CYSTOCELE AND RECTOCELE SURGERY TWO YEARS AGO. I COMPLAINED OF PAIN DURING INTERCOURSE RIGHT AWAY AND WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED MORE SURGERY AND I SAID NO. ABOUT SIX MONTHS LATER I STARTED HAVING WHAT FELT LIKE MUSCLE SPASMS IN MY RECTUM. THE WERE MILD AND JUST EVERY FEW MONTHS. OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS THEY HAVE BECOME MORE FREQUENT AND MORE SEVERE, THE LAST ONE BEING LAST NIGHT WHILE SLEEPING AND I’M REALLY FREAKED OUT OVER IT. THE PAIN HIT WHILE I WAS IN A VERY DEEP SLEEP AND IT HIT EXTREMELY HARD AND FAST. SO HARD AND FAST THAT AS SOON AS IT HIT, I WAS TRYING TO PASSOUT AND THROW UP, ALL WHILE TRYING TO WAKE MYSELF UP BECAUSE I WAS LYING ON MY BACK AND I NEW IF I THREW UP AND PASSED OUT WHILE ON MY BACK I WOULD PROBABLY ASPERATE ON THE VOMIT AND DIE. I NEVER MANAGED TO GET MYSELF TURNED OVER, AND ALTHOUGH I DID PASS OUT I DIDN’T VOMIT. I HAVE NEVER FELT ANYTHING SO PAINFUL OR TERRIFYING IN MY LIFE. I CALLED MY DOCTOR 1ST THING THIS MORN AND HAVE AN APPOINTMENT FOR MONDAY. I AM VERY UPSET WITH ALL THIS AND EVEN MORE SO AFTER READING ALL THE COMMENTS FROM YOU LADIES. WE MUST DO SOMETHING TO STOP THIS MADNESS.
Comment by Susan on 17 March 2010:

I too have had all the above problems with this crap called mesh!! My hips hurt, my back hurts, my pelvic area hurts, it all hurts, Everything has changed for me as well. Its horrible. No pain like this ever untill now. The mesh is eroding out of my vagain, I just want this crap out of my body. Anyone want to Refer a GREAT surgeron who can get it out the 1st time and get it ALL??
Comment by Susan on 17 March 2010:

Everyone, STOP THE MADNESS AND GO HERE TO SIGN THE ONLINE PETETION TO REMOVE THIS POS FROM THE MARKET!!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/-the-danger-of-surgical-mesh-and-the-push-to-have-it-removed-from-the-market%20
Comment by Susan on 17 March 2010:

Although I asked for a doctor, just trying to check out all my options, to those of you who are lookin for a good one as well, I have found one doc to actually sympathize and care, his name is Kevin Stepp, of the Cleavland Clinic in Clevland Ohio. I contacted him by email and he phoned the next day, he himself. I just dont have the $ to have the surgery and no insurance. Its awful to be in these shoes, cant wait to get some new ones!