I had a sling put in for my prolasped bladder in 2006. I have to relieve my bladder every hour. I thought having the sling put in would make things better. I can’t have relations with my husband too painful.I tried in 2006 & that was the last time we had sex. Were still married & thank goodness I have a patient husband. I would like my life back to normal again. My bladder has prolasped again. Is there a better sling they have out now? I need to have surgery again. I need a safe way to correct my prolasped bladder.

I live in the U.K. I had TVT in 2004 was told it would prevent incontinence in old age. I went for a labia trim which was not done, the TVT was. I started with problems 18months later, vaginal infections which got worse each year after and lasted longer each time, at the same time I got cystitus symtoms, but it wasn’t cystitus. started to see surgeons in 2007, then in 2009 my right leg started to hurt, another mystery, then pain in my left buttock. In 2010 my right buttock swelled and has remained, also I have not been able to sit for more than an hour a day since 2007. In 2010 after starting to use the internet I found out other people with the same problems and went to my doctor with this info for help. I got no help I had to try to find a surgeon myself after a year of seeing surgeons here and one of these so called experts was a gynecare rep, I found out later. I decided to use my savings to go to Texas to another so called expert for tape removal, to cut a long story short I am now 9 weeks post op, I find I havent had tape removal, but I have had a small segment removed and tape division? I could have had this done in the U.K. free, I dont know what tape division is? does anyone out ther know. all I have found out is it causes incontinence.I am now in a much worse state of health, my TVT symtoms remain with the addition since this of a uterus prolapse, unable to sit for a minute, stabbing pains in the vagina, constant burning day and night, swelling of the left buttock and thighs and lower abdomin, I also have pins and needle sensation down my thighs to my knees and in my bottom. My left leg is so painful now I cannot sleep with it, this goes down to my left toe. I am unable to wear any previous underwear or clothing in this area, so I am in prision and also when I wee it goes left and right and up my back, and I cannot always empty, I am going more often but only 30 ml at a time. I went to have the tape removed so I could have sex and sit down, this was important to function, I was told I would be back to normal and would be able to have sex again. Well I would have paid this bloke to leave me alone if I had know. I want warn people about having this procedure called tape division, it just makes TVT symtoms worse, I had no idea this was planned for me I am now worse off than before, I am still trying to get my medical records and the small segment removed from me since early September with no luck up to now. Can any tell me what tape division is?

I am now 25 years old, I have had cronic pelvic pain since 2007, resulting from a emergency cesarean surgery with my twins. During this surgery Vicryl was inplanted into me. I had horrbile pain for about a year, I saw a gynecologist in 2009 and he diagnosed me with endrometriosis and interstitual cystitas, I was pressured into a full hysterectomy in October of 2009 which was supposed to relieve my pain; the surgeon that did my hysterectomy in 2009 inserted Vicryl into me again, Vicryl has been recalled and the makers of Vicryl “Ethicon” are involved in many lawsuits called “trans vaginal mesh” lawsuits. I do not know what to do, I cannot have any more children and I was pressured into a hysterectomy when I was 22 that was supposed to relieve my pain, yet it caused much more pain. I am to the point of not being able to walk from the cronic pain, I have refused to take pain killers as they are so addicting. I am 25 and I feel as if I am an elderly woman, I need help and advise, this pain is making me feel that my life is over, I cannot even go for a walk.

Rachel, I had the same problem. I had my A&P repair in July 2008. Bye that november I was back on the OR table because I had mesh extrusion. We didnt’ even bother with estrogen cream, it doesn’t work, ever! Anyways 4 weeks after that I had mesh exposure due to infection, so back on the OR table to have that fixed. 4 weeks after that, I had another mesh extrusion, doc took care of it in office and BOY was that awful. A year went by and things were ok. The fall of 2010, I found another extrusion. Hub couldn’t feel it luckily so my GYN and I decided that we would wait untill it became a problem then he would just remove the damn mesh. Well I was getting chronic vaginal infections, and had been but didn’t realize it was from the mesh. Anyways in Dec. 2010, I had the anterior portion of the mesh removed. That was a very hard surgery for both me and my GYN, and the recovery was slow and painfull. But so far I feel great, no problems. Luckily Ihaven’t had ANY problems with the postierior mesh

This is a follow up of my post on 9/13 with results of the CT Scan. It was normal and found no issues. However, I had a colonoscopy on 8/16/11 and now my GYN states that it was the manipulation of the colonoscopy that has caused my pain by moving around the mesh and putting in lots of air into the intestines. My GYN is also stating it may takes months for me to re-heal but he doesn’t say what needs to be re-healed. Oh, by the way, he did not examine me his nurse practioner did and then she relayed this information to me. Also, it was my PCP that agreed to do a CT Scan, put me on antibiotics and 3 days of steroids with pain medication to help try and find out what is going on since the colonoscopy. My question, and I do hope someone can answer this, what type of imaging would I ask for to see the mesh? My PCP completed a normal X-ray in office and because the mesh is not calcified it cannot be seen. On the CT Scan report, the mesh was never mentioned. So, how does a physician see it if it has migrated or has issues?

I had a 4th degree uterine proplapse and a cystocele and rectocele. So October 2010 I had my Uterus placed in a slig and an A&P repair. I was told at the time of my informed consent The only problem i coulkd have would be eveulsion. I ask how would I know that? The Doctor said “He will tell you it felt like a cheese grater”…. I had the sugery done and at my 6 week check up the anterior incision was not healing correctly and mesh was exposed so I was put on premerin cream….. No Luck 4 months later I had to have the lower part of the mesh removed and incision repaired….now 6 months later I am having sex and BOOM… Erection gone like i popped a balloon…Went back to the Dr the next day and More mesh is exposed at the top of my incision. More surgery, No Sex, repeated UTI’s and Vaginal infections. I have contacted an attorney who specializes in mesh complications. Hope this helps others ….Am I going to have to go back for surgery every 6 months? Geeze

On Dec 20, 2010 I was due to have a minor surgery, having the MiniArc Precise Suburethral Sling implanted and ended up having major surgery, a partial hysterectomy as well as having the MiniArc Sling implanted. I had so many complications from the word go. I ended up needing surgery to have the MiniArc Sling/Mesh removed April 1, 2011. The complications were just horrific and the mesh started eroding within a month of it being implanted. I have had calls regarding filing a lawsuit and continue to get encouragement to do so. Now I am at the point, where I am not sure if there are lawyer scams out there or not. Just not sure, too many rushing me to sign something. Does anyone have any advise?

I had the mesh put in place in 2008 due to chronic bladder infections that my gyn stated after doing a urodynamic test, that I had prolaspe. since the insertion I have returned several times back to my gyn and he wanted to cut one side of the mesh as he thought it was too tight, I declined, then he wanted to send me to physical therapy, I declined, he then told me that he had the vagina too tight and I would need to purchase items to stretch it out which would lessen the pain during intercourse and in-between. I did not purchase these things. However, the discomfort went away after about 8 months after the procedure, now here I am three years post-op and I am in some major pain in the vagina area and sex is out of the question for now. I can hardly stand or sit for a period of time without having major discomfort. I have an appointment onn 9/13 and I am going to ask for a CT or MRI to make sure the mesh is not the cause of the on and off again pain.

I had the surgery about 12 years ago. The recovery was very painful and intercourse was nightmarish. The graft itself held up very well at first, but after a couple of years the prolapse returned. I have frequent vaginal and bladder infections, but I can’t be sure these are due to the graft. The immune system issues I have had, started almost immediately after the surgery. If my body is rejecting the implant, it could certainly put stress on my immune system. If you are considering getting an implant – DON”T! There are physical therapy specialists who help people with prolapse. I didn’t know about them until after I had the horrific procedure.

Similar to “Ruth’s” (2008) comments, I had bladder sling suspension surgery in 2001 due to leakage and stress iincontinence . After surgery, I had trouble urinating and had to use a catheter for some time. On the advice of my GP, I got a second opinion from a urogynocologist who told me this was not a precise science and it actually could have been too tight. one solution could be to try to go in and remove the sling, (which may or not be possible) which would mean I would be back where I was before the surgery, or perhaps worse. Since then, I have had many urinary tract infections, and really have no idea now what to do, if anything. Actually, I do not know if mesh was used in my surgery or what.

had sling done april 2011—works fine had no pain—- the sling is just a small thin tape thing that wrapped around my pl-bone on both sides. was in hospital over night, hope and pray that this is nothing like the mesh in a few years. i do have to use a k-y-jelly every few days, and a viberater weekly to build up muscle tone tom help hold up my bladder. they need a list of all woman here so we can sign it and give informateion to f.d.a. praying for all those ladies

I had the procedure in Ontario,Canada in December 2011. I had a few weeks of sharp pains and numbness on the right side of the pubic bone for which the doctor assured me that it will take some time to heal. Since the procedure, I had to undergoe pelvic physiotherapy because my husband and I couldn’t do intercourse due to the vestibule being so painfull. Since the physiotherapy things are better but for one thing; orgasm! I can no longer have an orgasm like I used to, before the procedure. I do have circulation issues in my legs but I had that prior to surgery. I do have the odd sharp stabbing pain near and aroung the pubic bone area when I stretch. I had to undergoe a test that they stick barium but the rectum and the vagina to rule out a rectocele because they thought that I had a bowel prolapse; gyne stated everything was o.k. I do have some difficulty passing urine and bm’s like if there is always something left inside that’s having trouble to come out. I’m thankfull that I don’t have problems like most of you for the time being; it hasn’t been one year post-surgery yet… To be followed.

Wow …what a travesty against women. Many women if not most women who develop these issues have had difficulties during childbirth. Maybe because in this day and age people insist on childbirth in position that is convenient to physician rather than woman delivering. I am disappointed that there are no safe solutions out here for ladies. So many suffer in silence before seeking help and then to have this sort of issue arise after what must have seemed like such a hopeful fix. I think everyone on here is so brave to post their experiences. This is a health issue that impacts women and families. Spouses are impacted and livelihoods are impacted when the quality of life of a mother/wife/girlfriend/daughter/sister/aunt cannot function independently and fully . I know we can do better in the USA. I just wish that women were given more priority in research. It seems that so little information is provided. Thanks again for adding all of your posts. It is so hard to go through medical issues without support or proper information. I wish you all well. Be blessed. And may you be supported in all the ways that you need to be.

To Patricia, you don’t have to have this done! Don’t let any doctor use a mesh product inside of you. I have been having all these problems that everyone is reporting for 3 years. My doctor just kelp telling me everything is fine just use this hormone cream. My life has been turned upside down. I finally got mad with my Dr. for just blowing me off and changed Drs. Thank God I did. It seems that I have a large piece of mesh that had gone through and was inside my bladder. I don’t know what is next they are trying to find a specialist that will be able to help me. Don’t know what else they might find when they get in there. Not once in 3 years did my doctor say that this might be a problem with the mesh. He never even mentioned there was a mesh problem period.

I got to have this done on the the 28th day of july please someone help me to dicide.ty

I am frustrated and sad to see so many with same problems as me… I had a hysterectomy removing Uterus w/ AP Repairs (for rectocele & cytocele) also mesh pelvic floor replacement. Since then have had 2 other surgeries to correct the mesh from coming through vaginal wall…the last was not sutured and I am a mess inside. I cannot have sexual relations anymore because of pain to myself AND my partner…my doctor said all that is left is to do…is remove it, but I will be in diapers in 5 yrs. I am so devastated in all this and do not know what to do now. I have been like this for over a year.

I had one of these placed after my complete hysterectomy about 12 years ago. I’m fairly certain mine would be the type that is in question. I have had numerous problems since my surgery. Painful sex has been the least of them. This explains numerous health problems I have been dealing with. My bladder sling was completely precautionary…I had no previous problems with incontinence, etc. My doctor said he was doing it to avoid the possibility of organ prolapse.

I had my hysterectomy in January of 2009. Everything seemed fine after the initial healing process. About a year ago I began experiencing severe constipation. To this day, I still have the problem, no matter how much fiber/water/supplements I use. In addition, over the course of the last six months I have developed EXTREME pain during intercourse. My husband even told me that he could actually feel the mesh while we had intercourse. The pain seems to be getting worse and I realize I obviously need to get this checked out. My husband told me he had seen something on TV about this and encouraged me to do some checking, and WOW—I was not prepared to see that this problem has been going on for so many years with so many affected women! It looks like this problem has cost many of you your relationships and thank God I am not (yet) in that situation.

I had ‘this thing’, mesh surgically placed in me in 2002. My doc botched the surgery, and had to go back in and redo it after not being able to urinate on my own, or completely empty my bladder. i had a foley catheter for 2 months, had to work, and missed quite a bit of work. I had to pay for the surgery all over again, and when all was said and done, the pain was very great. My doc dumped me basically, had no interest anymore, like go away type behavior. I now at 53 years old, have rectocele, much embarrasement, cannot have sex, due to the pain, and it has destroyed my relationships since. I am alone and will never be the same. i could go on…….. divorced.

My story is like most of the rest listed above, I’m not sure if I’m happy or sad but at least I know I’m not crazy anymore. I had 3 back to back surgeries in 5 months starting in Aug 2010, Oct 2010, & Dec 2010. Within days of the 3rd surgery I felt better than I had in years. Slowly I began to get minor pains on my right lower side and in my back. They didn’t happen together one day I would have one a few days I would have another. It’s been 6 months since my last surgery and now I have continual horrible pain on my lower right side and in my left lower back that goes all the way down my left leg that settles in my foot or knee. I can’t sit, or stand in any one position for any length of time, getting in or out of the car is horrible or just unloading the dishwasher is a challenge. I can’t sleep without the help of a RX. Problems “not going” to the bathroom (not constipated I just don’t go). I am currently seeing my GP, I thought that all three of these problems could be related now I’m pretty sure they are. Now I just have to get someone to listen to me. This Blog has helped tons… Thanks

I had a complete Hysterectomy in May of 2009 and also the Miniarc bladder was put in. I had been having some incontinence and the doctor had showed me a brochure about the sling and said it would help and no problem to put it in during the hysterectomy. I was released from the doctor at my 6 week check up. All seemed fine. In August I felt plastic in my vagina and called the doctor who performed the surgery. Sure enough the sling had eroded through my vagina. September I had surgery to remove the sling. The doctor told me that he cut the mesh down to the metal clamp thingies and sutured tissue over the clamps. Things weren’t to bad for a while but here we are almost 2 years later and my incontinence is worse than ever. It is embarrassing and annoying and uncomfortable. I have been having pain in my pelvic area as well. I wish I had never had the sling put in. I am miserable!! I am having other stomach issues now as well and in the back of my mind I wonder about those clamps perhaps causing something. It could be totally unrelated but the concern is still there. I am finally going to contact a urologist because I wont go back to the gynecologist thet did the surgery. I have hesitated because I cannot afford the 25% my insurance doesn’t cover.

In July of 2010 I had a partial hysterectomy and the Gynecare Pro-lift for my prolapsed bladder and rectum. My dr was also very encouraging before surgery, claiming that there were rarely any issues with this mesh. I suffered from pelvic and lower back pain for months after the surgery, my dr kept saying she didn’t see a problem. The past 4 months the pain has gotten so much worse. I can hardly get out of bed in the morning because my pelvis and lower back are killing me. If I happen to roll over in the night and sleep on my stomach awhile I wake up from the pain. I’ve been to the ER a few times and every time the drs have found blood in my urine and said I probably had a kidney stone. My gynocologist had also claimed that several months ago when I complained about the pain to her and she referred me to a urologist who ran tests and said I had no stones and my kidneys were fine. So I felt like my gyno was just trying to brush me off. Anyway, with the ER drs finding blood in my urine, and this constant, uncomfortable pain I am miserable and tired of drs acting like I’m making shit up. This pain is absolutely real and I hate having to hurt like this. I have 4 kids, 2 toddlers that require constant lifting and this is really putting a damper on my life. I had NO IDEA there were so many complications possible from this mesh. Had never even heard of mesh erosion or anything!!! What the heck is wrong with drs not giving us all the pros and cons??? Ugh.

I was so relieved to see this site, I have had complications from the moment I had my Coloplast Aris bladder sling procedure. I have had pain and UTI’s and bladder spasms and lower back pain and the list goes on and on. After going from one specialist to another (5 different doctors) I was finally told what was causing all my symptoms: bladder sling. I had the procedure done almost 2 years ago and now my urogynocologist tells me she can TRY to remove it but has never done a complete removal before. She has only seen it done on video!!! I’m really scared now, not sure what to do. I would really like to have my life back, like most of you have said. I would love to know if any of you know any doctors in South Carolina who have experience in removing the mesh. My prayers are with everyone.

Please respond asap. My 73 yr old Mother is sceduled to have this surgery June 7. Last year she had the bladder tack and 8 days later she ended back up in the hopsital with MRSA on the inside where the stiches were. She almost died. The ID Doctor, said there was 95% chance she got the MRSA in the operating room during the surgery 🙁 Six months later her bladder has dropped again. Her doctor suggested this sugery. She was al for the surgery until she talked to a woman today and she warned her not to do it. Any comments will be grateful. I was concerned about the MRSA coming back and not the mesh itself, but from the comments above, now I am worried, period!

Is there anything that we women can do to help others from going through the misery that we have had to and continue to go through due to being misled about these mesh implants. So many women’s lives are being torn apart (as well as marriages). With this many comments on this site…..where are the television stations? Gosh…you hear more about recalls on household appliances that you do these……this is so wrong!!!!

WOW!!! To relive those horrific years, days, and moments in telling your stories but I can’t thank you enough—for you have helped all of us who are now at that door of decision. Now we can think deeply, research, and consult wisely before we open the door. You have given us insight and incentives to approach the situations correctly and follow through. Women unite against this insanity and lets put an end to this GIANT WRONG!!! GOD SPEED.

I had my hysterectomy and tvt sling March 9, 2004. I was having bladder leakage when sneezing, coughing or laughing. I mentioned to my Gyn these issues and asked if they could be corrected. He praised the TVT bladder sling and the mesh so much that I never even thought twice about it. Didn’t research or anything just put my faith in my Dr. I have not had near the issues that most of you have. However, since the surgery I have bladder/kidney infections about once a month or so and numbness and pain in my lower back and groin area on the left side. My Gyn says I have no erosion and the TVT is not the issue. Since my surgery where they tacked to my pelvic bone there has always been a numb area and I can feel it pulling on my bladder as well. Sex with my husband is very painful most of the time since surgery as well. I have been told it is from lack of hormones. I am on 2 different hormones. But still have issues. I think something has pulled or moved with the TVT sling in the last week. The constant pull that I have felt since the surgery has gotten severly worse. It feels as if someone has slit me with a razor and attached a rope and pulling as hard as they can, causing ripping inside. After about 3 days of this I began experiencing a burning sensation after unination. In the last few days I have been drinking tons of water, but retaining it like crazy. The intense stabbing pain is getting more frequent. I am making a dr. appt. tomorrow but just finding this site has confirmed my suspcions that this tvt mesh is most likely my problem. I am so scared I do not want to have surgery again but I can’t deal with this for much longer either. I am hoping and praying that it is just a really bad bladder infection, but I have never felt one like this before. Has anyone experienced these sort of problems?

I had a hernia repair and bladder sling done in 2005. The first sign of problems a piece of plasic poking through the vagina, then was discharge as this symptom worsened, there was soon itching, rash and a massive outbreak of excema any where it choose to be. Fatique and abdominal pain were also a constant condition. I have had three attempts to remove the various types of mesh present. At this point the condition has worsened, required changing tampons 5 to 10 times daily. I am preparing for a forth attempt at removal. Life has been an agony for six long years during which my so-called husband abandonned me to a hugh work load, the accumulation of debt and a large house and property that cannot be sold which I am sure to loose. At 72 it is difficult to see my way out of this. I am attempting to sue and that will take years.

I had infections with kidneys, bladder and immune system got so low the CMV virus’ and epstein barr took over I live in terrible pain even after surgeries had morphine patch, vicodin, and any other pain meds I could fine do not know I survived all these surgeries in one year but I feel better getting most of the mesh out. Do not do this surgery look for all other alternate sources these mesh kits do not make you better. Try your own skin or pig skin. Get to Houston Baylor Urology Dr Appell if at all possible. I credit him with saving my life. Even he was amazed after so many surgeries to still be taking out pieces of this mess the size of his hand. I would have him perform any surgery you need for remaoval or repair he is the only one anyone knew who would attempt it.

Do not do it I had 7 surgeries to remove this mesh and it almost killed me still have problems and pain with sex ever since. The mesh was for bladder prolapse and came through vaginal wall. Cut my husband while having sex. All the removal surgery was extremely painful last my job lost my husband lost my home all because of this mesh. They can grow your own tissue in lab or use pig tissue much safer at least a better choice I was never given those options or even told about it. I credit my doctor with saving my life at Baylor Med Center in Houston. Thank goodness I lived in Houston or I would be dead.

In 2006 I had a cystocele, rectocele, hysterectomy; bladder sling etc.I had surgery in 2008 to repair mesh erosion, granuloma formation, scar tissue formation. Have had chronic UTI’s infections, scar tissue formation, granuloma formation, infections, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence and development of urinary retention, dysuria, dyspareunia, I also cannot completely empty my bladder unless I stand up. I am now resistant to most antibiotic’s. I am about to undergo another surgery to remove some of the mesh that is causing horrible pain as well as replacement of the bladder sling and right ovary removal (3.5mm cyst). Have not had sex with my husband for 3 years, to painful!

This is my 4th or 5 comment? An update on my previous surgery May 9th, 2008. I am still in pain and guess I have to live with it? My stomach is still bloated, my back hurts all the time and I am feeling miserable. I am still on warfarin. I take 8mgs 4 days a week and 10 mgs 3 days a week. I have been going to the lab more times than I can remember. I have had another colonoscopy, endoscopy to see why my stomach and back hurts. The only thing the doctor can figure is that I must have adhesions from all the surgeries since my original surgery 5-9-08. The doctors say it is too serious to remove the adhesions because my organs could be damaged. Has anyone had any attornies contact them on this problem? I feel there should be a lawsuit against the mfg. of this mesh and the doctors that are still using this mesh and injuring us thru surgery. My life will never be the same. I hope we can prevent other women what so many of us have gone thru. I have warned women about the problems of this surgery.

I must say, hearing everyone’s stories has made me feel like I am not alone. I too, have suffered from several surgeries, 3 partial hysterectomies and one being the Monarc Hammock. My quality of life has diminished over the last couple of years since my vaginal mesh surgery. I have lost precious time with my young daughter, lost my marriage, lost a job, lost a house, lost everything in a bankruptcy because I was not able to function. I could not explain my pains to anyone and make them understand. I have an appointment on 3/14/11 with the Uro/Gyno that put in my vaginal sling. I’m going to insist that he removes it at once. Then, maybe, I can get back to enjoying life as the 32 year old woman that I am, not feeling like an 80 year old!! I am also looking for legal representation since I asked the doctor about complications and he assured me there were none, even at follow-up visits when I told him I was feeling pain. If anyone can help, please let me know: summerlee55@cox.net. Thank you!!!

I was wondering if anyone here has contacted an attorney over this situation. I only realized this was a problem with so many women today. I have been in severe pain for years and my life with my husband feels hopeless and I feel for all of you. I have had numerous surgeries and they are still going on and will continue. I just realized last night about the problems with the mesh I have never once thought about that being what is going on with me. I feel violated and feel someone should have to pay for all of us being in such pain and loss of life. If anyone has contacted an attorney I would love to hear from you.

hi.accidentely i saw the add about pelvic mesh surgery and complication afrterwards,my surgery was performed in 2003 in la and was used mesh.the consequances are very simmilar to the comments posted above(burning sensetion during urinatig,pain till now,huge discomfort during sitting and terrible experiance during sex act,urinary incontinence as well….)..complain was filed by me right after the surgery but was denied and was explaned that everything was according to medical standards…i would like to know if i can persue this case and go further on with case(i have all the necessary documents and information ).thank you. email: agn1966@yahoo.com

I HAD A HYSTORECTOMY BACK IN 2002, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WILL BE PUTTING A MESH IN ME TO HOLD THE BLADDER UP, BECAUSE MY BLADDER WAS SLIGHTLY TILTED, NOW ALL THESE YRS LATER, JUST 3 YRS AGO I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLES WITH GOING NUMBER 2, I LOOKED LIKE I WAS 8 OR 9 MONTHS PREGNANT, I WENT TO MY DOCS, TOLD ME TO TAKE LAXITIVES AND CHANGE MY DIETS EAT MORE FIBER, WELL I DID IT STILL NOTHING IT WAS GOING INTO MY 2ND MONTH AND STILL NO MOVEMENT, I WAS IN SEVERE PAIN, WENT TO EMERGENCY, AND THEY GAVE ME SOME KIND OF BARIUM TO DRINK, IT WORKED ON ME ABOUT THE 3RD DAY, WHAT A RELIEF, WELL THAT WAS GREAT BUT I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM, THEN WENT, IN BECAUSE I WAS HAVING SEVERE BACK PAIN, THEY HOSPITALIZED ME AFTER GIVING ME A CT SCAN, AND A IMAGE SCAN, WELL I WAS HOOKED UP TO MORPHINE IV,AND WAS TOLD I HAD A LEAKING APPENDEX, HOSPITALIZED FOR 2 DAYS, PLUS DOC CAME IN AND TOLD ME MY APPENDEX WAS FINE, AND NO LEAKS, I WAS FERIOUS, WELL 3 YRS GO BY AND IM GETTING WORSE, HAD A COLD FOR 4 MONTHS STAIGHT AND COULDNT GET RID OF IT, SO I WENT TO DOCS FOR THAT, HE GAVE ME A YERIN TEST, AND CAME BACK WITH BLOOD IT MY YERIN,SENT ME TO A URANALISYST,WELL AFTER ALL THOSE YRS OF NOT KNOWING, I FIND OUT THAT MY MESH IS JUNK (DOC SAYS), NOW THAT MY BOWELS ARE FALLING OUT, AND MY KIDNEYS ARE TOTALLY INFECTED, AND MY BLADDER STILL HOLDS 50 PERCENT OF MY YERIN IN IT, AND I ALSO HAVE A URINARY TRACT INFECTION, THAT MY BODY IS FILLED WITH INFECTION, MY DOC SAYS HE CAN FIX ME, I WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT THIS MESH, HOW LIFE THREATING IT WAS, MY HUSBAND HEARD IT ON THE RADIO, AND CALLED ME, BECAUSE WE HAVE NO SEX LIFE BECAUSE OF THE PAIN I HAVE BEEN IN, IM REAL SCARED NOW, BECAUSE IM PUTTING MY TRUST INTO MY DOCTOR NOW THAT SAYS HE CAN FIX ME AGAIN BUT ITS NOT GOING TO BE OVER NIGHT, I HAVE TO UNDERGO A CYSCOPIC IN MY BOWELS, AND NOT INCLUCDING TRYING TO HAVE THE MESH TAKEN OUT, AND I HAVE BEEN READING THESE STORIES AND IM GETTING MORE WORRIED ABOUT MY OUTCOME ON THIS KIND OF SURGURY, I JUST WANT TO BE ME AGAIN, IM AT THE POINT ALL I DEAL WITH IS THE PAIN, CANT WALK RIGHT ANYMORE BECAUSE OF ALL THE SWELLING I HAVE NOW, I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHY MY DOCTOR (MY GYNO) NEVER LET ME KNOW ABOUT THIS WHOLE MESS, I HAVE NEVER EVEN RECIEVED A NOTICE OR A CALL REGARDING THIS WHOLE MESH STUFF FROM EITHER THE DOCTOR THAT PUT IT IN, OR THE GYNO THAT REFFERRED ME TO THE DOCTOR THAT PUT IT IN, IM REALLY IN SEVERE PAIN NOW, AND NOW IM TAKING ANOTHER CHANCE, TO LET ANOTHER DOCTOR TRY TO TAKE THE MESH OUT AND FIX ME, MY BLADDER MY KIDNEYS, AND MY BOWELS, I PRAY FOR EVERYONE THAT HAS HAD THESE PROBLEMS, I WOULDNT WITH THIS ON MY ENEMY, CANT FATHAM HOW MUCH THIS EFFECTS EVERYTHING I LOVE IN LIFE, JUST PRAY THAT I HAVE A GOOD DOCTOR NOW

I started to write a response and explanation 2 days ago for this blog. It took me that long to read the posts! (I just cannot sit comfortably for long.) But my response turned into a book! I don’t want to bore you with my life story so… I had cystocele, rectocele, and vaginal hysterectomy in Oct. 2006. I have had severe problems from this since, quite similar to all the above mentioned, masked by arthritis pain. With one exception, after the surgery when I went for my follow ups, the urologist ripped my vaginal stitches. I already had severe scarring. I believe he broke the mesh and it collapsed into my vagina, which is all of 2 inches deep now. I just learned of this recall via an email in Jan. 2011. It may be too late for me to have corrective surgery. My quality of life seems very bleak. No man wants to hold a woman whose abdomen is distended. No man wants to live with a woman who cannot have sex. I have been so very lonely and sad. There has got to be real help out there for all of us somewhere! Someone please restore our faith in humanity!

I was 49 when I had the Perigee Mesh Repair done on 3 September 2008 in Bundaberg Queensland Australia. There was servere pain in my lower back from the time I came out of sugery, this did settle down so that I could manage and live with it then an infection set in within a few days of leaving hospital. Things didn’t really settle down after that. I always had pain or just didn’t feel right. A GP sent me to have a 2D scan locally but the Specialist sent me for 3D Scans and these showed that one of the arms of the Sling was detached but was told just to wait and see. Once intercourse started, that was a nightmare when penitration (not deep) happened the pain was incredible, it felt like my bowel was being ripped out. I went bad to the Dr who did the prceedure and was told, there was nothing wrong, the vigina was not shortened during the operation and to give it time . The pain in my left side was really getting to me, intercourse wasn’t happening, the pain was to great. I went back to my GP, he sent me back to the original Gymo who did the operation. He believed the operation was a success because the bladder wasn’t leaking. I left there feeling very rejected.This was at the end of 2008. I then started my journey to find an answer. How could this operation be successful if my sex life had come to an end< I was happy before the operation, now I had pain on my left side that felt like tooth ache all the time and my social ilife was being reduced to nothing even going to work was hard. 2009 – my GP sent me to another Bladder Specialist who listening to me and did an internal examination, yes something was not right so he sent me off to a female Bladder specialist in Brisbane. Because I was so sore and she was unable to do very much in the surgery, I was put in hospital Day Surgery, when I was her that afternoon, She told me she had just the Dr I needed to see. Home we went, which I might add was 6 hiours away, too wait for the call to say she had contacted the Dr and told him about my case. By the time I could get into see him it was near the middle of 2009, after more examination and testing he told us that the mesh had penitrated the vigina. At the beginning of March 2010 I was suicidal and put on medication plus visits to a Psychosocigist, and a month off work. In May 2010, the first operation took place to remove the mesh from the left side of the vigina. It was amazing the difference it made. The pain from my left side was gone. But then came the crunch, intercourse. What a disappointment, this time with deeper penitration, my anus felt like it was being riped out and back into me. The pain was undescripible. We did try again but each time it was painful. Back to the Specialist Dr in Brisbane again, as I had sent him an email stating what had happened and how I was feeling. I had an other mental breaking down in June of 2010, change of depression medication. This time I was at work but on resricted duties. Saw the Specialist in Brisbane again in September of 2010, the 2nd operation was set down for the 8 December 2010 to remove more of the Mesh from the right side of the vigina. After the operation the Specialist told us that he had to remove more mesh then he thought once he was able to see the area of concern. Things seem to be settling down now. Intercourse is full filling again for both of us. But my mind is still not at rest. On my last visit back to the Specialist in Brisbane, he told me that my mental breaks downs and the pain I have had is very common with the mesh, if it isn't done correctly and that for every 1 woman that looks for a second opinion there are a 100 that accept that this pain is normal and live the rest of their lives with it. When I told the Specialist that I was angry with what I had to go through, his response was, "I am angry and sick of having to remove the mesh".

I am so sorry for all of your pains and sufferings! My mom is in the hospital as I write this blog and they don’t know what is causing her swelling in her ankles,feet, pain in her knees and shoulders! She has been in the hospital since Saturday and they are still doing tests! My family feels that it is from this MESH! A little over a month ago, all of a sudden my mom had problems with circulation to her feet…. like some sort of shock syndrome, and to find that they were blocked arteries in her legs! What would cause such a dramatic occurence in both legs at the same time!!! My mom was very active and walking is almost a daily routine for her! I am trying to research the Manufacturers now, while my mom is in the hospital and also contact her lawyer! Her Dr. performed this surgery with this MESH after there were a Recall and Warning Alerts! Ladies..you must join together and seek action for your pain and suffering! Go back to the Drs that performed these surgeries if you can and asked them for the manufacturers they purchased these MESH from! Posted it here along with the states that your in, so to join together in this quest to seek justice for you and your family who all are being effected by this! Join together ladies by state and if possible by city! It is better to have a few people that one trying to seek justice from these manufacturers and drs! My mom is from Paterson, NJ and I think it is the Pro-lift that was used…but I will followup and get the name of the manufacturer and post it here later!Take Care All! I will keep you all in my prayers!~,~

At the age of 56 I had the same surgeries done in May and October 2006 and May 2009. While intercourse was difficult at first we persisted and eventually got through and enjoy a great sex life. However, I started with hip pain this past spring which I thought was due to the exercises my trainer was putting me through. I went to see my chiropractor twice weekly and continued with my deep tissue massage all at my expense as my insurance does not cover either. I gradually got back to exercising but still continue to have a problem with the left hip and thigh – a problem most of you indicate as a post surgery symptom. I’m beginning to wonder if this could be a symptom of upcoming problems even 5 years after the initial surgery. Why would the hip be affected by this surgery? Has anyone’s doctor suggested why? BTW, my sister had a similar surgery done at the same time in 2006 in a different state. Her doctors would not do the mesh because they said there were too many risks and possible complications. She had a natural leather lift which was tied off to ligaments. Evidently this type of implant has been used successfully for years without complications. For those of you facing this surgery ask your doctors about it. I would obtain a 2nd and third opinion before doing anything. Even though I have not had the complications and pain all these women have had, if I knew then what I have learned today in reading this info I would run as fast as I could from any doctor recommending the use of mesh implants! My heart goes out to all of you and especially those of you whose husbands offered little or no support and eventually left. There is a class action law suit being pursued now and hope those compensations will be of some help.

I had the TVT surgery in Sept. 10. Surgery went well, released same day. Pain in groin area was terrible. Now in Jan 2011 i am still having lower back pain and cannot have intercourse due to the pain, its impossible, after trying i have pain for 3 or 4 days, also i’ve noticed a odor that i cannot explain its not bad but its there. I’m not sure what to do. Like i said i had surgery in sept and seen my dr at 6 weeks, but he said everything was fine and didnt need to see me anymore until my regular check up which is in July.

Please order all your medical records both from the doctors office and the hospital and have them sent directly to you. You have a right to read them and when you do, it will make you stronger for the fight ahead. I just received the doctor’s records only and I am waiting on hospital records. Record departments will make you wait so be prepared to call more than once to find out where they are. I had to go to the doctors office in the end to get them and I may yet have to go to the hospital. I had TVT and rectocele surgery on March 9th 2010. I was a self pay patient with no insurance and only my good credit to pay. Like you all who have had this surgery, I was told it was minimally invasive and I would be back to work and life after six weeks. Nine weeks after surgery she admitted I was not fine and asked me how much money I could come up with to have a second surgery to cut the tape. I said none! I was broke and had reached my credit limit and was unable to work. In the end it was done at no cost to me. To continue to read my story and symptoms and how I have worked hard to get my surgeon to recognize what has happened whether she wants to or not click here. http://bladderslingsurgerymystory.blogspot.com Don’t sit back. Take control of your situation. I should make note of the fact that immediately after the first surgery I felt what I can only describe as an annoyance in my groin. I felt it was due to the catheter against my groin, but it bothered me so much I could not wear underwear and could not sit. After the second surgery I began to limp and had pain down the inside of my right thigh, which would come and go. Now I have difficulty walking and a great deal of pain but I am not about to give up a fight. I am living a life of hell and I don’t know where to turn but I have gathered a collection of symptoms and cases to verify my case. If you want to read up and decide if you can help yourself in anyway from all my research, feel free to check out my blog.

Wow. Reading all these posts is both comforting (in knowing I”m not alone in this) and disheartening (in knowing there are so many of us out there suffering like this….. Too all of you out there, my heart goes out to you. I truly understand how this can devastate your lives. I had a vaginal mesh installed in 2007 to repair a prolapse. The doctor also recommended I have a bladder sling installed as a preventative measure even though I no history of any incontinence and a urodynamics test confirmed this. He said “as long as we are in there, it would be a good idea,” because my 86-year-old mother has mild stress incontinence. I asked about complications and he said the only complication is a sling installed too tightly but he had done thousands of these operations and never encountered that problem. I believed I was in good hands, trusted in his recommendation and I agreed. Biggest mistake I have ever made. Following my surgery I actually DEVELOPED incontinence. I mentioned this to the doctor, however he told me that I had probably had this all along and it was “masked” by my prolapse. He referred me to his incontinence clinic, gave me incontinence medication and told me I’d have this problem the rest of my life but that it couldn’t possibly be due to either the prolapse or the sling surgery. The doctor I went to was highly respected in his field and came so well recommended I did not question this. So I went on with my life, resigning myself to the fact that I was incontinent and that any pain or urinary problems I had were just something to live with. Simple tests such as a pap test were painful, but I assumed that was due to the mesh and was just a consequence that couldn’t be avoided. I had been warned there might be some discomfort in the vaginal area. So didn’t pursue anything legally or medically. But a few years later I developed a problem with back pain and during a routine x-ray for that they found something odd going on with my bladder and sent me for an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed only a distended bladder, nothing to worry about I guess, but it also showed an ovarian cyst so I had to go back from another ultrasound a few months later to check that. The cyst had disappeared but the test was EXCRUCIATING! The original test really hurt and I wondered about that. But the 2nd test….. oh boy… They had to attempt the vaginal ultrasound three times because my bladder simply wouldn’t empty. I was retaining way too much urine. And each time it hurt even more. I was just jumping off the table… And I was in pain following that test for days…. So I began to suspect that maybe something was wrong with either my sling or my prolapse surgery and went to see a different urogynecologist. A urodynamics test now revealed urinary retention and they suspected the sling was too tight. A cystoscopy confirmed that. Surgery to release the sling is scheduled in 9 days. But when I asked the Dr. if the surgery will “fix” me, make me better, she replied, “that all depends on your definition of better. You may experience some relief from retention and pain, you will never be the same. You see the mesh is now too melded with my natural tissue and there is too much scar tissue to remove it. ALL for a surgery i NEVER needed!!!!!!!!!! I did some research recently and found out that bladder sling surgery is a last resort for people with stress incontinence. That first medication and incontinence therapy are tried. THEN surgery if the others don’t work. So WHY did he put this awful mesh in me in the first place? I will never be the same… all for a surgery I never needed. And because the statute of limitations in Wisconsin, where the surgery was performed, is three years, I am just a few months beyond that limit. How very sad that is that I have no recourse. I have heard that there is something called the “law of discovery” which allows you one year past the point where you discover you have a problem due to a botched surgery. I wonder if there is any hope. Has anyone experienced anything like this or have any suggestions for me. I’m so angry this has been done to me. At the very least I want to expose this Doctor and have him be aware of what has happened to me. Also wondering if part of the problem could be the mesh? I have developed pain in my hip and back, but the Dr. I’m seeing now says the mesh appears to be holding and there is no visible sign of erosion. Could the tight sling actually be caused or aggravated by the mesh?

I am scheduled to have surgery for total hesterectomy with rectocele and cystocele repair on Tuesday and am now scared to death to do it. Is there any positive stories out there to justify for me to go ahead with it.

In April 2009 I had a total abdominal hysterectomy due to endometriosis. Mesh was used to repair my abdominal and pelvic wall. For the first year after the surgery I felt like a new woman except for what I chalked up as hormonal related problems such as hot flashes, etc. But over the last 6 months I have experienced severe pain in my left hip and leg as well as my lower back. About 2 months ago, following an intense day of pain I noticed a huge sore knot protruding on the left side of my midsection. It lasted about a week and then just disappeared as quickly as it came. Since then I have declined in physical health. Lower back, left hip and leg pain continue and worsens daily. There is numbness in my left pelvic and vaqinal area that I notice when washing myself or having intercourse. Intercourse had also become very painful as of late. I also keep a sore throat and have generalized weakness as if my immune system is hard at work fighting off something. I am in between jobs and don’t have health insurance right now but will follow up as soon as I do. I found this blog after trying to find answers to my symptoms, never dreaming it may be because of the mesh. Thanks for sharing.

I had a total hysterectomy that included removal of both ovaries in 2000. In the last few months I have been experiencing some light vaginal bleeding (off and on). I have also experienced the severe hip pain that you ladies are speaking of. My most recent complaint is severe abdominal pain right above my belly button. It actually feels like something is tugging inside my abdomen. I don’t know if they placed a mesh barrier inside when they did my surgery, but the things I’m reading have me really scared. I don’t have any insurance and because my husband is self employed we can’t get government assistance. I don’t know what to do! I had pre-cancer vaginal cells prior to my hysterectomy and I am sure that I needed the surgery but the constant pain, the decreased desire, bloating, abdominal pain, etc. make me wonder was it worth it?

Hello Ladies. I went through my hysterectomy in Dec of 09, and during that surgery I had a bladder sling and vaginal/rectum wall mesh operation also. It is now one full year later and I am suffering from pain in my hips, pelvic and back areas. The pain is so intense that I have jumped online to do some research on my pain since my surgery and I found this blog site. I am sitting here crying because it is not all in my head. I told my children over Thanksgiving that something is causing this pain. I never go to the doctor, I am tough but these symptoms are real and they are affecting the quality of my life. I am 40 years old and for the last year I have felt like I am 80. I cannot sleep through the night now due to the pain in my hips and lower right pelvic region. My knees are constantly aching like tooth aches. I cannot sit for long periods of time now. I am having night fevers I think. Something is going on with my body and I am going to see another doctor asap. Maybe I can find someone who will give my some answers to all of these new symptoms since my surgery has taken place. I wish that I would never have agreed to this surgery but my doctor made it sound as if it would fix my issues for long term. I am now living in another state, and I am due for my first annual exam. I just want out of this constant pain.

My mom, age 72, had this surgery on Oct. 29, 2010. She had already had surgery for vaginal prolapse, but was now having to wear a diaper all the time. The urologist said he needed to tie up her bladder with a mesh called Gynecare TVT. He said the only proplems were that sometimes the mesh would erode, and he would just have to take it out, and inject a “silicone like substance”. No big deal! It seemed as though everything was going to be great! Now, almost a month after her surgery, she is having extreme bloating, like she’s nine months pregnant, and lower back pain. And now last night, she had me look, and there is white, thin, strings coming out of her vagina. Does anyone know, is this the mesh coming out? Is this bloating, that she has had for a week now, and making her so miserable, she can’t stand to wear clothes, caused by this surgery? Is this the mesh coming out of her? PLEASE, PLEASE, someone let me know your thoughts. I am desperate! My mom has always been the most active woman I’ve ever seen, and is now almost bedridden, because she is so miserable!

I’m just curious. Does mesh extrusion have anything to do with chronic yeast infections?? I had an A&P repair back in July 2008. I had 2 more surgeries a few months later for mesh extrusion. I had a 3rd mesh extrusion and the doctor just snipped it in the office. Well I have mesh extrusion again. I’ve decided i’m getting the mesh removed but want to wait untill finances are a bit better. But I am getting chronic yeast infections, every time I sit in the hot tub, take a bath, have sex, I get yeastie beasties. It’s really getting on my nerves

I was just told I have a prolapsed bladder, uterus and rectum. My doctor informed me that he was going to use the “mesh.” I don’t know what manufacturer, but I asked him what other solutions are there other than the mesh. He told me there was a ring, like a diaphragm, that is inserted into the vagina to help hold up the organs. I am still doing my research. Most of the surgeries have been from Aug 2009 or earlier. Have things changed? Did they improve the mesh and if not, how in gods name could this “renown” doctor offer this as a solution? I am so saddened to read your stories! I pray that each and everyone of you heal from this horrific ordeal.