TVT Removal

Written by

Sun, May 27, 2007

I underwent a TVT operation about 5 years ago. Just over a year ago

during another operation it was found that the tape had moved and is now very close to my bladder, it actually touches the bladder when it is

full. I now need this removed as it may penetrate the bladder. Has anyone else had this problem and if so what is the outcome?

I am putting this off as i am very worried that my bladder may be damaged during the removal,although i have been told that i should have this removed asap! and that it will be a major operation with 4 weeks in hospital. I feel that i should have been warned of this risk before i underwent the original operation, but i was not! Please does anyone have any knowledge of this particular problem.

Many thanks

Mrs. M. Gardener.

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Lana Keeton

7/15/07 2:39am

Dear Miriam,

Please contact me. I have the same problem. You are right to be concerned. The edges of the tape are very abrasive and the tape itself has grown into your native tissue. Removing the tape will cause a lot of harm to the healthy tissue around it.

My doctor has been removing the tape from inside my bladder for almost 5 years now. He has managed it conservatively and not removed it completely, just the portion that is actually in the bladder.

I have filed a product liability lawsuit against Ethicon, Inc, Gynecare and Johnson & Johnson in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Lana C. Keeton, Plaintiff Pro Se vs.

Ethicon, Inc. (d/b/a Gynecare Worldwide) and Johnson & Johnson, Case #06-21116-Civ-Ungaro-Benages.

It is set for trial for October 1, 2007.

I have reports from an expert witness that the edges of the tape are defective. Please contact me at miamiblog@bellsouth.net I will be happy to send you a copy of the reports to show to your doctor.

Be sure to see an expert urogynecologist before you take any action. I look forward to hearing from you.

Lana

Sandie

1/ 6/09 4:16pm

Lana,

Is your law suit a class action or are you on your own? There are many attys filing class action lawsuits against Mentor which I found out about by going to site--Mentor TVT removal.

kalamitycat

11/ 2/09 4:59pm

Hi, I had TVT surgery in 1907 and as a result have pain so terrible that I can't have sex with my husband. Pelvic exams are torture as well. I have a worse incontinence problem now than before my surgery. Believe me being in Depend diapers is grim. They are expensive, unconfortable, and a permanent wedgy. I live in Canada and I want to join a class action suit. Recently, I did some research, but can't find any class action suits in Canada. Can I join your law suit? Can I start my own? Please help me as I don't know what to do next!

kpenner

11/27/09 11:13am

I too am In Canada and I would love to talk with you.. I am in Ontario where are you from? I am so frustrated with our health care system and how they don't know what to do with this mesh.

Please email me I would love to talk more.

fashions@mountaincable.net

Anonymous

12/ 2/09 3:45pm

Hi I am in England and woul like to start a class action suit against the manufacturers here. Can you tell me how your class action suit is getting on in the USA. Regards Christine

Anonymous

12/16/09 12:40pm

I had the TVT placed 8 weeks ago. I had to be readmitted to the hospital 3 days and 3 emergencry room visits later. I had a 2nd surgery to remove a softball size hematoma from the perineum area with a 3 inch incision in the vaginal wall. I have had trouble with the TVT from day one. I am seeing a different surgeon this Friday to see about having the TVT removed. I have had pain since the day of the surgery and there is no way I could have a speculum exam much less relations with my husband since the procedure. I have told my family and friends that I would have rather endured the trouble of leaking than this! Think twice before having it done!!! I would be interested in learning of any class action law suits as well.

I wish anyone else the best of luck with their post procedures!

Sincerely,

Beth

Lana Keeton

12/16/09 2:28pm

Dear Beth,

You need to have it removed. If you are having this much trouble now, it will continue. Please be VERY careful what doctor removes the mesh. The second surgery can be worse than the first if the surgeon does not have the surgical skill.

You need to see a highly qualified urogynecologist who has A LOT OF EXPERIENCE REMOVING MESH. There are some urogynecologists who claim they are very good at removing mesh who are not, particularly some who have websites proclaiming their skills.

I recommend you join Medical Mesh. Write me at miamiblog@bellsouth.net for further information on joining the group. We help each other find doctors and support each other through the misery that is mesh.

Also, go to www.truthinmedicine.us.com for more information on our efforts to stop this from happening to others.

All the best, blessings, Lana

Lana Keeton

President & Founder

Truth in Medicine Incorporated

1521 Alton Road, #198

Miami Beach, FL 33139

truthinmedicine@bellsouth.net

786-566-7780

Angee

1/13/10 10:22pm

Any info on what I can do about insurance? I had insurance at the time of ALL 3 of my surgeries and now, once again, I have more of the mesh erosion... which I didn't even understand was an issue for so many women! My doctor (who is now retired) NEVER said a word about this, even the exposed mesh he removed 4 months after the original surgery. (Dec 06) Now, I feel awful, have a husband who is worried about the "wire" feeling inside me when we're intimate, and I have had 17 kidney stones since the surgery. Anyone else in this same boat? I am afriad my bladdar will fall out, never be intimate with my husband, and have erosion with other organs. Please help! I am in Washington state and have no where to turn.

~Angee.

Anonymous

1/17/10 6:25pm

I have just read you are from England. I am too. I have had lot's of problems since I had the operation last May.

They finally sent me for a cystoscopy test last week only to be told I have TVT erosion seen at mid urethra. Also bladder inflamation GREAT!

The doctor tried to speak to the consultant but he had gone home. I'm just waiting!

Having read the reviews I feel very nervouse - it does not make for good reading. I only hope it comes out with out a problem, but where do they go from here?

And more importantly what about me!!!

I would like to hear from you

Christine

1/17/10 11:05pm

Hello - I am so very sorry to hear about your problem. I could not have the mesh removed as it was inserted 8 years ago and it has grown into the surrounding tissue. My new gynae did however say that he would not undertake this procedure if the mesh had been inserted more than 6 months before. So if yours was done 8 months ago maybe its too late to have it removed.

So the only procedure open to me was to have the erosion removed by laser I had this done 6 months ago and it has eroded again. So I will have to go back into hospital to have it redone!!!!

I can see this continuing for the rest of my life and its very depressing. However, the laser procedure is far less invasive and less risky than mesh removal, and in any case they can never remove the whole mesh.

If you need to contact me again for any details of surgeons etc please do so. I am not in England at the moment but can always respond to your emails.

With kind regards and good wishes

anonymous

PS I am attempting to start a class action in the future plus I am seeing if I have any legal redress against the surgeon who inserted it in the first place

PPS Have a look at the UK website meshupmesh.org They are very supportive.

Anonymous

1/18/10 3:38pm

Hi Christine,

It was so good to hear from you. It's such a help to hear from someone who has had the same problems I am now having to go through.

After the operation and all the complications, the consultant put me on Kentera patches for three months, which gave me disturbed vision.

I'm not sure whether it was the cystoscopy I had the other day or withdrawl symptoms from the patches but I have had a rotten few days, feeling sick & swimmy.

When I last saw the consultant the plan was:

To start me on a brand new drug just out! don't know the name as I was to give time for the letter to get to my G.P, then book an appointment to see her.

Next was to organise an appointment for the cystscopy. I then recieved a cancellation appointment. That's when I found out about the erosion.

I'm now waiting to see what the plan of action will be. I'm really pleased I found this site as at least I'm better informed to have a 1 to 1 discussion with the consultant so we can cover all the options and do what is best for me.

I'm only 57 this condition has made a big impact on my married life, hobbies travel it just spoils everything ! I hate having to wear pads with a passion.

When you had the laser was there any improvment in your condition ? I'm guessing not! as it's a fix rather than a cure! Are you on any medication now & does it work?

I will keep you informed as to what happens next!

Thank you for your support

Christine

1/19/10 1:32am

When I had the laser treatment I was sympton free for about 5 months - It was wonderful. Apparantely not everyone erodes again. The surgeon who did the procedure had done 5 before me and only one had re eroded. Its rotton luck and if it had happened in two years I might have thought, well fair enough, but 6 months feels like too much bear.

Anyway, there is nothing I can do. It'll be like this for the rest of my life

Keep in touch

Christine

Lana Keeton

1/24/10 4:39pm

Hello Angee, Sorry I did not write back sooner. The notification went into to my spam and I just read this today. Please contact me at truthinmedicine@bellsouth.net. I will help you to find a doctor. You may need to have all of it removed. The original scarring of your tissue into the mesh from the first surgery will probably keep your bladder from prolapsing. Just take one step at a time. The first step is to find a skilled urogynecologist (preferably a pelvic floor repair specialist) who has a LOT of experience removing mesh. You may have to travel out of state. What a shame the doctor was less than candid with you about the real situation. There are good doctors with ethics who are out there helping women (and men) like you.

All the best, blessings, Lana

Lana C. Keeton
Founder and President
Truth in Medicine Incorporated
1521 Alton Road, #198
Miami Beach, FL 33139

e-mail: truthinmedicine@bellsouth.net
website: www.truthinmedicine.us.com
blog: www.theladyisachamp.blogspot.com

Reuben

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Lidia

2/23/10 9:13pm

Just wanted to let you know that I had every doctor I went to tell me that

I could not have my mesh removed and looked at me hopelessly...I did my

research and found a doctor at University of Michigan remove mine last

May after having it there for almost 5 years.....very complicated, but

she goes slow and does the job.

Christine

2/23/10 9:37pm

Hi and thanks for the information. Could you tell me the name of your doctor and can you tell me where your mesh had eroded.? Mine has eroded into urethra and i have been told that if I attempt to have it removed I will need urethral reconstruction.... It doesnt bear thinking about .

Thanks Christine

Christine

2/23/10 9:40pm

DEar Lana - Can you tell me how your lawsuit went in 2007 and why you chose to sue the manufacturers instead of the Doctor that inserted the mesh?

Thanks Christine

Sorry I had one

2/24/10 8:00pm

There is now a class action lawsuit filed in Canada against Johnson & Johnson for the Gynecare Surgical Mesh. Contact Stevensons LLP Barristers, Toronto Ontario, 416-599-7900 Ext. 226 Attention Margaret Lover, Litigation Law Clerk and Assistant for Lauren B. Black and Daniel McConville. email mlover@stevensonlaw.net

Good luck!

Kathy

2/25/10 9:53am

Hi, I would like to hear about your TVT problems, as I feel all alone. My gynecologist is sending me to a urogynecologist in Halifax, but I haven't got the appointment yet. I had one urologist say that everything is fine. Well if that is the case why do I have so much pain when I have sex or a pelvic exam? I am really scared that they are going to carve me up to get the tape out. After the TVT surgery I was in horrible pain for 3 months and now my incontinence is worse.

It really sucks to be in adult diapers. Is there any way out of this mess?

Lori

3/ 4/10 12:13pm

Hello,

I had my TVT surgery here in Sydney NS back in September, of course, it was botched. I was then "forgotten" by the doctor who performed the procedure, while he went on vacation. I knew the day after the original surgery that something was wrong and was dismissed. I couldn't sit, stand, I had more infections than i can count, i couldn't control my bladder. Intimacy with my husband was non-existent and hasn't been since September, which is frustrating to say the least.

I went to my family doctor and requested a referral to Halifax NS. I was lucky, I was in Halifax Oct 27 to see a urologist, unfortunately, it was too complicated for him to do anything to repair/remove. He referred me to another urologist in Halifax. I was back the first week of November. This 2nd urologist basically specializes in complications. I refer to him as "the Cleaner". He is wonderful! I'm not saying I'm perfect, yet :), but I'm so much better than I was.

The doctor in sydney that performed the procedure basically severed my urethra as he inserted (installed sounds so mechanical) the mesh too tight and it eroded into my urethra, thus severing it over the 6 week period post op. The doctor in Halifax removed the original sling, did urethral reconstruction and re-did the sling, without the mesh! The surgery was complicated and long, but my urologist was patient and more importantly, knew what he was doing. I'm not leaking if I cough or sneeze, i do have an issue as far as control, (if i need to urinate, everyone get out of my way, i'm coming through :)) My corrective surgery was done in December, i'm still healing, I think i'm one of the lucky ones. I've had infections, abscesses that had to be drained on my labia (ouch), a catheter for 3 weeks (over the christmas holidays, ho ho ho, i "lovingly" referred to the bags as Freddie - my leg bag and Freda - my purse), 12 staples across my lower abdomen.

I'm not out of the woods yet, and won't be for a long time. My urologist is confident i won't need anymore surgeries for a long time. I just hope he's not retired by then :)

I know this is a serious situation, but I think my sense of humour, and the support of my husband and family are helping me get through it. Please, if you have someone to talk to, talk to them. Don't be afraid or embarressed. It can be depressing as well, i was warned of that by my urologist in hali. And it has been depressing. I'll admit, I've been taking a mild anti-depressant med to help cope. this has been the worst 6 months of my life, but we're strong and we'll all get through it. All i wanted was to be able to play hopscotch with my daughter and jump on the trampoline with my son, I didn't think that was too much to ask, but if you don't have the right doctor, maybe it is. Ask questions and lots of questions if you or someone you love is contemplating having the TVT sling procedure done, don't take it lightly. it was pitched to me like an infomercial - 45 minute procedure, day surgery, 3-4 days you'll be better than ever.

But again, I've been lucky...the doctor on the other hand won't be once the college of physicians and surgeons get my complaint :)

tired of it all

3/ 6/10 2:40pm

Yes indeed there is a lay firm to help us here in Canada,I have filed,something has to be done,the tvt has ruined lives,,,

Lori

3/10/10 8:27am

Hi Christine,

I had my tvt surgery in September 2009. I knew asap something was wrong. My mesh also eroded into my urethra to the point of severing my urethra. I was adament the mesh was not staying inside of me. I requested a referral to Halifax and found a wonderful urologist who was able to remove all of the mesh. I did have urethral reconstruction as well and a new sling in place. It wasn't easy. This was all done 1 1/2 weeks before christmas. I have 2 little ones that couldn't understand why mommy had to be away for 1 week and then to come home in the state that i was, wasn't pretty :( It was one the most difficult times of my life...I was lucky because the mesh was only in me for 2 1/2 - 3 months. my urologist was surprised i was having problems so soon after, but when he examined me, he then realized why it had to come out asap and why i was having so many problems so soon. The pain from the mesh was unbelievable, I couldn't sit, stand, or walk for any length of time, no control over my bladder...i thought i was going crazy (perhaps I am for having the procedure done in the first place...)

Take Care,

Lori

3/11/10 10:38am

Kathy,

Have you heard anything on your referral to the uro in Halifax? I have the name of the best in the country who is in halifax. He did my mesh removal surgery in dec, along with urethral reconstruction and sling replacement. If it wasn't for this doctor, I don't know where i would be right now.

Take Care,

Lori

snowflake

3/22/10 2:31pm

Read you story,really not fit what us as woman have to go through,Iam in nl and have been through hell since 07,no end in site,what is the name of your,dr? I really need someone else!anyone would be better than what I have for a dr,pain,pain ,pain,thats all I feel any more ;(.....snowflake,,,

Lori

3/22/10 3:57pm

Hi Snowflake,

So sorry to hear about another victim :(. I don't want to provide the doctor's name over the internet without his permission, please send me an email and I will be more than happy to send his name your way. He is an amazing doctor! my email is meshsurvivor@hotmail.com

Look forward to hearing from you.

Lori

Drippy Dot

3/25/10 11:21am

Reading these comments, I am now very concerned. I too have a TVT, inserted in January 2009 with anterior vaginal repair, and at the 6 week checkup voiced my concerns to the consultant that I was still in a lot of pain, thought the tape had been put in "wonky" and was constantly wetting myself (which did not happen before the op!). In August 2009 I underwent a posterior repair for bowel prolapse and he was hoping that would "pull the bladder up" and sort things out. He did not do either of the ops but passed it over to a collegue on his team. Here I am some 16 months after the first op, still having to dash to the loo, wear tennaladies all the time, unable to work and thoroughly fed up. I am going next Tuesday for a urodynamics test, then day surgery on 14th April so he can look inside the bladder to see if it has been damaged. Had I known what I'd be going through I would never had had the TVT done! But looking back, the stress incontinence was getting unbearable so I acted on what I thought was good advice. I suppose it's good to know I'm not alone!

bea

3/28/10 1:26pm

hi i had the tvt surgery in 2006 then the urologist sugested that i get a sling procedure bad idea i had pain every day and i went from having to use pads to not being able to urinate setting down i had to stand up and turn left and right to find the spot to urinate. my urologist keept acting like the pain and problems were all in my head after several surgeries the problem was not gone,so i went to the university of michigan hospital where i found a urologist that knew just where to touch i keep telling the doctors that i felt a ring like thing in my vaginal aria and that every time i set down and moved i would get severe cutting pain well this uroligist whent in and removed the tvt, it was where is shouldn't have been, the doctor removed a lot of tissue too. the cutting pain is gone but the vaginal pain and urinating problem is not. i have an appointment to see urogynolocy specialist next month i pray this doctor can take care of my vaginal pain.

good luck with your surgeries don't give up

bea

suep

5/ 5/10 2:20pm

I am from WA state as well. Have you received any help??? I had a TVT in '05 and am miserable...

Miss Black

5/19/10 3:44pm

If anyone has any further information, please contact me. I am having surgery to remove the tape in June. The tape has slipped, was on too high, and the tape has grown INTO my ureathra. It has to be removed as it has bunched up also. they thought it was a bladder stone. I get many UTI's and was quite ill a short while ago with e-coli infection. Most interested in having something to tell my doctor, who says he has not seen or heard of anything like this. I have no great problem with incontinence, for some reason. The doctor wondered how I urinated at all!!

Thanks

Jacky

5/23/10 9:54am

Hi,

I am also in England and had the TVT operation about three years ago, since then l have had recurring soreness in my vagina with the outer lips also sore and swollen. I also have a lump on the wall of my vagina which l assume is something to do with the TVT op?

sex is painful and it seems as though there is an obstruction which l assume is the swelling/lump on my vaginal wall? I have been to various GP's an gyno's in and outside of my area and none seem able to help me, none have suggested that my problems are anything to do with the TVT op, it is my husband who thinks my problems started after the TVT op? I am still not sure if it is the TVT that is giving me the problems but having read other peoples letters on the subject l suspect it is. Having read your letter could you contact me on my email (meshmess@yahoo.co.uk) and give names of doctors that could help and any other useful info you may have. l tried the UK website you suggested but could not find it, does it exist? Thanks for any help you can give.

Jacky

Anon

5/25/10 6:49am

Hi I'm from England and have been in constant pain since Feb2007 is there an action group or support group I can contact or join. I'm frightened and desperate.

Snow

6/ 9/10 9:48am

Does anyone know if there is an active class action lawsuit in the USA? I had a TVT mesh implant in 2003 and 2 corrective surgeries. Ongoing infections and pain.

Lois

8/25/10 6:15pm

Lori,

My 1st surgery was May 25, 2005, my procedures were: abdominal sacral colopexy, retopubic urethropexy(burch procedure), paravaginal repair, cystoscopy, posterior repair. My 2nd surgery was Jun 30th, 2005, lower bowel slipped out of mesh. I have never felt right since that operation, I feel nauseated all the time, stomach is bloated and sore to touch. I have pain in my back, hips, groins. I have problems urinating and it smells strong when I do. My bowels dont seem to be working right now and I'm just sick, anyways. My husband and I are planning on moving to N.S. as soon as our house sells. Would it be possible to get the name of the Dr. in Halifax that took out your mesh. Im trying to feel confident about this move, knowing there is a Dr. there that I can get to take out my mesh.

Thank you so much, I totaly appreciate it. My email address is-ljryder@rock.com. I presently live in Alberta. Will be waiting patiently for your reply. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!Lois

jaque

9/12/10 5:44pm

is this a personal law suit or can others join? I guess i need to find out which company made the TVT materials used in me. Please let me know what to do.

Jaque10

9/27/10 10:21am

Hi Annon,

I am also from U.K. and I am having problems even contacting other people on this site, or am I doing something wrong. I had a TVT in 2004, I am in big trouble now as I can't even sit down, I think mine has erouded into my vagina, I am getting no help here in the U.K. How about you? are you also looking for a decent honest surgeon here. I can tell you who Ive been to up to now to save you money and also who did this to me, if you reply.

Best wishes.

AmyG

10/ 2/10 3:27pm

At age 39 a mid-urethral polypropylene sling placed in 8/2007 during cystocele repair. I was unable to void from the get-go. The ob/gyn referred me to a urologist who has told me my abd, anal/rectal pain, pelvic pain and throbbing pubic bone was not related to the mesh. I have had to self cath to void multiple times a day. She finally thought the mesh needs a little snip. I went to another doctor as I felt frustrated that she found no relation between my other pain and the mesh. This doctor says I need the mesh out, I agree. Now when I am able to pass stool clumps of thready string material comes out. I see a GI doc in two days. I'm terrified I will need a bowel resection. Does anyone know what the mesh looks like when it erodes through the organs or has anyone experienced this?

Terrified in SLC

Anne Day

10/17/10 5:25am

Christine I was wondering how you are getting on and wanted to know if you had a sling inserted TVT or mesh to support prolapse. I seem to remember you had yours done by professor Cardozo like me. I am scheduled to have mine removed by suzie Elneal on 16th november and she seems positive she can remove all except end. Not sure now whether I have sling or mesh. Can you help

Anne

ann

1/14/11 8:29am

hi i am from england uk i am having mine removed after i had a bit taken out but my incontinence returnd so i had another one put in .it was worse then the first one .had it shaved .but now am going in to hav it removed .i have been told that if my simtoms come back i can be considerd for a sling made from my muscle sounds better than the mesh .just dont no wat to expect wen it gets removed can any one tell me pleas thank you

Jaque10

1/23/11 4:25pm

Hi, Ann

How long have you had your tape in? you say you are having it removed. I have had mine in since 2004. I have seen three seperate consultants in the last three months. One of them was the Gynecolegist who I was under at the time, He told me it could'nt be removed after all this time and didnt even examine me, this was privately, he also said how can it affect your vagina? Then next person has just looked for other things and has'nt even mentioned the tape, he did a CT scan which showed a cyst on the overies, so next a CA125 blood test also negative, no mention of the tape. The next person who is in London which involved a painful long train journey told me I have a bladder prolapse into my vaginal wall, every other surgeon I have seen has denied this except one. Sadly this last surgeon has sent me a bill for a clamida test for £56 in spite of the fact I havent been able to have sex for three years, I had also told him I had every test done at a V.D. clinic in september again, just in the hope they had missed something previously. I am in despair as each time I go to see someone new here about the TVT tape, they just look for other things. I was alright before the tape was put in and now I cant sit down or drive, or do my garden bend down, swollen bottom and stabbing pains in my vagina and bottom, constant discharge and pains in my legs and intense burning. This has been going on since last May with no relief the only thing that helps a little are piritan allergy tablets. You say you are seeing someone who is removing your tape can you tell me who? so I can go too. I dont know if you can send a private email on here, but if you know how I will give you my phone number and email address. I am going to the U.S.A. next although I have private medical insurance here, up to now it has been useless, the surgeon in U.S.A is pretty sure its the tape causing these problems and so am I. After all I managed to live a fairly active life and had two children before the TVT and I didnt have a bladder prolapse either.

deborah s

3/ 9/11 6:10am

I also have pain along with lots of other health issues that developed after my tvt sling procedure. Now depressed and in constant pain do not know who to go to for help. I would like to have it removed but don't know what the outcome issues would be. Also who would be a doctor in hamilton, toronto area that has experience with this?

danbury5

4/ 8/11 12:36pm

Could you please give me the name of your Dr. you mentioned from the U of Michigan. My grandmother's doctors are saying they can't remove all of her mesh and she is in constant pain. She desperately needs to find a doctor who will at least try.

Thanks!

Katie

katiejones981@gmail.com

Honey

6/15/11 9:38pm

Hi Jaque,

I want my TOT removed as I am in a lot of pain. I live in the UK and would appreciate it if you could send me the names of surgeons you have visited to date and if you have found one to remove it.

Thanks very much!

C.l.

7/24/11 12:56pm

I too have a nightmare to share. I had my TVT mesh operation in 2006, soon after I began having bladder infections - Month after Month-, pelvic pain and intense pain during sexual intercourse. In 2010 I had an operation to remove mesh. Specialist informed me that mesh had attached to bladder and she anticipated that removing would cause further complications. Currently, I'm in a worse situation than the beginning - leakage so bad that I constantly have to were protection.

I would like to know how I can join this class action suit.

Kathy

7/24/11 8:40pm

Hi. I had a TVT in May 2011 in Halifax and shortly after started having suprapubic pain.

At the six week mark the urogyne gave me an injection of solumedrol and lidocaine but that only increased the pain to the point I didn't want to move. It has settled but I still have pain after walking about the house for 10 - 15 mins.

I would love to speak with one of the ladies who went to Halifax and find out who "the cleaner" was because if this doesn't get resovled after my next visit, I'd like to got to someone else who could help me live pain free.

Thanks (Another)

Kathy

karen newman

9/12/11 6:58am

Had a TVT just 2 weeks ago already had infection, was not told of all these poss problems I'm reading about on this website, I was looking the procedure up because I have this nagging feeling that all is not well, I'm not a stranger to surgery, but I get the feeling that things just feel too tight, I'm struggling to urinate! and to open my bowels is just torture! I feel like I want the toilet all the time, but when I go nothing is there! the vagina seems to be under pressure! anyone out there know if this is normal at this stage

Karen newman

Cheshire Uk

Age 52

donna

9/15/11 12:00pm

Hi,

had my TVT in april, was fine until a couple of months ago, groin pain and now erosion on the left side of my vagina wall, is there any happy ever afters on here, i feel very angry that even though I work in theatres, I didn't get the possible pitfalls of this dangerous procedure!!

Julie

9/18/11 4:45am

Hi Christine - I had a TVT tape inserted approximately 2 years ago by Prof. Cardozo I am now told by her National Health unit that I have chronic bladder lining infection (after bouts of cystitus and a cystectomy) and should take a 3 months course of Norfloxacin. As I like to play sports I am wary of taking this medication as it can cause rupture of tendons - have you taken it? Also of course, I hate the thought of taking anti-biotics for a prolonged period. Can you advise what surgeon you subsequently saw in UK rather than Cardozo?

I had no problems of this sort before I had the TVT tape inserted and bitterly regret it

Kind regards - Julie

rachel

10/20/11 11:39am

Hi i am having my TVT procedure in Nov 30 2011by dr. buckly from north york general hospital, after reading all the comments i am thinking twice about having this procedure done, has anyone had this procedure recently, as I am looking and most of the women have had it done 2005-2009......Is there still a law suit in toronto.....are there still problems? can someone help?

thanks

Rachel

Joanie

10/22/11 4:49am

I had a TVT procedure done in September 2010 and have had groin pain, left leg pain down to my foot and pain for both my husband and I during sex, which we've given up on for a few months now :o( It turns out that the tape has eroded into my urethra and I am to go for surgery to 'loosen' the tape and have my urethra 'reconstructed'. Why can't they use our own muscle tissue to do this, rather than this invasive, foreign object? Not a happy camper.

elaine

10/31/11 8:15am

hi i had my tvt done at the end of july 2011 worst thing ever done pain is awful on a lot of painkillers i allso self cathertrise bladder sensation lost since op . and cant wee i live by alarms to remined me to go .waiting to have it removed .there is also a great web sit called tvt mum take a look

take care elaine

Kupec

11/ 2/11 3:33am

I understand you had the mesh removed after a few months, had reconstruction on your urethera, and a new sling put in. I had a tvt done a few days ago, and I am quite frightened by what I am reading about using mesh. What did the doctor do to find out that your mesh was erroding? How was your urethera repaired, and what did they use when you had a new sling put in? I am very afraid that my mesh will also errode, and what I have heard is that if it is inside you for too long (6 months or so), then it is nearly impossible to get it out. I am wondering if I should have it removed immediately before any damage is done, and have a new sling put in. I just dont know what else they use if they dont use mesh. My operation went well, and I feel fine now physically, but maybe am starting to panic a little because of everything I am reading. I have read so many sad stories, and it is really disheartening.

Kupec

11/ 2/11 3:33am

Kupec

11/ 2/11 3:35am

Patty

11/ 7/11 12:01pm

I live in Montana but am originally from Michigan. Can you tell me the Doctor's Name at U of M? Thank you in advance and so happy you have found relief from this nightmare.

Patty

11/ 7/11 12:01pm

I live in Montana but am originally from Michigan. Can you tell me the Doctor's Name at U of M? Thank you in advance and so happy you have found relief from this nightmare.

Lidia

11/ 7/11 2:48pm

Dr. Fenner at U of M.

Irene

11/27/11 5:42pm

I would appreciate any information on qualified doctors for removal of TVT please contact uklady100@gmail.com

Deb

11/27/11 10:14pm

I too am in Canada and would like to know where to file same suit. It has Been a nightmare since mt Tvt sling surgery gynecare. 3 years ago. Ongoing infections and constant pain in pevic area. No ones willing to remove it .

Sukari

11/27/11 11:18pm

DONT Do IT, please.

suzieq

1/31/12 3:16pm

if your from NS and had this TVT please email me gailchaisson@eastlink.cathanks

Lori

7/27/07 10:58pm

Please keep me posted on this topic. I had TVT surgery 5 yrs ago, had to have part of it removed 7 mo later, and I actually have started having problems again, so am going to go to the Dr. next week. I am wondering if it has caused other problems as well, such as the body recognizing it as a foreign body, as I have had many physical problems ever since my surgery. The "risks & benefits" were never explained to me either. I am not sure if the fact that I am an RN made them implied, but I wish I had known. I have considered filing a lawsuit, but am wondering about the time frame.

Thanks!

Anonymous

7/28/07 9:09pm

Hi Lori,

Sorry to hear you have the same problem as Miriam and myself. I would rather be incontinent than have this thing in me that has a mind of its' own. And to keep having procedures and cystoscopies to get rid of it or control it is awful.

I am sure there are many more of us. At only 1% of a million procedures worldwide to date (that's an estimate) that would be 10,000 women with similar complications.

And yes, it is a nightmare. Even worse, there are at least 10 women who have died from the Gynecare TVT tape procedure. I have the adverse event reports from the FDA. There was one as recent as January of 2007 and there were two before I had my procedure in 2001. And those are just the ones that are reported.

About the statute of limitations, I believe it starts when you have knoweldge of the cause, not just from the date of surgery. It's a little more complicated than that but it is worth asking the question.

And being a nurse does not mean you understand all the risks of a procedure. I would be happy to share any information I have regarding the defects of the TVT tape.

Please feel free to contact me anytime...Lana

miamiblog@bellsouth.net

fran

9/ 1/08 12:21am

im not an attorney but i dont think your risks are implied

sadinatlanta

10/16/08 5:27pm

I have been dealing with the same nightmare. Had surgery in August of 2007 with the Head of the Uregynecology Department, tvt surgery that was supposed to help me. They sent me home, and I had to self-cath, I immediately started having problems, bladders spasms, utis, this went on for 8 months. I went to another doctor to have it removed. The first doctor admitted that they had cut my vagina while inserting the sling. transobturator tape and cystoscopy were performed.

I now am diagnosed with intercystal cystitits, constant pain and bladder spasms was taken to the emergency room with fever and severe bladder spasms, had to be sedated for 12 hours.

This has turned in to a disease that I got from my original surgery. When the second doctor took the sling out, there was tissue damage and my entire bladder wall is totally inflamed, a disgusting and debilitating experience.

How would I find out if tot, and tvt are the same and how do I find out the manufacturer? I think, in my case it was a combination of being somebody's guinea pig at a teaching hospital and a bad mesh.

I sent my case to a malpractice attorney in Atlanta, and he wasn't interested in taking the case. Would you kindly guide me to someone that I can talk to.

Thank you very much,

sadinatlanta

Lana Keeton

10/16/08 7:31pm

Dear Sad in Atlanta,

I am so sorry that you are suffering the horrors of Synthetic Surgical Mesh. It needs to

be recalled by the FDA.

TOT stands for Trans Obturator Tape. The mesh is the same. The method of implantation is different. It goes through an area near the groin at the obturator of the pubic bone.

The TVT (Trans Vaginal Tape) is implanted through blind incisions in the vagina that are then brought up through the abdomen.

Please contact me at miamiblog@bellsouth.net. I will try to help you. Lana Keeton

Lalmsteadt

1/ 4/09 6:05pm

I just had my mesh out and am leftwith severe bladder spasms and pain My mesh was attached to my colon so my stool would get caught in it. I would be rushed to the hospital several times a year. Finally a "pelvic pain" specialists told me it was the mesh. 5 years after getting it in I got it out. The gripping left side pain is gone but now I have a bladder infection with spasms so bad. I can thank a nurse for that. She tookout my cath and did not monitor my output. 3 hours later I was in pain 4 hours later i was in crazy out of my mind pain and asked my husband to take me to another hospital 5 hours later i was offered a rolaid for pain (what wisdom) 6 hours later i was beating the bed with my fist and screaming the 7th hour i realized i did not pee so i asked to be catherized. it was relief for a minute, then spasms started and never stoped. I now have an infection. I also got BV which I never had in my life (hard to believe but true). I am on my 3rd course of antibiotics.

What us women go through heh? I was told that prolpsed organs and bladder prolasp are from labor. Most women with "C sections" don't have prolapse anything. I wish I knew it then. I would have opted for a c-section.

If yu or anyone you know has any info on this mesh recall or attorney to take my case, please inform me. I lost verything because of this. My equity in my home, my job of 18 years, i am totally disabled without the medical coverage I once had from my job, my husband had to retire to take care of me so his income was compromised also. We went from 65,000 a year to 17,000. it is hard to live and I want vengence on the people that are continuing to ruin peoples lives y saying this surgery is good for you. It is not!

Pain in OH

9/10/07 1:52pm

I am seeing a Dr tomorrow to talk about taking the TVT out. I have had NOTHING but pain and constant bladder infections. My problems started right away, but the Dr's made me feel crazy, like this was all in my head.

lana miami

9/22/07 12:37am

Dear Pain in Ohio,

Go to the Bladder Forum and you will find countless other women with the same problem. Then go to topix.net and look under hernia mesh patch recall...dozens more with problems from medical mesh. It's awful what people are going through, men and women both.

Any kind of a plastic mesh, Prolene, polypropylene, polyester, etc. is a problem because it is a ptroleum based product. They are toxic to our systems and some have worse reactions than others depending on their own personal sensitivity.

That's in addition to the physical abrasion of the mesh cutting you on the inside.

Of course, no doctor or pharmaceutical company is going to tell you this. Your pain is their profit...

Be really careful of who does the removal of the mesh...the second surgery can be worse than the first if the doctor is inexperienced. Your native tissue has grown into the mesh.

When they remove the mesh, they damage healthy tissue. BE VERY CAREFUL who you trust with this.

All the best and God Bless! Lana

miamiblog@bellsouth.net

Link To My Blog:

www.theladyisachamp.blogspot.com

Anonymous

12/20/07 11:32am

I am trying to get information as I have had a TVT for over a year now with pain from the start. No one can seem to help. Can you steer me in the right direction or am I just stuck with the problem?

Please contact me at my email address as I don't know much about blogs, etc.

dander26354@yahoo.com

Anonymous

5/19/08 12:35pm

Dr. Caputo (Urogyno) in Cols. Ohio removed most all of mine, after the ob/gyn who placed (misplaced!!!) it tried to patch it up. She did 2 smaller sections first (after discussing it with me) to try to "save the sling", then later removed the whole thing.

The morning after I felt as if I had gotten over a mild case of the flu, aches and pains were so much better. I'm sure it had cranked up my immune system. Much better now, but still not the same. Had great follow up care PT she referred me to.

Some go to cleveland clinic.

mildred

5/20/08 3:14pm

I am scheduled to have this tvt sling put in in July by Dr. Caputo. I don't have daily incontinence. It is mostly when I have to run quickly. I happened to just google this procedure and I see all the negative comments. Did Dr. Caputo suggest that she could redo it?

downtowngirl

5/20/08 5:56pm

I trust Dr. Caputo, she really helped me out of the mess I was left with from the guy who orginally placed the TVT.

But before surgery, I would at least try Physical Therapy/Exercises. It's a lot more than Kegels. Her office has a great PT. They can refer you and you can see PT at Caputo's office or at ReHab Associates in Pickerington & Newark.

I wish I had done that first, I might have been able to improve enough to not need surgery. Surgery is always there if you don't see improvement with PT and the symptoms are more than you want to live with.

TaigenLeigh

7/ 7/08 11:51pm

It seems that there are quite a few of us experiencing problems. Maybe we should consider a class action lawsuit.

I had the TVT surgery done 4 years ago, and the tape, stitches, whatever you want to call it, is coming through. I am really scared, and quite depressed. My gyn indicated he had never seen this happen before, and my surgeon indicated he has never seen this happen beyond 3-6 weeks after surgery. Both doctors recommended I try an estrogen cream for a month, to try to strengthen the tissue around this area. My surgeon indicated he will re-evaluate a corrective surgery at that time. I am devastated, though it has only been a week since I saw him, I have noticed no change for the better.

Please, give me feedback.

Linda Conrad

7/21/08 4:01pm

I live in Grand Rapids, Mi and there are no urogynecologists in this area. I would like to have this mesh taken out of my body and along with other irratitation and swelling and discharge problems I feel that overall I am slightly allergic to the mesh...I find I am aging very fast and am tired all of the time.

What was your health state after she removed the mesh, what kind of mesh was it and how long were you in the hospital? I would like to see someone who really knows what they are doing since I keep being told that the mesh can't be removed because it is embedded between the muscles and would be work to get out. ...of course, I have only been urologist and gynecologist...not urogynecologist. How is your incontinence now and what did they do to keep you from going totally backwards or worse being totally ruined! I would greatly appreciate your thoughts about this.

Thank you in advance for any further information you can provide. Linda

Kathy

12/ 7/08 11:27am

Lana, A friend of mine had this procedure done and has dealt with vaginal discharge for over a year. Not once did her Dr. examine the possible link. She now has an abscess in the upper thigh/groin area. The general surgeon connected the two but says he hasn't the experience to remove it. WE NEED TO FIND AN EXPERIENCED PHYSICIAN FOR THE REMOVAL. The general surgeon is not sure the antibiotics will work. Can anyone help us with names and facilities. We are located in Canton/Akron/Cleveland, OH area. We have been on the net for over two days and we are not having any direct luck. Thanks and good luck to all, Kathy

Lana Keeton

12/ 7/08 5:57pm

Hi Kathy,

Please write me at miamiblog@bellsouth.net for more information. Also, I have a yahoo group called Medical Mesh. See link below. You should go to the link and join the group.

Several of the members of the group have been to Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio to see Dr. Mark Walters, a urogynecologist and head of his department. They have been pleased with their treatment there. Dr. Walters has been good about seeing them very quickly.

I myself have treated with Dr. G. Willy Davila at the Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston, FL since 2002. He is an excellent doctor.

It is important that your friend get the proper surgery with the proper doctor that has had experience removing mesh. Otherwise, the second surgery could make the situation worse. She probably had the TVT O method of implantation or the TVT Secur which is through an incision in the groin area and may the reason she is having the abscess in the thigh/groin area. It is very diffiicult to remove from that area and sometimes impossible. She has to have an expert to do the removal!!

All the best...peace and blessings, Lana

Lana Keeton
Los Angeles, CA 90049

E-mail: miamiblog@bellsouth.net
Blog: www.theladyisachamp.blogspot.com
Medical Mesh Yahoo Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/medicalmesh

website: www.truthinmedicine.us.com

Kathy

12/ 8/08 8:52am

Thank you for your response. Unfortunately she had to go the Clinics emergency room yesterday and her husband told me they are going to do surgery possibly today. I do not know if this will be on the abscess only or if they will try removal. I will take the information you have provided with me - I hope we have the time to make an informed decision. Kathy

Lalmsteadt

1/ 4/09 6:27pm

Hi Kathy. Sorry to hear your friend is suffering. I just had my mesh removed by Dr Harry Johnson at the University Of Maryland hospital. He romoves these in his sleep he says. I was sent to him by my pelvic pain doctor. He told me my case was worst than he thought. Well surprise surprise.....I knew it was bad and it is hard to convince them othewise. they make boocoo bucks doing this. I am praying for a recall and a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers.

They can take flesh from yout leg to repair a fallen bladder or organs. They don't tell you that option tho.

contact dr johnson. he is the best in the country. if you come to maryland for the surgery, she can stay at my house to cut costs of motel fees. anyway i can hlp. let me know.

Kathy

1/ 5/09 9:50am

Thank you. I am forwarding this to my friend ASAP. She is still undergoing treatment for the abscess and is concerned about future complications if she is unable to have this removed.

Sandie

1/ 6/09 4:12pm

Hi Lana'

I am Kathy's friend (Cleve clinic) Thanks so much for your offer, as I write this I'm doing OK. My experience with TVT started when I had sling done in 2004. In summer of 2007 I returned to gyn with complaint of vaginal discharge. Her NP felt it was BV but when meds didn't help I returned again. She -my GYN Dr- said my mesh was eroding into vagina and I returned later to have it removed in office. I have since returned several times for vag discharge which had turned pink-red. Multiple cultures have been done-all negative. A biopsy (endomaetrial) was done & was also neg. So...the latest game plan was to have hyster done & new sling placed (this was end of Oct) At about this same time my thigh began hurting. I thought it was pulled muscle until it became red & swollen. CT showed thigh abscess. When I researched thigh abscess on web I learned of association with TVT.

I spent 5 days in Cleve clinic. The GYN who saw me there told me that surgery was very nasty & could ultimately result in inability to walk. I was also examined by orthopedics & urology. I was on IV antibiotics as in patient & within 2 days the discharge stopped. I was discharged with a PICC line & from Dec. 13 til Jan. 5 I was hooked up to IV bag with antibiotics 24/7.

Went to see Drs. yesterday. My thigh is better CT showed slight infection. Dr is going to have me taking oral antibiotics for 1-2 years (yeah I know it wounds wierd) If this is the end of my problems thats a small price to pay compared to what I've been reading. I almost feel tho as if its a cancer & if its not cut out it will return.

I have found out I had Mentor OB tape used. This was pulled from the market in 2006. It was not a recall Mentor just realized it was causing problems.

Adam

2/16/09 10:47pm

Please Help,

My mom is having all the same problems... can you please send me information regarding removal, and Dr. Harry Johnson's contact info.

Also, how are you doing now??

Thank you,

Adam

shenequa mayfield

3/ 1/09 8:12pm

hello my name is neak and i have had the tvt done mine been in for 3 months but i am scared that something may go wrong what should i do about it

Anonymous

3/18/09 7:20am

Hi there, If you are not having any problems then I would just wait. Nothing might happen and you could be completely fine. not everyone has problems. I have just had my TVT put in on Friday and I feel great so far and it has worked 100%.

Anonymous

3/24/09 7:14pm

who done yours

Leahanne

3/25/09 7:56am

Hi there, I had my done in Falkirk Royal Infirmary (Scotland) by Dr Kate Patrick. She was excellent, three of my mums friends have had this done and have had it for years and been fine. Once I had my second daughter 9 months ago my problems started and it was terrible (im only 28). I went for physio for 6 months and nothing helped, so on the 13th Mach 09 I got the TVT op. My lite incisions are still a little sore but its not even been two weeks yet. I am completely dry and I feel terrific. I'm sure you will be fine honestly.xx

Michele

6/24/09 10:15pm

I am having problems with the TVT procedure as well. Now that the tape is removed, how are you feeling? Could you send me Dr. Harry Johnson's contact info. -Michele

Michele

6/24/09 10:15pm

I am having problems with the TVT procedure as well. Now that the tape is removed, how are you feeling? Could you send me Dr. Harry Johnson's contact info. -Michele

Jenny

7/27/09 9:34am

I have had infections since my TVT op. Now five weeks on I constantly have to go to the loo. In fact I never feel comfotable. I am not in pain. My Consultant says it will settle down. Has any body had a similar problem

Jenny

7/27/09 9:35am

Jenny

Cindy

10/14/09 11:37am

Lalmsteadt,

I have my second appt with Dr. Johnson this Friday. Please email me with how you are doing and all. I am scared of this whole thing. Thanks

Cindy

Cindy_is_Sweet@msn.com

Loril

10/19/09 3:15pm

Hi there,

OMG, i'm not alone!!! i had my tvt procedure done september 10, 2009, at the same time i had a tubal done as well. the day after the procedure, i had no bladder control. i contacted the ob/gyn that did the procedure, and was told if it doesn't resolve itself to come in to see him on monday...monday came, no improvement, went to see him, and as a "precaution" was referred to urologist to have a cystoscopy done. 2 weeks later cystoscopy revealed the mesh penetrated my urethra and has to be removed, once the tvt is in place longer than 2 weeks, it is more difficult for it to be removed successfully...had severe infection and was prescribed macrobid for 3 days...i had severe itching between my thighs and everywhere in between, the only way i could describe it was to say if i had a baby bottle cleaner, i would stick it up inside myself and scratch...the doctor that originally did the procedure was on vacation in south africa, not that i would let the quack near me again...i now have an appointment in halifax (5 hour drive from me) with a urologist to have the tvt removed...i'm terrified...i spent 4 1/2 hours in emergency on the weekend with severe right side pain and was prescribed another round of antibiotics, cipro this time, for another infection...i thought i was alone...

Anonymous

10/20/09 11:26pm

Jenny, I had a TVT inserted 3 weeks ago on 30th Sept. No problems so far but there has been no improvement. How have you got on? Has time recitified the problem?

Margaret in Australia

Chris

10/24/09 3:38pm

Hi Margaret,

I had TVT sling surgery on October 6th 2009 and was wearing a catheter till October 21. It is Sat. Oct. 24th and I have spent the better part of the day in the bathroom trying to void. I am voiding but it is difficult and takes time. Something just doesn't seem right. Am I expecting too much so soon after surgery? Anything input you can give me would be greatly appreciated. You can email me also at cilene0824@yahoo.com.

Thank You.

Chris

Ummi

2/18/10 10:10am

Hi guys. Editor: a person employed by a newspaper, whose business it is to separate the wheat from the chaff, and to see that the chaff is printed. Help me! Looking for sites on: All uses for glucophage. I found only this - clomid glucophage and twin. Only treatments for death like sensitivity, year, eating, considering, 9mm, and any excruciating number levels that fail the gradient and pieces taking, glucophage. Glucophage, later, causing at laboratoires aron in paris, he was controlled by garcia's production to cobalt the pancreas development treating system of step and terrible kind plans. THX :mad:, Ummi from Venezuela.

Lee

12/ 3/10 9:11am

I am from Northern Ohio and am having problems that I believe are related to my procedure. Can you let me know what area you are from and I would love to know your systems. I had my procedure in 2004 and the leakage stopped but I have many problems that I believe are related to the surgery. Thanks

donna

9/15/11 12:04pm

Don't do it!!!

10/ 9/07 2:57pm

Dear Miriam,

I have just found your comment after searching to net. I had a TVT put through my bladder 18 months ago and was then left with crippling pain and problems for 6 months. They made me feel like it was all in my head and told me there was nothing worng with me, I knew otherwise but couldn't really fight them as was so ill.

Eventually I sought alternative investigations and they found the TVT tape had been placed and left through my bladder. I had to wait and have major surgery to have some ( but not all ) of it removed and that was an ordeal i can tell you. A year on and I am still battling to try and recover. My bladder is still very bad on most days and I am left with few options now to try and help the problems.

I hope that you have moved on since your posting in May, I wish I could find someone like me who has alos had the same thing happen at timew of insertion and being left who can tell me their outcome because at 31 I was too young for all of this.

Anonymous

10/29/07 12:45am

Dear N,

Please contact me at miamiblog@bellsouth.net. I have a lot of information and have found 20 other women on the internet suffering from the Gynecare TVT Prolene mesh bladder suspension tape...it is awful!! The complications are numerous because the tape can move within your body even years later. Also infection can hide in the mesh for vey long periods of time. And the Prolene mesh can be toxic to your system...it is a plastic.

Gynecare/Ethicon/Johnson & Johnson sell the tape to the doctors as the greatest thing since sliced bread...they also give kickbacks to the doctors to use the product. I have proof. That is not an idle statement.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Lana Keeton

Miami, Florida

e-mail: miamiblog@bellsouth.net

blog: www.theladyisachamp.blogspot.com

yahoo group: search medical mesh under health groups

Magnolia48

11/ 7/07 9:17am

I see I'm not alone here. Where is the "bladder forum"? I can't seem to find it. Is it a message board where we can discuss this?

Magnolia48

11/ 7/07 6:45pm

Lana: I looked at your blog, and sent you an e mail.

I look forward to hearing from you, my issue has not gotten as bad as yours did, YET! I pray that it does not.

I saw a urogynecologist this week, had to wait a long time to see him, and he is going to do a partial removal on me. I am NOT looking forward to this yet I can't take the pain, the discharge, the no intimacy much longer. I am also very afraid now of infection setting in :( Hopefully, this guy can help me out.

Obviously, the surgeon who put this in has no clue how to handle the erosion into my vaginal wall. He says this is honestly the first time he's seen it with his patients. He has offered to remove it, but I have done LOTS of research on this, and I see I have to have someone with experience do this.

He said he will go in vaginally, cut around, excise mesh, and suture the vaginal wall well. Six weeks with many restrictions for recovery.

I hope I'm in good hands, and I wish others would come back here to discuss this problem and what they have done.

Good wishes to everyone.

12/17/07 10:50am

Dear Magnolia,

Did you have a partial removal of the tape and if so how did you get on?

Reading through these posts it is amazing at how many different things people are told regarding the tvt. I have researched myself sensless on this subject after having my botched TVt nearly kill me. As far as I am aware the slimmer you are the harder it is for them to insert the TVT. Erosions into the vagina are often not true erosions at all but are due to the fact that the surgeon did not postion the tape in the correct place during the initial surgery. True erosion happens over very long time scales so don't let them fob you off with lies.

I do know that this stuff is like getting chewing gum out of your hair, impossible once it is in there so please anyone thinking of having this done, research, find an expert a urogynae who has done hundreds of these procedures. Ask for their track record, ask them what they will do if it doesn't work or in the event of a complication ( my surgeon didn't have a clue of what to do as far as he was concerned as he hadn't had anything like it before then I was lying....). Make sure that your consultant is doing the procedure and not just letting someone else have a go once you are under, you have a right to question them they are doctors NOT GODS.

I hope your recovery went well and would love a positive update,

regards

Magnolia48

12/17/07 11:22am

Thanks for asking how my surgery went.

In my situation, this was not a true "erosion" as the stuff was exposed slightly from the very beginning due to incompetent procedure inserting the TVT tape. From the very beginning this was a problem.

The urogynecologist I used did the partial removal vaginally. He cut out what was in my vaginal canal, and a few inches inside to get as much as he could to prevent further "erosion". He has done hundreds of revisions, that's what they are calling it these days "TVT sling revisions". Sounds nicer than the problem really is, doesn't it?

IF, at any time in the future, this stuff finds it's out again, I will have this specialist attempt to remove the whole thing. Recovery from anesthesia and surgery is a long process, so I don't wish to have like six "partial" removals!!

I'm feeling a bit beat up right now, but all in all, the surgery went well. I tire easily and am sore. I think any trauma to the body is hard to recuperate from, well, for me personally anyway. The anesthesia takes forever to get out of my system. Spinal blocks are out of the question due to

existing spinal problems I already have. I don't need to make more trouble for myself!

Thanks for posting :)

12/17/07 11:35am

I'm glad your're well. Can I ask if you are in the Uk and if so where you had your revision.

Do you have any incontinence now you have had to have some of the tape removed?

I understand not wanting lots of minor procedures to try and remove bits of tape, I had a major to try and get the stuff that was in my bladder out it it took a very long time to get over that and unfortunately a big scar aswell. I wish that they could have taken it all out of me but that was not possible.

I'm left with many problems now but am trying to get on and live with them, I leak as the strangest times and my bladder just doesn't work right on some days and on other days it okay there is no science to it at all.

I try and find out if anybody else has had a tvt tape put into their bladder and left as most people just have either erosion or division of tape if they are in retention.

Magnolia48

12/17/07 3:50pm

I am in the US and I used a urogynecologist. I'm not sure if that's the word for it in the UK, but it's a highly specialized urologist/gynecologist.

I was told I should not have incontinence issues again, but there's no guarantee. I've experienced a *tad* of leakage but I am thinking that is due to the catheter I had in at surgery.

Thanks for your well wishes and good luck finding the right Doctor for you.

Joyce Dobson

1/19/08 5:49pm

I had just went through menopause and my gynecologist put me on hormones. Afterwards I started to have some breakthrough bleeding plus I noticed a change in my vagina, something had dropped, which was my bladder. He did a pap smears and it was negative, however my bladder had dropped some. He ask me if I had been having any leakage when I cough or sneezed. I said yes. So he suggested that I have a hysterctomy as well as a bladder repair and a tvt sling I ask him if he could do both operations at the same time. He said oh yes, in fact the had done two operations that morning. I consented to the operations.

He had to live one of my ovaries because yrs. ago I had a cyst on my ovarie and he said there was to much scar tissue and I was bleeding heavily. After the operations I was not able to void.He put me on xanax that did not work ,then he checked my urthea to see if there was any blockage. There was none. So after a month of wearing a catheter and charting the amount I voided which was only a few drops I had to go back for surgery for him the release the tape.Before the surgery however, I ended up with a UTI and yeast infection. I was able to void after the surgey. This was in the yr. 2002. Although i was able to void there were times I could not empty my bladder completely ,several times to the bathroom within an hr . or so. I also have to get in an awkward position to void. My girls were very unhappy with the out come and did not want me to go back to him.

April this yr. 2007 I went to an urologist because I was having more problems voiding more frequent, etc. and especially at night.He examined me and said I might want to consider having the sling removed. A couple of yrs, before this I had back surgery and my dr. put me on elavil which is anti-dpressant for pain plus I was taking claritin. He suggested I get off of both and wanted to put me on Flomax which is mostly for men.I said forget the flomax and I did get off the other two medications which did not help.

September of this yr. I started to burning every time I voided. Went to my primary dr. I had a UTI. Put me on antibiotic, three days later I injured my leg.Iwent to the dr.tetanus shot plus another antiobiotic. He said there my be a piece of wood broke of in my leg. The next day I get home my primary dr. calls and puts me on another antiobiotic, three antiobiotics at one time. Oh was I nauseated.I still had the burning after taking the antiobiotics. Another urinalysis, another antiobiotic test show my infection was clear.I still had the burning so I went to another gynecologist, treated me for a yeast infection.My leg starting swelling from the injury so I had to have surgery to remove the piece of wood. He wanted me to stay of my leg with it placed high above my heart.The wound had to heal open since it was so deep. More antibiotics. The burning in my vagina was continuing. I went back to my gynecologist no UtI, no yeast infection. She examined me again. She found some irritation as well as possibly mesh problems. She sent me back to my urolgist. Oh he had no bedside manners, mad and said he told me to go back to my gynecologist who put the sling in he wanted no part of it.

I felt I had no other choice but go back to my Gynecologist. He didn't believe the mesh was causing the problem. Here i am taking pain pills with no relief from the burning. I ended up early one morning at the emergency room because I was at the point I didn't feel like my nerves could take any more of the pain. He gave me a couple of xanax and told me to go home and sleep. I did but that didn't stop the burning. I called my gynecologist again and he spoke with my urologist. The urologist told him the mesh was eroding into my vagina and it needed to come out. The gynecologist said I had a whole in my vaginia and my skin was growing over it. I would need surgery to correct it. He still didn't believe that was the problem but we needed to rule it out. He put me on morphene for the surgery as well as a precription for demareol and phenagrengh and a 1000mg of Levaquin an antiobtioc. He also did a cystocope of my bladder and urethea and said it was fine. Out patient surgery . I was nauseated with all these antbiotics after the surgery and finishing the antiobiotics still burning ,I called my gynecologist and he told me to go back to my urologist. When I told him he didn't remove the sling only repaired it.He said he couldn't help me . The next day I ended up at the emergency room again. I was so agitated and in pain. I had another UtI He gave me some more pain pills, ativan and antiobtics. Fortunately my daughter and her family came Christmas Day.I started to trembling all over so back to the emergency room.I saw another dr which we did not care for. He diagnosed me with drug addiction . He gave me a shot of Morthene plus two methadone tablets and a prescription for more methadone and for me to go back to my pain management for detoxification. On the way home from the emergency room I starting vomiting and could keep nothing down. The next day I go back to the emergency room almost dehydrated and wetting on myself every time I threw up. They hooked me up to an IV with phenegreng and gave me some supposotories. I did sleep some that night but the next day the trembling starts again. My daughter took me to my primary dr. He started to put me on ativan but decided to send me over to the pavillion, mental hospital for an evaluation. I saw a nurse as well as a dr. and explained what I had been through the last four months. They told me I had been on to many antbiotics and drugs. I was not addicted and I didn't need to see a pscychiatrics. He gave me a prescriptions for my nerves and he said it would sedate me.

It has been 5 weeks since my surgery and for the past 3 weeks no burning.

My daughter called her gynecologist in Ga. She recommeded the Atlanta gyneuroliogist ,Associates in Atlanta ,Ga. I wanted an opinion and piece of mind whether this mesh should be completely removed. I was told it is major surgery. I went to see them and I was very impressed. He took me in his office and drew a diagram showing what my gynecolgist had done. He said it was unfortuate but I fell into that one percent where the sling was put in to tight to begin with. He said the surgery looked good. and suggested to wait 3mos.to see if I have any more problems. If I do he suggested having it removed He showed me on a screen where my bladder and urethea looked good but my bladder has dropped some more. The last four months has been a living hell for me . I do feel the dr's should explained up front the problems that can occurr. If I had known all of this I would never had a sling put in.

If you would like I will e-mail you Atlanta's website. As far as I know they are the only group that performs surgery laproscopics.There website has videos of how the surgery is done. I am sure I will go back to him if It needs to be removed.

I am also going to be talking to a lawyer if their is a possibility of a lawsuit against the Co's making these tvt mesh. I certainly would have been better off not having a tvt sling.

Lana Miami

1/21/08 4:00am

DO NOT let Dr. John Miklos or any of the Drs. Nezhat in Atlanta operate on you. I went to both of them.

Dr. Miklos is a paid medical advisor to Gynecare. He nearly killed a woman I know personally. He operated on her to remove mesh. He nicked her bowel. She was in intensive care for six weeks. She was seriously injured and even TODAY has to undergo more surgeries to repair what he did to her. The surgeries she is facing are life threatening. She is only 48 years old. Without the surgeries she may not live and the surgeries may kill her, too.

I went to the Drs. Nezhat for almost 10 years when I lived in Atlanta. They lied about their clinical trials for their publications that made them so famous and put them on the front of Time Magazine. Stanford University in California put them on probation for 2 years while they investigated their research. They eventually reinstated them.

HOWEVER....they operated on 16 women, removed their rectum to remove "endometriosis". These women were experiments. IT IS REALLY SCARY WHAT DOCTORS WILL DO TO WOMEN!!! All of this is available if you search the internet.

I was being treated by the Drs. Nezhat while all of this was going and knew nothing of it. I knew that the energy in the office changed but thought it was because Camran and Farr Nezhat had gone to Stanford and only their brother Ceana was left at the office in Atlanta. Reality is that they were being sued for these EXPERIMENTS ON WOMEN!

RESEARCH ANY DOCTOR YOU SEE!!!

My friend who was so harmed by Dr. Miklos...he told her he had done thousands of mesh removal surgeries. He had not.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR OWN HEALTH!

RESEARCH ANY AND ALL DOCTORS AND ALL PROCEDURES THEY RECOMMEND. DO NOT BE A GUINEA PIG OR A VICTIM!!

peace and blessings, Lana

I AM REAL AND I AM AVAILABLE! I STAND BEHIND WHAT I SAY!!!

Lana Keeton
P.O. Box 402494
Miami Beach, FL 33140

E-mail: miamiblog@bellsouth.net
Blog: http://www.theladyisachamp.blogspot.com/
Medical Mesh Yahoo Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/medicalmesh

mellow

5/24/08 4:08pm

lana

i am having all these problems to0 and the sutures are coming thru

and the doctors act like it is no big thing i am in severe pain

and other probelms created i am in miami do you have a name of

an attorney to contact that does this particular case and brand of

mesh please email me i am not very good going thru this other type

of communicating on this site

Taigen Leigh

7/ 8/08 12:02am

Dear Magnolia,

I am glad to hear your surgery itself went well, though I am certain recovery must be traumatic. Recovery from the initial surgery was traumatic for me.

I am probably headed down the same "corrective" road very shortly. I have to ask, is Magnolia a reference to the state in which you live? I ask, because I live in MS., and I'm wondering if we might have had the same Urologist. He is located in Starkville, MS.

Hope you continue to recover, and never have to repeat the corrective procedure.

editwrtr@bellsouth.net

LInda

7/15/08 3:41pm

Dear Lana,

I was sincerely thinking of traveling to Atlanta to see Dr. Miklos since my tvt Caldera sling surgery almost 4 years ago...having no sex, irritation , stiffness pain, discharge and other bodily functions noticeable...tingling in left foot and side of leg...etc. I realize that no doctors are perfect and mistakes happen, but if they really messed with studies that worries me. I have no idea who to see now or what urogynecologist to trust that can remove this mesh out of me successfully leaving me with some peace afterwards and able to have sex! I would like to hear from people who have had this removal procedure done and hear about their experience. I am in Michigan, and the Grand Rapids area has no urogynecologist...went to Cleveland Clinic and got no help but for the doctor to say who all the doctors I had seen here he knew and that I was seeing "good people".....all of whom would not aknowledge my problem and tried to place it all on my own body, like suggesting I had interstitial cystitis even after every test said "not", including a urologist well known who said nothing was wrong. I need to see a urogynecologist , but do not want one that " knows the gang" and will only make me feel like I am malingering or a baby because I get so emotional because this has been going on for almost 4 years. My family and husband are suffering as well, which really hurts me the most. Please, anyone with information please help.

Michlindy@comcast.net Linda

Anonymous

7/23/08 1:13am

I am Dr John Miklos and I am here to say that Ms Lana Keeton does NOT have all the facts. First of all I am not a paid medical advisor for Gynecare and have not been for at least 5 years. I have no obligation to Johnson & Johnson. Ms Keeton is disgruntled because she did not like my evaluation or Dr Nezhats evaluation of her problem and we personally would not support her decision and vendetta against Gynecare and Johnsons and Johnson.

Secondly, as for Ms Keeton's friend: I never told her that I have removed "thousands" of meshes. She had a sacral colpopexy with mesh which subsequently eroded into her vagina. This was a surgery performed by another doctor in another state. She had already been told by 3 other surgeons, including a Duke trained Urogynecologist who refused to do her surgery, that she had the chance of getting a colostomy if they tried to remove the mesh. I explained to Ms Keeton's "friend" that I had removed more than a dozen sacral colpopexy meshes without a colostomy and despite performing more than 3000 surgeries I had never had a colostomy. I assure you I told the patient that a colostomy was certainly a possibility. Unfortunately she ended up with a colostomy. The patients even signed a consent explaining this was a possibility.

Thirdly, I have never violated research or been accused of compromising research data. It is quite obvious that Ms Keeton has it in for any doctors who did not agree with her own diagnosis and her decision to go after Johnson and Johnson including: Dr Nezhat, Dr Alan Garely and myself. Ms Keeton and all of you READERS Please GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT before making a decisoin. Just do not listen to a single disgruntled patient who none of us even operated on. Please realize that all of the surgeons she has mentioned are internationally renowned who have literally operated on thousands of patients and have worked years to build our very good reputations.

Sincerely

John R. Miklos MD
www.MIklosandMoore.com

Lana Keeton

7/25/08 2:16am

Hi Dr. Miklos,

How are you? Nice to see you here among the world of synthetic medical mesh victims. So what brought you here? Protecting your income?

As for the facts about you, mine are completely straight and backed up by your sworn deposition testimony on March 30, 2007 at your offices in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Using the age old "the best defense is a good offense" are you? Attacking the messenger? Say that because a patient signs a consent form, it's okay that you nick a rectum or two, here and there. Wow, really glad that I sought a second opinion and you did not operate on me.

Out here in cyberspace among the thousands of medical mesh sufferers, you will not get far. "A single disgruntled patient"..."A vendetta against you and Gynecare and Johnson & Johnson". Worried about all that money you make doing clinical trials and being a paid medical advisor to so many pharmaceutical companies including Gynecare/Johnson & Johnson (1998 to present)....at least that is what your 27 page curriculum vitae says.

By the way, where are the outcomes for all those new procedures and trials listed on your website? Outcomes good enough to publish?

Women from 46 states and 26 countries?

I pray that God protects each and every woman that you operate on.

Lana Keeton

miamiblog@bellsouth.net

www.theladyisachamp.blogspot.com

Lana Keeton

8/ 4/08 2:25am

Lana Keeton DOES have all the facts and you know that Dr. John Miklos. No reply? Would like a response regarding your 27 page curriculum vitae...Is the curriculum vitae you provided for the sworn deposition testimony incorrect?

www.theladyisachamp.blogspot.com

Kathy

11/ 7/08 9:24am

I had TVT-O Bladder Sling Surgery over 2 yrs. Since then, I've never been able to have intercourse without being in pain. Now, I've started to leak a little, more frequent urination, as well as burning towards midway to end of urination. Any info or advice on what this could be?

Thanks!

Anonymous

3/18/09 10:48pm

Dear Dr. Mikios,

Have you ever heard of HIPPA? I would be bringing suit against you right now if I were this patient for giving out my medical history. Can't believe you are really a doctor or you would know better.

Christine

6/18/09 1:51pm

May I ask if you are in the UK? I had a TVT inserted by an eminent lady professessor in London and now six years later it has eroded into the urethera. I have changed to a different gynecologist and he has referred me to a urologist who will try and use laser to remove the erosion. However, no one will take out the whole TVT as they say that tissue has now grown all around it. So they cant stop the erosion.

Do you know if there any kind of support group in the UK? I am beside myself with anxiety about the whole thing.

Kind regards

Christine

6/22/09 5:28am

Dear Christine,

I am in the UK and understand you anxiety...sometimes that can be worse than your symptoms and it will also make your bladder problems worse. I don't know if I can help but I can offer my experiences and advice so far if you like. Please contact me if you do.

If you can I would opt for a urogyn don't let them just transfer you over to a urologist, they tend to do that once the gyne's realise they are out of their depth.

Kind regards

Christine

7/11/09 1:08pm

I was refered to a urologist and he wants to laser the erosion from my uthera. Has anyone heard of this procedure?

little dawyck

11/24/09 3:48am

Dear Christine who was the proffessor who did you tvt, I had mine done by Proffessor cardozo and have had nothing but problems since, let me know how you are doing

Christine

11/24/09 5:45am

Yes Professor Cardozo was the person who inserted the TVT 7 years ago. It eroded into the uthera and I have now had a two hour laser surgery to remove the erosion. I am just praying that the it doesn't erode again, as if it does I'll just have to have the laser all over again. Let me know how you get on. I am also looking to into the matter of medical negligence.

littledawyck

12/ 2/09 2:51pm

dear christine,

Have you found the lazer therapy helpful. I am due to try botox to relieve the pain with dr baonowski on 16 jan. I feel quite hopeful that this will work I will keep you posted, I think we should both think about med negligance claim, this thing has ruined my life

Anonymous

12/ 2/09 3:42pm

Are you in London? If you like I can give you the name of the lawyer who is starting the negligence laim for me. The more people who claim from Linda Cardozo the better. Perhaps I coud have your email address and your name.

I haven't heard of Botox for this. Is it a new procedure?

Kind regards Christine

Christine

1/19/10 2:16am

I just wondered how you are doing and if you are still seeing Professor Cardozo? What did she say? I have had the erosion lasered but after 6 months it has eroded again. Its all very depressing.

kind regards

Christine

littledawyck

1/19/10 3:42am

Hi Christine

Did you have mesh for cystocle repair or trans vaginal tape for incontinance. I had

trans vaginal tape which was cut 6 months after I had it done becasue I had great difficulty voiding. Ever since then I have had pain which I have treated with amytriptyline and gabapentin. When she treated me I had a hystorectomy cyctocyle repair and TVT. I am not sure whether my pain is from cyctocyle repair or TVT.

I had a botox injection last week done by Dr baronowski which has worked brilliantly.

No longer have any pain. I had to pay for this myself as Insurance co would not cover it. He says it should work for about 6 months. ( I hope he is right)

How do you know you have mesh erosion? What are the symptoms? Are you in pain because of it? I dont know if I have erosion but I am concidering having the rest of the TVT removed but am scared I may end up worse than I am now becasue of scarring. Please let me know how the laser treatment works and was it successful

in terms of managing your pain

regards

littledawyck

Christine

1/19/10 2:18pm

Hello - I had a TVT inserted 8 years ago by Professor Cardozo for mild stress incontinence. Last year I had the following symptoms. A permanent burning sensation - Pain on intercourse- Sitting on a hard chair hurt inside - a feeling that there was a cheesewire inside me -and on urination it felt as though I was peeing over an ulcer.

I went to another gynecologist who did a cystoscopy and discovered that the mesh had eroded into the urethra. By now the mesh has grown into the tissue and to remove it would be dangerous and I probably need urethral reconstruction using skin from inside the vagina. We are talking major serious surgery and do not know even then if all the mesh is removable. Probably not.

So I have had one procedure to laser the erosion away from insider the urethra. That surgeon had done only 5 of these procedures - and only one had re eroded. It was brilliant at first and my symptoms disappeared. I had a bladder ultrasound after six months and discovered to my great distress that the mesh has re eroded. So I have to back into hospital to have it lasered again.

I can see that I will probably have to have this done for the rest of my life. Its very depressing and feels as though I have an alien inside me.

At no time was I warned that this could happen and what the consequences might be.

There is a good UK website where the members are very supportive. meshedupmesh.org

Let me know ifI can be of any further help.

Kind regards

Christine

Dena

11/30/07 1:32pm

Wow! I am not alone!

I wish I had never had TVT surgery in April ‘07. My doctor led me to believe that it would be a simple, outpatient surgery that would correct my bladder problem. It has been far from simple.

I was sent home believing that I would be fine with over the counter pain reliever. I woke up on the couch in such serious pain that I couldn't even move to get up to get the doctor's phone number. I had to call a friend that had a key to my home to rescue me. Once I got a pain medication prescription in my system I began to feel better, but I had to take so many that I needed several refills. IT WAS TERRIBLE!

During the healing process I had two infections in the outer incision and a lot of pain. After three months I still had stitches that never dissolved removed by my doctor.

Now, eight months later, I still have issues. According to my doctor because I am ‘fair skinned' and ‘not over weight' my internal tissue has not healed over the tape properly leaving a rough exposed section of tape inside leaving me susceptible to infection. AND to add insult to injury each time I visit his office about this problem his billing person attempts to collect the $200 left on the bill.

I am tired of the pain, inconvenience, embarrassment and lack of intimacy!!! My doctor wants to do a partial removal of the tape scheduled 12/7, but I am very scared to go under his knife again. Can anyone offer any advice on partial removal?

Jaime H

12/11/07 5:23pm

I also had the T.V.T. surgery done last July.07 and the G.Y.N. that done the surgery said I was all healed up. I hurt for 2 months and he finally examined me again and said that I had a hole in my vaginal wall and that the T.V.T. tape was hanging down in the hole, he also said I had to have surgery again to fix this problem, I did in Sept.07 I could not stop bleeding after the surgery,I kept going back to him, and to the E.R. finally after 3 week os bleeding I stopped. I still hurt he last examined me in Oct.07 and said everything is fine he doest know why I hurt still go to the bathroom all the time. I finally got up enough nerve and went to see another G.Y.N. he examined me and said that I still have a hole in my vaginal wall and that the Dr. who done my T.V.T. surgery should not have done it on me because I am over weight and he is not a specialist. I am haveing to go to see a specialist in about 1 month and see what he says I need done. I wish to GOD I would have never had this surgery done. Please if anyone knows of a good lawyer let me know or if anyone has been told they have a hole in their vaginal wall let me know. Thank you and GOD bless each one of you.

jaimeh

12/11/07 5:24pm

to contact me by email my address is jaimenhill@yahoo.com

Gwen Visagie

1/26/08 1:43pm

Saturday 26th January 2008

I had a TVT-O operation on the 5th December 2007. The next day they removed the catherter and since then I have been worse. I battle to empty my bladder it always is full. I have to use the catherter 3 times a day or more to empty it. I saw the doctor on 24th Jan an Iam going in to hospital again on the 18th Feb 2008 to have it removed. I wake up with a full bladder in the middle of the night that won't empty it can get pain full. I have to use the catherter. They let me go home knowing I can't empty my bladder. They gave me a catheter before I left hospital.

Be very careful ladies an make sure your bladder is emptied. I never knew I was retaining urine an it went back into my kidneys, which caused me to nearly die of septicemia last year in February. I was in hospital 18 days an it took me a long time to recover. Do you think this op will be easy as the doctor says so.

Gwen Visagie

Portshepstone

South Africa

gwenkzn@hotmail.com

Lana Keeton

2/ 6/08 11:49pm

Gwen,

I hope you got the e-mail I sent you last week...please write to me if you did not. Please go to the link to the yahoo group below and ask to join. There is a lot of information there, too, that will help you and anyone else searching for answers to complications from the Gynecare TVT Prolene bladder suspension mesh.

As of the December 2006 there were 12 deaths from the Gyencare TVT tape. Go to the FDA's website and search their adverse event reports. It is all there!

peace and blessings, Lana

Lana Keeton
P.O. Box 402494
Miami Beach, FL 33140

E-mail: miamiblog@bellsouth.net
Blog: http://www.theladyisachamp.blogspot.com/
Medical Mesh Yahoo Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/medicalmesh

Gwen Visagie

2/17/08 8:29am

Hi! I have just had my 2nd op Wednesday 13/2/2008. They removed a bit of the tape as I could not empty my bladder properly an had to use a catherta 3 times a day. The doctor only took a tiny piece out which he said was around my urinal pipe. I now have 5 stitches there and I have a bag strapped to my leg till my next visit on 27/3/2008. I don't know what they'll do after that. It is painful an very uncomfortable. they never gave me any antibiotics in hospital, only to take home. It never entered my mind to ask for any as they should know better. I had my first antibiotic Friday at about 6pm as we stay 120 kl. from the hospital. today is Sunday an I think I have an infection. It is very worring. I should have rather have not had it removed. Aso the Doctors seemed to avoid me. When I questioned them when they came into the ward, they would say they coming back now an never did. I told them I read about that on the net.

Gwen Visagie

Portshepstone, South Africa

shenequa mayfield

3/ 1/09 8:29pm

how is it now has they fix the problem

gwen

3/ 5/09 12:26pm

No not yet. I was due for another op the 12th Jan 2009 but now they say they cann't do it because it is to risky. My bladder doesn't empty properly(+- 2oo ml left ) an I leak as soon as it gets a bit full. I use a catheter a few times a day,also wear a pad but it doesn't really help cause as soon as I get full I begin to leak. Some damage has been done to my euretha which they said was no fault of theirs. The urogyny is now sending me for a MRI scan on the 1/4/2009 he thinks all my problems come from a neck injury I got in a car accident many years ago. I still say it is not an I told them that.I have told them it is difficult for me to out as I need to be near a loo and not laugh which I love doing. Sometimes I wonder if they know what they are doing. So we will just have to wait an see. I am going to the Albert Luthli hospital in Durban as we do not have medical aid it is an hour an a half from where we are in Portshepstone.

Donaji

4/21/08 3:37pm

I had the urethal sling about 2 months ago. I have had nothing but crippling pain and urgency. They have not detected an infection but the pain is incredible and the doctor won't pay attention to me. It hurts so bad when I urinate and all the time. I can'T function like this. What can i do?

Donna

Anonymous

4/24/08 5:07pm

Does your pain feel like pinching in the vagina and a sense of burning in the vagina all the time, including burning while voiding? I have had a TVT Sling since March of 2005. I have had absolutely no problems until recently. Apparently I had endometriosis in my ureter as well as around the outside of my ureter, which caused a backup in my kidneys. My urologist had to go up through my urethra into my bladder up through my ureter and into my kidneys--twice in two weeks. I have a stent in my ureter. Ever since the second stent surgery, I have had burning when voiding. I was told I had a UTI and was given antibiotics. I was also told that the stent can cause burning when voiding. I keep telling my gyn and urologist that I don't think the burning is from the stent. The pain is in my vagina. My gyn and urologist did internal exams and they both said the sling is in the right place and there does not seem to be a problem. It feels like I have an infection (hot feeling) in my vagina. When I do kegal exercises, I can feel something there. I am hoping when the stent is finally removed the burning will stop, but I am stressed out every day dealing with the burning when voiding. The sling has worked very well, but I wonder if it really has moved or is eroding into my vagina but just hasn't completely eroded yet. I am going to see my uro/gyn from 2005 if I don't get answers quick. I am just trying to figure out if this burning/hot feeling could be from the TVT and not the stent.

Lynda

6/15/08 5:54pm

I had this monarc subfascial hammock in 2005 , it was to be an out patient , stayed in the hospuital 5 days, damage to my obitrator never and had to have a blood transfusion, doc said there was a time I should have stopped, had to have ortho, sent home, only to go back with fluid on my heart, no attorney would take my case, swelling in my right leg forever and I still leak, had the doctor told me that the pain pills I was taking could make bladder leak, I could have stopped them and no operation,

I am having chronic yeast infection either due to the mesh or pads I need to wear

mine ws made by american medical systems, no recall on the one I had yet, but my time ran out to sue doctor, it felt like my pelvis was broken, it took him 1.5 house, said my pelvis was too small, only to find out this is a blind procedure where they have to find the obitutrator opening by feeing for it

am trying to find a doc to take it out, but scared, please email me at roblynn812@aol.com if anyone knows of a good doc near Lancaster PA, also since i tried to sue the doctor his whole practice will not see me, even though he left and went with the only other one in Lancaster

fran

9/ 1/08 12:18am

please email medicalmesh@yahoogroups.com somebody there might be able to help

phoenixcml

10/22/08 12:47am

I have been having serious problems with my bowels. It seems I can not completely empty them and I get so sick I vomit and get diareaha about two or three times a week. I went to a surgeon who attributed it to constipation. I am on a very high fiber diet, it has helped some. Today I got an FDA email medwatch concerning out tvt mesh...

see below:

Transvaginal Placement of Surgical Mesh

Audience: Hospital surgical staff, OB/GYN physicians, other healthcare professionals
FDA informed healthcare professionals of serious complications associated with transvaginal placement of surgical mesh in repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Over the past three years, FDA has received over 1,000 reports from nine surgical mesh manufacturers of complications that were associated with surgical mesh devices used to repair POP and SUI. The most frequent complications included erosion through vaginal epithelium, infection, pain, urinary problems, and recurrence of prolapse and/or incontinence. There were also reports of bowel, bladder, and blood vessel perforation during insertion. In some cases, vaginal scarring and mesh erosion led to a significant decrease in patient quality of life due to discomfort and pain, including dyspareunia. FDA provided recommended actions for both physicians and patients to reduce the risks.

Read the entire 2008 MedWatch Safety Summary, including a link to the FDA Public Health Notification regarding the above issue at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Mesh

I am concerned that the TVT mesh errosian is my problem and perhaps yours too. I would like to stay in contact regarding your experiance, etc. Maybe we can be of help to one another.

Linea

11/22/08 7:03pm

I can't believe I am reading this...Yesterday I went to a colon/rectal surgery because ever since I had the TVT operation 5/07, I have had severe bowel issues. When I went in for the surgery, I had no idea what my life would be like after this "simple" procedure. Like so many others, I had a foley cath for two weeks after the surgery, numerous infections, an unbearable pain and fowl odor when urinating, then just when I thought I might be through the worst of it, I could not urinate at all. I need to self-cath four times a day. This went for two months. I was then schedule for another surgery which seemed to help with my voiding problems however I was still unable to have bowel movement without severe pain often vomiting from the pain. I have seen numerous doctors being told that my symptoms are due to stress, depression, not enough fiber, not enough fluids, not enough exerise. I have been humilated by numerous procedures and going through biofeedback. The colon/rector surgeon that I saw yesterday had requested all my previous records. I requested that copies be sent to me so I could keep them in my files, Well, low and behold, yesterday I read the word from a biopsy report stating CHRONIC TISSUE INFLAMMATION - TVT SAMPLE. I didn't know what the TVT meant and after researching found out that my issues are not unique - However, your posting was the only one that I have found that discussed the issue of bowel dysfunction and constipation. I am sad to read you posting and wish you the best, but your words helped me to realize that the symptoms that I have been exhibiting are not in my head as so many professional have told me.

Please write back and let me know how you are doing. I don't think I can continue feeling sick all the time.

Lalmsteadt

1/ 4/09 5:31pm

I had a sacrocolpopexy which is polapsed organ lift. My colon was attached to the mesh and I was hospitalized several times not knowing what was going on. I found out that my bowels were getting caught in the mesh and it did not permit me to empty therefor I would be rushed to the hospital with severe pain. At one time I almost died. I was intebated an unresponsive when I got to the hospital.

I had several kidney stents, pain with bowel or urine empting.

On Dec. 22,08 I had the mesh removed. The Doctor stated "It was worse then he expected". I am looking for am attorney to take my case for I am permanetly disabled due to this "MESH". The pain is so bad that i can not believe they are still doing this proceedure. I am still battling bladder pain and problem empting due to an incompetent nurse that left me to sufer for 4 hours with a full bladder. Now I am suffering with that.

My bowels were so hindered by the mesh that I got impacted and had pain until I passed out. I learned to take miralax twice a day and it made my BM alot easier. Oh my colon is paralyzed from the mesh also. I have had nerve blocks to remedy the problem in my legs and ankles caused by the mesh being tied to a nerve and tendon. This is a summary of some of the problems I have had. Please email me with any info you can share that may help us gather info to stop this reckless surgery. It should be stopped!

If you have an attorney that iis taking cases, please give me his/her phone number. thank you.

I am going to search "yahoo". I heard there was a group there with Mesh concerns also.

Anonymous

3/24/09 9:17pm

Oh my gosh, ladies. What should I do? I am A LOT FREAKED OUT! I have read and read all of your and the "good Drs" comments, and I am so worried. I had the TVT procedure Jan.27, 2009 I was hospitalized within a week with an obstructed small intestine. While all of this was going on my Dr. found little time to even return a phone call and the only reason I the obstruction was found was because my sister and friend made me finally go to the E.R. Even then the Hospital could not get my Dr. to come and see me at the very Hospital where he was working and his office was in the same parking lot. All that said I am still having pain I keep telling the Dr. like something is to tight on the right side between groin and top of thigh. He finally said that is because it is where he has the tape secured on the bone and I have two choices to either remove completely or just remove that side. My dads Urologist freaked out as much as I did about this whole thing and I was going to go see him but he doesn't take my ins. SO, I saw Dr.Chopalot as I like to call him today he wants to for sure remove only part of sling my dads Dr. says you can't do that without risk it doesn't make sense then, I read what you all write. I AM FREAKING OUT!!!! What do I do? Should I just tell him to remove the whole thing?

Pam Marcus

5/24/09 4:03pm

I had the TVT procedure on Monday 5/18/2009 and now am experiencing excrucating leg pains, Is this normal???

Pam Marcus

MINNIE

5/29/09 2:45pm

I would just like to let everyone know at this point in time, That there is a surgeon in Dallas Texes, That takes care of these related issues for us

Please let me know if you are in need of help.

Anonymous

12/14/09 4:34pm

Can you please give me the name of the surgeon in Dallas? I have been having issues for two years. I received tvt tape in 2005. Thank you.

pinkberrystar

5/ 7/11 7:59am

I had the bladder neck suspension surgery and they used mesh and staples...I have all the records and I tried to sue the doctor and hospital all by myself because I couldn't get a lawyer to believe me, or they didn't want to take on a lawsuit that would cost thenm any money without a 100% return..... Do you know how hard it is to sue a doctor? We would be better off sueing the manufacture of the product. Doctors get free rides and are not accountable..That has too change in our communities...We need to have a free form and a watch dog society to be able to have freedom of speach and to be able to write about our experiences with these doctors so we can at least let others' know what happend and let the doctors know that we are going to tll others.' Now I am not talking about all doctors. Some of them know that they are not God and they really are good and decent, but they are few and far between from what I ahve seen...

I had the mesh and staples taken off and now kinda wish I left it alone. I was in pain all the time about a level 5 then.....but now it's on a level 8-9 and I have been on pain meds since 1997....I am still alive but my quality of life sucks.