A 20‑minute operation that changed my life

I had a TVT‑O bladder mesh sling in 2014, and within two weeks of having it fitted I started having problems. I went back to my specialist, but was told they had never heard of any issues. Instead, I was put on antidepressants and brought back in repeatedly for surgeries to cut bits of the mesh out. I was left in excruciating pain. Eventually they told me I’d have to learn to live with it and that all the mesh had been removed.

They then did a colposuspension – the surgery for bladder leaks given to women before mesh became pushed as the gold standard – to try to fix the incontinence I’d been left with after all the removal. But that surgery ended up dislodging even more mesh. After seeing Sling The Mesh on the news, I learnt about hospitals that could offer mesh removal. I got a referral and went on to have major surgery to remove the remaining mesh.

Unfortunately, the removal has left me in an even worse position. I now have permanent groin and leg pain, and my bladder and bowel no longer work properly. I have to intermittently catheterise and use a daily bowel irrigation system. My life was taken away from me by a so‑called “20‑minute gold standard operation”. I nearly gave up at one point, but I’ve found a way to live with how my body now works.

I’ve been through two major surgeries and have lost count after 13 minor surgeries and investigations under anaesthetic – all because of mesh. If sharing my story helps even one person, then it’s worth it.