Edinburgh woman suffers 17 years of agonising pain after mesh surgery
| Author | Oleksandra Gumeniuk |
| Published date | 24 June 2022 |
| Publication title | EdinburghLive (Scotland) |
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Samantha, a former care assistant for the NHS from the Inch, decided to speak out after a 17-year-long journey of agonising pain. "I was 29 when my life was destroyed by mesh," she said. "I have been in agony since I first regained consciousness as the mesh had cut vain in my bladder during the surgery. "When I woke up I was covered in blood. I almost died having the mesh fitted.
"I actually wasn't told what that device was and the possible side effects. I was told it was a harmless surgical tape that will support my bladder."
After catching an infection shortly after the traumatic surgery, Samantha asked for additional care and support. "After having constant bleeding and vaginal pain, I asked for help. I was given antibiotics. And I was told it was all in my head."
She is now one of the countless survivors protesting this inhumane procedure and "screaming" for help. "I wish the government fulfilled its promises regarding our care. They told us for a year there was a contract with an American clinic. And there is no such contract signed at the moment."
Now, Samantha's goal is to raise awareness of this issue and get the support needed. "You can't leave people to live like this. It's not fair."
Mesh implants may cause not only physical suffering but also mental. Samantha has not been able to work since the mesh was fitted. She said: "Mesh has left me a shadow of the woman I used to be and left me with PTSD.
"I am barely able to eat due to panic and anxiety attacks. "I am struggling to get doctors to address my mesh issues."
Samantha's husband, Stephen, commented: "There are no known benefits of having mesh. There is just a long list of negative side effects." He said:"There is no moving on because it is there every day."
Removal of mesh under NHS is not possible. Samantha was told she can either trim the mesh or cut small sections over a period of time, which means...
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