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Chamber and committees

Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee


Elizabeth Cunningham submission of 17 June 2021

PE1865/D - Suspend all surgical mesh and fixation devices

In 2012 I had surgical mesh implanted for Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) unfortunately it has never done the job it was supposed to. Shortly after my op I had to return to the surgeon to have a repair done as I could feel it jagging inside me.

9 years later I am in considerable pain every day and have difficulty walking due to the damage the mesh has wreaked. It has now eroded into my vagina and is probably doing much more damage.

I was not informed fully of the risk involved with this implant, in fact I was assured at the time that it was surgical "tape" and was very safe for internal use. Well we now know that that is not true.

The kind of mesh I have is very difficult to remove and no removal surgeons in Scotland are able to do this. I feel very let down and have nowhere to turn to for help.

I was so relieved when the government decided to take on board the case of mesh injured people and proposed changes (Petition PE1517 Scottish mesh survivors "Hear Our Voice"), but again I have been let down as nothing really has been done to implement these changes.

I have nowhere to turn for help, the surgeons have their own agenda and do not listen to our concerns. I am left in limbo to try and find a solution myself, which will probably cost me a great deal of money.

I need my voice to be heard along with other mesh injured people. We cannot allow other people to go through what I and others have. Mesh ruins lives and should only be used when there is no other option and then only with fully informed consent.


Related correspondences

Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee

Ray Taylor submission of 13 June 2021

PE1865/A - Suspend all surgical mesh and fixation devices

Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee

James Snell submission of 17 June 2021

PE1865/B - Suspend all surgical mesh and fixation devices

Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee

Iana Buckley submission of 17 June 2021

PE1865/C - Suspend all surgical mesh and fixation devices