I’m still standing : A woman’s battle after a surgical mesh implant

Not another medical scandal

This book details the author’s struggle to regain her life after being permanently damaged by the implantation of surgical mesh. Whilst the horrific details of what happened to her will sometimes be distressing, the story is told with humour and disarming candour.

After being gaslighted by her implanting surgeon, Louise concludes the Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT) used in an operation to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence needs removing but only then discovers it is meant to be a permanent device. Further explorations lead to the discovery that the MHRA licensed the implant and NICE gave it a Gold Standard Award, on the back of no long-term trials.

She learns there is no set protocol for treating women with mesh complications and most consultants who implanted the devices do not have the experience to remove them. Trying to establish a firm diagnosis, she discovers radiographers are not trained in identifying mesh using scanning equipment.

Finally, Louise finds a surgeon who agrees to undertake a full removal of her mesh which has eroded and migrated. However, the operation neither resolves her pain nor immune response to the device. She later uncovers a litany of lies and coverups on the part of several health professionals. In desperation she goes to the GMC but will they listen?