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 to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Whilst the horrific details of her experiences will sometimes be distressing, the story is told with humour and disarming candour.

What happens when medical consultants and organisations like the MHRA and NICE fail in their primary duty to protect the public from harm?

As a woman injured by mesh, Louise simply wanted someone to acknowledge things had gone wrong and help her to recover her health as much and as quickly as possible.

However, in respect of mesh complications, there was no plan B. There were no treatment plans or guidance pathways for allied professionals. Few radiographers could diagnose mesh erosion, or migration and most of the consultants who implanted the devices seemed reluctant to remove them and gaslighted women in their droves.

When the mesh had eroded, migrated and become agonisingly entangled into her own flesh, Louise was left to research where to go and pay privately for help. However, when the operation to fully remove her mesh neither resolved her pain, nor her immune response to the device, she suspected her consultant had lied about the removal being complete.

In desperation she went to the GMC, expecting them to conduct a thorough investigation.

Would they help her uncover the truth and stop some of the unnecessary pain and suffering of thousands of women in the UK?