You’re not alone

Female legal team fights for rights of women hurt in NHS operation

TVT mesh is a surgical implant used as a way of dealing with pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence in women after childbirth. Yet for many it brings anything but relief. As highlighted on BBC One’s Victoria Derbyshire show on April 18, the procedure can cause many women lasting pain, leaving them isolated, stressed and, in some cases, suicidal.

The operation to insert a mesh sling (made from the same plastic as many drinks bottles) can leave problems including: PAIN A feeling like sitting on cheese wire or a spike; this can be lifelong, leading to chronic pain management. INFECTIONS If left untreated these can lead to sepsis – but they can also recur and become resistant to antibiotics. EROSION The mesh can erode or cut through the tissue and into the vagina. Many husbands have been cut during intercourse. Often intercourse becomes too painful and marriages collapse. INCONTINENCE/PROLAPSE Often the initial problem isn’t solved – and it can even end up worse. WALKING Even this can become difficult through erosion and incontinence; some sufferers even have to give up working, causing real pressure on finances. OTHER INJURIES Bladder perforation and bowel injury are both common. HYSTERECTOMY Some patients are told that they need one to enable them to fit the mesh, yet this is not always the case. A similar operation involves TOT mesh, while the procedure is also used in cases of rectal prolapse and hernia. Many women find it hard to talk about the debilitating results, yet a new campaign stresses You Are Not Alone.

The Handley Law legal firm and its groundbreaking Solicitors For Women team is fighting for justice for thousands of sufferers.

The firm’s director, Dr Victoria Handley, helped with research for the Victoria Derbyshire show, which reported that more than 800 women are taking legal action against the NHS and the implant makers.

Exposure

The show found that, according to NHS data, more than 92,000 women had vaginal mesh implants in England between April 2007 and March 2015.

“I am absolutely delighted that we are finally getting the exposure that is needed to help ladies who are experiencing problems while at the same time advising others who may be on the waiting list,” says Dr Handley. “While the NHS continues to use this procedure, ladies must be fully informed of the risks and complications and the seriousness of those complications. “Many doctors and GPs don’t listen to the concerns when clearly the problem is the mesh. So many of our ladies have been told it is down to them, how their body has reacted, that the doctor has put in thousands and never seen such a complication. “We are proud to have an all-female team to help ladies feel confident about sharing their experiences. We can help claim compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity as well as care received from family and any loss of earnings. We have sued both NHS and private hospitals. All cases are insured and you do not pay any legal costs until we win your case.” Anyone suffering from TVT or TOT complications can call Handley Law Solicitors For Women team FREE on 0800 470 2009.