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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.