I am scheduled to have surgery to put a mesh in as I have inguinal hernia. From what you wrote, it sounds like you regret having the mesh put in. So what problems did you have and what alternatives are there for hernia sufferers?

Hi David -- these meshes are seriously flawed. So many ppl are having debilitating complications from them....it's so sad. Do I have regrets? Everyday. This is the single worst thing that I could've done. Please do your homework? Just for a quick FYI google this.... Hernia Mesh Patch Recall....this is a blogsite full of ppl who've lived to regret the mesh. The synthetic meshes.....polypropylene, polyester, etc are made of petroleum products and you know...that can't be good. Seriously, the info is out there....do the homework. There are other safer products....AlloDerm, Surgisis....there isn't so much scarring and adhesions associated with these products. They don't induce the foreign body response. They are, overall, much safer. Please check out the Hernia blogsite...a few minutes in there and only a fool would use this stuff. Let me know if I can help more.
Mo

Hi,
after having complained of itching, pain, pinching, in areas where mesh was used, I am wondering if anyone can fill me in on all the details or recommend a site. I also have muscle pain and fatigue that is severe.

I have many symptoms, not sure if they are normal recovery or related to any complications. I am not sure how to proceed, as I had to have to mesh because of prolapse of abdominal organs....Sounds like the cure may cause major health problems!

Terri, AKA GhostNurse44

Oh boy can I sympathize with you about the meshes.
Many are in this same boat.
I hate hearing about more people suffering.
First you need to find out what type of mesh was used, then file a report with FDA on their site it's called an adverse effect report.

These meshes are causing many to suffer in chronic debilitating pain.
Sorry you are one of those people..

I've had 5 umbilical hernia repairs. The last one took place in 2004 and was done laproscopically (sp?). The surgeon inserted mesh from my left to right side. In 2007, I began a major weight loss program and have lost 70 pounds in about 10 months, mostly because I am walking 4 miles a day. Last fall I began having what my doctor feels are adhesion problems and now I am in serious pain on my left side. I thought I had shingles at first but after 3 weeks there in no indication of any on the exterior. Rather, it feels like someone is inside my skin with an emery board and is scratching away. It is slowing shifty to the middle of my stomach. Am now wondering if the mesh is just doubling up and chaffing me. Does anyone know what happens when you have massive weight loss and mesh? I'm fairly certain it is synthetic so what happens as I get smaller? I would welcome any advice anyone is willing to share. I have a serious aversion to talking to doctors/surgeons these days.

I am sorry to hear you one of many many people suffering from mesh implantation.

I can not comment on weight lose and the mesh but I can tell you the FDA has pulled some of the meshes off the market.
You might want to check out the fda site and file an adverse effect report.

The first and foremost is to file a report with the FDA you also need to get copies of your operative report specifically ask for the form with the type of mesh, product code, lot number and manufacturer.

My husband is scheduled for a double (bi-lateral) laparoscopic hernia operation on February 7th 2008. The surgeon is going to use "mesh". I plan to find out the names of the safer mesh products (alloderm, surgisis etc.). If we confirm that they are using the better mesh should he go forward with the surgery. Should we cancel the surgery alltogether? What healthy, safe options exist for hernia repair? Is the older method of non laporoscopic surgery a safer technique?

Thank you to all of you who are sharing your experiences. You are making the world a better place and preventing others from making the same innocent mistakes.

cl

According to what I have read on the Internet, there is a safer method called Shouldice, named after a Canadian Army General, who started this method after WW2. There is now a Shouldice Centre in Canada, search for it on Google to find the website or look on Wikipedia. But as far as I know, only at the Shouldice Centre can you get the shouldice hernia repair surgery. It involves 4 layers of stitching to repair the hernia and has a 99% success rate. If I had had the money I would have flown there to have it done, but not being in Canada it was not really an option. I had hernia repair surgery here in the UK using the mesh, and I have not had any complications. The older stitching hernia repair that existed previously had a lower success rate and a long recovery period.
You really need to examine all the methods and find out what is available to your husband in your area, and weigh up the pros and cons of each.
If he has the mesh surgery next month and it is the safer mesh product then I hope it goes well. If you find out it is a not-so-good mesh product, then I would probably postpone surgery and look for an option using a better mesh product.

I would recommend researching other options than having the mesh implant for your husband.
There are many, many horror stories that people are going through from the meshes. I don't believe there is any mesh that is safe.
Some people do OK but the majority of people have a variety of complications.
I would hate to hear of anyone else suffering from these meshes.
Best wishes

i had gastric bypass surgery 4 years ago a year after a hernia repain (3 years ago) and lately have been in a lot of pain. i saw my surgion about 4 months ago he said it was the mesh not another hernia he said i could remove it with surgery or live with the pain.... lately ive had alot of weird things....

ive been constantly thirsty for nothing but water
it hurts to breath
i hurt no matter how im possistioned
it hurts worse when eating
sometimes its a stabbing pain
sometimes its just.... i cant explain how it hurts but there really is never a moment it doesnt hurt. and i cant take ne thing but tylenol fr pain and that does not help.
all day today its hurt so bad there will be times i burst out crying.....

any ideas of if this is because of the mesh? i know my doctor said the pain would keep getting worse but i never realised it wuld hurt this much. anybody have any ideas?

Why did your doctor say the pain would keep getting worse?

People are suffering from many different complications from mesh implants.
They range from bowel obstructions, bladder problems, pieces of the mesh breaking off and adhering other organs, nerve damage and many more problems, some even state the meshes are hardening which are cutting into our bodies causing more damage and scar tissue. (Another word I've heard is meshoma)

You should check the FDA site to see if your mesh is one that was recalled. Of course you will need to find out what type of mesh was implanted in you, then file and adverse event report on their site. They are investigating further complaints from people who's meshes have not been recalled.
The pain can be very debilitating, I really sympathize with you.

I had a Bard Composix EX mesh inserted due to an incisional hernia in Sept 06 and it was removed Dec 07. Those months between surgeries were horrific. I faced chronic pain, infections, fatigue, and I spent most of those months in bed. How is a person supposed to survive never mind, work, family or any sense of a life? My business all but failed, no social life, and limited family life. Who would call it a life? Not me. I would like to reinforce what others have stated in that mesh is not the best reesort. Explore your options, but if you decide on mesh, be fully aware of the signs and symptoms of product complications. If you experience any of these complications do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention and insist that all testing be done. The mesh removed from me showed inflamation according to the pathology report. Ask for your medical records, especially the hospital records and get a second opinion or at least do your research.

debreid

I could not agree with more. I hope people are listening to the posts on here about the meshes.
I know exactly what you mean about Who would call this a life? I say that often.
I have 2 meshes in me and I am awaiting the next doctors opinion. Thus has been a life changing experience (a miserable one). I am no longer the happy person I was, I suffer 24/7 in pain, it take all I have to get my daily chores done and I need help doing those things. I can longer drive myself to the many doctor appointments or even do what use to be a simple task as grocery shopping, the walking,lifting, all of it hurts.
I have done a lot research on these meshes, spoke to others who have them, spoke with doctors, and now I'm in contact with the FDA, looking for answer.
I am sorry to unload on you, it's been one of those really bad days, in were I went on a rant on how miserable I am to my family and I can not do take much anymore. Don't get me wrong I am blessed to have such a great family but this is wearing thin on them also.

Who would have thought having a "simple hernia operation" would ruin a persons life?

What long term problems are you suffering with as a result of the mesh?

Currently I am not sure what the long term complications will be as I am still recovering from surgery. I would like to report back later saying no complications but that is highly unlikely. I have an attorney looking at my case right now and would like to hold Bard accountable for their product even if there is no financial restitution. Public awareness and product safety is foremost.
My surgeon states that I have about 95% chance of the hernia developing again. So I am exploring my options. The Shouldice Hospital is an option as I live in Canada, but the other side of the country.

The sholdice repair is suppose to be excellent.

I hope your recover turns out well for you.

Keep me posted!!!

I am not sure if any of you are aware that there is a women in the state of Florida that has started a class action law suit. I was fortunate enough to find out the possible complications and nightmares from having mesh implanted in me before I had any surgery. i would also advise people to check out "Vycril" stitches because like the mesh it is also made out of polypropylene products and it caused me a lot of problems with past surgeries.

You are all in my thoughts and in my heart. good luck.

Tammy aka Canadianmom1997

Wow I am so glad that I have found this site. I am 28 years old and I got my first hernia when I was 21. Right now, I have 3 hernias; two in my groin area and one right under my stomach. Past 4 years, I have been having bowel movement problems whenever I lift something slightly heavy or do any sports including biking and swimming. Things got worse for past 6 months and I am having bowel movement problems constantly and I am 100% sure that they are because of the hernia. I have been to 3 or 4 doctors and they never advise me to have surgery since the hernia is small. I am thinking about having the mesh surgery and heard some negative things about it but never thought it was this massive. I am completely lost and I really don't know what to do. Seems like surgery is not the definite answer here. Anybody having these kind of problems and found some kind of relief under than surgery ???

Thank you. I just needed to share these things that I am going thru. I wish everybody best of health....

Hi and Welcome to ehealth

I am sorry to hear you about all this. You have 3 hernias and the doctor hasn't done anything for you? I don't know what else can be done other than surgery. Hernias usually get worse over time without surgery, very few people that have hernias heal without surgery but since you are having bowel problems that's a sign of possible hernia strangulation with your intestines.
Personally I would not recommend the mesh to anyone but that is my opinion.
There are other ways to repair a hernia one is called the Shouldice repair.
I hear more and more stories of post op hernia problems.
Did you check the sticky at the top on this thread regarding hernia mesh complication?
There's some important information in there as well.

Feel free to pm me if you like.

I wish you the best...feel free to ask as much as you need to. We are hear to help...
We are not doctors just regular people who have been through some of the health issues.
Take Care

Thank you for the warm welcome. I am thinking about seeing a doctor who specializes in Hernia operations yet I live in Turkey and even though I have a very good health insurance, it is not always easy to get the right care.
I don't if anybody experiences such bowel movement problems but mine is worse at night when I lay down and try to sleep. It causes many sleepless nights and affects my daily life. Thank you again for hearing me out. Best regards...