A story in the Philadelphia Inquirer says more than 6,000 federal lawsuits have been filed against some of the biggest manufacturers of pelvic mesh implants. Plaintiffs claim that the devices have caused medical problems including infections and chronic pain.
The story includes an interview with a patient named Susan Harrison, a kindergarten assistant who had to miss a lot of work when she suffered a string of infections after getting one of the mesh devices implanted. The report says the weakness and pain were so bad that Harrison was unable to pick up or play actively with her young grandchildren.
The mesh implant is most commonly used to treat pelvic organ prolapse, which occurs when pelvic muscles are weakened childbirth, age or other reasons. The condition can cause organs to bulge or slip down into the vagina, resulting in pain and bladder leakage.
But pelvic organ prolapse is not a deadly or debilitating condition, and other treatments are available.
The lawsuits claim the manufacturers didn’t adequately test the devices. Plaintiffs also claim that the device makers were aware of the risks that the devices posed, yet fraudulently promoted them as safe.
The report says Harrison had most of the mesh removed in October 2011. Although she feels better, she still suffers from weakness and bladder leakage.
The report quotes Harrison as saying: “I felt so bad, I felt sad thinking that I had to spend the rest of my life living this way.”
If you have a vaginal mesh implant, you should consult with a doctor if you have any ongoing symptoms or health concerns. If you have significant injuries, you should also consult with a mesh lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
See the story here:
https://www.philly.com/philly/health/20130208_ap_thousandsofwomensueoversurgicalmesh.html
