Medical Referral

[hutch65]

In May, 2010, my wife was recommended for a hysterectomy/rectocele mesh procedure.  She really felt that she didn't need the hysterectomy, but continued under doctor's advice.  The morning of the operation, while being administered IV injections, she was informed by a nurse that her doctor was going to switch from the normal (?) mesh to a porcine mesh.  Approx. Sep/Oct 2010 timeframe, my wife started having pain and complications.  First, pain around the buttocks; later, pelvic area; have tried intercourse only once (too painful); hip/leg pains; unable to sit in one position after only a few minutes; feeling of not emptying the bladder completely; etc.  Approx. three months ago she went to a gynecologist (other than the one who performed the operation), and was advised to try hormonal creme applications for about six weeks.  Following the six-week period, she returned for evalution, but was seen by a mid-wife (not the doctor); the mid-wife really didn't offer any help, but merely suggested that my wife should maybe look for a doctor in another city in an adjacent state, such as Alabama.  The mid-wife couldn't offer any further help/suggestions; no additional follow-ups.  After searching the internet, it appears that all I can find is lawyers, lawyers, lawyers - all wanting to sue, sue sue.  I would like to have my wife back to normal, living without pain.  Is this all there is to look forward to?  I regret my lengthly jabbering, but I feel lost, at sea without an oar with which to steady the course.   I merely want to learn of a firm/practice/doctor/procedure to ease my wife's misery.  I've even noticed (on similar forums) that follow-up surgery can be very dangerous/risky...if so, what options are available?!?.  Thanks in advance for any help/advice.  

[AZ9876]

It sounds like your wife continues to have pelvic organ prolapse. The mesh may have failed and/or she might have other prolapsed areas in her pelvis. The mesh isn't the problem, it's the doctors who aren't well trained in the surgical procedure. Your wife should see a urogynecologist who treats POP and has a lot of experience in pelvic surgery, even if she has to travel a long way. The right doctor makes all the difference!

[hutch65]

Thank you so much for you prompt and detailed reply.  I will show this to my wife, and pray she feels there is, in fact, some hope left for her.  Again, thank you!

[4slenderthread]

I live in Washington state and I have seen the commercials regarding a class action suit against the mesh used in hysterectomies. It appears to be a large litigation - you should probably check into it because from what you've said, your wife has most definitely been affected!
As far as the doctors you have seen thus far ... they sound pretty worthless. You need to find a specialist for your wife. I would contact an Internist (preferably a woman) and be certain to ask some questions before you even make an appt. Let them know what your wife has been through - in order for them to tell you if they are the right professionals to treat your wife. They may suggest your wife continues seeing a OB/GYN. I assume from your post that you live close to Alabama? The Huntsville area or another area? If you have to drive a bit farther from home, in order to have a larger 'pool' of specialists to choose from, then I know you'll do that. Since the supplier/maker of the 'mesh' is being taken to court, the medical community is aware of it. Your wife's complications are being shared by thousands of other women that had the same surgery. A good specialist should be familiar with the the various problems created by her operation. Your success will be both in my thoughts and prayers! Take care ...
                                            ~ Slenderthread ~