Bladder sling surgery repair?

[ppmom1124]

I had the Monarc bladder sling surgery a month ago. I am voiding fine, and don't appear to have the stress incontinence anymore; however, I am in constant discomfort since my stitches are still protruding from my vagina. My surgeon says that I have had erosion through the vaginal wall, which is apparently one of the possible complications. I have been told that my options are: excise the piece of the sling that is pushing through my vagina (touted as the least invasive w/fastest recovery time); remove the sling and go back to the original problem of incontinence; excise the protruding piece and replace it with a piece of another sling (?); or  replace the sling. I was leaning toward the excision of the piece of sling (I'm already out of sick days, so time off was a concern), but am now leaning toward a longer-term solution of replacing the sling. My surgeon has deferred to another urogynecologic surgeon w/more experience than she has with repairs. I have made 2 additional appointments w/other urogynecologists for second opinions, but was unable to get in for another 2 weeks. I want to have the repair "yesterday"! All I can do after work is lay on the couch; I want to move on w/my recovery.

After all of this, my question(s) is (are): how common is the bladder sling surgery repair? At what point am I in danger of developing scar tissue from this surgery? Will they be able to remove the entire sling, or is it already embedded in my tissues? Would you recommend waiting (w/discomfort) until I can get in to see the other drs. for 2nd opinions? Or should I just go ahead and schedule the surgery since I'm pretty sure that that's what I want to do anyway?


This discussion is related to surgery Feb. 2003--bladder sling--problems.

[meshdestroys]

Just offering my opinion be very careful that you don't have the propylene Mesh which I believe all Monarc's are made of well anyways this material is toxic to one's body. Please look it up a lot of your pain could have came because of that.  I know several ladies that have gone thru this  a long with myself, I'm in the process of finding a doctor to remove it completely. This mesh erodes inside and causes so many other complications. Research ladies, this stuff can ruin your life.

[Lala0000]

I had a bladder sling put in in 2007 recovery time only day or two and have been fine until about 6 months ago...so I'm not sure if its a prolapsed uterus cuz it always feels like something is sticking out from the vaginal area and I have been back to the surgeon who did the procedure and she can't figure out whats wrong and only suggested that she remove the mesh and I'll be back where I was in 2007---incontinence when I sneezed, coughed laughed or moved to suddenly......I am going for another opinion and hope they can come up with a feasible solution.

[Angie118]

Wow!
I am 58, scheduled for a vag hysterectomy and monarc sling for my bladder as well in a week. I have total faith in my surgeon who has done over a thousand of these operations and has never had a problem with any patient. I know I have the option of just having my bladder tacked up instead of the sling but my surgeon says that has a 50% failure rate. It's pretty freaky!!! I am also single and was looking forward to a renewed sex life but I keep reading all of these horror stories and it's making me rethink my decision.
I live in Vancouver, am having the procedure at Lion's Gate Hospital.
How are you fairing now?

[amandaeq]

I had the monarch sling surgery 20 months ago.   Some of you that are describing symptoms such as leg pain, hip pain, etc., - I just don't want you to lose hope.   I had many of those same symptoms for almost a year after surgery...not bad, but just annoying as though a nerve was involved or something.   All those little pains are now completely gone.   I ride horses competively and this was the sling my doctor recommended as it carried very few long term issues.   I must say he was correct.   I am riding constantly again, and before I used to (for lack of a better word) wet myself every time my horse made a sudden move - also if I laughed or coughed - it got to where it was quite embarrassing!   I have ZERO leakage problems now - ZERO.   My quality of life is 1000% better, being somewhat of an athlete.   Now..the only thing I'm worried about is that I can still feel the mesh - only at times - but I know it's there.  It does not hurt, just an occasional annoyance of "feeling it".   I haven't been in a relationship in years and have met the most wonderful man.   Of course wondering now what being intimate will be like.  I do feel a kind of ridge of tissue built up inside when I felt - and I notice my surgeon did some other procedures "down there" to give me back some of my youth (ha ha!) - I'm 58 years old.   Now... what will this all feel like to my new found, soon to be lover (I hope!).   I'm worried it will be painful since things are "smaller" down there...then there is the ridge... then will he not be attracted because things are different than a normal - well.... you get where I'm going.   I'm concerned for sure.   Almost don't want to find out!

[dede4jesus]

Of course the good surgeries are not posted..because all the ladies here that have looked this up have had problems! duh!
I also..after 2 yrs..have had problems and the doctor said it was rare..he is going to have to remove it now.  ALso..cancer has shown up...so..don't tell me this has nothing to do with it.

[g1961]

I am thinkgin of having this suregry in 4 months and am terrified by these reports, please keep me informed of your progress, I am 51.