"King Edward Memorial Hospital Mesh Clinic"

I phoned the KEMH (King Edward Memorial Hospital) Mesh Clinic hotline late last year after having severe pelvic mesh complications from a TVT (tension-free vaginal tape) put in by a different hospital and a Private Urogynaecologist in 2012. 

I have to say that I attended in February for initial review.  I was pleased with the wait time as I thought it would be longer. I have never been a patient in a public hospital or clinic.

I found the nurses and consultant to be very professional and quite thorough. 

I didn’t t feel rushed at all and was able talk to the consultant.

He explained my options, but I was shocked that the consultant, knowing my history of complications, suggested that later if I had my mesh removed that I should have another mesh put in, as it is the gold standard because I would probably be incontinent afterwards. He was discouraging of any other procedures. 

I find it difficult to accept that this is not a biased opinion in the fact that this consultant is in fact the private partner of the Urogynaecologist who placed my mesh and the KEMH consultant was aware of this. 

The fact is my TVT worked for a short time only because a 1 cm section was cut out in the private Urogynaecologists rooms after 3 months as my wound didn’t not heal and was gaping with mesh in view. 

 This was done without anaesthetics or antiseptic or informed consent. The wound was left open and gaping.  I was highly traumatised by this and went on to have other major complications nerve damage and pain.  I was  told that it had nothing to do with the TVT.   Needless to say there has been no tension on the urethra from that time by the TVT.   I have some incontinence probably not even worth any further surgery to deal with. I wouldn’t be happy with a pad. 

An appointment was made for three months time as I had other pressing issues, and I was happy with this. A week before my appointment I wasn't unable to attend I was ill. 

I rang  the central referral number and cancelled my appointment.  I was then transferred  through to the nurse at the clinic who explained the situation and we both decided to make an appointment for around six months time. 

The day after the appointment that I cancelled my husband receives a phone call asking why did I miss my appointment.  My husband explained that the appointment was cancelled a week ago. 

What upsets me is that many women are waiting desperately for appointments and I had hoped someone else could have taken this appointment.  Now I understand that this is happening regularly to other ladies and I am now concerned I will miss  a future appointment. 

Thank you.