Transvaginal Mesh Victim Warns of Statute of Limitations

Philadelphia, PAAttorneys accepting AMS transvaginal mesh claims advise potential plaintiffs to file sooner than later. Unfortunately for Kathleen, she was unaware of AMS transvaginal mesh lawsuits until it was too late. She had a TVT implanted for incontinence back in 2000, and even more transvaginal tape added in 2005.

“I had no idea of TVM side effects until a few years ago when I saw a few commercials on TV,” says Kathleen. “I heard about the transvaginal mesh lawsuits within the last year or so and thought I had a case. I’ve talked with two attorneys but they can’t help me because of the statute of limitations. But I can still get my story told in an attempt to deter women from getting this horrific mesh implanted.”

Heed Kathleen’s advice and do file a claim sooner than later. The statute of limitations varies from state to state, and while some TVM lawsuits have already been settled, it may not be too late.

Kathleen had a TVT implanted because she had some leakage with sneezing and coughing and she had to wear a pad all the time. “My son was nine pounds when he was born so that might have had something to do with it,” she says.

A few years later she was back at the surgeon’s office. “I started leaking again so he put in some AMS transvaginal tape,” Kathleen explains. “It was really uncomfortable but I hadn’t been sexually active at the time so I didn’t know all the damage it had caused - that half of the mesh had protruded through my vagina.

“Then in 2007, I was diagnosed with MS. I talked to my doctor about constantly having problems with bladder infections and I even wound up in ER because I couldn’t go to the bathroom at all. And I had a fever. I had to wear a catheter and a bag on my leg for a week.

“I went back to the urologist who implanted the TVM tape, but he was rude to me, and asked why I hadn’t called him instead of going to the hospital (it was Labor Day Weekend!). He told me that I would have to self-catheterize from now on so that is how I am living: it is painful and embarrassing.”

Not long after seeing her urologist, Kathleen’s MS doctor did a routine pelvic exam and saw the TVM tape and wire sticking out of her vaginal wall. He sent her immediately to Jefferson University Hospital and another urologist took out some of the eroded mesh. He was only able to remove half of it; she still has the other half of the eroded sling planted in her vaginal wall.

“Before I had this sling I had no problem going to the bathroom,” Kathleen says. “My insurance company allows me 10 catheters a day; that is all I get. I am 53 years old and I tried to have a sexual relationship but I have so much scar tissue down there I can’t feel anything anymore.

“Back in 2000, I thought it was all good, that I was going to be fine. I had to sign a form that said I was aware of the procedure; that my doctor has fully explained to me the nature and purposes of the procedure; that I know of possible alternative methods of diagnosis and treatment, and understand the risk involves the possibility of complications; but I never signed off on mesh erosion and I don’t recall the surgeon telling me I would have to self-catheterize after getting this vaginal tape implanted.

“I don’t get out much because I have to keep my catheters with me. Whenever I go out I have to first check where the bathrooms are. Think about that before you let your doctor talk you into getting transvaginal mesh implant for urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. Believe me, it’s better to have a little leak.