Nurse reveals backlash from 2014 vaginal mesh surgery

A nurse named Dawn Martin has shared her painful experience after undergoing vaginal mesh surgery for urinary incontinence. Dawn, from Hampshire, said she was left with severe complications, including frequent urinary tract infections and intense pain. She describes the sensation as if her insides are being "shredded with cheese wire." Dawn underwent the surgery in 2014, hoping to solve her incontinence, which caused her embarrassment during physical activities. However, she called it a “dreadful mistake,” as it led to a painful and challenging recovery. She struggled with using the bathroom after the surgery and even had to insert a catheter at times. After several unsuccessful attempts to remove the mesh, doctors informed her that it was now too risky to take out. Dawn discovered that five pieces of the mesh were left inside her body. She expressed fear at the thought of living with it permanently, stating that both the mesh and the removal surgery carry significant risks. In the UK, over 92,000 women received vaginal mesh implants from 2007 to 2015. Many, like Dawn, have experienced lasting health problems. To raise awareness, she has written a book titled "Meshed Up." Through her experiences, she hopes to educate others about the potential dangers of this surgery and to advocate for women facing similar challenges. Dawn continues to work as a nurse and emphasizes that health professionals can also be patients. She aims to help others avoid her "nightmare" and cope with the effects of such treatments.