Facing 5th surgery since LAVH--any advice?

I am due to have my 5th surgery after a LAVH with Anterior and Posterior repair. I have mesh eroding into my vaginal wall and I am talking myself into having it removed with few complications. I am scared to death to under go another surgery. I need some reassurance from someone who has had a successful mesh removal along with recovery times etc... I had a hysterectomy back in October of 2007 and am still dealing with issues from the mesh. My husband and I have not been able to have intercourse for 3 years because the mesh is coming through my vaginal wall and my vaginal opening has shrunk so small. The mesh was put in too tight which caused a urethrovesical fistula. I had that repaired back in June. I am so nervous about another surgery. Anyone have any good advice for me? Thanks

Make sure you go to someone who knows what they are doing. I went to a Dr at UCLA, he got all my Prolift out this past Oct! What a difference it has made. I still have a little pain occ in my rt sacral area, probably still healing. I drove 4 hrs the other day to visit my mom. Had No pain, I used to have trouble with my rt leg with driving. I heard the Dr at UCLA had to rebuild a lady's vagina from her prolift mesh. He knows what he's doing. I may need a cystocle repair in the future, he will be doing it with NO MESH! !Also need a perinealplasty. Mesh should be banned!!! Maybe the CIA should use it for a long-tern torture device!!

I agree that mesh should be banned!

I had mine removed several years ago by a wonderful urogyne that works at the Mayo in MN. I used to have pain with sex and am now pain free! I also had major stress incontinence and this wonderful doctor put in a sling made from my own fascia and I don't have that problem anymore!

Be very careful to find a doctor who has a lot of experience in mesh removal. If you want my doc's name, e-mail me privately.

Good luck!