TVH: Bladder sling

I had a cytoscopy and urodynamics testing last week (not as bad as I was expecting). It showed stress incontinence and urge incontinence. I decided to have that taken care of during surgery. My doctor said she is most comfortable using a synthetic mesh. She gave me lots of info on the problems that can happen, including a paper from the federal govt about risks.

I'd like to know what experiences others may have had with a sling mesh.

I'm scheduled for a TVH, vaginal vault repair, salpingectomy, anterior repair (plus posterior if needed), and a bladder sling.

My GI doc said that because of pre-existing conditions, my digestive system is likely to shut down, creating lots of vomiting and constipation. Antiemetics cause problems with my heart.

Methinks this is going to be a difficult road.

Any comments about the bladder sling?

Suesnoh,

While there are plenty of women who are happy with their sling there are also women who have suffered due to the mesh. I would be very hesitant to agree to mesh if you have other health issues especially if you issues are autoimmune.. You may want to discuss this further with your doctors and consider other options for the incontinence or at least make sure your other physicians are comfortable with this decision.

Thank you, Molly50. That's the kind of info I was looking for. I hadn't thought about AI disease possibly creating problems with mesh. Also, I grow scar tissue easily, so that also might be an issue. She said the mesh, in this case, would only be a matrix for scar tissue. That tissue would be what would provide the repair.

Thank you again!

I have an auto immune disease so Im opting for the burch suspension, where they use your own ligaments to pull up the bladder. I know this is not for everyone. It's been around since the 60's-tried, tested, and true. The 3rd choice is actually a mesh also, made with your own tissue. Usually a piece of leg or stomach. I agree with the other opinion, consider all of your options
It's your choice, not the drs. If u chose an option they r not comfortable with, then find a new dr. You will be living with your choice, not them.

Thanks, Newgrammie, It helps to hear from someone with AI disease, too. Did your doc(s) come up with the idea of something other than synthetic mesh, or did you have to research it and suggest it yourself?

I have mild CREST, and I can see that being significant. I see my rheumy this next week. I can get his opinion then. If nothing else, I can always put the bladder sling part of the surgery off.