I feel the same way about Linda…she literally saved my life of that I have no doubt. I am not that much older than you and have children still home and a disabled adult daughter that I care for full time. I was so sick for the past three years that I wish I could have died at times. The docs I saw closer to home said I had no hope. That the mesh couldn’t come out and that bc the surgeon who put it in was incompetent it was in places it shouldn’t be and was too dangerous to get out…ever. This was what I lived with for almost two years before God worked a miracle for me. I found out about Dr. Raz third hand through a pelvic PT who was working on a patient who did her due diligence. I then found Lindas blog and got the confidence to make an apt. I was very skeptical that Dr Raz could help me after the verdict of the previous docs. I had removal surgery in January and I’m hear to tell you that he is your best option and is the best doctor I have ever been to. I have never had to convince him I had a problem, was treated with such kindness and compassion, and have been so impressed with the care I have received there overall. I remember the day he told me he could help me…I broke down crying and then I had that optimism come back to my life that had been snuffed out several years before. You will be in the best of hands..I promise! I hope all goes well for you. If you would ever like to talk, i am happy to share my experience with you as it seems we have a similar story. Linda can get you my contact information if you like. Good Luck!

Linda is right on both issues. If you didn’t have IBS before the mesh it is most likely the mesh causing the symptoms. The docs love the “catch all” diagnoses that are so non-specific that lots of things can fall into them. Once you have mesh you have to assume it is a problem with the mesh until proven otherwise. You must be prepared to do what it takes to get the mesh out…anchors and all. As Linda has written, the ones that really do it right are in California and those of us who have gone will attest that it is the Cadillac of doctors there compared to the hack shops around the country who call themselves doctors. Just decide whether you want the best or not. It’s really that simple. Good luck to you!

Dear Distressed,

I went to Dr. Raz after complaining and crying in the doctors office that put the sling in. I didn’t even need the sling, I was not having any leakage or incontinence. He convinced me that if he repaired my Rectocycle that I would then be back because it somehow supported my kinked urethra. I argued with him but he was so convincing. He used me as a guina pig, I was young and very healthy. After I had so much pain with sex I wanted to die. My husband and I always enjoyed our GREAT SEX life. He ruined that but for awhile.

After he did one excision(the original doctor) it was somewhat better but still had the feeling of card board lining my vagina. It hurt like hell. However here is the good news. Dr. Raz is your best bet, he removed all my mesh and said thus far it still was the hardest he ever removed. I am now awaiting another surgery July 8th for him to fix my urethra, you see the mesh has entwined itself in my urethra and I had a major infection, he said for three years. He could not fix it at the time because of the infection though he tried it failed. I am incontinent now, but he said after the next surgery I will be completely fixed. I put Estrace cream in every other evening with my finger. At first I was terrified of feeling inside there, but it feels ok. My stitches are dissolved and I am healing nice. There is always a chance it won’t go well but I am staying positive that’s the best way to heal.

So there is hope, don’t give up. Stay positive. You can get your life somewhat normal again especially if you try.

Love your Mesh Sister

Terri