A routine operation intended to treat a common post childbirth condition left a Norwich mother with life changing injuries, chronic pain and years of uncertainty, as scrutiny continues over one of the most significant healthcare scandals in recent NHS history.
Rebecca Raisbeck says she underwent vaginal mesh surgery in 2015 after suffering stress incontinence and pelvic prolapse following childbirth and a hysterectomy.
Vaginal mesh, a polypropylene implant designed to support weakened pelvic organs, was widely promoted at the time as a gold standard and low risk treatment.
However, Raisbeck says she was not offered alternatives or fully warned about potential complications before consenting to the procedure at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Severe Pain and Complications
She describes waking from surgery in extreme pain and fearing something had gone seriously wrong. Although reassured that discomfort was normal, her symptoms persisted and worsened over time.
Following a second mesh procedure intended to address ongoing bladder problems, she experienced constant pain radiating into her lower back and left side.
Doctors later confirmed that the mesh had eroded through her vaginal wall, causing internal damage and recurrent infections. She was eventually treated for complications including repeated urinary tract infections and severe discomfort.
Impact on Family and Daily Life
The injuries have had profound personal consequences. Raisbeck says attempts at intimacy caused injury to her husband due to exposed mesh material. The couple later stopped sexual activity altogether.
Her condition deteriorated to the point that she collapsed at work and required emergency treatment. Unable to continue her career as a carer, she left employment due to ongoing pain and health complications.
Raisbeck has also required specialist assessment at a mesh removal centre based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Scans reportedly showed the implant had become embedded in surrounding tissue, including the bladder and bowel.
She has been told removal surgery carries significant risks and may not fully resolve her symptoms. In some cases, patients require additional procedures such as stoma formation.
National Response and Review
Concerns about mesh implants led to widespread suspension of certain procedures in 2018. A government commissioned review in 2020 acknowledged that affected women had been dismissed and harmed due to systemic failures.
Specialist mesh removal centres were later established to provide dedicated care and support.
Campaigners, including the organisation Sling The Mesh, continue to call for clearer compensation frameworks and faster access to treatment for those awaiting surgery.
Ongoing Waiting Times
Despite referrals to specialist services, Raisbeck says she has waited several years for removal surgery. While reassured that efforts are being made to address historical cases, many patients remain in long term uncertainty.
Advocates argue that delays in treatment and compensation continue to affect thousands of women across the UK.
Living With Long Term Consequences
Raisbeck says her condition has affected her physical health, mental wellbeing and family life. She reports ongoing pain, reduced mobility and difficulty performing everyday tasks.
She continues to speak publicly about her experience, saying that raising awareness is essential to ensure other patients receive thorough information, appropriate alternatives and fully informed consent before undergoing similar procedures.
