Emma's story

Emma Hounslow turned to Thompsons Solicitors and the medical negligence claims team for legal support after mesh surgery left her in disabling pain.

Emma was referred to hospital in 2010 after suffering a prolapse during childbirth. The injury, which caused incontinence, could not be rectified by physiotherapy and she was advised to have a mesh sling fitted.

“The mesh implant was sold to me as a miracle cure, where I’d be in and out within 24 hours,” she said. “They asked me to sign a consent form, and the only details about side effects was a low risk of bleeding. I had no reason to believe anything bad would come of this.”

Emma remained in pain after the operation, but her consultant assured her it was standard after an operation.

However, Emma’s condition did not improve. During the months and years that followed, her pain failed to subside and her incontinence returned.

“I raised the issue multiple times about the pain and incontinence, but I was told to deal with it,” she said. “I had no choice but to complain to the hospital manager, who organised a meeting with my consultant. He remained dismissive and told me not to believe all of the stories you hear about mesh in the media.

Emma remained in pain after the operation, but her consultant assured her it was standard after an operation.

However, Emma’s condition did not improve. During the months and years that followed, her pain failed to subside and her incontinence returned.

“I raised the issue multiple times about the pain and incontinence, but I was told to deal with it,” she said. “I had no choice but to complain to the hospital manager, who organised a meeting with my consultant. He remained dismissive and told me not to believe all of the stories you hear about mesh in the media.

“It was at this point I found Sling the Mesh and read the stories of hundreds of other women who have been left in life-changing pain because of the implant. This was eye opening. I immediately realised I wasn’t wrong to challenge the hospital.”

Frustrated with the lack of medical support offered to her, Emma booked an appointment with a private consultant who confirmed the mesh implant had been inserted incorrectly and was resting on a nerve. She has since had two surgical procedures to remove the mesh, however she remains in severe pain and has had to apply for a blue badge to ensure she remains self-sufficient while travelling by car.

“My life has changed forever,” she said. “The fact that I’m one of hundreds affected is sickening, so I’m glad I’ve been able to find Sling the Mesh and Thompsons Solicitors and join their fight to end the use of mesh for good.”

Thompsons Solicitors is currently representing more than 200 people across the UK who are living with serious health complications due to mesh surgery and is committed to fighting for anyone who has been affected.

Our ‘Patients Before Profits: Say No To Mesh’ campaign aims to highlight the dangerous issues surrounding mesh surgery and calls for an end to mesh use in the UK.