TVT repair - how long does it last?
Posted , 23 users are following.
Hi everyone
I'm wondering if there are ladies out there who have had a TVT (trans vaginal tape) repair for stress incontinence and who can tell me how long you remained dry for. I had the tape inserted (along with other things) on 17 November 2016 and have not looked back, it's fantastic. I can sneeze, jump, cough, laugh and I'm completely dry...love it!
I'm wondering how long it lasts for and if there are any activities that compromise how long it will last.
Your experience / help is always appreciated!
4 likes, 55 replies
Mitabbkie gymgirl
Posted
Hi I'm due to have TVT op in a weeks time and I was considering cancelling after reading so many terrible stories about ladies who have had their life ruined by it. I'm so confused as to what to do. Really good to hear some positive feed back. How are things now with you? Are you pain free? I do lots of gym classes and cycling running etc and wondering if you are still able to do them. My worst fear would be not being able to excessive as it's a big part of my life. The worry that the mesh will erode is also a major worry. Really confused as to what I should do. Worrying myself sick 😔
gymgirl Mitabbkie
Posted
Hi Mitabbkie
Having a TVT was the best thing I have ever done. I am completely dry and can train harder with a greater variety of exercises as I'm not limited by my incontinence. From information on this site, the TVT is likely to last about 10 years, I wouldn't hesistate getting another if required...best thing ever!!!
If you decide to go ahead, recovery is very important. So just lay low and listen to your body for 4-6 weeks and you should be good.
Good luck, keep me posted
Mitabbkie gymgirl
Posted
Thank you for the reply. I first went to see about having op done 8 years ago when I was only 39 but it was around the time of a lot of controversy so I chickened out. Leakage is so bad now I feel I need to get something done. My fear is not knowing how the polypropylene they use will react and also the length of time it will last as it can't be redone in lead to believe. Might need to just get in with it and stop reading all the bad press. I'll keep you posted after my op on the 27th. Thanks again
Clementine55 Mitabbkie
Posted
Can you private msg me I will help you through this as I've had 2 successful ops in gyno and urology
Sarahkim gymgirl
Posted
Hi gymgirl. I had my TVT tape procedure done eight and a half years ago and, like you, love the results. However, I have been reading some very disturbing forums about the mesh causing issues for some women. I don't know if the tape and mesh are the same but I am going to have myself checked by my doctor, just to make sure all is still ok. I hope so because I couldn't handle the incontinence any longer. I was 55 at the time and coping with menopause. Cheers!
Jan999 Sarahkim
Posted
The mesh that is used now is not the same as the type that caused problems. If you are in the U.K. and mesh was used the surgery would have been performed by one of the urogynaecologists on the Department of Health's list of specialist surgeons who are monitored. You would also have signed a separate consent form or an addendum to the consent form. All women who have mesh used in their repair are given the choice so if it wasn't discussed with you then you won't have mesh. This is only in the U.K. of course can't speak for USA or Canada.
elaine48743 gymgirl
Posted
Sarahkim elaine48743
Posted
I contacted by surgeon to ascertain whether I had tape or mesh and they seemed very wary of my call. After promising to respond to me with in a couple of days, I have heard nothing for over 10 days. That makes me nervous! I only want reassurance that I don't have the product in question but will definitely go ahead and have my self checked out.
denise88772 Sarahkim
Posted
Hi, if you can ask for the type of tape, including the reference number and manufacturer it may be useful later. Many doctors don't like the word mesh but the tape is made of mesh. It's permanent and very difficult to remove with only a few doctors skilled enough. If you look at Mesh on Facebook you will find the UK support group with a lot of information.
I hope this helps and you continue to have a good result.
Denise
denise88772 gymgirl
Posted
Hi, this is mainly for those considering TVT for incontinence and also a suggestion that people who have already got it, monitor their bodies to be aware of problems early.
I had a TVT operation for urinary stress incontinence in 2004 and I thought that it was the best thing that I had ever done. I didn't know at the time that the sling is a piece of mesh with holes in it, that my flesh has grown through. I'm now having Pelvic pain, bladder and bowel problems and I fear that the mesh may have migrated to grow into my other organs. The only way that a diagnosis can be made is with a 3D/4D ultrasound used to do a translabial scan and there are none in my state. I have had other scans but they are always fine so I thought I was ok. I recently joined a support group and my issues are common. Some women now need colostomy bags. I'm exploring having my mesh removed but it's very limited as to which surgeons can actually remove it. There seem to be only a couple in the UK and the same in USA with one being trained to operate in Australia. If I had known at the start, what I know now I would have preferred to have had a Burch procedure but this wasn't suggested to me.
Please do your research before you get polypropylene mesh put into your body as the organ erosion and other problems are not the only concerns, which include the implant fraying sending loose pieces into your body, not to mention the possible toxic effects leading to skin rashes, headaches etc..
Good luck.
gymgirl denise88772
Posted
Hi Denise
It sounds like you're going through a very difficult time. Thank you for taking the time to comment. I have already had the mesh inserted and am really happy with the results so far. Mesh is used for many surgical purposes and not one technique works for everyone. I hope you get relief from your symptoms soon.
Christie
Deb53 denise88772
Posted
hi denise887. I know your post was nearly 2 years ago but I have only just found this site.I too had a tvt procedure in 2004 and have not had any problems until now.I have been suffering with bladder urgency, pelvic pain and bowel problems for several weeks
my GP is blaming it on my IBS but Im not sure having read some of these posts.did you have your mesh removed.? I would be so grateful for any replies from anyone suffering in a similar way.
Clementine55 gymgirl
Posted
Hi there
i had tvt in July 2012 and I am 100% fine,
I had recently uterus lift April 2017 and my tvt is even better !!!
I don't smoke, I eat real food no processed .. I lost 31 lbs last year after hypnosis to be a healthy weight for recent surgery. With both ops I didn't rush my convalescing period I nourished and stayed calm, I do not worry about housework sex or any other pressure in relation to being a housewife my only concern was my HEALTH.
I see so many women rushing after 6-8 weeks it's really not worth it because housework will always be there and you only get ONE BODY!
Best wishes
xxxxxx
Clementine55 gymgirl
Posted
Excellent I think it depends on your surgeon ( I'm in the UK) and you .. eat healthy REST. Forget housework and anything else - I just did a little reach day I'm so happy I can walk again - my bladder was hanging out. Now I'm planning on The rest of weight coming off because extra weight can cause prolapse - also I take maca powder to help my hormone levels xx
jen48873 gymgirl
Posted
Done 2 weeks ago today. It went so smoothly and the recuperation was incredibly minimal for myself. ---- But 3 days ago I stared leaking again and I am trying not to be incredibly disappointed. Did I overdue it and ruin the mesh? Did anyone else leak during their 6 weeks of recovery? Quick call to my DR and he says that it is normal. But for 10 days I was so dry and amazing and now I .....am not. Please tell me this happened to some of you and that after 6 weeks (and the swelling goes down totally) that the leaking stopped. *fingers crossed* THANK YOU X
hopeful4 jen48873
Posted
so curious if this ever went away? are you better now? going through the same thing. wondering if my increased activity and constant bending at hips ruined it.