In 2007 I was implanted with two Alvaulta pelvic mesh slings, I was told it would help me with…read morebladder prolapse and incontinence. Within six weeks, I started having severe issues. The doctor who placed the mesh was fired soon afterwards and I had no where to get help.
First I went to Cleveland Clinic, make about seven trips, each trip was about an six hour drive one way. They did steroid shots in my pelvic floor, Botox shots (2 different trips), then finally surgery to remove the mesh. I found out later, the dr. just took a piece of mesh out. The pain and other issues just got worst.
Then a friend told me about a Dr. in Dallas, Texas, I flew down three different times. After he ran tests and promising to remove the mesh, I had another surgery. This surgery really messed me up much worst. It took two trips to my local gynecologist and two different treatments with silver nitrate to heal the incision from the Dallas operation. The pain was still there, and getting worst. He, too only took a piece of mesh out.
I had to quit my job, and lived in constant pain, couldn't sit for longer than ten minutes, I was sent to a pain clinic where they just kept pumping me full of stronger and stronger pain meds. The doctor at the pain clinic, suggested implanting me with a spinal stimulator which was suppose to help me cope with the pain. That turned out to be another disaster. Not only was it ineffective, it caused me more pain, plus the crazy costs of over 40k+.
In desperation, I started doing my own research on the internet and found Dr. Veronikis. I called to make an appointment and was astonished when he, personally called me and talked to me. I immediately make an appointment and had my friend drive me there, about 10 hours one way for my consultation. He ran tests, examined me and was able to do my surgery in one visit. He showed me photos of the mesh he removed and how the others doctors took out chunks, exposing the sharp ends which was cutting through my nerves, tendons, muscles, skin and possibly vital organs in my body.
As soon as I woke up, the pain was gone. Dr. Veroniksis was not only able to get both slings out, but also removed the arms (or anchors) of the mesh. I was told by numerous doctors that was impossible for anyone to do that. As soon as I recovered from surgery, I had the spinal stimulator removed, then a couple weeks later, walked into the pain clinic I had been going to for over five years and told them I wouldn't be back, and I haven't.
That was almost six years ago (Oct. 2013) today I'm still almost pain free, able to go back to church, travel and do the things I never thought possible. I still have days where the pain bothers me, because of the nerve damage the mesh caused, but it's nothing like I suffered before Dr. V took out the mesh.
Dr. V. gave me my life back, one I will never take for granted again. He has compassion, and takes the time needed to explain what he can do to help, but without any pressure. I thank God everyday for him.
