“This has been the worst time of my life.”
Suzette Roodt, a 58-year-old woman, describes her life post-implantation of the pelvic mesh device as the worst it’s ever been.
On the 29th of September 2015, Roodt was surgically implanted with the Supris Retropubic Sling Mesh Implant, unaware of the negative effect it would have on her life thereafter.
Prior to the mesh implantation, Roodt was diagnosed with Stress Urinary Incontinence (“SUI”), whereafter she was advised by her Urologist that the implantation of the mesh device would be an effective means of treating her conditions. Roodt agreed to undergo the procedure.
Roodt subsequently suffered a drastic decline in her physical health and experienced issues such as swelling, tenderness and redness in the abdominal area; severe constipation; uncontrollable urine leakage; constant urinary infections; and kidney problems due to the buildup of urine. Only after obtaining a second medical opinion, was she advised that such complications were related to the mesh implant.
“Everything hurt” she said.
Due to the mesh-related complications, Roodt faced financial burdens that became difficult to carry. Roodt was employed as a Market Researcher but due to the mesh-related complications, she struggled to fulfill her usual capacity and could no longer fulfill duties such as attending training, briefings, and meetings with clients. Roodt went from being able to support her family, to moving into her son’s residence with only a SASSA disability grant to support herself. Roodt exhausted three medical aids and could not have the mesh extracted due to the cost thereof.
Due to the constant pain, she was unable to contribute positively to the sexual aspects of her marital life and could no longer participate in the activities she previously enjoyed such as gardening, shopping and social activities, or daily chores such as hanging laundry.
Eventually, Roodt’s mental health also declined due to the pain, lack of sleep, and emotional stress. Although years have passed, the impact is ongoing and Roodt now has to self-catheterize and remain permanently on antibiotics.
Roodt’s life is one of many impaired by the implantation of a defective pelvic mesh device. The quality of life of the women implanted with defective mesh devices was severely reduced, and they have lost hope that it can ever be restored.
RH Lawyers Inc. (“RHL”) and Richard Spoor Inc. (“RSI”) have launched class action proceedings in South Africa against Johnson & Johnson, Coloplast, and various other associated manufacturers and distributors of pelvic mesh, on behalf of class members who were implanted with defective pelvic mesh devices.
Individuals who have suffered harm as a result of being implanted with defective pelvic mesh are encouraged to contact RH Lawyers as soon as possible by either:
- Emailing: info@rhlawyers.co.za
- Calling 087 188 2698;
- Sending please call me or WhatsApp to 062 973 9224.
