COLOPLAST VIRTUE SLING / Continuous pain and suffering 1 1/2 years later.

Approximately 1 ½ years ago, I was implanted with a Coloplast Virtue male sling without my consent. I had consented to a simple, well-established “U” shaped mesh sling such as the AdVance sling by American Medical System.

After several weeks of tremendous suffering, following my implant surgery, I was horrified to learn I had been implanted with a mesh contraption with four (4) arms that were connected to a central platform instead of the simple “U” shaped mesh sling that I had consented to. I was further horrified to learn this four armed device had recently began clinical trials to learn if it was safe, effective and if it could be tolerated in a human body.

This implant not only immediately made my incontinence MUCH worse but has also has been the source of constant pain. Narcotic drugs had little effect in controlling the pain.

Approximately six months following the Coloplast Virtue implant, I underwent 3 ½ hours of surgery at the Cleveland Clinic where a reconstructive surgeon was able to remove the polypropylene mesh platform that was causing so much pain and nerve trauma inside my scrotum. Unfortunately the four mesh “arms” of this contraption were embedded so deep in my tissue that they could not be removed during this surgery.

The surgeon was able to implant the “U” type sling I had originally consented to near the completion of this reconstructive surgery. The simple “U” shaped sling implanted was an AdVance sling by American Medical Systems. It is working fantastic. After ten years of wearing pads, I have been dry since day of implant.

Regrettably, I continue to suffer intolerable pain from the Coloplast Virtue implant. My scrotum skin remains extremely painful to touch which I am certain originates from scrotal nerve damage as a result of the Coloplast Virtue fiasco. I continue to have severe “burning or stinging” in the creases of both legs that were cut open twice to first implant, then explant a portion of the Coloplast virtue sling.

Even more intolerable is the constant pain I feel in my lower pelvic area when I am seated. This pain is caused by the lower two polypropylene mesh “arms” that were wrapped around my lower pubic ramis bones. This wrapped mesh causes a raised area on the otherwise level surface, which results in pain and/or discomfort one would expect when sitting on a broom handle or steel cable. This pain is very pronounced anytime I am seated and ramps up rapidly when sitting for extended periods. It is necessary to constantly shift weight in an attempt to lessen this pain.

I have contacted the reconstructive surgeon that removed a portion of the Coloplast Virtue sling last December and three pelvic orthopedic surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic in hopes of having the remaining Coloplast Virtue mesh cut or scrapped off my lower pelvic bones so I can sit again without pain.

They are of the opinion that the mesh, wrapped around my ramis bones, is embedded so deep that my situation is inoperable. I have been told that I will just need to learn how to live with the pain.

So now I can expect to endure pain for the remainder of my life because I was implanted with a device (still in clinical trials) that I never consented to.

I am not looking for sympathy but share my experience in hope that no one else will fall victim to a similar situation.

Best regards,

John