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!
That sounds brilliant! Let's hope it lasts a long time! I haven't had that so can't help.
Hi gymgirl,
Glad to hear all is going so well, unfortunately can't comment on tvt tape but sure someone will be able to help.
My neighbour had something similar and like you she is well pleased. She couldn't make it down to toilet in the morning and now problem completely solved.
Not sure how long she has had it, told me about it a year ago so already had had it in for at least a couple of years probably longer.
She lives very active life, she is almost 59, looks after toddler/grandchild, had just moved house 2 years ago always bust decorating, or out in the garden. Doesn't work so maybe retired. Always out walking with pram/dog.
Sorry can't be more helpful.
Phyl x☺
It should last at least 10 years.
I had it done last April and it great not having to worry about peeing. My only problem is that I have terrible urgency and have come close to having a leak. But gyny said tape didn't solve that but since op it's worse and he said he can give me tablets to sort that out but I said I'd just try and manage it at mo. Have to say having the tvt has been best thing I've done. My confidence is much better now.
Thanks Matron. Is there any activities that will put stress on it and perhaps reduce that time? I live a really active life and feel I can do so much more than before, which is amazing. I just don't want to ruin or jeopardise the result.
I've noticed I have a little more urgency than before too. Nothing I'd consider worrying about just yet though.
TVT has given me my life back, I am one happy gymgirl 
Urogynaecologists will say carry on as you did before your prolapse because this tape is considered secure. Occasionally it may need adjusting but that is a minor procedure and it is quite rare. I imagine you are active so I would do everything you want to and remember the pelvic floor exercises x
TVT is really great then Matron for stress incontinence!
My sister 9 years older than me just starting to get slight prolapse problems that have got worse over winter, she had joined walking club and gym last few years. She has appointment today at consultant so waiting to head how she gets on.
She refuses to read anything or inform herself via Internet so hasn't a clue what they will say.
Phyl x
Years great news for gymgirl☺!
Meant 'that''s great news for gymgirl '!
It is truly a breakthrough in urogynaecology phyl and can be performed under a local. I have a friend/ex neighbour who had the surgery last year and she said it has changed her life. I'm starting to have a few problems in that department unfortunately and I would seriously consider it.
This is great reading these positive tvt stories. I'm already seeing the benefits and it's only been 5 days. I'm exited about my future with no pads! As well as my prolapse repair which I hope works, no more bladder between my thighs when I walk so it's defiantly done something. So far so good
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 😔
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
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
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!
Hi I had a tvt tape in March 2013 and can honestly say it still seems to be ok and I have not had any side effects but like yourself am wondering how long it lasts, I had internal bleeding following the initial procedure and would not want to go through that again and just lately i have read some disturbing reports about tape erosion and am now wondering whether to contact the surgeon for some reassurance.
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.
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.
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.