The Pitfalls of Trusting Doctors to Make Healthcare Decisions for You
Trusting your doctor with medical decisions relating to transvaginal mesh healthcare could potentially be the biggest mistake you ever make. If you have experienced pelvic organ prolapse or problems with your bladder, it is important to do a lot of research before trusting a doctor with such a serious health issue.
Sometimes doctors can make it seem like the procedure is easy, and will convince you that it’s no big deal. Doctors expect patients to treat the procedure lightly, since it’s usually a same day surgery. This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
Women who suffered tranvaginal mesh complications after undergoing pelvic organ prolapse repair surgery with a transvaginal mesh have most likely experienced undeserved pain and discomfort, and may have legal recourse.
Because the manufacturers of transvaginal meshes did not warn patients and doctors about the heightened risks associated with TVM, women suffering mesh complications may be able to file a claim seeking compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you are having Pelvic Organ Prolapse-related surgery, make sure you ask your doctor the following questions:
- What are all of my treatment options, surgical and nonsurgical?
- If you are recommending a surgical mesh implant, why? Will it increase my chances of a successful POP repair?
- What brand of mesh will be used for my surgery? Are there FDA warnings associated with this brand?
- What are the risks associated with vaginal mesh? How are the complications treated?
- Will I need additional surgeries if I have complications from the mesh?
If you are trusting your doctor with medical decisions regarding your healthcare, take these questions into consideration:
HOW DOES THE DOCTOR DECIDE THAT I AM UNABLE TO MAKE MEDICAL DECISIONS FOR MYSELF?
The doctor, psychologist, or advance nurse practitioner will evaluate your ability to:
- Appreciate the nature and implications of a health care decision
- Make an informed choice regarding the alternatives presented
- Communicate that choice in an unambiguous manner
WHO DECIDES ABOUT MY TREATMENT?
Your doctors will give you information and advice about treatment. You have the right to choose. You can say “Yes” to treatments you want. You can say “No” to any treatment that you don’t want – even if the treatment might keep you alive longer.
CAN OTHER PEOPLE HELP WITH MY DECISIONS?
Yes. Patients often turn to their relatives and close friends for help in making medical decisions. These people can help you think about the choices you face. You can ask the doctors and nurses to talk with your relatives and friends, and they can ask the doctors and nurses questions for you.
If you or someone you love has experienced mesh erosion, bleeding, urinary infections, vaginal scarring, pain during sexual intercourse, or failure to conduct sexual intercourse, the Strom Law Firm can help you.
