Vaginal mesh implants: 'I really thought I was dying'

Carolyn Churchill was in agony after mesh surgery, but doctors were reluctant to blame her implant, even suggesting the pain might be a mental health issue

Six years ago, Carolyn Churchill, 57, from near Pontypridd in Wales, was in a long-term relationship, worked as a chef, and spent hours each week walking with her dogs and looking after her granddaughter's pony. She was busy and content, but was bothered by stress incontinence, which affects roughly 10% of women.

"Never knowing when you're going out if you're going to wee yourself. It really got to the stage where it was embarrassing," she recalls.