Janet Holt
In 2007 I underwent a minimally invasive procedure to fix my prolapse bladder. The product used was surgical mesh. In the next few years I underwent 100s of doctor, therapy and therapist (all this pain must be in my mind) appointments. My journey included 14 major surgeries and years of recovery time. My story was told in a 2012 Consumer Reports article. Today my life is full of medication for pain and a limited ability to do most normal things. I have filled my time the last few years, just as most of you here, trying to make a difference in patient safety. Like most here I have traveled back and forth to D.C. to speak at FDA hearings, senate hearings, Capitol Hill briefings, protest, and written comments to every medical device hearing I could find. My desire to try and prevent harm to others from medical devices is what gets me up and going each day.