Kari’s ventral mesh removal surgery in Florida

I am looking for any help to offset the cost of ventral hernia mesh removal that will be performed by Dr. Yunis in Sarasota, Florida on my sister Kari.

In 2016 she had a ventral hernia repair with mesh. Every since the mesh was removed and she was suppose to be healed after 6 weeks, Kari continued to experience pulling, stabbing pain, discomfort etc. By 2018 her body started really reacting to the mesh. She has been diagnosed with multiple Auto immune diseases and health impairments. (ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, palmoplantar pustular psoriasis, erythema nodosum, granuloma annulaire). After the diagnoses, her rheumatologist and dermatologist prescribed biologic treatment( immune suppressing therapy) for her overlapping conditions. Humira, Skyrizi, Tremfya, Stelara, Cyclosporin, Cosentyx, Taltz, Cimzia, Bimzelx, Rynvoc. The Renflexis infusion monthly was helping her body about 60%, but then she developed optic neuritis. So Kari had to stop getting the monthly infusions. With Optic neuritis, her rheumatologist is worried it will lead to MS.

While researching all her medical ailments, she came across an article stating Polypropylene mesh can cause MII (Mesh implant illness) in many people. 2021, Kari sought out a surgeon to remove the mesh. The surgeon said no. In December 2023, she had a hernia recurrence in the ventral area through the mesh implant. She has ultrasound and ct scan indicating this. Kari's doctor has sent out numerous referrals to get the mesh explanted and have ventral hernia repair. No one will do it. They are not qualified in Canada to perform this surgery. All research on hernia states a hernia not fixed will only get worse over time with the chance of strangulation, necrotic tissue development etc. It turns out that the polypropylene mesh has proven to be extremely toxic in the body, and many people have had debilitating issues with it due to an inability to process these toxins. Daily, she experiences physical pain, digestive challenges, and mobilty challenges. She can barely walk, is constantly sick, nauseated, in pain and battling depression because of her current health. Some days she can't even get out of bed. The exhaustion is real. 78% of people that have had a mesh explant say their autoimmune issues immediately disappeared and the pain went away. Kari applied for Out of Province ohip coverage and was denied. She appealed the decision and was again denied. The immune suppressing medications leaves her immune system weak. She catches every illness out there. Kari just has a 4 month bout of tonsillitis that took 5 rounds of antibiotics to treat it. She doesn't want to be sick anymore. The immune issues just keep piling on with the newest diagnosis Hidradenitis suppurativa.

When your body is constantly at war with itself, the exhaustion is real. You can't stay sick for years and not have it affect you emotionally. She does her best to put a smile on her face, but know there isn't a moment in time, she is not in pain someway or another.

Kari hasn't been unable to work since 2019 and her quality of life is non existent. This is a major surgery and Dr. Yunis is an expert in mesh removal. The surgery procedure itself is $20450.00 USD. Kari's surgery date is April 25th, 2025. After she heals from the mesh removal, she then has to have abdominal reconstruction surgery, but that procedure will be done in Ontario.

If you can't donate, we totally understand, but please share her story. Maybe someone out there is experiencing similar health problems.

Kindest Regards,

Kelly Stew