Mrs Reeve, whose story of a life lived in constant pain as a result of a surgical mesh procedure in 2010 featured in the Otago Daily Times on Monday, is one of hundred of patients who have registered for the forums, being held throughout New Zealand.
Surgical mesh is used after some surgeries, particularly hernias and prolapses, but some patients have suffered serious side effects.
The mesh Mrs Reeve had implanted to treat a prolapsed bowel eroded and twisted, causing debilitating pain despite attempts to remove it two years ago.
The forum, organised by the Ministry of Health and patient rights group Mesh Down Under, was a valuable exercise, Mrs Reeve said.
''It was really good, I feel shattered, but I feel that there could be hope.
''We've all been told that it's all in our head, but seeing everyone there means it's not in our heads, we are all going through the same thing.''
Jacqui Brown, a recent University of Otago doctorate student whose thesis was on surgical mesh, said at the session she attended there was a sense of camaraderie among those with mesh injuries.
''The depth of suffering and loss was enormous among the group,'' Ms Brown, who attended a session last week in Wellington, said.
''One thing that struck me was that each person's story in some way demonstrated violation of the Code of Rights in relation to respect, dignity and independence, effective communication and the right to make an informed choice.''
A report on surgical mesh use in New Zealand is due in October, and Ms Brown hoped it would lead to an action plan as soon as possible.
