Dear Silicone Survivors and Friends:

Tapes from the Chicago Conference (October, 1997) are now available. You'll find an order form at the end of this newsletter.

UPCOMING EVENTS: We are still working on Hawaii for February, either the 21st or the 28th. There are some other up-coming conferences planned for the Spring.

Check the Dec. issue of Cosmopolitan for an article on Jenny McCarthy (her problems with and the removal of her implants).

LEGAL INFORMATION: On Nov. 21st, Judge Spector decided that the Dow Corning Disclosure plan was not fair to the claimants and he denied it. Now we may have the opportunity to negotiate a fairer settlement or offer the one that the Tort Claimant Committee has drawn up so carefully over the last two years. We are extremely grateful for all the work done by this committee and those who backed them. Without them, Dow Corning would have been able to railroad their horrible plan down our throats. While no settlement may be adequate to compensate those of us who have suffered tremendously, at least a better one than what was being offered by Dow Corning may now be considered.

In rejecting the Dow Corning disclosure statement, Judge Spector made these findings: The plan was fatally flawed for, among other reasons, the following: 1) It provides for an unlawfully coercive voting mechanism; 2) It contains improper release provisions (we would have had to release Dow Chemical to accept Dow Corning's settlement); 3) It permits Dow Corning to maintain improper control over the Litigation Trust; 4) Its treatment of foreign claimants is improper; and 5) The Debtor is " in fantasy land" if it thinks the Plan could be crammed down over a " no" vote by the claimants. In addition, the Court also told Dow Corning that they have to disclose what Dow Corning is actually worth, something they have avoided doing all along. The Court also sustained the Tort Claimants Committee's (and other parties) technical objections to the form of the wording of the disclosure statement.

Spector issued a decision holding that the Debtor's pending summary judgment motion is a core proceeding over which the bankruptcy court would retain jurisdiction. Spector, in holding power over the pending summary judgment motion, apparently believes that he has the power to decide whether or not a majority of the implant cases can be thrown out of court. Dow Corning keeps insisting that many women should receive nothing from the company because studies have shown no connection between implants and disease (depending on which studies they are reading--probably only the ones they fund). Judge Hood has the power to reverse anything Judge Spector does that she deems to be wrong (appeals go to Judge Hood all the time, when the TCC thinks he has made the wrong decision). The Omnibus Hearing (for Summary Judgment) will be held December 18th. It is not necessary for any of the women to attend this hearing.

Commenting on Judge Spector's decision, Sybil Goldrich of CTN stated: " It seems Dow Corning played its hand wrong. They believed that by delaying resolution of their bankruptcy and making injured tort claimants feel more needy and hopeless that the implant victims would accept anything. We are grateful that Judge Spector realized that to proceed any longer in attempting to salvage this plan would be a waste of time. We hope Dow Corning will now sit down and give us a fair offer."

A mediator has now been appointed to try to resolve differences between Dow Corning and implant claimants. Francis McGovern will now try to help negotiate a new settlement. Time will tell what happens with this new approach!

In a lawsuit brought by 11 women against Bristol-Myers Squibb & Medical Engineering Corp., settlement was reached on Nov. 18th. All 11 women were from Arizona but the suit was in NY. Details of the settlement will not be revealed but the attorney said he will continue to try cases in groups of 10 women every month.

Dow Chemical cases will continue to be consolidated in Michigan because the US Supreme court declined to review this ruling. These will be handled by Judge Hood. Other manufacturers who sought to also have their cases consolidated there have failed.

The proposed class action against Dow Chemical does not cover persons with Dow Corning gel or other components, only those with DC implants. I think we need a new proposal. Shall we all write to attorney Stan Chesley to complain??

A class action against Dow Chemical has also been filed in Canada. We don't have much information on this yet. If you know more about this, let me know!

MDL Update: Claims Office report 11/7/97: 361,676 notification of status letters have been sent to non-opt-out domestic implant recipients. 102,400 of these registrants had submitted proof of manufacturer forms. 51,500 (approx.) were classified as current claimants. At the end of October, $565,593,000 had been distributed to Bristol, Baxter and 3-M implant recipients. Advance payments of $5000 or $1000 have been sent to 79,000 of these claimants. $3000 explantation benefit was sent to 14,600 recipients. Checks ranging from $5000 to $95,000 have been sent to 18,300 current claimants. The claims office is still working with current claimants who have deficiencies in their claims. By the end of November, all claims filed for lupus, scleroderma and dermatomyositis and/or polymyositis will have had their claims reviewed for Option B (long-term benefits). Additional time will be required to review claims for General Connective Tissue Syndrome. Potential payments of post-8/84 McGhan claims are still suspended because of appeals pending before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Once the final appeals are resolved, the 80% share of post 8/84 McGhan claims assumed by 3M and Union Carbide would then become payable. A determination at that time will be made about whether McGhan/INAMED would be able to meet its financial obligations for the 20% share. A limited fund class action has been filed against McGhan/INAMED in case something prevents this payment. Most feel the appeals will be dismissed early in 1998 so that the class action settlement of these claims can move forward.

7,718 domestic implant recipients exercised first round opt-out rights and did not rejoin the class action. 3,091 opt-outs did rejoin the class action. 12,717 domestic registrants exercised second round opt-out rights before being sent status letters. 32,599 domestic registrants (of the 361,676 non-opt-out domestic registrants who were sent Notification of Status letters) exercised second round opt-out rights. 10,046 of these had Bristol, 651 had post 8/84 McGhan, 2,044 had not submitted any proof of manufacture from any settling defendants.

A revised foreign settlement is underway and notices have been send to legally unrepresented foreign claimants and to attorneys representing foreign claimants listing the manufacturers and brands of implants that are covered. Forms for potentially eligible claimants were also sent.

Late Mentor and Bioplasty claimants will probably be paid a settlement because the funds are sufficient to allow this. These will probably be paid by Feb. or March, 1998.

More and more plastic and reconstructive surgeons are joining the suit against Dow Corning for failure to notify them of the problems with breast implants. They want compensation for damage done to their practices. I wonder if these same surgeons are still telling us that implants do no harm? I really can't cry too many crocodile tears for most of these doctors who obviously failed to read the ton of literature out there in medical journals about the problems with silicone. Whose fault is it really that they were not informed? If they had wanted to know, don't you think they would have read up on the topic?? Should we take money from silicone victims to be given to these doctors who think they have been victimized??!!

400 Massachusetts women have filed a separate class action suit against breast implant manufacturers. They rejected the current class action and have now filed their own. The manufacturers named in the suit include 3-M, Baxter, Bristol-Myers-Squibb and McGhan. Dow is not included. Attorney Mike Hugo filed the lawsuit.

The FDA plans to soon ease restrictions for silicone gel breast implants utilized for reconstruction. A petition submitted by Y-Me, a breast cancer support network known for supporting breast implants, made this recommendation. A counter petition submitted by CanDo, a Texas action network, advised the FDA to tighten restrictions and requested a formal public hearing on these devices.

The FDA plans to work with the Dept. of Defense to facilitate access for reconstruction patients under the DD health care system and they also plan to write a letter the ASPRS doctors requesting their assistance to help increase physician participation in the Adjunct Study (the one where they are not following up already???). Apparently the fact that women are extremely ill and dying from these is no barrier for them to be used in patients with cancer (the ones who already have impaired immune systems). This must seem logical and rational to them, but the logic certainly fails me!!

MEDICAL INFORMATION: From the Lancet, 1997; 350: 1531-1537) (The Lancet is the British equivalent of JAMA): Silicone breast implant deteriorate over time resulting in an increased risk of implant rupture. One study has estimated that 95% of implants are expected to break within 20 years after surgical insertion. This is of particular importance since British health leaders are currently trying to decide whether to allow silicone breast implants to be sold in England. The article went on to describe many problems with silicone and with implants. It stated that epidemiological studies have not ruled out higher incidences of connective tissue diseases from silicone implants nor that women with implants could develop atypical disease.

Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori causes ulcers, may be one cause of migraines (along with other bacteria and micro-organisms) and may now have a new, more effective and safer treatment. Rantidine bismuth citrate used with clarithromycin worked equally well, if not better, than the triple drug therapy now being used. There was an 85% eradication rate with this protocol. The triple drug therapy boasts a cure rate of 65%. H. pylori may be hiding in plaque on teeth, so can re-infect the system again once it has been eradicated.

There are several combinations of these triple therapy drugs utilized: bismuth, metronidazole (Flagyl) & tetracycline or omeprazole; amoxicillin & clarithromycin or proton pump inhibitors; or omeprazole (or lansoprazole) combined with amoxicillin, metronisazole and clarithromycin.

Many women (children and men also) damaged by silicone devices have reflux problems from the loss of esophageal function in the lower third of the esophagus.

GASTROESOPHAGEAL OR ACID REFLUX What is gastroesophageal reflux and why do we have it? Persistent heartburn is the most common symptom. A taste of stomach acid in the mouth often occurs. These problems can occur because of injury to the digestive system by alcohol, tobacco, spices, NSAID's (aspirin, ibuprofen, other pain-killer or anti-inflammatory) or other drugs that destroy the lining of the stomach or can be a result of heredity, aging, etc. Many try Pepcid, Tagamet, Axid, etc. for symptoms and never see a doctor.

Acid reflux is a combination of acid, pepsin, bile salts and pancreatic enzymes. Reflux can be caused by the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter or a sudden change in intra-abdominal pressure (gas). Relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter can result from drugs such as calcium channel blockers, anticholinergics (drugs that block nerve impulses, tri-cyclic antidepressants) or some anti-asthma drugs. Reducing, changing or removing these drugs may solve the problem. Lifestyle changes often should be the first treatment of choice.

Reflux often happens at night so elevating the head of the bed with a wedge (not pillows) is often helpful. Reducing or eliminating coffee, sodas, tobacco, spicy foods and stress often are helpful. Persons with reflux often do not have too much stomach acid, it is just coming up where it does not belong. However, persistent problems are treated with drugs to lower the acid to reduce the reflux. What this does to digestion that requires the use of these acids is questionable. Avoiding the drugs and changing the lifestyle is probably the best choice but it is not always the only choice.

The majority of intractable cases are a failure of the individuals to lose weight, quit drinking alcohol, caffeine products, sodas, and quit eating spicy foods. Reduction of stress is often difficult and requires assistance with a therapist and family intervention. All cases should be evaluated individually, not as a class of disease.

Esophageal reflux can increase with age. It is often treated with H2 blockers. Only in severe cases is this problem treated with protein pump inhibitors. Only rarely does this problem need surgical intervention, which includes open surgery or laproscopic surgery to repair the esophageal opening.

Persons with long-standing problems with acid reflux should work on lifestyle changes, and, if they see no improvement in symptoms, they should definitely seek an evaluation by their medical professional.

Barrrett's Esophagus is a sub-set of problems with reflux that can be more serious. Screening for cancer in this group is necessary. Although rare, it does occur. In one study, seven out of 150 patients developed cancer. It is always preferable to find cancer in an early stage. Most cases of Barrett's esophagus are discovered by accident in cases of intractable acid reflux.

Having an appendectomy could help protect you against a later development of ulcerative colitis. I don't think I would run in and demand an appendectomy to avoid this, but when having abdominal surgery, often the appendix is removed.

GASTROPARESIS: A partial paralysis of the gastro-intestinal tract with symptoms of nausea, early satiety (early fullness), vomiting and pain. Nocturnal pain described as burning, sharp pain or cramping is common. This disorder can occur in patients with diabetes, mixed connective tissue disease and metabolic abnormalities. Not much is written in common medical literature about this condition.

There are many forms of gastric distress and most of these conditions are difficult to diagnose. Some are caused by micro-organisms such as H. pylori, some are caused by parasites and fungal problems, some causes are unknown and some are from obscure conditions. For more information on this, consult Merck Manual; Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide or another medical text.

Treatment is as difficult as diagnosis. Prevention is the best bet. Good nutrition, good vitamins and enzymes, minerals, anti-oxidants, etc. are the best prevention. Avoid spicy foods, colas, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco products that destroy the intestines and stomach lining. Avoid excessive saturated fats and sugars.

The typical American diet of high-fat, high-carbohydrate, highly processed foods with chemical additives, preservatives and pesticides galore is the cause of many of our digestive problems. The lack of fiber in our diet is specifically problematic. This leads to a sluggish digestive system with resulting improper elimination and constipation. A build-up of toxins in the body may lead to leaky gut syndrome. Nutritional deficiencies also lead to poor digestion and malabsorption of food. A deficiency of digestive enzymes is also a cause of problems. Food allergies are suspect in digestive diseases also. Milk, dairy products and wheat are common culprits. Immune system deficiencies are other common culprits in digestive problems.

There is some evidence that immune mechanisms play some sort of role in colitis (inflammation of the colon) and Crohn's disease (inflammation of the small intestine).

Infections such as bacterial, viral and fungal as well as parasitic infections can harm our digestive systems. Abnormal growth of organisms in the gut are known as dysbiosis. This is a major factor is malabsorption which affects many silicone-diseased persons. Too much or too little hydrochloric acid (HCI) in the stomach can lead to digestive problems and malabsorption. Stress causes excess acid production and poor digestive function. Insufficient exercise can lead to a decrease in enzyme secretion and HCI production. This leads to all types of problems including malabsorption, nutritional deficiencies and constipation. All those problems lead to disease.

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes which act in the small intestine to digest protein, carbohydrates and fat. The liver detoxifies toxins, produces proteins and cholesterol, stores fat-soluble vitamins and produces bile which is essential for the absorption of fats. The gallbladder functions as a storage vessel for bile but chemical disturbances in the body may result in the formation of gallstones which impedes the flow of bile to the small intestine and decreases the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

For the best digestion, eat proteins alone or with green, leafy vegetables (have salad with meat), eat fruits alone, and eat vegetables with grains and legumes (beans, split peas, etc.) Starches and proteins should not be mixed. Rice, (brown rice) can be eaten with protein. Digestion is best when foods having the same digestive time are eaten together. A couple of sips of green tea or ginger tea prior to eating can aid digestion.

There are many herbal remedies for digestive problems that create less problems in the body than do prescription medicines.

This information is from The Medical Post, 1997 and from Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide.

Mixing anti-histamines with alcohol can cause serious side-effects. If you are on any anti-histamine product (for allergies or a hismanol 1 (H-1) or 2 (H-2) blockers for other reasons), do not consume any (I repeat, NOT ANY) alcohol because your allergies may become worse, you may have a serious reaction and you may become allergic or sensitive to alcohol completely.

Also, side effects of alcohol when taken with OTC pain-killers such as aspirin, tylenol, Alleve, Advil (all ibuprofens and ketoprofens) can occur. Alcohol and pain-killers should never be mixed.

Antihistamines cause other problems. Diphenhydramine (the stuff in Benadryl) can cause psychosis, even when used topically in large areas (for itching of insect bites, sunburn, poison ivy, chicken pox). Never take Benadryl orally and then use it topically as well! Be careful with using large amounts topically on children!! Try Caladryl or Calamine lotions instead.

Babies as young as 2 weeks old can exhibit depression. Babies need to be soothed and will show signs of stress, anxiety and depression if parents are unable to comfort them. Young, inexperienced parents are most likely to be unable to soothe an infant. Stressed parents may not always be able to meet an infant's needs either, so it is important that other family members be available to help when parents are young or inordinately stressed. If babies are not soothed appropriately, they will not form an attachment bond with their care-givers.

Antibiotic use can cause more than mutating bacteria. Ruptured Achilles tendons are caused by broad spectrum antibiotics, especially in those on steroids (Prednisone) and in the elderly. This injury is hard to heal. Antibiotics should be suspended immediately if tendon inflammation occurs. Other tendon damage has been associated with other drugs, especially Fluoroquinolone treatment.

Women who are traumatized face nearly double the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than do men. These differences emerge early in life and are far greater if exposure occurs in childhood. Study appears in current issue of the journal Archives of General Psychiatry.

Did you know that some European breast implants contain Hydro-Gel (similar to K-Y Jelly)? Fascinating! What will they put in them next time? Mashed potatoes? I think they tried that one already!!

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: If you have a family history of osteoporosis, eating more plant-based foods may reduce bone loss. Phosphorus, present in sodas, may contribute tremendously to bone loss. Persons drinking caffeinated beverages excrete more calcium than those who don't drink these beverages. They should increase calcium intakes accordingly. Excessive alcohol drinking increases bone loss. Men tend to lose more bone when drinking alcoholic beverages than do women and this may be hormonal. It may be the diuretic effect of alcohol that causes the loss of calcium. Too much protein along with too little green leafy vegetables & dairy products can also deplete calcium and contribute to bone loss.

Is fasting good for you? That depends on your body weight. If you are very thin, it may not be nearly as healthy as if you are heavier. Fasting for 24 hours will probably not harm anyone, but very thin people should avoid long fasts where only water is consumed. Fasts cause insulin levels to decline rapidly and then other metabolic effects occur. When we fast, hepatic stores of glucose (in the form of glycogen) break down to release glucose for the brain. As glycogen stores are depleted, body protein is catabolized to release amino acids which are broken down in the liver to glucose and urea. Low insulin levels also cause release of fatty acids which can substitute for glucose. When the insulin levels are low enough, the liver converts fatty acids to ketones and these produce energy and feed the brain. The need for glucose falls and body levels of fat are reduced. A sense of well-being may result because epinephrine increases & serotonin decreases resulting in more alertness. Sodium loss will occur because fasts cause loss of body fluids but will not harm heavier individuals. Very thin people could suffer from sodium loss.

In the average person, a one-day a week fast could be beneficial unless some form of binge eating occurs in between fasts. Weekly fasting could be particularly helpful to those with a family history of diabetes, those who are obese, persons with high blood pressure, persons with high triglyceride counts and mildly overweight persons. Persons with low blood pressure, pregnant women, severely ill persons and the very thin should consult a doctor before attempting a fast as they could suffer from a loss of glucose and resulting symptoms.

In the elderly, Vitamin A can build up and cause toxicity. Because it is touted as a cancer-preventative, many elderly people consume too much Vitamin A and can have liver problems. Zinc can be toxic if taken in too-high levels. Ginseng can also cause problems in the elderly if too much is consumed. People should use common sense when taking nutrients as too much of anything can be bad for us. A Naturopath or Natural Medicine Practitioner can help guide you to proper nutrient or supplement dosage.

This information is from the Nutrition Post, Fall, 1996.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE: If you want information on Coral Calcium, Magnetics, Natural Weight Loss, Minerals, Enzymes, etc., contact me. I have been researching these for some years and know about how they work in the body and how they have helped my health! We must be our own intellectual and educated doctor before we can trust our health to others! Who truly knows our body best??!!

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION: ATTITUDE is everything!! If you believe you will heal, you will heal!! I believed with all my heart and soul and mind that I could beat this illness and could recover my mind and my health! I have done amazingly well, considering my doctors (including my Naturopath) thought I was on my way out in 1992 and 1993. If you are waiting for a settlement to help you, if you are sitting around waiting for a miracle cure or if you are unwilling to try to heal before you get your case through court, you are a willing partner in your illness!! Believe in wellness, work for wellness and you will heal!

I still have a low thyroid so have had to make a choice as to what to do about it. (Even my Naturopathic Doctor thought I should take Synthroid.) I also again have high cholesterol, triglycerides and liver enzymes. I'm not sure what brought this back after years of lower readings, but I wonder if a pocket of silicone found its way to my liver!! I also suspect some gall bladder involvement so am checking this out. My B-12 was not low so that was ruled out. I am still quite fatigued and have a lot of digestive problems. But, I will hang in there. I know it will get better!!

My latest problem is a universal problem. I have recently had a number of bounced checks with no effort on the part of the women who wrote these checks to make them right. I had two from the Reno conference, two from the Irvine conference and a couple of others. Most of our women honestly make mistakes and make them right immediately but for some reason these latest women show no inclination to pay these debts. With all we do free of charge to help, it seems unconscionable for people to bounce checks to us!! Do they really think this is all right?? Is it ever all right to steal, especially from the very cause that is trying to help them? Makes you wonder!!!

IMPORTANT: Did you know that 23% of the toxins that get into your body, get in from the water you bathe in? Want to stop that process?? There are new filters that cleanse the water! I have one in my shower!! My skin feels so much smoother and cleaner! I notice when I go away from home that my skin feels rougher and feels contaminated somehow! I cannot explain just what it is, but I can tell the difference! We should all be bathing in and drinking pure water!! I have heard people say they cannot afford bottled water! I buy mine for $.29 (29 cents) a gallon at the health food stores. I simply take my jugs back and keep refilling them. Once a week when I shop is all it takes! It is an investment in my good health and my long life (I plan to live to be at least 100 years old because I am too ornery to die. If you know me, you know this is true!!). Take care of your health and it will take care of you! I am alive today because I believed this!

BOOKS: There's Nothing in the Middle of the Road but Yellow Stripes and Dead Armadillos. Jim Hightower, published by Harper Collins. A book about corporate influence on politics, science & media.

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE: Mind Set, a new highly researched product to help our brains and restore the depleted neurotransmitters, is now available. This product has a synergistic blend of nutrients that have been shown to help relieve depression without the use of drugs, prevent damage from stress, create restful sleep patterns, eliminate need for medication for those with ADD/ADHD, reduce alcohol and drug craving, increase concentration and focus, lower blood pressure and enhance weight loss. The cost is $33, including U.S. mail shipping. Call (800) 765-0140. Ask for Mind Set, product #1127, Give them my pin # 24169. Auto shipping of this and other products saves money. I order $250 worth of products shipped to me and get a 40% discount, thereby costing me $150. It is a great way to get a great discount. I use many of this company's great products every month.

Another new product I am using is Pro-Max, a Progesterone cream that I rub into the soft skin of the inner arms, abdomen and inner thighs. This cream is a natural hormone from the Mexican Wild Yam. It is easily absorbed through the skin and regular use of this cream may help relieve symptoms of osteoporosis, menopause, and PMS, improve energy, stamina and endurance and elevate moods naturally. The male cream may help relieve male pattern baldness, balance testosterone and normalize prostate function. Order by calling (800) 765-0140. Female, #1120, Male, #1121. Give them my pin # 24169.

A third product I am now using is Metabolizer 2000+. This product may help to increase metabolism to burn more calories, increase energy, suppress appetite to decrease calorie intake, reduce craving by balancing blood sugar, reduce cholesterol and improve muscle and fitness potential. A bottle of this is $25 and the # is 1105. The phone # and pin # are above.

I have found that these products are helping me to feel better. There are other products I use daily, including the Assimilator, which is an enzyme and mineral product, Coral Calcium, which is ionic calcium and is the most bio-available source of calcium (important for those who have osteoporosis or have a family history of osteoporosis). I also take Activin OPC Oxi-genic. This is a great anti-oxidant and we should all be taking plenty of these. With all the damage we have in our bodies, free radicals must be running rampant. We need to neutralize these free radicals to help us heal and help prevent premature aging. All three of these products should be in our daily regimen (or similar products). I take these because they are high-quality and the best I have found on the market.

I did a dark-field blood analysis in Denver at a health conference I was attending. My red blood cells were all clumped in chains. After taking 2 Assimilator capsules and drinking some water with coral calcium, we did another dark-field blood analysis. The difference was amazing. All the red blood cells were unclumped and the blood looked better. All abnormalities found in the first sample were gone. It was the most amazing thing I have recently seen. If I hadn't already been convinced that these products work, this would have convinced me!! I have increased my intake of Assimilator and Coral Calcium since this test. If you would like information on any of these products, contact me @ (303) 469-8242 or e-mail me: coss@siliconesurvivors.net

I would not tell you about these products if they were not helping me and many other survivors!! The point is the inform you that there is help out there! You just have to open your mind and your heart to the message!! I fought against this at first myself, so I know where many of you are at! For those who would criticize anyone in my position making products like these available, I have yet to put a dollar into my pocket from any of these. I still owe money on my original loan to start a business. I will continue to tell people how much I have been helped by alternative medicine no matter how much a few choose to make it an issue! To do less would be hypocritical!!!

THIS MONTH'S POEM:

Truth and Lies

by Lynda Roth

There's just no way to say

Or describe how we feel

Words just don't do justice

Nor do they help us heal.

Many still suffer alone

In shame, with guilt, with blame

Afraid to tell the world

They've bought into the game.

I guess vanity is not sinful

In anyone else but us

If Dole can have a facelift

Tell me why all the fuss!

Crucified for being normal

For wanting to look nice

If we never had health problems

Would we be criticized?

We feel like we've been raped

By those who would deny

The illness and the pain

Their blindness to our cry

Pours salt into the wounds

And one thing you must know

Although some still may hide

We'll never let it go!

'Cause dollars are more important

Than women's and children's health

Our lives have been sacrificed

To increase manufacturer's wealth!

The pain is all too real

Because we know the score

Now that we know the truth

Your lies don't work anymore!

You can't smother truth forever

We'll fight to make it right

So keep buying your phony research

As we bring truth into the light.

You may win some battles

For dollars you have more

But we know in our hearts

That we will win the war!

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ARE THOSE OF THE EDITOR AND ANY CONTRIBUTORS AND ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. INFORMATION SUBMITTED MAY BE EDITED.

LYNDA ROTH, EDITOR

PREVIOUS NEWSLETTER INFORMATION: Previous issues available: $2 each U.S., $3 Foreign. 1/93 is the first available issue. Please indicate months' desired and proper sums. Some covered subjects: Auto-immune 1/93; Fibromyalgia 2/93; Medical Testing 3/93; Sjogren's 4/93; Vasculitis 4/93; Arthritis 5/93; Chronic Fatigue 6/93; Lupus 7/93; Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Inflammatory Bowel Disease 8/93; Insurance 8/93, 9/93; Misc. Med. Info. 9/93; Multiple Sclerosis 10/93; Spasmodic Torticollis 10/93; Hypoglycemia 11/93; Antibodies 12/93; Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy 1/94; Misc. Med. Info. II 2/94; Scleroderma 3/94; Costochondritis 4/94; Peripheral Neuropathy 4/94; Class Action 5/94; Fungal Infections 6/94; Hypercalcemia (low calcium) 7/94; Raynaud's Phenomenon 8/94; Fibromyalgia Update 9/94; Sarcoidosis 10/94; Free Radicals 11/94; Porphyria 12/94; Interstitial Cystitis 1/95; Mixed Connective Tissue Disease 2/95; Flap Procedures 3/95; Misc. Med. 4/95; Thyroid Disease 5/95; Stress 6/95; Natural Healing 7/95; Adrenal Malfunctions 8/95; Multiple Myeloma 9/95; DHEA 10/95; Chelation Therapy 11/95; Sleep Disorders 12/95; Meniere's Disease 1/96; 33 Tips to Improve Your Immune System 2/96; Amino Acids 3/96; Enzymes 4/96; Minerals 5/96; Aluminum Toxicity, DHEA Update 6/96; Addictions & Food Sensitivities 7/96; Misc. Med. Info. IV 8/96; Misc. Med. Info. V 9/96; Misc. Med. Info. VI 10/96; Misc. Med. Info. VII 11/96; Transient Ischemic Attacks 12/96; Symptoms of Breast Implant Problems 1/97; Pap Tests 2/97; Parasitic Infections 3/97; B-Complex Deficiency Syndrome 4/97; Myofascial Pain Syndrome 5/97; Inositol 6/97; Misc. Med. Info VIII 7/97; High Blood Pressure 8/97; Plaquenil 9/97; Misc. Med. Info. IX 10/97; Misc. Med. Info. X, 11/97; Legal info. and info. on Alternative Medicine is contained in most issues.

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