COALITION OF SILICONE SURVIVORS

August, 1995

Dear Silicone Survivors and Friends:

From time to time, I hear things that totally dismay me. This is one of those things. Some women have told me that they are afraid to get better because that may mean they will not receive any $$ from the settlement or they will win less damages in a lawsuit. I am always astonished to hear this, as getting better means everything to me. They could take every dime if they could give me back what I have lost. In the spirit of getting better, we will be presenting a conference on healing in Denver. See upcoming events below for the time and place. I hope that all of you will want to join us in finding ways to heal our bodies, minds and spirits.

I keep hearing the same question from women in this movement. They ask: " Where are the women who have settled their cases? Why are they not supporting this movement? Have any of them sent donations to help the cause?" My answer is always the same. I know of only one woman who has settled her case who has given any form of donation to others who are fighting this battle!! Yes, that is truly sad. How can we expect others to donate when our own don't even help us out? We should all remember this when we settle our cases!!! In defense of the women who have settled, many have been involved, donating their time, efforts and money to the cause before they settled. I am sure that some just want to get on with their lives and never think about silicone again.

UPCOMING EVENTS: I am supposed to be in Beijing, China to do a workshop on breast implants at the United Nations 4th World Conference on Women on September 1st. This is an important milestone in our campaign to educate women about breast implants, as women in other countries have much less information that women in the U.S. It is also a very expensive proposition, and will cost about $3000.00. One woman is working on trying to get an airline ticket donated for this trip. That would be about half of the cost. Any donation you can make to help this workshop happen would be wonderful. I cannot go without some financial help.

I am working on my visa and other arrangements for this trip. I am in quite a bind to financially afford this trip. I need help. The potential for reaching women in many other countries is great. This is the kind of effort we need to be making, but, it is the cost that keeps a lot of this from happening. If you can afford to send a donation to help pay for this workshop, please do. Without your help, worthy causes like this just do not happen.

Portland, Oregon area meeting, August 16, 7:00 P.M., at 330 SW Curry, Portland (American Cancer Society, phone 295-6422). For more information, call Georgia Cillo at (503) 697-7956. Speaker: Lynda Roth. In Florida, there is an August 19th seminar at the Radisson Hotel, Ivanhoe Blvd. & I-4, Orlando. It will be from 9-2:30 and will feature Scott Rotatori, MD, Louis Silber, Atty., and Phillip Haselden, MD. Send registration to Barbara Stock, 415 Kilshore Lane, Winter Park, FL 32789. Early registration (by 8/15) is $19 consumer and $35.00 couple. Late registration is $25.00 consumer and $45.00 couple. A sandwich deli and salad bar will be available for $6.25 and parking at the hotel garage is $2.00. Rooms are available at the Radisson (407) 425-4455 for $69 for 1-4 persons. Ask for " Shades of Summer" rate. Call Barbara at (407) 629-8791 for more information. There are only 75 seats available, so register quickly.

" Healing From Silicone" Denver Conference, Saturday, Oct. 7, 1995 at the Holiday Inn Northglenn, I-25 and 120th Avenue, 8 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. The September newsletter will provide more information. Costs will be nominal, just enough to cover our expenses. We will give scholarships to those who cannot afford even the nominal cost of the conference. Please don't be afraid to ask.

" Silicone Survivor's Day" Conference in Columbia, MO on Saturday, Sept. 3rd. The theme is " Taking Control of Your Life" . Registration 8:00 A.M., Advance registration $40.00 for survivors, $15.00 for spouse. At the door, $45.00 and $20.00 for spouse. Professional fee $70.00 advance, $90.00 at the door. For lodging at the conference site, the Holiday Inn Executive Center, 2200 I-70 Drive SW, Columbia, MO, call (314) 445-8531. Identify yourself as being with the Silicone Survivors Day Seminar. Speakers include: Dr. Aristo Vojdani, Immunosciences Lab; Jama Russano, CATS; Dr. Lu-Jean Feng, Plastic Surgeon; Angela Hans, Oklahoma Silicone Survivor; Dr. Rahim Karjoo, American Medical Diagnostic Labs; Mary Shook, Missouri Breast Cancer Survivor; Ruth Clark, Florida Silicone Survivor; Lynda Roth, Coalition of Silicone Survivors; Kathy Keithley-Johnson, RN, United Silicone Survivors of Missouri; Danieal Miller, Attorney; Dr. L. Lehman, Neurologist.

Conference in Ontario, Canada on Saturday, Oct. 28. Speakers will be Dr. Pierre Blais, Dr. Steven Edworthy, Michael Eizenga (attorney), Dr. Lu-Jean, Dr. Eric Holowaty, Dr. Rahim Karjoo, Dr. Aristo Vojdani, & Dr. Nachman Brautbar. There may be other speakers as well. The conference will be held at the Sutton Place Hotel, 955 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Hotel rooms $125 per night for 1-4 persons. Call (800) 810-6888. Conference is $85.00 in advance and $110 at the door. Couples, $160.00 advance and $200.00 at the door. Advance registration must be received by Sept. 15th. The hospitality suite will be available from 5-11 P.M. Oct. 27th. Mail registration to Breast implant Line of Canada, c/o Joyce Attis, 56 Touraine Ave., North York, Ontario, M3H 1R2, Canada. Call Joyce at (416) 636-6618 for more information.

Albuquerque, NM: Survivors of Silicone meet the first Saturday of each month from 1-3 P.M. at 8300 Constitution NE, West of Wyoming, Just North of I-40. Call Anne at (505) 865-5866 for more information.

LEGAL INFORMATION: Class action lawsuit: I know all of you are curious as to what is happening with the reorganization of the class action. We have heard little. One strong rumor is that Judge Pointer has dismissed Baxter Healthcare from the class action because they have refused to add more funds. I suspect this could be a pressure tactic taken by the court to force them to reconsider their position. The MDL legal counsel will not confirm or deny this rumor. It is entirely possible that some companies may negotiate their own settlement with clients that have their brand of implants. We hear that most of the other manufacturers have added more funds. The rumor is that they have settled on 7 billion. My understanding is that negotiations are continuing hot and heavy and that an agreement will be reached within a month. We may not like what we hear. The (800) 887-6828 number has information on the old settlement, and that is not going to be the settlement from which we receive funds. Judge Pointer has given a August 30th deadline for negotiations on a new settlement. If the renegotiations are unsuccessful, then a decision on opt-outs and whether or not to go ahead with the current settlement will be made on that date. Our recent meeting with Judge Pointer and the meeting with Ralph Knowles clued us in on what is happening. Don't look for any money until at least early 1997. If you do not like what is happening with the renegotiated settlement (we will fill you in as soon as we have the details), be prepared to go to the Fairness Hearing and let them know. It will be announced soon after the renegotiated settlement is finished. Also, be prepared to receive 25% or less of the original grid amount, unless you are in the atypical connective or rheumatic disease category, and that may be significantly less than 25%. I know some group leaders have been telling their members that they are going to receive substantially more than this, and some attorneys have also told their clients that they will receive much more, but the facts show otherwise. No-one that we have been able to speak with on the MDL Committee believes that we will receive more than 25% of the former grid amount. I still have not found many attorneys who will handle cases for women who choose to opt-out, either, so be sure that you consider this when making a decision.

Important numbers: Bankruptcy Proceedings (800) 222-7198 for information and important announcements on the Dow Corning bankruptcy proceedings. Settlement Counsel for bankruptcy information and updates on the renegotiations (800) 960-6784. For written updates, including the latest message from Judge Pointer to Judge Cochran, call the Claims Office at (800) 600-0311. To download a copy of the latest written message from Judge Pointer to Judge Cochran, dial (713) 951-9420.

MEDICAL INFORMATION: Abt Associates, Inc., on behalf of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is conducting a congressionally mandated study of the health effects of cosmetic breast implants. This study is funded solely by the U.S. Government rather than by special interest groups. This study has methodological advantages over some previous research efforts. It includes large numbers of women who are identified through unbiased means, provides an average of ten years or longer of followup after date of initial surgery, considers the effects of different types of implants, and questions women directly to allow for the assessment of how outcomes are influenced by a variety of lifestyle factors. The study plans to include 12,000 women who have undergone breast implant surgery for cosmetic reasons and 4000 women who have undergone another type of cosmetic plastic surgery. The data will be used to study whether there exists a link between breast implants and adverse health effects, including breast cancer, connective tissue diseases, and symptoms associated with these diseases. Study participants are being identified through the cooperation of a number of board-certified plastic surgeons in various parts of the country who have allowed them access to their patient data bases. The study does not rely on volunteers, but on complete series of patients in select practices. The questionnaire will take approximately 30 minutes to complete (with our brains??). This study seems to attempt to get at greater truths than the manufacturer-funded ones, so participating could help with finally having our diseases recognized. Confidentiality will be maintained for participants. For more information, call (800) 628-7732.

If you receive the WHS questionnaire, please complete and return it. Valid results from the study can only be obtained if complete responses are provided by large proportions of eligible study participants. The study will have greater validity if all return the questionnaires.

A recent study linked MS (Multiple Sclerosis) to a herpes virus (HHV-6). This is the virus that causes roseola in children. Most children have it sometime in their childhood. In one case in one thousand, it can return later in adulthood and cause MS. The chicken pox virus can return in adult life and cause shingles, and this is another herpes virus. While this may not be the primary cause of the symptoms that breast implant victims have, it certainly may play a part in the problem. Since the virus is in virtually 95% of the population's bodies, anything that affects the immune system could trigger a re-awakening of this virus. Reducing the overall impact or load on our immune systems could therefore lessen the impact. This is done by detoxing and by controlling your diet. Avoidance of sugar, caffeine, alcohol and drugs could potentially help lessen the impact on our bodies.

Multiple Myeloma: Dr. Robert Lewy, of Breast Implant Research, sent information on two large studies to determine the risk of developing multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in women with silicone exposure. An FDA funded study, in collaboration with Dr. Fred Miller and several other national authorities will be done. It is entitled " A Study of Immunogenetic Risk Factors for Silicone-Associated Multiple Myeloma and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance." Patients will be enrolled in this study through the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer in Tampa, FL; the Mayo Clinic; Medical Group in Kansas City, KS; Washington, DC (NIH); the Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Patient consent forms will be requested.

In the second study, Dr. Lewy is lead investigator, together with several epidemiologists with the Texas Dept. of Health Cancer Registry in a study to determine the rate of myeloma in silicone exposed women in Texas, as well as other silicone-induced cancers. The study has been approved, and funding from the American Cancer Society and NIH is under consideration. If you have been seen at BIR, you will be automatically enrolled. There is some concern about cancer risk, since animal studies have indicated that some cancers do occur from exposure to silicones. Hematologists nationwide are reporting some concerns about cancer risks. This project will help build a baseline laboratory profile which will be helpful to both women and their children. For more information and a summary of the protocols, call (713) 791-9311 or fax (713) 791-9236. Dr. Lewy will consult with your attorney, if necessary, to see if you have any legal reasons not to participate. You may write to Dr. Lewy at: Breast Implant Research, Inc., 8181 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX 77054.

When considering the studies that have found breast implants to be safe, remember that the Mayo Clinic found DES to be safe before it was proven to cause cancer in the children of women who took it. When the L-tryptophan incident came up, doctors didn't believe that it was causing eosinophilia myalgia. Medicine is not an exact science, and some doctors and scientists become so stuck in scientific proof, they can't see the handwriting on the wall.

HARVARD NURSES STUDY: This study was comprised of 1183 nurses who had breast implants and 876 who had silicone gel implants. A total of 87,501 nurses participated, but the majority did not have implants. A review of their medical records and questionnaires were used to gauge symptoms or lack thereof. The researchers decided, based on the results of the records and the questionnaires, that no connection between silicone breast implants and connective tissue disease could be found. Under oath, two of the authors of this study admitted that they were working as paid consultants for implant manufacturers while they were conducting the study. Another failed to disclose the same type of conflict. One facility, Brigham and Women's Hospital, received a $7 million donation from Dow Corning while the study was in progress. Dow Corning was provided with the questionnaire before it was sent to the participants of the study. The article was submitted to the New Eng. Journal of Medicine 8 months before it was published. The study looked for the wrong diseases, for example, classical rheumatological diseases with typical presentations, the kind seldom caused by silicone. Excluded from the study were all women who developed disease after May of 1990, which excluded women who developed symptoms after years with implants in place. Some women included in the study had breast implants as little as one month. As we know, symptoms generally do not begin to show up until 6-8 years after implantation. The number of participants in the study was so small that results could not be considered conclusive. None of the participants were personally examined, interviewed, or had their blood tested for the markers of silicone adjuvant disease. The study is therefore flawed, misleading, and an insult to the women and their doctors who treat them for silicone disease.

From Silicone Scene: Fibromyalgia Research is grossly underfunded and funds that should be utilized by Congress for research are being held hostage by Michael Lockshin, the director of the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). This institute is responsible for funding FMS research and is the same Institute that has ignored congressional pleas to make FMS a research priority. In a couple of months, Congress will hand Lockshin a budget of more than $200 million and it will be up to Lockshin to spend it as he pleases. We need to put pressure on him to assure that he increases FMS funding, not slashes it. This campaign is called " Put the Squeeze on Lockshin" . Here are some facts: In 6/94, the House passed language declaring that NIAMS should make FMS a research priority. The Senate echoed that same philosophy in 9/94. The Institute received only 6% more funds in 1995. NIAMS only allocated 70% of these funds to researchers who applied for funding. In the Spring of 95, FM Network began working with members of the House and Senate to pass language that calls for NIAMS to pull together a Special Emphasis Panel for reviewing FMS because research applications are currently being graded by persons who have little knowledge or respect for FMS. This results in unsatisfactory scores being given to FMS researchers. We believe that Congress will pass this language, but are concerned that Dr. Lockshin will again not implement the request. He has a past history of failing to adequately fund FMS research. The former director (Dr. Shulman) even indicated to Congress that they did not need more money for research when it was being offered. Lockshin does not appear to be making any attempt to make FMS a research priority.

We need members to call, write, and fax Dr. Lockshin. Tell him that FMS causes terrible pain and suffering for which treatments are not available (due to lack of research). Ask him to please follow the recommendations of Congress to make FMS a research priority and to do his part to help expand the Special Emphasis Panel for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome so that it includes FMS. Tell him that you look forward to hearing from him about his plan for future funding for FMS research. You can briefly tell him how Fibromyalgia has affected you, if you choose, but that is not necessary. His address, phone and fax and e-mail: Michael Lockshin, MD, Dir., NIH - NIAMS, Bldg. 31, Room 4C32, 31 Center Dr. MSC 2350, Bethesda, MD 20892-4353. Phone (301) 496-4353. Fax (301) 480-6089 and for computers, e-mail: arthrit@ep.niams.nih.gov

Other important persons at NIAMS involved in FMS research are: Dr. Stanley Pillemer at (301) 496-0434 and Dr. Susana Sztein at (301) 594-5032 or Fax (301) 480-4543. Make sure that you give them your name and address when you call, fax, write, or e-mail them.

ADRENAL MALFUNCTIONS: The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. They produce steroids such as aldosterone, cortisone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and also secrete catecholamines such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are also created elsewhere in the body. Aldosterone and cortisone are not. Aldosterone helps maintain the salt balance in the body and sex steroids have actions similar to hormones over a number of other body organs, including sugar and protein metabolism, maintenance of blood pressure, and the body's ability to respond to physical stress. Release of certain pituitary hormones is also controlled by substances from the adrenal glands. When the adrenal's fail, there can be serious health consequences.

Addison's Disease, or Chronic Adrenocortical Insufficiency, is one form of adrenal failure. Gradual destruction of the adrenals, usually from autoimmune disease (70%), causes this condition. Tuberculosis is another cause. Prolonged treatment with the anti-fungal drug ketoconazole, may also cause this condition. This disease occurs equally in men and women, occurs at any age, and often becomes apparent when there is metabolic stress or trauma. Cortisol deficiency contributes to hypotension (low blood pressure) and produces disturbances in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism and can cause severe insulin sensitivity. Hypoglycemia and diminished liver glycogen may result. Resistance to infection, trauma and other stress is lessened. Myocardial (heart) weakness and dehydration cause reduced cardiac output, and the circulatory system can have failures. Because a reduced cortisol level is present, the pituitary produces more ACTH, which may result in hyperpigmentation of the skin (blotches and diffuse tanning). Black freckles on the forehead, face, neck and shoulders may result. Bluish-black discoloration of the areola (area around nipples) and of the mucous membranes of the lips, mouth, rectum and vagina are common. Serum sodium levels may be low, potassium, calcium and urea nitrogen may be high, neutropenia (low red blood count) may occur, eosinophilia (allergic response) may occur. Fatigue, loss of appetite (with weight loss, even anorexia), abdominal pains, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness or fainting, sparse axillary hair, decreased heart size, decreased cold tolerance with hypometabolism (reduced metabolic activity), inability to cope with minor physical stressor, inability to overcome even minor infections which lead to extreme weakness, shock, or even death. Reduced voltage on the ECG (electrocardiogram) may occur. An EEG (electroencephalogram) may show slowing of brain waves. Treatment includes replacement of cortisol and an aldosterone substitute, such as Florineff. Other measures may have to be taken if symptoms are severe, e.g., leading toward death. With proper treatment, most affected persons can live a normal life.

Secondary adrenal insufficiency is due to a deficiency of ACTH. It is most common in women with Sheehan's syndrome (Hypopituitarism resulting from an infarct of the pituitary following postpartum shock or hemorrhage). This causes partial or complete loss of thyroid, adrenocortical and gonadal function. It can occur for other reasons. This condition can occur for up to one year after steroids have been discontinued. There is no hyperpigmentation. Hypoglycemia may occur. Treatment is similar as for Addison's disease, although probably not to the same extent.

Cushing's Syndrome is another adrenal disorder. It is caused by excessive glucocorticoids (adrenal cortisol hormones), most often the result of a tumor of the pituitary gland (90%). Other causes are excessive ACTH from malignant tumors in other glands or tumors of the adrenal glands. Major symptoms are muscle weakness and wasting, backache, headache, edema, acne and superficial skin eruptions, central obesity (often the moon face look), accumulation of fat on the face, trunk, and neck (which may give a humped appearance or buffalo hump), protuberant abdomen, protein loss, thinning of the skin (leading to bruising and stretch marks) and a reddening of the skin and excessive hair growth. Hypertension, increased susceptibility to infection and diabetes mellitus may result. Glucose tolerance is impaired, and symptoms of hypoglycemia may be present. Alcoholic patients may have many of the above symptoms. Prolonged treatment with large doses of adrenocortical hormones may cause these symptoms. Severely depressed patients may also have many of the above symptoms. The treatment generally means determining the actual cause. Removal of tumors is often all that is necessary. Pituitary tumors may require radiation treatment. Sometimes replacement therapy is necessary for hormones, including cortisol, thyroxine, or sex hormones. Failure to treat true Cushing's Syndrome could result in death.

Other adrenal syndromes, such as hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytoma and nonfunctional adrenal masses will not be outlined here.

This information is from Taber Cyclopedic Dictionary, the Merck Manual, Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, 1994, and The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete Home Medical Guide.

LABS: Testing for Monoclonal Gammopathy is showing up some interesting results. 2% have the usual results for multiple myeloma, but 60% have abnormal patches of serum electrophoresis, which are abnormal bands. This is an atypical result (so what else is new). These results are from Immunosciences Lab. They have done 200 tests. The test is $75.00. Be careful who you have do your tests, because most labs are not looking at the abnormal results, and they will report only results which are typical for monoclonal gammopathy.

Speaking of lab tests, tests such as those from Immunosciences and BALCO that were taken for the global settlement, if there were abnormalities, should be repeated once a year for comparison and to show any new problems. Some tests show better results, and some show worse results. We need to keep documenting our problems in case we again have to show documentation to the Claims Office for the MDL.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: Pregnenolone activates melatonin, so if you have tried melatonin for your sleep disorder and it didn't work, for better results, ask your health food store for pregnenolone to activate it.

Heavy Metal Toxicity: There are metals that have no safe levels in the human body. These include lead, cadmium, mercury, nickel, and, a light metal, aluminum. Symptoms from metal toxicity vary from metal to metal. Lead poisoning or toxicity may cause poor bone growth and abnormal bone development, learning disabilities and mental confusion, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, hypertension (high blood pressure), weight loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), problems with thinking, concentration, and cognitive brain functions, gastrointestinal problems, constipation, muscle and joint pain, tremors, and a decrease in immune function. Exposure to lead can occur from cigarette smoke exposure, lead based pain, cooking or eating from dishes with ceramic lead-based glazes, leaded gasoline, eating lead contaminated liver, living in inner cities with elevated lead levels, contaminated water, canned food (esp. fruits and tomatoes, because acids leach out lead based solder from cans), insecticides, and some bone-meal preparations. I suspect that some breast implants also had lead, because many of our women have higher than normal concentrations of lead in their blood and hair.

Cadmium poisoning or toxicity can cause fatigue, irritability, headaches, hypertension, increased risk of cancer, hair loss, learning disabilities, kidney disorders, liver disorders, skin disorders, painful joints, and a decrease in immune function. Cadmium is found in cigarette and pipe smoke, some instant coffees and teas, nickel-cadmium batteries, contaminated water, some soft drinks, refined grains, fungicides, pesticides, and some plastics.

Mercury poisoning or toxicity can cause cognitive problems, memory problems, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, irrational behavior, numbness and tingling, muscular weakness, impaired vision and hearing, allergic conditions, asthma, a decrease in immune functioning, and MS (from dental amalgams). Mercury is found in some dental fillings, laxatives that contain calomel, some hemorrhoidal suppositories, some inks (even in tattoos), some paints, some cosmetics, and things such as fabric softeners, wood preservatives, solvents, drugs, plastics, and contaminated fish.

Nickel toxicity or poisoning may cause fatigue, heart problems, skin rashes, psoriasis, respiratory illnesses, and headaches. Much jewelry contains nickel and wearing it causes some absorption. Silver jewelry, in particular, contains some nickel. Some stainless steel cookware contain nickel and acidic foods cause some contamination of the foods. Cigarette smoke, hydrogenated fats (as in margarines), some refined foods, and some fertilizers contain nickel.

Aluminum toxicity or poisoning can cause headaches, cognitive problems, learning disabilities, osteoporosis, tinnitus, gastrointestinal problems, colic, hyperactivity in children, and ataxia (abnormal walking pattern). Some suspect aluminum has a role in Alzheimer's Disease. Aluminum is found in antacids, a number of over-the-counter drugs (Mylanta, Gelusil, Arthritis Pain Formula, Bufferin, Maalox, Amphojel) and douches (Massengil, Summer's Eve), aluminum cookware and aluminum foil (more of a problem with acidic foods), underarm antiperspirants, most commercial baking powders (Rumford is aluminum-free), and contaminated water.

To counteract the effects of each of these metals, here are some recommendations: For lead poisoning, take calcium, vitamin C, amino acids IL-lysine, L-cysteine, and L-cystine),iron, and zinc. For cadmium poisoning, take zinc, vitamin C, amino acids (L-methionine, L-cysteine, and L-lysine). For mercury poisoning, take selenium, vitamin C, amino acids (L-glutathione, L-methionine, L-cysteine, and L-cystine). For nickel poisoning, antagonist/protective minerals are iron, zinc, and vitamin C. For aluminum poisoning, take calcium, magnesium, vitamin B complex, and vitamin C. Detoxification programs with vitamin C, amino acids, folic acids, vitamin B complex, and multivitamins (Organic) are recommended. If the toxicity is severe, IV chelation therapy along with a detox program may be necessary. Ozone therapy has helped some in conjunction with chelation therapy. Diet is extremely important when metal toxicity is present, including whole foods such as apples, applesauce, garlic, onions, beans, seeds, whole grains (for many, avoid wheat), fresh fruits and vegetables, and at least 8 glasses of filtered water daily. Plain yogurt and kefir may be good. If fatigue, muscle weakness, memory and concentration problems, or low-grade flu-like symptoms (that were not there before) occur, add some organic meats and dairy products (if not allergic).

This information is mostly from Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide.

As I may have mentioned before, metals such as lead, nickel, copper, aluminum, and platinum were found in heavy concentrations in my blood and hair analysis. This was after a great deal of liquid silicone was left in my chest by my plastic surgeon. Other brands of implants had many other chemicals and metals, so metal toxicity or poisoning may be one of our problems.

IMPORTANT: Remember, it is wise to let one's enemies be defeated by their own anger. Remember also, if you throw dirt at people, all you do is lose ground!

The only women I that I know that have greatly improved their health conditions are the ones who have done major system detoxes and utilized food supplements, vitamin therapies, and organic foods in a healthy diet. Most have avoided taking any or many medications as well. I know some women who were so ill that conventional medicines had to be utilized, but for many, the running from doctor to doctor and trying this and that medication has not worked. Things like Hyperbaric Medicine, Acupuncture, Ozone Treatments, Magnetics, and other natural remedies have done a great deal of good for many women. Don't be afraid to try something that may help you. Also, is traditional medicine is working for you, don't throw that away. Look for adjunct treatment from non-traditional medicines to add to the healing that is occurring.

The Congressional Hearings into breast implants turned into hearings on medical devices and, from what I have heard, were controlled mostly by manufacturers of these products. I understand Sybil Goldrich was allowed to testify but that the manufacturers dominated the hearings. I expect nothing to occur from all of this, but I hope I am wrong.

Boycott: I have seen some information and heard some things about making the boycott very wide-spread. I think this is ill-advised. It is best to target a limited number of products that to try to boycott several companies and all their products. We have too many health problems, not to mention brain damage, to pull this off. I think we should stick to the original products that were outlined in Birmingham and listed in last month's newsletter. I, for one, could not even conceive of trying to boycott any more products than that.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE: The tapes from the Washington Conference (5/95) are now available for $70.00. This is two days of tapes with all the doctors described in last month's flyer (attached to the newsletter). The march on the Washington Mall (unedited) is included. Send a check or money order (or call (910) 854-5338 with MC or Visa #) to Jill Stone, Triad Silicone Network, P.O. Box 7631, Greensboro, NC 27417.

For a copy of the edited March on Washington Mall tape, with speeches by Rep. Joan Pitkin (MD State Rep.), Jill Stone, Teresa Hill Story, Toni Butts, Marti Stanek, and Lynda Roth, send $10.00 + $2.00 S.& H. (total $12.00) to C.O.S.S. requesting the tape " Corporate Greed" .

In Colorado, pick up a copy of the Colorado Women's Yellow Pages. They are available where many newspapers and magazines are sold and distributed. If you cannot find one, call (303) 355-9229 and request a location where one many be obtained. We are listed under the Health section.

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Janice Agnello would like to hear from anyone who had scar capsules removed years after their implants were removed. It has been 9 years since her implants were removed. She would also like to hear from anyone who is extremely chemically sensitive for suggestions on anaesthesia for this type of surgery. You may call collect or write to her at 8113 Tamar Drive, Columbia, MD 21045 (410) 799-8414.

Lillian Watson would like to get in touch with other women who have been treated for neurological problems who live in the greater Denver Metro area. Her number is 237-5998.

Vishnu Swarup has 20+ years experience as a highly regarded Wall Street financial analyst and is starting his own money management service. His spouse incurred great pain and illness due to breast implants, so he is familiar with the agony and trauma we may be going through. He is looking for new accounts with a minimum investment of $250,000.00. Among his current clients are two breast implant recipients. A performance record will be provided upon request. Call Vishnu at (201) 994-4152. (Vishnu has been one of COSS's largest contributors.)

For copies of petitions to recall all breast implants, write to Wichita Area Survivors of Breast Implants, R.R. # 2 Box 102, Douglass, KS 67039.

BOOKS: Beyond The Myths, by Teresa Hill Story, a book about the class action lawsuit explaining just what all the terms and conditions mean, is available from C.O.S.S. for $23.00.

" Plastic Surgery Hopscotch: A Resource Guide for Those Considering Plastic Surgery" by John McCabe is available sometime in August at your bookstore. This book contains information about breast implants and we are listed in this book as a resource. John's other book, " Surgery Electives: What to Know Before the Doctor Operates" has been up to #25 on the non-fiction library market top 40 list.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: Q. Can anybody attend the MDL meetings or are they closed? A. They appear to be somewhat closed at this point during the heavy negotiations to change the class action agreement. Q. Can anyone attend the Fairness Hearing when it occurs again? A. You may if you are a participant in the class action and you register with the court requesting to be heard at the hearing. We should have a month notice before the hearing, and we will try to get the word out via our newsletter. Q. Can anyone attend the N.B.I.T.F. meeting in Birmingham in September? A. We would like group leaders and members who are very active to participate. We can use your skills. The date may be changed to coincide with Fairness Hearings if they are scheduled.

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE: Pycnogenol, the World's best free radical scavenger, is available from C.O.S.S. for $30.00 plus $2.00 S & H. Juice Plus, Fruit and Vegetable live enzyme product, is also available from C.O.S.S. for $179.00 for a 4-month supply or $50.00 for a one month supply.

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