Date: Mon, 6 Mar 2000 09:52:58 -0700

Dear Ilena,

Please post.

Thanks,

PJ

Date: Mon, 06 Mar 2000 05:02:25 -0500

Subject: Black Fungi and Bacteria is just plain FILTH

Dear Dr. Krauss,

I have felt as if some Dr.'s might be critical of the decision to bring my daughter but her poor body speaks volumes about the "acceptable risks". This issue is a clear cut case of power abuse and I cannot nor can I allow my children to suffer in silence. I will speak the truth and so will Catherine.

Since 1991 I have been seeking answers. When I was first informed that the saline portion of my implant had "ruptured or deflated" I felt a sense of relief. Well, at least it wasn't the silicone part, the really controversial part of the bag. It was not until I spoke to many women and then Dr.'s that the shocking realization that the saline portion was where bacteria and fungi grew. Bacteria and fungi and I breast-fed ?? I was told it was SAFE to breast feed.

As you well know if you listened to Catherine these Dr.'s are still assuring young women it is safe to breast feed. THIS IS WRONG. And as far as the studies that the Dr.'s refer to they are so inadequate it is pathetic. What kind of study would be allowed if it was to consist of feeding bacteria and fungi to an infant or testing what that toxic mixture would do to a developing fetus. I hope it would be ruled inhumane and unethical.

I am afraid the "powers that be" at the FDA are so intimidated by the implant manufacturers that we will never put an end to this because common sense has flown out the window. I am the mother of 6 children and I am very well aware of how to take care of myself during pregnancy and also while nursing. If a Dr. told me it was safe to expose myself and my fetus to the fungi and bacteria that was found in my implant I would have told him or her that I WOULD NEVER TAKE SUCH A CHANCE.

Whatever happened to "when in doubt, don't". Have we, as a society, sunk so low that we will not stand up to this misinformation being fed to Dr.'s and women ?

Do you, as a Dr., feel that you have to have a study to show that filth is unhealthy ??? Did your own MOTHER not tell you as a child to wash your hands" or " don't put that dirty thing in your mouth...." Did you not see your mother clean your house if there was dirt on the floor or black fungus in the wet, humid shower stall ?

Did she feed you your meals from a filthy dirty table where the dishes were black with fungus? Isn't this a very basic lesson in cleanliness learned at home and not in medical school ??? Am I just so lowly an individual, so uneducated compared to you Dr.s that my simple efforts to raise my children in a clean and safe environment is ignored or deemed unimportant?

I say "NO" Dr. Krauss. I will not be silent on this and I am encouraging every other sensible and caring mother embroiled in this issue to come forward and scream at the top of her lungs, " STOP!!! THIS IS INSANE."

As a mother, I will do my best to take care of my children. The question is, can I trust the FDA to do their job of PROTECTING women and children. I pray that the right decision is made soon. I pray that they will call their own mothers so that they will get sane and sensible advice. I pray they will realize the study has been done and done without consent. The result is in the form our sick children. I pray that FDA will realize that this is an "unacceptable risk."

Sincerely,

PJ Brent

At 12:36 AM 3/6/2000 EST, you wrote:

Thanks for your note. I'm sorry that I didn't have a chance to meet you. I hope that your daughter felt OK about testifying.

Sincerely,

Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D.

Executive Director

National Center for Policy Research for Women and Families

1444 Eye Street, NW

Suite 900

Washington, DC 20005

202 216-9507