Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 13:31:29 -0800 (PST)

You are an answer to prayer. I've felt so alone in my MDL mess as the implant groups in GA are no longer active and I've not been able to get much info. I've just gotten on the internet and am just learning how to use it. You have thrown me a life-line and I greatly appreciate it. I feel the need to share more of my story in order to get more pecific direction. Please allow me to explain my situation:

In 1982 I had my implants put in. By 1985 I was having problems and was diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome. By 1993 we became convinced that my problems were related to the implants and I joined the original Class Action in August 1994. I was certified with Sjogren's Syndrome by a Board Certified Rheumatologist in Atlanta, even though he did not truly believe there was a connection to the implants. (He has since undermined several other implant cases in Atlanta). I had my implants removed in October 1994 and both had ruptured. I'm sure you understand the physical and emotional traumas that went along with all of that. Instead of getting better, I got worse and found another Rheumatologist, Dr. Gloria Gaston who specializes in Lupus, AND who believes there is a close connection to silicone. In May of 1996 Dr. Gaston certified me with SLE for the revised Class Action and I applied for long-term benefits. Dr. Gaston has continued to work very closely with me to improve my condition. I recieved the rupture payment from MDL in Dec.1997. On Oct.14, 1997 I recieved the shocking blow that my claim was thrown out because Dr. Gaston was not Board Certified in Rheumatology. She IS Board Certified in Internal Medicine and somehow this very important detail was an oversight by my lawyer, Dr. Gaston and myself.

*Severe Chronic Fatigue to the point of only being able to work a few part-time hours and having to sit and rest half-way up a flight of stairs!!!

*Severe tendonitis and joint pain in feet, elbows, lumbar, hips,shoulders, and tailbone with 50+ cotisone shots, surgery on both elbows to release tendons, and steroid epidurals for pain.

*Chronic Parotid Gland infections (like severe cases of mumps – very painful)

*Severe dental problems involving costly bridges and oral surgeries.

*Severe insomnia for about 5 years

*Cauterization of tear ducts in both eyes to prevent cornea damage.

*Butterfly Rash and Photo-sensitivity

*Positive ANA, seriously low WBC, Anemia, Hair Loss

*Muscular Atrophy (Neurologist even thought it might be MS)

*Chronic low-grade fever for years

During the past 2 years, I have been doing a number of things to improve my condition over and above the Plaquenil which was my foundational medication for years. After doing a great deal of research, I began a Natural Health regime which included dietary changes, cleansing, detoxification, liver flushes, herbs and essential oils. As a result, my symptoms are greatly improved for which I am very thankful. However, this puts me at a great disadvantage with the MDL. In order to proceed I must find a Board Certified Rheumatologist who is sensitive to Silicone Issues and would be willing to accept Dr. Gaston's records. If I went to just any Rheumatologist I doubt if they would classify me with SLE at this point in time since much of the diagnosis is symptom related. My bloodwork still shows positive ANA, positive for Sjogren's, low WBC and very high Rheumatoid Factor. It is definitely positive for Sjogren's but is questionable for Lupus now even though it was very definite Lupus 2 years ago.

As I'm sure you know, the short-term benefits for Sjogren's (+the penalty fo changing to long-term) would barely scratch the surface of my medical expenses nor begin to compensate for all I've been through with the SLE. It is worth whatever I have to do to proceed with a new doctor wherever I can find one who would be sensitive to my case. Dr. Gaston has tried to help locate one but has experienced dead-ends with each lead. Most doctors don't want to "GET INVOLVED"!!!

Now that you know more of my story, perhaps you can better advise my direction. I am following up on the info you already e-mailed me and I appreciate it so much. May the Lord give you a ten-fold return on the time you have spent with me.