Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2000 23:43:00 -0700

I give permission for my story to be told at the FDA Saline Implant hearings in March and anywhere else that may help others in our quest for the truth.

2/23/00

My name is Dale Sheehan.

I now live in Shelby, AL, about 40 minutes south of B'ham, AL.

I was implanted with Mentor saline implants for cosmetic purposes in September of l987. I was assured they would last a lifetime by the doctor and his nurse (who had implants at the time) unless I was run over by a Mack truck. The only complications I was told about that could possible occur were possiblity of infection from surgery and about a one percent chance (1%) that they could "get hard" in which case the doctor would just remove them and replace them. I played tennis 3 times a week, plus tennis matches, did aerobics 3-5 times a week and took dance class one night a week and practiced dancing every day. I took care of a home, husband and three kids! I was 40 years old and healthy!

At the Sugar Bowl on January, l989 (a little over a year later) I awoke to find that the right implant had ruptured totally flat. After having me write a letter to Mentor so that they wouldn't charge him or me again, the doctor replaced both implants on l/24/89. This was after the ruptured silicone envelope floated around in my breast for 3 weeks.

About 5 years later I began getting sick with muscle pain and fatigue. I had joint stiffness, muscle weakness, a few sun-related rashes, painful mouth sores and swallowing problems. I began testing positive for the ANA factor. I have had to have my esophagus dilated two times, I have had polyneuropathies, severe sleep problems and constant pain. I have had trigger point injections, chiropractic care, physical therapy for pain. I developed high blood pressure. In April of l995, I had more surgery to remove a breast lump from the right side that had ruptured earlier. The doctor said it might be something that migrated from the implant. It was benign; however, we didn't know to test for silicone then. I also have extremely dry eyes and can barely stand to wear my contacts anymore. I have Reynauds in my hands and feet. I have recurring bronchitis and broke 7 ribs in one year from coughing and 3 ribs last year. In the last few years I have tested positive for anti-ds-DNA and have been formally diagnosed with LUPUS by my rhumatologist. I remain in constant pain in muscles and joints, especially my back and neck areas. I had to buy a TENS unit for the pain. I have nerve problems in my feet and cannot walk barefoot. I sometimes feel like I am in a fog mentally. My implants are 11 years old and due for another rupture as we all know now. I am scared of what will happen to me when they do. They are much smaller now, so I know they leak over time. If mold and fungus or bacteria is growing inside, I could die from toxic shock when they rupture. And they WILL eventually rupture.

I do not have $6000 to have the implants removed. Blue Cross Insurance does not cover it. I am appalled that Mentor (and other manufacturers) were able to get off with paying a small sum to us women, especially ones with ruptured implants and illness, and they don't even have to pay for explants. (Are you listening Mentor?) I feel their "Mandatory" settlement was illegal and took away all of our rights to litigate, especially when were were assured we would be covered in the Dow Plan, only to have SALINE kicked out of the settlement. The ill saline women are just as sick as the ill silicone women!

Women must be told of the horrible risks related to even saline implants. They must be told that they have a high rupture rate, a high repeat surgery risk, capsular contractions risk, and autoimmune illnesses are possible.

Also that mammograms can miss cancer and even rupture implants. Most importantly, that SALINE implants are encased in a silicone envelope that sheds particles into the body and that bacteria can grow inside. (There are many peer-reviewed studies proving this). They need to know that insurance does not pay for explants, and neither do the manufacturers!!!!!! They need to know that many implant "sisters" have died from saline implant illnesses. There are many ill women who have no access to internet and implant information. They do not know how to come forward and report their cases to the FDA. Most do not even know about this FDA hearing. If it wasn't for the internet, I wouldn't either.

I ask you to please consider my story and my life of pain when you decide if SALINE IMPLANTS are safe for the human body. I am living (for now) proof that they certainly are not!.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,