X-OriginalArrivalTime: 15 Oct  2004 17:46:27.0413 (UTC)
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Dear Ilena~   I was just cleaning up some old emails with Dr.
Mercola’s newsletters – behind in my reading, as usual, and I read
your Implant Article.   Very well done.  Thanks for your hard work and
dedication.



I’m an implant survivor…. over 20 years now.  Long story, but I
trusted doctors and ended up harmed.  Didn’t really need the bilateral
subcutaneous mastectomy that was recommended for massive fibrocystic
disease…so says my 20:20 hindsight now.  Today, we know fibrocystic
disease can be managed.  Back then, trusting individual that I was,
put my faith in the doctors whom I will never forgive.
Reconstruction with Dow Corning silicone gel implants.  Rupture one
side after 1 year; replaced both.  Ruptures of  both after about 10
years…undoubtedly from both time and the pressure of mammograms which
were routinely prescribed by both the plastic surgeon and my
gynecologist.  For shame.  Explanted  with no replacements.  My
identity is not a breast.  



Unfortunately, the ruptured implants have created a host of all the
well-known symptoms of FM/CFS, mimicking of autoimmune disorders,
allergies and even a heart arrhythmia, which also may have been caused
by the residual silicone that leaked and is still in my body.



The positive side of all this is that I have become an advocate of
alternative medicine practices and have become active in various
support groups promoting awareness about harmful practices.  I do
on-line counseling for people seeking natural solutions to diagnosed
conditions.  My profession is/was (retired early do to health issues),
registered dental hygienist.  I began retirement by writing and
self-publishing an alternative medicine digest to create awareness
among dental hygienists and expanded to interested lay healthcare
consumers.   This is when I met Dr. Mercola through his column in the
Townsend Letter.  My, how he’s expanded over these years…it makes me
so proud to know of him.  



Sorry to ramble.  I’ll check out your web site.  I feel compelled to
help where I can.  Again.  Thanks for all you do.



Knowledge is power.