Re: Re: Letter to the FDA's Dr. Whalen from Dr. Melmed, plastic surgeon

[Guest guest]

Thank you Kacey, I really appreciated hearing about your experience with Dr. Melmed! Especially after posted her experience with her consult, or email. I think you are probably right in suggesting that he wanted to keep the purpose of the letter at fighting the battle at hand with silicone gel. It does make alot of sense.

And I do hope you are right about his desire to bring up the effects of the silicone shell.

The danger here in implicating silicone aside from breast implants, (as in the silicone shell), is that silicone in various forms is used in many other medical applications. Bringing it under serious scrutiny is a frightening prospect that I can truly understand--it has huge implications for entire areas of medicine. Orthopedics is one prime example, and there are others. But it takes courage to face these issues head on, and I really think it needs to be done. I also think there are many researchers and scientists that are probably afraid of opening this nasty can of worms for fear of the house of cards that would surely fall. They already know that there are problems with silicone, but there are really no alternatives or replacement materials presently. What a sad situation for everyone.

Thanks again Kacey!

Patty

----- Original Message -----

From: kaceybu02

Sent: Sunday, November 09, 2003 4:08 PM

Subject: Re: Letter to the FDA's Dr. Whalen from Dr. Melmed, plastic surgeon

Hi all,Dr. Melmed recently explanted my saline breast implants. I was probably one of (if not the youngest, at 21) women he's explanted who has been having serious autoimmune problems (Rheumatoid arthritis). I think that the sole purpose of Dr. Melmed's letter to Dr. Whalen was to fight the current battle at hand "do not let silicone gel-filled implants back on the market". Basically, he stated that there is currently an alternative (meaning saline) and so there is no need to bring the "ify" silicone back. I think he was smart to stick to one battle at a time. I know that he was going to bring up the fact that there needs to be more testing done on the affects the silicone shell has on the body; but right now, that issue is taking second place ( I know, I hate it too). But the first step is to help everyone see that SILICONE (it looks like in and of itself) is harmful.I know that Dr. Melmed believed that my symptoms were attributed to my implants; they just didn't make any sense otherwise. I could have even been much needed proof that saline implants can produce the same symptoms as silicone ones (esp. due to my young age). I was so relieved to find a plastic surgeon who believed me and offered me hope.This is just my penny's worth.Take care,Kacey

[Guest guest]

Dr Melmed has written me again...he is completely amazing, and wonderful! He has my utmost respect. He confirmed that he understands what saline implants can do (not mentioning any names, but told me about a case that sounds like yours Kacey!), and stated that they should only be used for reconstruction. He is definitely a rare jewel...if only all doctors could be like him, a true doctor who practices with a heart of compassion, concern and a desire to do the right thing. God bless him. He is walking a very lonely road, like all of us do who know the truth about implants.

Patty

----- Original Message -----

From: kaceybu02

Sent: Monday, November 10, 2003 9:20 PM

Subject: Re: Letter to the FDA's Dr. Whalen from Dr. Melmed, plastic surgeon

,As you can tell, I think Dr. Melmed is completely amazing! I think he goes about things in a very diplomatic manner; which is precisely what we need....to have educated, well-respected, competent speakers on our side! I remember saying a prayer for his life before I had my surgery.....I just wanted to make sure God would take care of him and bless him, so he would be able to "save" me. It's so sad that there are so few doctors like him.Silicone is a bigger issue than anyone wants to admit right now. The medical community depends on it, as there seems to be no other current alternative. Silicone is used so abundantly (hip/joint replacements, chin implants, etc.) that the medical community almost CANNOT speak out against it. They have to think about the lawsuits.I am with the opinion that saline implants can very well be more harmful than silicone (at first, that is, before the silicone gel ruptures everywhere). I do think that storehousing fugus, mold, and bacteria is not good at all....just think of all the "Black Mold" house lawsuits. I do also believe that Dr. Melmed is well aware of the effects of smooth saline implants; thus, he does not implant women anymore. If he thought they were "harmless" he'd be offering them as a "safe" alternative....and that just isn't the case.Thanks for your message and take care,Kacey