Re: Defective McGhan/Inamed or MENTOR! Implant(s)

[Guest guest]

Pam,

Isn't Dr. Blais so wonderful? He helped me so much.

Barbara

[Guest guest]

Ladies, I spoke to Dr. Blais yesterday about doing a study on my

implants after I get them out next week. He told me that the valves

for both McGhan and Mentor are identical. Not just alike, but

identical because they were made by the same sub-contractor. So,

both companies should be included. I read this somewhere recently

too, I just can't remember where right now, but I'll let you all know

if I find it again.

Pam

> I had mentor, so I couldn't go on this. By the way, it is good to

hear from you again! How have you been?

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: indianasurvivor

>

> Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2003 12:28 PM

> Subject: Defective McGhan/Inamed Implant(s)

>

>

> Hello ladies. I have spent the last two years recovering from

health

> problems caused by defective saline implants. I am an attorney,

and

> am interested in speaking with women who were implanted with a

> defective implant made by McGhan/Inamed. In my own case, Dr.

Pierre

> Blais discovered a valve defect.

>

> If you have discovered that your McGhan/Inamed implant(s) had a

> manufacturing defect of some kind, and two years have NOT passed

> since the defect was discovered, please contact me as soon as

> possible at indysurvivor@a... Please indicate the following:

>

> 1) who tested the implant(s)

> 2) the date the defect(s) was discovered

> 3) briefly describe the defect(s)

> 4) whether the defective implant(s) was infected with

bacteria/fungus

>

> My inquiry is limited to implants manufactured by McGhan/Inamed,

and

> only those defects that were discovered in the last two years, as

> suits for defects discovered prior to that time may be time-

barred.

> (Statutes of Limitations for product liability actions may vary

from

> state to state).

>

> It is not necessary to include your name or phone number at this

> time. Simply e-mail me with the above information, and any other

> information you wish to include. I look forward to hearing from

each

> of you. Happy Holidays!

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kacey,

Dr. Blais fees vary between $250.00-$600.00 for the Failure Analysis/Status Report, which includes findings of implants and tissues,aspects of implant technology,problem areas,injuries and issues specific to your situation, and illustrations of defects. You can reach him at 613-728-8688.

Barbara

[Guest guest]

That's great Pam! I haven't had my implants tested yet (Mentor

smooth salines), do you know how much Dr. Blais charges?

Thanks much,

Kacey

> > I had mentor, so I couldn't go on this. By the way, it is good

to

> hear from you again! How have you been?

> > ----- Original Message -----

> > From: indianasurvivor

> >

> > Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2003 12:28 PM

> > Subject: Defective McGhan/Inamed Implant(s)

> >

> >

> > Hello ladies. I have spent the last two years recovering from

> health

> > problems caused by defective saline implants. I am an

attorney,

> and

> > am interested in speaking with women who were implanted with a

> > defective implant made by McGhan/Inamed. In my own case, Dr.

> Pierre

> > Blais discovered a valve defect.

> >

> > If you have discovered that your McGhan/Inamed implant(s) had

a

> > manufacturing defect of some kind, and two years have NOT

passed

> > since the defect was discovered, please contact me as soon as

> > possible at indysurvivor@a... Please indicate the following:

> >

> > 1) who tested the implant(s)

> > 2) the date the defect(s) was discovered

> > 3) briefly describe the defect(s)

> > 4) whether the defective implant(s) was infected with

> bacteria/fungus

> >

> > My inquiry is limited to implants manufactured by

McGhan/Inamed,

> and

> > only those defects that were discovered in the last two years,

as

> > suits for defects discovered prior to that time may be time-

> barred.

> > (Statutes of Limitations for product liability actions may

vary

> from

> > state to state).

> >

> > It is not necessary to include your name or phone number at

this

> > time. Simply e-mail me with the above information, and any

other

> > information you wish to include. I look forward to hearing

from

> each

> > of you. Happy Holidays!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Kacey, I think it's going to be around $350 or so. I'm not sure

yet. I guess I'll find out next week!

Pam

> > > I had mentor, so I couldn't go on this. By the way, it is good

> to

> > hear from you again! How have you been?

> > > ----- Original Message -----

> > > From: indianasurvivor

> > >

> > > Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2003 12:28 PM

> > > Subject: Defective McGhan/Inamed Implant(s)

> > >

> > >

> > > Hello ladies. I have spent the last two years recovering

from

> > health

> > > problems caused by defective saline implants. I am an

> attorney,

> > and

> > > am interested in speaking with women who were implanted with

a

> > > defective implant made by McGhan/Inamed. In my own case, Dr.

> > Pierre

> > > Blais discovered a valve defect.

> > >

> > > If you have discovered that your McGhan/Inamed implant(s) had

> a

> > > manufacturing defect of some kind, and two years have NOT

> passed

> > > since the defect was discovered, please contact me as soon as

> > > possible at indysurvivor@a... Please indicate the following:

> > >

> > > 1) who tested the implant(s)

> > > 2) the date the defect(s) was discovered

> > > 3) briefly describe the defect(s)

> > > 4) whether the defective implant(s) was infected with

> > bacteria/fungus

> > >

> > > My inquiry is limited to implants manufactured by

> McGhan/Inamed,

> > and

> > > only those defects that were discovered in the last two

years,

> as

> > > suits for defects discovered prior to that time may be time-

> > barred.

> > > (Statutes of Limitations for product liability actions may

> vary

> > from

> > > state to state).

> > >

> > > It is not necessary to include your name or phone number at

> this

> > > time. Simply e-mail me with the above information, and any

> other

> > > information you wish to include. I look forward to hearing

> from

> > each

> > > of you. Happy Holidays!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

---Hi Ladies, Im sorry to sound ignorant, but what does this mean?

What if they have faulty valves? Will that make room for liability?

Please help my understand, I have salines that were put in 1999, so

i dont know what ones I have, and when I get them out, does this Dr

Blais have to check them or can Dr Feng do that? Thanks, Blessings,

Iggy

In , BARBY4271@A... wrote:

> Kacey,

> Dr. Blais fees vary between $250.00-$600.00 for the Failure

Analysis/Status

> Report, which includes findings of implants and tissues,aspects of

implant

> technology,problem areas,injuries and issues specific to your

situation, and

> illustrations of defects. You can reach him at 613-728-8688.

> Barbara

[Guest guest]

Iggy, an attorney who had McGhan implants herself with faulty valves

was asking how many of us had them as well. The companies may be

liable for faulty equipment or whatever they call them! I was just

mentioning that not only were the valves faulty in McGhan, but they

would have to be in the Mentor ones too because according to Dr.

Blais, they were made by the same company. He's the expert that

analyzes the implants and determines what, if anything, was wrong

with them, if there was stuff growing in them and all that. The

implants have to be sent directly to him in Canada as soon as

possible after the surgery. Barbara gave me his info yesterday and I

called and he faxed me the paperwork I need to give to the doctor so

they can be sent properly. I'm not as concerned over the valves as I

am our health, but if they are faulty and it helps to make a case,

I'm all for it. I am so blown away that so many of us are so sick

and there's not a huge class action suit already in place. I just

think if we all cross our t's and dot our i's, we'll be better off in

the long run. I'm not trying to say that I know we have a case and I

know we can win, I'm just saying that I'm going to fight and I hope

there are more of you all that will too. Kacey set up a new poll

about filing suit - just to see how many of us are interested. I

voted yes! I'm one of the newest members here and I apologize if I'm

stepping on anyones toes or saying things I shouldn't. I just really

think we need to do something about this. We never thought we'd get

sick when we got these d...n things. They knew we could and didn't

tell us. Mmmmm...don't get me started!

Pam

> > Kacey,

> > Dr. Blais fees vary between $250.00-$600.00 for the Failure

> Analysis/Status

> > Report, which includes findings of implants and tissues,aspects

of

> implant

> > technology,problem areas,injuries and issues specific to your

> situation, and

> > illustrations of defects. You can reach him at 613-728-8688.

> > Barbara

[Guest guest]

Good question. Defective valves on implants may lead to increased

risk of infection because foreign things such as bacteria and fungus

can enter into the implant through the defective valve and cause

serious infection that is very difficult to treat. In some of these

cases, the implants have to be surgically removed to successfully

treat the infection. Defective valves can also lead to deflation and

therefore additional surgery as well.

You do need an expert to analyze the implants for defects, not a

plastic surgeon.

Lastly, be mindful of this- if the doctor that implanted you is also

explanting you, be careful. The implanting surgeon is supposed to

inspect the implants for defects prior to insertion. (for example,

see the McGhan manufacturer's booklet of warnings and risks which

lists the steps a doc is supposed to do to ensure the product is not

defective). If the doctor explants them and either notices a defect

or is worried about the ramifications if one is found, he or she may

not be as helpful in sending them for testing for obvious reasons.

So, if this is the case, put your request in writing and make sure

he/she will do this for you before you go for the explant surgery.

If the doctor resists you, discourages you, or just won't do it, find

antoher doctor you can trust who will help you find answers that

might help you get better. Then, follow-up with the doctor each week

until you confirm they have been sent and received by the tester.

Good luck, I wish you the best in your surgery.

[Guest guest]

Pam,

You aren't stepping on anyone's toes, don't worry about that. I've been involved in this for 6 years, and there has always been talk of lawsuits and class actions, but when I enquired about this several years ago (I believe I wrote Toxic Discovery Network, who keeps a registry) they said they were unaware of any class actions and did not foresee anything taking place. Dr. Blais has maintained that we have a probability of a class action. But there seems to be some question about whether or not salines were already covered in the big Dow class action (they were), but I don't know under what conditions. It is all very convoluted, and I am quite certain that the manufacturer's have learned how to win these things in court, at least on an individual basis. I myself would most certainly be willing to get involved in a class action if one were ever brought to court.

The last five years my focus has been totally on getting better, and that included, out of necessity, the blocking of stressful circumstances such as legal action would bring. That statute of limitations wipes most of us out if we are not willing to tackle this issue head on right away. I certainly was not (I have enough stress already with our businesses!) But I have always desired to see justice come, and a class action would suit me just fine.

It is a blessing to see women like you ready and willing to fight. We have all been wronged, and there has been so much suffering. Let me be totally honest at this point, though and tell you what I have seen happen over and over again. I don't want to say this to discourage you, the good Lord knows I don't want to do that! I want to encourage you in every way. But I do want you to realize that many women have come and gone in this issue. Women become on fire for justice when they realize they are sick from their implants, and really want to fight those who did them wrong. It is a very common emotion for us, but surprisingly few stay around for the long haul. I can name women who vowed to fight to the end for justice, and have kind of disappeared and are heard from no more. I don't know if it is the illness, or the realization that the fight is too hard, or they just want to move on with life, or what. But it happens. We do need to hang in there together, and I've been helping with this issue as long as I have because I know women need to hear the truth about what can happen with implants, and I believe staying silent would be wrong. I just really, really hope that if this class action idea moves forward, it will carry great momentum, and not fizzle like so many fires for justice have. I encourage you, Pam, and I encourage all of us to hang in there and stay together for the fight for justice, however we can. We need to be involved for the long haul.

Prayer, in my opinion, is just about the strongest weapon we could hope to have, because, who can fight the Lord and win? In my own life, I've experienced the justice that Jesus brought me with His blood, and with that, I have peace. I pray that we all know true justice! But a little here on earth would be nice, too. I'm all for it!

Blessings to all,

Patty

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

From: Pam

Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2003 4:43 PM

Subject: Re: Defective McGhan/Inamed or MENTOR! Implant(s)

Iggy, an attorney who had McGhan implants herself with faulty valves was asking how many of us had them as well. The companies may be liable for faulty equipment or whatever they call them! I was just mentioning that not only were the valves faulty in McGhan, but they would have to be in the Mentor ones too because according to Dr. Blais, they were made by the same company. He's the expert that analyzes the implants and determines what, if anything, was wrong with them, if there was stuff growing in them and all that. The implants have to be sent directly to him in Canada as soon as possible after the surgery. Barbara gave me his info yesterday and I called and he faxed me the paperwork I need to give to the doctor so they can be sent properly. I'm not as concerned over the valves as I am our health, but if they are faulty and it helps to make a case, I'm all for it. I am so blown away that so many of us are so sick and there's not a huge class action suit already in place. I just think if we all cross our t's and dot our i's, we'll be better off in the long run. I'm not trying to say that I know we have a case and I know we can win, I'm just saying that I'm going to fight and I hope there are more of you all that will too. Kacey set up a new poll about filing suit - just to see how many of us are interested. I voted yes! I'm one of the newest members here and I apologize if I'm stepping on anyones toes or saying things I shouldn't. I just really think we need to do something about this. We never thought we'd get sick when we got these d...n things. They knew we could and didn't tell us. Mmmmm...don't get me started! Pam

[Guest guest]

Thanks Patty, I see what you mean. I know there are many people who

get " on fire " and then fizzle out. I see it all the time. My

biggest frustration is that I normally don't fizzle but I've given up

because others have. It's hard to fight when you're all alone. For

instance, when I was working and commuting an hour and a half one

way, I requested a transfer either to an office closer to me or to my

home and was denied 3 different times! Then I went through the ADA

citing that my illness was creating a disability that needed an

accommodation made - which was to work from home or closer to home.

I tried for a year and appealed their decisions until I eventually

ended up fired! My boss told me that she had never seen anyone as

persistent as me. We called her the " intimidator " and everyone was

afraid of her but me. When I believe strongly in something -

especially when a wrong has been done that needs to be made right, I

don't give up. I hope that makes sense! I'm also trying to convince

myself as well because I don't want to give up. If it takes just me,

I promise you and you can hold me to that promise, I'm going to

fight! I know I don't need the added stress. Lord knows my family

doesn't need it, but what will I do 20 years from now if I haven't

gotten better and we lose our house and everything we own and I'm

still not able to work or get disability, won't I regret it then? I

know I try to sound big and strong sometimes ha ha ha! But, I'm just

a scared little girl inside of a sick body that wants to let the

world know what took her youth away. I don't care about money

because nothing could ever replace the last 4 years of my life, I

just feel like I've got to do something. So, if you notice me

fizzling, I want you to get on here and blast me in the butt so that

I'll get back up and start fighting again! Ok? And anyone else here

too. I mean it. Especially the days when I feel worse than usual

and I'm throwing a pity party!

I love you all and I thank God for you every day. I feel like He

brought me here so that He could bring me through this and He will

get all the glory!

Sorry for rambling......Pam

> Pam,

> You aren't stepping on anyone's toes, don't worry about that. I've

been involved in this for 6 years, and there has always been talk of

lawsuits and class actions, but when I enquired about this several

years ago (I believe I wrote Toxic Discovery Network, who keeps a

registry) they said they were unaware of any class actions and did

not foresee anything taking place. Dr. Blais has maintained that we

have a probability of a class action. But there seems to be some

question about whether or not salines were already covered in the big

Dow class action (they were), but I don't know under what

conditions. It is all very convoluted, and I am quite certain that

the manufacturer's have learned how to win these things in court, at

least on an individual basis. I myself would most certainly be

willing to get involved in a class action if one were ever brought to

court.

>

> The last five years my focus has been totally on getting better,

and that included, out of necessity, the blocking of stressful

circumstances such as legal action would bring. That statute of

limitations wipes most of us out if we are not willing to tackle this

issue head on right away. I certainly was not (I have enough stress

already with our businesses!) But I have always desired to see

justice come, and a class action would suit me just fine.

>

> It is a blessing to see women like you ready and willing to fight.

We have all been wronged, and there has been so much suffering. Let

me be totally honest at this point, though and tell you what I have

seen happen over and over again. I don't want to say this to

discourage you, the good Lord knows I don't want to do that! I want

to encourage you in every way. But I do want you to realize that

many women have come and gone in this issue. Women become on fire

for justice when they realize they are sick from their implants, and

really want to fight those who did them wrong. It is a very common

emotion for us, but surprisingly few stay around for the long haul.

I can name women who vowed to fight to the end for justice, and have

kind of disappeared and are heard from no more. I don't know if it is

the illness, or the realization that the fight is too hard, or they

just want to move on with life, or what. But it happens. We do

need to hang in there together, and I've been helping with this issue

as long as I have because I know women need to hear the truth about

what can happen with implants, and I believe staying silent would be

wrong. I just really, really hope that if this class action idea

moves forward, it will carry great momentum, and not fizzle like so

many fires for justice have. I encourage you, Pam, and I encourage

all of us to hang in there and stay together for the fight for

justice, however we can. We need to be involved for the long haul.

>

> Prayer, in my opinion, is just about the strongest weapon we could

hope to have, because, who can fight the Lord and win? In my own

life, I've experienced the justice that Jesus brought me with His

blood, and with that, I have peace. I pray that we all know true

justice! But a little here on earth would be nice, too. I'm all for

it!

>

> Blessings to all,

> Patty

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: Pam

>

> Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2003 4:43 PM

> Subject: Re: Defective McGhan/Inamed or MENTOR!

Implant(s)

>

>

> Iggy, an attorney who had McGhan implants herself with faulty

valves

> was asking how many of us had them as well. The companies may be

> liable for faulty equipment or whatever they call them! I was

just

> mentioning that not only were the valves faulty in McGhan, but

they

> would have to be in the Mentor ones too because according to Dr.

> Blais, they were made by the same company. He's the expert that

> analyzes the implants and determines what, if anything, was wrong

> with them, if there was stuff growing in them and all that. The

> implants have to be sent directly to him in Canada as soon as

> possible after the surgery. Barbara gave me his info yesterday

and I

> called and he faxed me the paperwork I need to give to the doctor

so

> they can be sent properly. I'm not as concerned over the valves

as I

> am our health, but if they are faulty and it helps to make a

case,

> I'm all for it. I am so blown away that so many of us are so

sick

> and there's not a huge class action suit already in place. I

just

> think if we all cross our t's and dot our i's, we'll be better

off in

> the long run. I'm not trying to say that I know we have a case

and I

> know we can win, I'm just saying that I'm going to fight and I

hope

> there are more of you all that will too. Kacey set up a new poll

> about filing suit - just to see how many of us are interested. I

> voted yes! I'm one of the newest members here and I apologize if

I'm

> stepping on anyones toes or saying things I shouldn't. I just

really

> think we need to do something about this. We never thought we'd

get

> sick when we got these d...n things. They knew we could and

didn't

> tell us. Mmmmm...don't get me started!

>

> Pam

[Guest guest]

I paid him around $350.00 back in June

shari

[Guest guest]

amen - mine were proven faulty by Dr. Blais - Mentor. Count me in!