Re: My conversation with Benson . . . FDA public lias...

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/3/2006 6:42:30 PM Eastern Standard Time, saxony01@... writes:

Consumers are assumed to be knowledgeable consumers because, with the Internet, most people are assumed to have the ability to check whatever devices are to be used for themselves. . . The FDA is not responsible for decisions people make . .. The FDA is NOT going to protect people from faulty devices. . . .Yes, DEVICES. She told me that they receive calls from people suffering from all kinds of devices. Many are very sick. She tells me that 50% of the people who call the FDA call to tell them how happy they are, and how glad they have access to whatever device they have. . .

While I can appreciate where she's coming from with this... What about the people who had things done (like implants) BEFORE the Internet became available? It existed in the 90's, but not in many areas (it's not available in some parts of out state to this day). It also doesn't mean just because it was available that everyone had $1200-$3,000 to run out and buy a computer back in the 90's before they became mass produced and cheaper in price.

Has the FDA forgotten about all the people who didn't have the Internet or any resources other than the doctor in front of them to rely on for information? I know MANY of you had implants prior to, say, 2000. All we had was our doctor's WORD to go on... and look where that got us!

Even if the FDA doesn't want to PULL implants off the market, they could at least acknowledge this and force doctors to ADVISE women that illness CAN occur. If they would just do THAT, even, half of us wouldn't be sitting here wondering how we're going to pay for our explants ----because our INSURANCE companies would probably see that this is a REAL issue then, and not just women unhappy with their breasts and looking for a way out. We also wouldn't be cast out by society, and doctors, as 'mentally ill' women or 'hypochondriacs.'

Rogene, thank you for representing us to such an authority. I'm sure you gave her heck ---but in a graceful way, because you are FULL of style and grace!!! LOL

Brigite