ilena

From: "Lynn Malone" <L.M.Malone@btinternet.com>
Subject: TESTICULAR IMPLANT STORYLINE MAKES FRONT PAGE
Date: 1999/08/14

Newsgroups: alt.support.breast-implant


This made front page news yesterday in the Glasgow Evening Times in
Scotland. Thanks to all who helped with my research.

FATHER'S IMPLANT AGONY

Sean sues over testicle op that 'ruined his life'

EXCLUSIVE by Lynn Malone

A distraught father today claimed his life has been ruined after undergoing
a minor surgical operation he was told would improve his health.

Sean McLauglin (31) alleged that Glasgow Royal Infirmary medics who carried
out surgery to remove a troublesome, undecended testicle, then gave him a
testicular implant without his permission.

The Glasgow man now blames the false testicle for a series of health
problems he has suffered and says he is in so much pain, he cannot even play
with his young family.

Sean alleged that staff at the hospital continue to evade his questions
about the operation. Now, the father of two is taking legal action against
Greater Glasgow Health Board. He believes his symptoms are similar to those
of women who have suffered ill-effects after receiving silicone gel breast
implants. "I am angry and I want to know what was put inside my body," he
said. "It has ruined my life."

Sean (31) from Royston, was born with an undescended testicle - a common
condition. It never caused him discomfort until, when he was 25, it
twisted. As there was a possibility it would become malignant doctors,
recommended its removal. Celtic defender Alan Stubbs recently underwent a
similar operation to remove a testicle after a cancer scare.

Sean signed a medical form agreeing to the removal of the testicle and any
malignancy. Afterwards, he was shocked to discover he had been given a
testicular implant without his permission. When he complained he says that
the consultant was astonished to discover he had not been informed in
advance. he was later told the procedure had been for cosmetic purposes.
Sean insists he would never have opted for an implant - and he told doctors
he wished it removed immediately. "It wasn't natural - it was rigid like a
golf ball," said Sean. "When I bent down the pain was crushing. But Sean
had to wait a year before surgeons removed the prosthesis.

He has since had three further operations. Sean also says he suffered
permanent nerve damage and now has a legacy of chronic pain. For a long
time, he faced regular, gruelling injections into his groin. Doctors
eventually finally fitted him with a TeNS device - Transcutaneous electric
Nerve Stimulation - to help disrupt the flow of pain signals to the brain.
He said "You learn to accept the pain, it's still there."

Other symptoms he suffers include chronic fatigue syndrome, bone and muscle
pain, numbness, irritability and bouts of depression. Sean says that his
life has changed radically. He has been forced to change jobs, faced
financial difficulties and can no longer take part in physical activities.
"I was stuck in a rut, it got me down and made me feel as though I couldn't
do anything." he said. "It put me under a lot of strain. I am unable to
hold my youngest child or push him in his pram, it's too painful. My older
son misses me playing football with him as I can't run or stretch"

Five years later, Sean is disgusted at his treatment. Of his legal action
Sean says: "Money is not important, I want them to apologise for having
ruined my life."

Brenda Livsey, of Action Against Silicone UK, said "The symptoms compare
with those shown by women suffering the effects of silicone gel breast
implant. It should be investigated."

Dr Robert Garrry, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Tulane
University, added: "It's all but certain the implant was filled with
silicone gel." He referred to a study in America that found immunological
alterations in over 71 per cent of examined recipients of testicular
prostheses.

A spokesperson for the Royal Informary said: We cannot comment on the case.
It is in the hands of our legal department.

END

The Editor of the Evening Times commented on the article on the next page

VOICE OF THE TIMES
Not what the doctor ordered

Doctors are often accused of playing God. IT IS AN EMOTIONAL REACTION FROM
A MINORITY.
But when a man agrees to be operated on for the removal of a potentially
troublesome testicle and wakes up to find he has an unwanted implant to
replace it, that accusation may be justified.
Surgeons at the Royal Infirmary in Glasgow may believe they acted in the
best interests of patient Sean McLauglin and inserted the implant for
"cosmetic" reasons.
BUT IT WAS NOT THEIR DECISION TO MAKE.
Sean has fought for five years for an explanation. It is well overdue.
Now he has his solicitor operating for him - and rightly so.