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Author Topic: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...  (Read 64159 times)

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Offline jjmcm

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My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« on: December 08, 2007, 12:26:24 pm »
I recently posted this on PozHealth and thought I would do so here for those of you who are not part of that group.

Since I have seen several posts recently regarding complications
associated with Bio-Alcamid treatments, I thought I would share my
currently unfolding crisis.

In 2003, I received Bio-Alcamid injections in my face for lipoatrophy
at CE in Tijuana over three treatments. I never had anything more
than normal inflammation and side effects associated with these. It
was such a life changing experience that I talked several of my
friends into getting the treatments and responded to numerous
requests via email from those looking for the same help. In the last
couple of years I received "tune ups" with PMMA, once again with no
difficulties.

In early November, I woke up on a Saturday morning with swelling in
the right side of my face at the site of one of the Bio-Alcamid
injections in the middle of my face. I was able to talk Dr. Luis
Casavantes the former medical director at CE and now in his own
practice about my options. Because this was on a weekend with
limited medical interventions available to me, Dr. Casavantes talked
my brother, a dentist with a great deal of experience, through basic
extraction procedures to remove some of the Bio-Alcamid.

Over two days and two hours of extraction each day, we managed to get
a large amount of the material out of the infected side of my face.
However, it is not an easy process normally and during a massive
infection particularly painful regardless of how much lidocaine one
uses. I started on oral antibiotics, but was at my doctor's office
on Monday morning with my eye almost shut.

My doctor decided to admit to the hospital, had a PICC line stuck in
my arm and began treatments with IV Tygacil, a broad spectrum
antibiotic. A head and neck surgeon consulted, but felt that at this
point all the extraction possible had been made until such time as
the infection had diminished. After two days in the hospital I was
allowed to continue the IV treatments at my home twice per day.
Fortunately, the swelling subsided four days after the initiation of
the IV therapy and I was allowed to discontinue the treatments the
day before Thanksgiving.

I was given an Rx for oral Clindamycin should the infection return on
short notice. Nine days later I was forced to initiate this therapy
while shaving on a Friday afternoon and notice a lump on the lower
section of my jaw line. While not as severe as previously
experienced, it once again began swelling the lower part of my face.
On Sunday afternoon I started vomiting the high dose Clindamycin and
was forced to reduce the dosage.

By Monday morning I was prepared to go back into the hospital and
figured I was looking at more IV antibiotics. My doctor instead
opted for a high end oral antibiotic called Zyvox and a quick
referral to the head and neck surgeon. Yesterday morning I had day
surgery to remove the Bio-Alcamid from both sides of my face. As is
common in these types of procedures they take it out from the inside
of your mouth.

I am now recovering from the procedure and continuing to take the
Zyvox. They sent a sample of the extracted material for a gram stain
culture and hopefully we will soon know the best subsequent
antibiotic to utilize to make sure the infection stays away.

For those of you still considering options regarding lipoatrophy, my
vote is to mark Bio-Alcamid off your list. I don't care if they gave
me the stuff for free, I would not even consider it again. Too many
people are now having this type of issue to continue using this in
HIV infected individuals. My discussion with Dr. C. and others is
the long term problems associated with this product are FAR higher
than the 7% quoted.

Knowing what I know now on the science of the product, I do not want
ANYTHING in my face that does not have adequate blood flow through
it. It simply is too difficult once the encapsulation gets infected
to put out the "fire" and make sure it does not return. I will keep
you posted on my progress.

Just my two cents. At least make an informed decision and keep this
in mind before putting this product in your face.

--JJ

Offline mjmel

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #1 on: December 09, 2007, 09:23:39 am »
Yikes!

Mike M

Offline OneTampa

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #2 on: December 09, 2007, 10:29:53 am »
Oh my goodness!

JJ I wish you the very best and hope you have a speedy recovery from your ordeal.

Your situation gives me pause.  I waited years before getting Sculptra injections (a process that is supposed to promote natural collagen production). I had two sessions so far this year (the last one three months ago) with what clearly are amazing (to me and others) visual results.   I am due for a third session this month.  My doctor is a well known and respected plastic surgeon.  I have already bombarded him with a lot of questions and will surely note your experience and ask if there is any medical relevance to the use of Sculptra.  As HIV survivors, I am sure many of us  are all doing our best to make informed decisions with the information at hand-- as I am sure you did at the time-- about various treatments that appear effective and promising, but it seems that only the passage of time can truly inform us.
"He is my oldest child. The shy and retiring one over there with the Haitian headdress serving pescaíto frito."

Offline Bradford

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #3 on: December 28, 2007, 07:55:36 pm »
It is very unfortunate that you experienced complications, but I doubt it the fault of the Bio-Alcamid. The problem may very well lie in you having received the Bio-Alcamid treatment in Mexico by an unqualified physician. 

Bio-Alcamid treatments were first avaialble in Canada in 2004, under provisions of the Special Access Program, which involved an application on a patient by patient basis.

In 2006,  Bio-Alcamid was approved by Health Canada. And to-date; over 1000,00 HIV+ individuals have had treatments for facial wasting / lipoatrophy using Bio-Alcamid. With excellent results! No implant dislocation, implant migration, granuloma, allergic reaction or intolerance.

In Canada, all the physicians providing treatments are top professionals who are already, highly experienced plastic or derma surgeons and have experience in injections and injectable fillers. They receive instructions in the subtleties of the techniques using Bio-Alcamid.

I received the procedure using Bio-Alcamid in 2004 (Vancouver, B.C. Canada)  without complications; then or since. You can read about my experience and view Before & After photos on my web site.

See: HIV/AIDS Lipoatrophy - Before & After http://www.positivelypositive.ca/articles/lipoatrophy.html

 I  recommend this product and procedure to people living with Lipoatrophy concerns; Bio-Alcamid has rejuvenated my face.

Bradford McIntyre (HIV+ since 1984)
Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984

Offline hartiepie

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #4 on: December 28, 2007, 08:37:21 pm »
I've read this a couple of times and I don't see where a "unqualified physician" was cited in the original post by jjmcm.

I have met two people with similar troubles and they received their treatments in Europe.

Offline allanq

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #5 on: December 28, 2007, 09:38:31 pm »
The problems that some people have been having with Bioalcamid implants have usually surfaced several years after the procedure was performed. jjmcm's Bioalcamid implants were trouble-free for four years.

It has been less than two years since Bioalcamid was approved in Canada in April 2006. I'm not saying that those who have been treated in Canada will develop problems. I just think it's too early to tell.

As jjmcm stated, the problems that have surfaced with Bioalcamid seem to be due to the nature of Bioalcamid (not the injection technique). No vascularity grows into the Bioalcamid implant. If for some reason a local infection occurs, the body's defense mechanisms cannot reach the area, and the infection spreads with little control.

With PMMA, vascularity grows in and around the implant. If infection occurs, the area behaves pretty much as normal tissue.

By the way, Bradford, I think your implication that doctors in Mexico are unqualified and incompetent is based on your own prejudices and not facts.

Allan

« Last Edit: December 29, 2007, 12:43:57 am by allanq »

Offline Bradford

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #6 on: December 29, 2007, 11:50:01 am »
Allan
Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984

Offline Bradford

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #7 on: December 29, 2007, 12:03:28 pm »
Allan;

I did not say: doctors in Mexico are unqualified and incompetent""
  I said "the problem may very well lie in having received the Bio-Alcamid treatment in Mexico by an unqualified physician" 
 
Some individuals have gone to Mexico for Bio-Alcamid treatments and not had a trained physician and/or proper equipment/conditions; with less than desirable results.

Bio-Alcamid™ has been used since 2000 in over twenty countries and is CE marked for the European Union and U.K.

Bio-Alcamid™ has been the subject of numerous specific scientific documents as well as multi-centre clinical evaluations in major hospitals and universities; including a 2000 patient study demonstrating the safety, efficacy and biocompatibility of the product.

Additional informatiuon on Bio-Alkcamid is available at www.purmedical.com
Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984

Offline mjmel

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #8 on: January 01, 2008, 06:46:18 pm »
Researching jj's previous posts I noted that he was injecting Fuzeon--which might have been the source of transient bacteremia, hence the infection in his implant.

Hope he has recovered from this ordeal as he hasn't been back on the forum since Dec 8th.

Mike M

Offline jjmcm

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #9 on: January 04, 2008, 11:22:45 pm »
I am sorry not to update everyone since my original post on December 8th.  I finished the antibiotics after my surgery to remove the BioAlcamid on December 17th.  I am still waiting for the three layers of stitches inside my face to dissolve which should take another four weeks.

Unfortunately, on December 30th I was forced back on antibiotics for the THIRD time because the infection returned to one area of my face that developed in fibrotic tissue after the BioAlcamid infection and subsequent removal.  I finally saw the surgeon and my doctor for a follow up today.  I am now looking at having to stay on antibiotics for the next 6-8 weeks to see if the infection can be driven out of the fibrotic tissue which is likely harboring the remaining bacteria.

For those of you considering BioAlcamid as a facial filler, I beg you to reconsider.  Do NOTHING before putting this product in your face.   If you already have it in your face, reconsider adding anything else to it.  My treatments were done by Dr Luis Casavantes who probably has more experience with BioAlcamid than any other physician in North America.  He has COMPLETELY stopped using the product and moved to PMMA because of ALL the infections he has seen in the last few years. 

Time seems to be the greatest factor in all these cases except for those which were started by fine tuning with additional products like PMMA and Silicone.   A large number of us having problems had the treatments done around four years ago.  The surgeon that removed my BioAlcamid said it had indeed migrated from the original locations to pool lower in my face where the infection started.

I enjoyed all the benefits for the last four years of having my face restored.  However, you can't imagine how bad it feels to know that on top of the HIV itself, I now am dealing with something that I pray I can get rid of.

If you put BioAlcamid in your face, you are putting a time bomb waiting to get infected in your face down the road.  It is that simple and everyone else besides Canada realizes that now and has stopped using the product.

Regards,

--JJ
« Last Edit: January 06, 2008, 09:20:34 am by jjmcm »

Offline jjmcm

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #10 on: January 16, 2008, 02:19:38 pm »
Last Thursday on January 10th, I saw a second surgeon (head, neck, plastic) who works with my doctor and HIV+ patients.  He immediately called my doctor and told him that I needed to be on IV medications to rid myself of the infection in my face that originated in my BioAlcamid implants.  While I have already had one surgery to remove the majority of the material, he says there may be remaining BA in one spot or an infection in a lymphatic drain in my face.

Although I have had a PICC line previously, I never have dealt with a central line until now.  The swelling is going down now that I am on two IV antibiotics given in three treatments total per day.  They are now talking six weeks on this treatment unless the cure kills me first.  I have told God that I am doing everything I can and just cannot worry about the outcome.

You might think I am unique and that nothing will ever happen like this to your face.  I hope that is the case.  However, I know two other people that have been dealing with ongoing infections with BA.  One just went off oral antibiotics after three months on them.  He is crossing his fingers.  The other has been on them for over a year because the infection keeps coming back.

If you have BA and get swelling, see your doctor immediately.  And, if oral antibiotics do not snuff it out in short order, see a specialist.  Do not let it get out of hand.

--JJ

Offline Catman

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    • Who is the Catman?
Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #11 on: January 19, 2008, 08:30:19 am »
  Oh, JJ am I sorry to read this topic now and just get to know your ordeal. I wish you the best and that you'll recover soon enough. You'll just have to be patient and pray that those antibiotics do their job. I know it's hard, but try to keep calm at least a little because stress will not help. It was good that you posted your experience because that is the type of information that should be "out there" for others to "feed on" before placing implants on their face. This is very serious stuff to know. I researched a lot before putting PMMA into my face and it will be a year now (tomorrow) and so far so good. I really hope that these complications that are now showing up find a quick solution because having lipo and hiv is tough enough as it is...my best wishes to you for a fast recovery from that nasty infection. :-*
Catman

Meow to the birds
Meow to the tree's
Meow to the end
of this dreadful disease...

Offline Bradford

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #12 on: January 19, 2008, 04:16:28 pm »
JJ

You are suffering with an infection, however, you have made some statements that simply are not true, regarding product information, its use and safety, which need to be addressed.

I will address what I can now and others at a later date; after talking with my contacts at Polymekon Research in Italy (manufacturers of Bio-Alcamid) and other physician's using Bio-Alcamid.

With any type of injection, any time the skin is broken, there is a risk.  The same risks apply, to any and all, of the injectables.

HIV+ individuals CD4 count and viral load must be considered prior to any treatment using an injectable.

It is important that individuals seek out reputable and knowledgeable physicians/clinics, to ensure the product used is genuine and has not been altered in any way.

In Canada, patients receive a prescription for an anti-biotic/prophylactic; a preventative measure to protect patients against infection, two days prior to procedure and continued for three days after receiving treatment.


The following are comments made by Dr. Frank Beninger (Certified Plastic Surgeon), in Toronto, after my contacting him about your circumstances.

"I have seen 6 infections similar to what JJ describes, some with a cause identified (bacteremia from sepsis, dental abcess which extends into the cheek) as well as a couple with unknown source (both were Staph Aureus) which is a common skin and oral bacteria.  This is in over 1500 patients and close to 4000 treatments.

It is important to remember that Bio-Alcamid is an implant, with risks of infection like any implant.  This infection rate is considered low, but is part of the informed consent process.  I tell all my patients of this risk. 

PMMA has also been used, the problem is, trying to fill someone with 15-30 cc of this material is financially crippling.  In these kinds of volumes, I suspect that infection will still occur.  It is still a foreign body which is being injected.

If a patient develops an infection, it is a nightmare! Good physician support is required (another reason to choose a qualified doctor).  The material has to be removed (it has never taken me close to 2 hrs!) more like 10 min, antibiotics are required, and once things have cleared up, a discussion is required to advise what to do to replace it.
 
Nobody HAS to have treatment.  No treatment is perfect and completely risk free.  Any decision for any treatment or injection requires a frank discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives which is the basis of an informed consent."



Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984
www.PositivelyPositive.ca
Vancouver, Canada



« Last Edit: January 21, 2008, 01:15:11 am by Bradford »
Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984

Offline Antinouus

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #13 on: January 22, 2008, 08:51:09 pm »
The experience that JJ had with Bio Alcamid is not an absolute experience that anyone has to rely on because at this point I am not even sure if JJ had injected on his face Bio Alcamid made by Polymekon Italy and the doctor who has been trained in how to administered properly.
I only recall that the first time I contacted Tjuana clinic personally in 2003, before having gone to Italy and had Bio Alcamid Polymekon injected, I spoke with Anna Love who used to be a nurse at the Prof. Protopapa clinic in Brindisi, Italy, who told me over the phone that she was the only person who would inject the product on my buttock and on my face.  I was shocked to hear that a nurse would doing a procedure that should be done by a doctor.  I remember I was warning people on another site" Pozhealth.com" to be careful not to go to Tjuana to have Bio Alcamid injected on their faces and body but needless to say I was shocked to see so many people going to Tjuana because it was closer and inexpensive to go otherwise in Italy. Also I would like to say that the medical training and standard vary from Country to Country this need to be taken into account when avauluating the pros and cons of medical intervention outside one's home Country.

Offline Antinouus

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid ...
« Reply #14 on: January 22, 2008, 09:23:51 pm »
Hello, I am a new member on this site. 
I have heard so much about Bio Alcamid that I think it is about time I speak up and say my personal experience with the product and with the people who implanted a big quantity on my buttock and some on my face.  My experience is true and correct and I don't have any affiliation or whatover with the company or anybodyelse but it is just the truth.  By the end 1985 the combination of HIV drugs saved my life otherwise I would have been dead by the end of the same year.   The combination of the therapy drugs, although was keeping me alive, was making me very distresses by the severe lipodystrophy on my buttock and on my face.  I was devastated seeing my face and my body raveged by HIV pathology. Day by day I could notice that my lipodystrophy was getting worse and worse.   I could hardly sit on a chair and I had to carry a pillow with me everywhere to sit on. I noticed that my skin was starting to break and little sores were breaking out on my tail bone and it was becoming more and more painful.  I was  depressed and unhappy until I finally contacted Prof. Carmelo Protopapa in Italy.  of whom I have heard that he had performed implants on buttocks using Bio Alcamid made by Polymekon Italy on many people throught the world. I went to see him in person in his office in Brindisi, Italy.  He explained to me what Bio Alcamid was medically and scientifically.   We discussed the implant procedures and Prof. Protopapa told me that the success of an implant with Bio Alcamid or with any other filler was related with the thickness of the skin.  The thicker the skin was the better was the result.  He looked at my skin on the buttock area but it was too thin to inject a considerably amount of Bio Alcamid to make a good reconstructive buttock.  I felt sad and disappointed,  my hopes had vanished so fast and not having other choices available, I decided to go ahead with the implant.  Without anaesthesia so I could warn him to stop when the pain became unbearable.  The moment the thick needle entered the skin and reached the deep area where to inject Bio Alcamid I heard Prof. Protopapa saying loudly that, the Bio Alcamid was resting nicely in the area because he found a muscle, which could keep Bio Alcamid contained in the area. After 4 hours of unbearable pain the implant was over; needless to say it was a great success!.  Prof. Protopapa had given me back the same buttock I used to have when I was a young lad.   It is bubble, round and soft. I consider my implant with Bio Alcamid by Polymekon, Italy, a masterpiece created by an Italian sculptor doctor surgeon, having used my own skin and a certain amount of Bio Alcamid. 
I could still see Prof. Protopapa in his eyes, he put his heart in performing the implant and he was happy and proud.  He also, while he was injecting the product in my buttock he would mold the gluteals to give form and elasticity like a sculpture when he molds to give a form to his creation.  Molding is a very important part of the implant techniques on the buttock and on the face.  Needless to say that if the Bio Alcamid by Polymekon was not safe and scientifically proved to be safed, I would have been in troubles by now. The implant was done in front of another 8 doctors who arrived from different part of the area to learn how to inject Bio Alcamid and see the creation of Prof. Protopapa with his product on me.  I am pretty sure for him was also a great satisfaction to having restore happiness and a life back to me.  I remain devoted to this great Professor for his humanity and good heart and sense of respect for people like us who are exploited by some ciarlatans and take advantage of people like us.  My last x-ray from Stanford Hospital, Radiology Department, showed no problem at all. 
 I had also injection of Bio Alcamid on my face.  The first time was done by another Italian plastic surgeon, Dr. Massimo Vincenti in Milan and the second time by Prof. Protopapa again.  I had spent so much money on face filler in W. Hollywood, but never had best result than by Bio Alcamid.  The experience of a plastic surgeons is important and the safety of the product is so crucial.   The nasal lines were bothering me.  Doctor Vincenti suggested to enhance then the cheek bones with injections of Bio Alcamid, so the nasal lines would stretch.   In fact that was the result I wanted to achieve in the first place. 
Thank you Prof. Protopapa and thank you Dr. Vincenti and Polymekon, Italy, for having me restored confidence and happiness.

Offline mjmel

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #15 on: January 22, 2008, 10:25:00 pm »
The experience that JJ had with Bio Alcamid is not an absolute experience that anyone has to rely on because at this point I am not even sure if JJ had injected on his face Bio Alcamid made by Polymekon Italy and the doctor who has been trained in how to administered properly.
I only recall that the first time I contacted Tjuana clinic personally in 2003, before having gone to Italy and had Bio Alcamid Polymekon injected, I spoke with Anna Love who used to be a nurse at the Prof. Protopapa clinic in Brindisi, Italy, who told me over the phone that she was the only person who would inject the product on my buttock and on my face.  I was shocked to hear that a nurse would doing a procedure that should be done by a doctor.  I remember I was warning people on another site" Pozhealth.com" to be careful not to go to Tjuana to have Bio Alcamid injected on their faces and body but needless to say I was shocked to see so many people going to Tjuana because it was closer and inexpensive to go otherwise in Italy. Also I would like to say that the medical training and standard vary from Country to Country this need to be taken into account when avauluating the pros and cons of medical intervention outside one's home Country.

I have to ask, what are you saying here?
I don't doubt the expertise of your doctor in Italy. But--the skills of a trained physician or even competent nursing staff of any clinic are capable enough to deliver product to the precise point: i.e., an exact position between two specific epidermal layers. It takes knowledge of the human anatomy and skill which is attained from professional training and hands-on experience. It's NOT rocket science. The procedure itself is simple to execute. In Rio and Tijuana licensed physicians administer the product(s).
Concerning JJ: His face swelled up like a balloon and he experienced much pain because bacteria entered his system. Possibly this could have occurred because he had to self-inject Fuzeon in various places of his body. He doesn't know for sure. No one knows for sure. However, those injection sites presented many opportunities for bacteria to make entry. I'm sure JJ feels a sense of regret. His body and 'being' are struggling to heal--so he's decided to tell people of his experience. He may feel this will happen to everyone who has had bioAlcamid treatments but this is speculation on his part. It is not supported by statistic data, thus far.
PMMA is far more superior and body friendly. Both Rio/Tijuana clinics are using it and both clinics discontinued use of BioAlcamid. Bioalcamid, however, is currently still used in the middle east.
I did speak to Anna....The rates of infection are less than 7%.  Why have those people been infected? Not enough data to determine conclusively. Nobody, other than Clinic Estetica in Tijuana, is keeping statistics of any infection(s).

Mike M

Offline jjmcm

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #16 on: January 23, 2008, 12:04:38 pm »
Well I am on day 13 of my IV therapy with the hope of ridding myself of the bacteria in my face.  It is amazing to me how many people make assertions regarding the safety of the BA product without realizing that this is a problem that usually develops many years down the road after treatment.  Of course you can always create a problem with incorrect dental procedures or other cosmetic work around the BA injections.

However, unknown to everyone is why it just suddenly decides to get infected one day years after the initial treatment.  That is the part that is scary.  You might think that well that won't happen to me.  And, it may very well not.  But, if it does, it is like having a landfill in your face, on fire, and no easy way to put it out.

I think the folks in Canada do not have enough patient years under their belts yet to get accurate data regarding this occurrence.  I can only tell you that I do not know whether this infection will stay away after my current therapy.  And, the thought of having no remaining options for something that I could easily have bypassed is a hard thing to live or die with.

It is your face though, make you own choice.

--JJ

Offline Bradford

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #17 on: January 23, 2008, 02:47:24 pm »
JJ
You have an infection which may or may not have anything to do with Bio-Alcamid. The statements you make are unfounded.


We don't denounce a treatment when not everyone benefits, especially when there are enormous benefits from the treatment. This is true for all kinds of treatments available today!

Bio-Alcamid has been in use since 2000, used in 20 countries.

What is important to recognize; is the benefits of this treatment.

I speak both as an individual who has been living with HIV since 1984 and a volunteer patient, for physician training, using Bio-Alcamid for HIV/AIDS facial wasting/Lipoatrophy.

As a volunteer patient (November 28th 2004} for physician's training, not only did I have Bio-Alcamid injections but several highly qualified plastic surgeons, each took a turn injecting Bio-Alcamid into my sunken face.  I have not encountered a problem.

Since 2004, I have sat on the Board of Directors of the Face Forward Foundation (volunteer position), where HIV+ individuals can apply for a subsidy to reduce the cost of having reconstructive procedures for HIV/AIDS facial wasting, using Bio-Alcamid.  Both Canadian and America PWA's have received subsidies for Bio-Alcamid treatments, through the Face Forward Foundation subsidy program.  Bio-Alcamid is approved by Health Canada.

Physician training programs, using Bio-Alcamid, have been going on across Canada since 2004, provided by Pur Medical Corporation and I have been fortunate enough to have been able to help both Canadian and American HIV+ individuals receive treatments, including friends in Toronto and Vancouver. 

Myself and many, many others have gone on to enjoy life, aided by having had our facial wasting condition corrected, using Bio-Alcamid; for a condition caused by the medications to treat HIV/AIDS.

Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984   
Vancouver, Canada
www.PositivelyPositive.ca
« Last Edit: January 23, 2008, 04:28:03 pm by Bradford »
Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984

Offline hartiepie

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #18 on: January 23, 2008, 04:32:28 pm »
Bradford: I am interested in why you continue to write extensive postings defending a product that almost everyone has said reacts differently in each person. JJ's experience is his own -- he has admitted as much --- and yours is your own. I think the fact that bioalcmide is not in use anymore in many places is worth mentioning.

Is there a financial stake here for you to keep at it so intensely?

Offline Bradford

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #19 on: January 23, 2008, 07:40:23 pm »
 Hrtiepie;

JJ is entitled to his own experience, however, he is making statements which are not true. There is no evidence to support individuals having problems long term. Equally, it is not true that Bio-Alcamid is not being used. 

I post ensuring individuals reading have accurate information.

I am an advocate for active health and HIV and AIDS awareness.  All my HIV/AIDS involvements are voluntary and I receive no finances/funding for my involvement, nor does my website.

« Last Edit: January 24, 2008, 02:25:54 am by Bradford »
Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984

Offline jjmcm

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #20 on: January 24, 2008, 08:43:40 am »
Perhaps Bradford a CT Scan of my face with contrast showing infections in each of the BA injections in the right side of my face would provide enough evidence for you?  I do not know why MY face has decided to get infected.  However, your denial that is not real or not true does not make it so. 

I hope that the majority of individuals that have chosen BA in the past will continue to live without complications.  My only concern is those folks making a choice to have it done in the future.  I don't care about the esteemed qualifications of any of the doctors performing the treatments nor the information given out by the company.

I can assure you that Anna Love from CE has talked many times to the Italians who are VERY aware of the problems that can and do evolve in those treated with BA who are HIV+.  This was CE's lead product and they dumped it for PMMA because of the constant issues.

Silicone breast implants were implanted by many highly trained plastic surgeons for years and look at the problems that developed from them.  Perhaps these infections like what I am having in the numbers that are having them is acceptable.  However, I can tell you that regardless of the support of Health Canada, there are still fillers that are less dangerous to use. 

Anytime you put a foreign substance such as BA in the body without adequate blood flow through it you are asking for trouble.  I have found this out the hard way.  I thought a few folks might take note and reduce their risk of having to live what I am going through. 

This is a place to post your experiences with various treatments.   I offer it as nothing more than that.  However, I will tell you that I once advocated BA also and now I have had to take many steps back from that.   I hope you do not have to do the same thing...

Regards,

--JJ
« Last Edit: January 25, 2008, 08:26:02 am by jjmcm »

Offline freestate guy

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #21 on: January 25, 2008, 12:35:06 am »
Bradford - I took a look at the web page for the Face Forward foundation (www.faceforward.ca) of which you are a member of the Board of Directors. Polymekon Research is listed as a sponsor.  Polymekon Research makes Bio-Alcamid. Two other organizations are listed as sponsors. The web page states:"This organization and the work we do would not be possible if it wasn't for the generous donations from our valued customers. " You might not have a financial interest in BA but it looks like the Foundation does.
Mitochondriac

Offline freestate guy

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #22 on: January 25, 2008, 12:36:41 am »
The end of the quote is "valued sponsors " not valued customers.
Mitochondriac

Offline Bradford

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #23 on: January 25, 2008, 01:10:52 pm »
 Face Forward is a non-profit organization.

Through sponsors, the cost for the product has been reduced, making it possible for FFF to provide the subsidy program for facial restoration. And through the generosity of the physician's involved, patients are able to receive the treatments.



« Last Edit: January 25, 2008, 01:57:16 pm by Bradford »
Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984

Offline freestate guy

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #24 on: January 25, 2008, 02:55:37 pm »
This is my last post on this point because I don't want to detract from JJ's message concerning his individual experience with Bio-Alcamid. 

Non profits that receive funds for their operations from for-profit enterprises certainly can have a financial interest in the success or failure of the for-profit business including its products.  Non-profits, like other organizations, must be fed (i.e. salaries must be paid) to survive and thrive.  In the case of Face Foward, of which Bradford is a board member, the only three listed corporate sponsors are Polymekon Research (the maker of BA), Pur Medical Group (the exclusive distributor of BA in Canada), and Medicard (a patient financing company for cosmetic surgeries).

As was pointed out by others, the stridency of Bradford's negative reaction to JJ's post about was surprising and is what raised this issue. BA may be the best thing since sliced bread for all I know.  I can only tell you that JJ's nightmare has certainly given me pause.
Mitochondriac

Offline Antinouus

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #25 on: January 30, 2008, 09:33:56 pm »
This is a question to JJ.
I am sorry what happened to you but I have a very important question to ask if you think that Bio Alcamid used in Tjuana, Mexico, is the right
product and if  you think that the Doc and the nurse are very professional in Mexico why you are still talkiing about your result.  TAKE ACTION
SUE THE DOCTOR AND THE NURSE AND MAKE AN INVESTIGATION WITH APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY TO SEE IF THE PRODUCT IS THE ONE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HERE OR HAS BEEN DILUITE WIHT H2O?
At this point, I am sorry to say, to whom are you going to sue the doc and the nurse? or if the product is not the right one which authority in Mexico will follow your problem?
Nothing to say in regard a beautiful Country like Mexico but it is very well known that you can get anything there and there is no law to control what' s going on.  For instance when Anna Love left Italy for Los Angeles she, as nurse, put the Clinica in Tjuana together and at the begining she was performing the implant.  She told me over the phone when I contacted her.
Now please tell me in which country would allow to open and to operate a clinic where a lot of people would have treatmente because in their own country (USA) the product was not approved yet.
This is what I am saying.  Another example now, everyone is going to Rio de Janeiro.  I have just returned from Rio but only from my vacation not because I went to see a doc. there.
I am sorry to say but I would have plastic surgery or implant on my body only in USA or Europe. If in this room there are people who think differently from me it is their own problem and they have to take the responsability of the risks involved. I hate when people make their own experience an absolute truth warning others, it is only selfishness.
Good evening.
 

Offline Antinouus

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #26 on: January 30, 2008, 09:46:13 pm »
I would also like to report because I am a strong advocate of Bio Alcamid, Polymekon-Italy and I have always talked so loudly about my experiences and helped few people to go to Italy to have implants on their buttock.  Because of believing in Bio Alcamid, Polymekon, Italy, I have been thrown out form HealthPoz@yahoo.com site by the moderator Mr Nelson Vergel who had enough of me talking about Bio Alcamid.
He told me to get a life....LOL
I was appalled that in a democratic Country, USA, where there is a freedom of speach I was treated if I had been in the old Soviet Union where there was a totalitarian system instead of freedom. 
Vive the freedom of speach and freedom of thinking!
 

Offline Antinouus

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #27 on: January 30, 2008, 09:53:35 pm »
We also know that on Healthpoz@yahoo.com the moderator allows a person who lives in Rio to orgnize groups to go and see Dr. Serra for certain product that I would never put in my body.
Many people have different economical reason to promote certain product or certain Docs.

Offline hartiepie

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #28 on: January 30, 2008, 11:12:54 pm »
I am happy with my work from Dr Serra. Sounds like you had a good experience with your doc, too.

Your tone in writing all your posts is antagonistic, Antinouus. Instead of relaying information, it comes across to me as spoiling for a fight.

Offline jjmcm

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #29 on: January 31, 2008, 11:56:17 am »
Well, I now am on day 21 (of a projected 42 days) of my IV therapy.  I see the head and neck surgeon this afternoon for a follow up visit.  He specializes in all forms of plastic and reconstructive surgery and does a lot of work with fillers and HIV+ patients.

The swelling in my face has gone down considerably.  I still have a vertical channel of swelling that is barely noticeable at times that the doctor says is a lymphatic drain taking the bad bacteria out of my face.  I plan to question him about this today because I reluctant to stop the IV antibiotics until it goes down. 

This is my first central line (in my jugular vein) and the adhesive dressing has about driven me crazy at times.  The itching sometimes gets worse after I do a Fuzeon injection which I can not wait to get off of.  Hopefully, once I am past this issue with my face, I can switch meds.

Antinouus, FYI, the majority of the problems most people HIV+ and neg have with fillers of ANY kind are generally seen shortly after the initial treatment.  (immediately to a few months later)  I never had any of these problems and assume my initial injections were fine.  The scary part for me and others is the possibility of this becoming a problem years later.

As far as your comments regarding clinics, etc., we have plenty of doctors here in the USA taking a weekend seminar and injecting all kinds of products into faces.   Ask the countless folks with issues related to any of them and you will see that it can happen anywhere.

However, my comments are not about this.  They are about a product that seems to have higher risks, especially with HIV+ individuals than others.  The reason Nelson V over at PozHealth knows about all theses problems is because he gets emails from people who are having infections.  AND, he has been getting a lot more of them lately, mostly about BA.

I give no absolute bearing on what will happen to anyone with this same product in their own face.  I just know what has happened to mine.   As much as I hate to say it, I allowed it to be put there.    A year later, I might not have done the same thing.

But, then I can say the same things with HIV.  If I was born a year later, I probably would be negative today.  However, if I would have been born a year earlier I would probably be dead.

I am sorry if I am selfish in my attempts to warn others of the problems I have had.  If one person avoids the dilemma I have dealt with here, then it is worth the effort I have made.

--JJ
« Last Edit: February 01, 2008, 10:35:47 pm by jjmcm »

Offline Antinouus

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #30 on: February 03, 2008, 06:57:31 pm »
I am just telling to the members of this great side the experience I had with Bio Alcamid by Polymekon, Italy.  If  you feel that my comment are antagonistic is your problem.
It is only question of trust.  I trust European and American doctors and medical product.  I hope you don't see anything about antagonistic about it. 

Offline Antinouus

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #31 on: February 03, 2008, 06:59:48 pm »
For JJ
I am glad to hear that you are doing much better I hope that you would recover completely and feel better soon.  I will pray God for you to recover and stay well.

Offline Antinouus

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid experience.
« Reply #32 on: January 09, 2010, 12:14:45 pm »
Hello there,
I have lost contact with this site since I went to a radical change of my life..Glad to come back and to be part of the discussion group.
I am trying to contact my savier Prof. Carmelo Protopapa whose contact I used to have is not longer available.  I wanted to wish a very Happy New Year with full success...
Antonio

Offline birdy

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #33 on: March 02, 2010, 12:33:40 am »
I recently posted this on PozHealth and thought I would do so here for those of you who are not part of that group.

Since I have seen several posts recently regarding complications
associated with Bio-Alcamid treatments, I thought I would share my
currently unfolding crisis.

In 2003, I received Bio-Alcamid injections in my face for lipoatrophy
at CE in Tijuana over three treatments. I never had anything more
than normal inflammation and side effects associated with these. It
was such a life changing experience that I talked several of my
friends into getting the treatments and responded to numerous
requests via email from those looking for the same help. In the last
couple of years I received "tune ups" with PMMA, once again with no
difficulties.

In early November, I woke up on a Saturday morning with swelling in
the right side of my face at the site of one of the Bio-Alcamid
injections in the middle of my face. I was able to talk Dr. Luis
Casavantes the former medical director at CE and now in his own
practice about my options. Because this was on a weekend with
limited medical interventions available to me, Dr. Casavantes talked
my brother, a dentist with a great deal of experience, through basic
extraction procedures to remove some of the Bio-Alcamid.

Over two days and two hours of extraction each day, we managed to get
a large amount of the material out of the infected side of my face.
However, it is not an easy process normally and during a massive
infection particularly painful regardless of how much lidocaine one
uses. I started on oral antibiotics, but was at my doctor's office
on Monday morning with my eye almost shut.

My doctor decided to admit to the hospital, had a PICC line stuck in
my arm and began treatments with IV Tygacil, a broad spectrum
antibiotic. A head and neck surgeon consulted, but felt that at this
point all the extraction possible had been made until such time as
the infection had diminished. After two days in the hospital I was
allowed to continue the IV treatments at my home twice per day.
Fortunately, the swelling subsided four days after the initiation of
the IV therapy and I was allowed to discontinue the treatments the
day before Thanksgiving.

I was given an Rx for oral Clindamycin should the infection return on
short notice. Nine days later I was forced to initiate this therapy
while shaving on a Friday afternoon and notice a lump on the lower
section of my jaw line. While not as severe as previously
experienced, it once again began swelling the lower part of my face.
On Sunday afternoon I started vomiting the high dose Clindamycin and
was forced to reduce the dosage.

By Monday morning I was prepared to go back into the hospital and
figured I was looking at more IV antibiotics. My doctor instead
opted for a high end oral antibiotic called Zyvox and a quick
referral to the head and neck surgeon. Yesterday morning I had day
surgery to remove the Bio-Alcamid from both sides of my face. As is
common in these types of procedures they take it out from the inside
of your mouth.

I am now recovering from the procedure and continuing to take the
Zyvox. They sent a sample of the extracted material for a gram stain
culture and hopefully we will soon know the best subsequent
antibiotic to utilize to make sure the infection stays away.

For those of you still considering options regarding lipoatrophy, my
vote is to mark Bio-Alcamid off your list. I don't care if they gave
me the stuff for free, I would not even consider it again. Too many
people are now having this type of issue to continue using this in
HIV infected individuals. My discussion with Dr. C. and others is
the long term problems associated with this product are FAR higher
than the 7% quoted.

Knowing what I know now on the science of the product, I do not want
ANYTHING in my face that does not have adequate blood flow through
it. It simply is too difficult once the encapsulation gets infected
to put out the "fire" and make sure it does not return. I will keep
you posted on my progress.

Just my two cents. At least make an informed decision and keep this
in mind before putting this product in your face.

--JJ

Omg, please help, i`m 4 days in and the swelling is worse  from the dr trying to drain it,he cultured it but from drainig and pushing hard on my face , my face is huge and heavy on my rt side.Iam on keflex 500 gr.After u had drainage  did ur face go down?

Offline Etay1207

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #34 on: March 06, 2010, 11:31:15 pm »
jjmcm: I just went to pozhealth.org and it looks like a denialist website.  Is that the site you posted ur question? I wonder why no one else caught that.
POZ since 1999
1/07 tcells: 530 vl: 72,922 7/07 tcells: 542 vl: 26,577
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 no meds and feeling great!

Offline Assurbanipal

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #35 on: March 07, 2010, 11:12:58 am »
jjmcm: I just went to pozhealth.org and it looks like a denialist website.  Is that the site you posted ur question? I wonder why no one else caught that.

This is a 2 year old post.  It does look like the denialists have registered that name .org as a site for spreading misinformation. 

However, I think the poster was referring to the longstanding POZhealth yahoo groups forum.  http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/PozHealth/  which is NOT a denialist site.  Its terms of use include
"7- You believe HIV is the cause of AIDS"

5/06 VL 1M+, CD4 22, 5% , pneumonia, thrush -- O2 support 2 months, 6/06 +Kaletra/Truvada
9/06 VL 3959 CD4 297 13.5% 12/06 VL <400 CD4 350 15.2% +Pravachol
2007 VL<400, 70, 50 CD4 408-729 16.0% -19.7%
2008 VL UD CD4 468 - 538 16.7% - 24.6% Osteoporosis 11/08 doubled Pravachol, +Calcium/D
02/09 VL 100 CD4 616 23.7% 03/09 VL 130 5/09 VL 100 CD4 540 28.4% +Actonel (osteoporosis) 7/09 VL 130
8/09  new regimen Isentress/Epzicom 9/09 VL UD CD4 621 32.7% 11/09 VL UD CD4 607 26.4% swap Isentress for Prezista/Norvir 12/09 (liver and muscle issues) VL 50
2010 VL UD CD4 573-680 26.1% - 30.9% 12/10 VL 20
2011 VL UD-20 CD4 568-673 24.7%-30.6%
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Offline Ann

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #36 on: March 07, 2010, 12:47:51 pm »
This is a 2 year old post.  It does look like the denialists have registered that name .org as a site for spreading misinformation. 

However, I think the poster was referring to the longstanding POZhealth yahoo groups forum.  http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/PozHealth/  which is NOT a denialist site.  Its terms of use include
"7- You believe HIV is the cause of AIDS"



Assurbanipal is absolutely correct. The website referred to here was a Yahoo group, not the dot-org group.

Ann
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Offline patientx1

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #37 on: December 10, 2010, 04:30:17 am »
Hi JJ, and all

I have bio - alcamid injected into my chest after an earlier routine operation fro something else went wrong and I had to have defects covered up.

There are still defects there and I need more filler, but I have decided almost fully to have fat filler/ grafts, given the recent non-perfect press and opinions of local surgeons about BA's 'dangers'.

Can I ask:

1) How long after your last PMMA injection did you start to get the infections?

2) Do you think the introduction of the other fillers around your BA site may have caused the infections?

I am worried that if I opt to remove my BA (preffered) I will have to ensure that 100% of it is gone not most of it, as some surgeons have suggested... :-[

Regards

Offline sorryass

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #38 on: January 24, 2011, 01:03:32 am »
The very name should have been a warning, I mean come on, bio-Alcamid!?!  Dosen't the very name conjure up a witch stirring a couldren of frog eyes, and venom?  My nightmare started in July/09.  Touch up in August,09, and a final application in September of 09.

Since the injections, I have found "lumps" in various areas of my body.  These lumps are transitory, seeming to stay in one place for no more than 4 months.  I have found them behind my ears, on my chest, on my arm, and the product moves nightly, depending on how I sleep the previous night.

This is just the start of my journey.  Last week I found an abcess on the roof of my mouth.  I then noticed the right side of my face was slightly tender.  I went to see my doctor, he prescribed antibiotics.  That was 4 days ago.  My face is now much more tender, and the abcess is still there.

I have been told all of this product will have to be removed from my face.  Very painfull.  This is expected to take up to 6 weeks, as my face will have to be flushed throughly to make sure ALL of this witch's brew is out of my system.  I say run, don't walk, run, away from this product.
Bertram




Once a gardener,...............er!

*Ritonavir 100mg 2-Day
*Etravirine 100mg 2-Day
*Raltegravir 400mg 2-Day
*Prezista 600mg 2-Day

Offline MarcoPoz

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #39 on: February 01, 2011, 12:24:58 pm »


Nobody HAS to have treatment.  No treatment is perfect and completely risk free.  Any decision for any treatment or injection requires a frank discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives which is the basis of an informed consent."



Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984

AWESOME statement!

Offline newt

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #40 on: February 03, 2011, 05:33:26 pm »
People considering Bio-Alcamid might like to read this conference report

Bio-Alcamid associated with unacceptable complication risk: no longer recommended as a treatment for facial lipoatrophy [in the UK]
http://i-base.info/htb/14135

Report from UK HIV treatment organisation HIV i-Base.

- matt
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline sorryass

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #41 on: February 15, 2011, 03:40:19 pm »
I would like to address Mr. Bradford McIntyre.

When I awoke this morning, 3 seconds later, a wave of fear went through my body.  I have been totaly out of sorts since 8am.  Every morning has been the same for the past month. I found the first large lump of this product, on my right cheek.   Until this product you are pandering, is removed, the infections it is causing are being treated with antibiotics.  I am expected to be layed up for a minimum of 6 weeks, once the removal process is started, on the 25th of February/11. 

       I wish there were some way to make you feel my apprehension.  Not just that, Mr. McIntyre. but also the physical & emotional pain that comes along with it. Lets not forget my disfigured face for the past 2 months or so.  How can you possibly still stand behind this product, even thou no reputable Dr. in Canada will any longer advocate it's use, it's deplorable.    I urge you to stop putting others in harms way.  Pack up your bio-alcamid and file it under T, for TOXIC!

SORRYASS.
Once a gardener,...............er!

*Ritonavir 100mg 2-Day
*Etravirine 100mg 2-Day
*Raltegravir 400mg 2-Day
*Prezista 600mg 2-Day

Offline sorryass

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #42 on: February 25, 2011, 08:53:51 pm »
Saw the surgeon today.
 She feels that because of the absess's that have occured on the roof of my mouth, that the bio alclamid has moved underneath my cheeck bones, therfore, she expects to have to operate from WITHIN my mouth, as well as outside, to remove as much of this toxic garbage as possible.  CAN YOU IMAGINE !!! WONDERFULL, JUST FREAK'N WONDERFULL.
I could just freak'n kick someone's butt, or cry.  I'll proablly cry.
The ultra sound will tell the tale on March 11.

Bertram
« Last Edit: February 25, 2011, 08:56:43 pm by sorryass »
Once a gardener,...............er!

*Ritonavir 100mg 2-Day
*Etravirine 100mg 2-Day
*Raltegravir 400mg 2-Day
*Prezista 600mg 2-Day

Offline sorryass

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #43 on: March 23, 2011, 06:41:44 pm »
March 23/11 I have had the ultra sound done.  Now I have an appointment with the surgeon to decide the best option for me.  My right cheek has a pronounced  "rise". The right side is tender, I can constantly feel it.  The left side there is also a "rise", not as large, it has not become infected, yet. After consultation with my surgeon I will update this thread.
Bertram.
« Last Edit: March 23, 2011, 06:45:22 pm by sorryass »
Once a gardener,...............er!

*Ritonavir 100mg 2-Day
*Etravirine 100mg 2-Day
*Raltegravir 400mg 2-Day
*Prezista 600mg 2-Day

Offline sorryass

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Re: My Bio-Alcamid Nightmare...
« Reply #44 on: April 06, 2011, 02:43:12 am »
Bertram here.

I have sought legal advice on my situation.  Unfortunatly, I am advised not to comment further on my status.  What I have said stands.  Please use caution when chooseing your physican, filler. Bio-Alcamid is no longer available from Canadian physicans.

Take the time to research whatever product your doctor recommends.

Bertram


 
Once a gardener,...............er!

*Ritonavir 100mg 2-Day
*Etravirine 100mg 2-Day
*Raltegravir 400mg 2-Day
*Prezista 600mg 2-Day

 


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