To the All Party Group of M.P.'s – re: Myodil

It is with great regret that I have to resign as secretary of the MAG. This is directly as a result of Myodil induced Adhesive Arachnoiditis.

My case history has been documented by Dr Burton on his website as a prime example of A.A. As a result of the increasing trauma in my spine I have developed a neuropathic bladder. This has meant many painful and degrading tests until the insertion of a supra-pubic catheter. That should have relieved my symptoms despite the inconvenience of wearing a bag for life. Instead I developed MRSA and my wound took 6 months to heal. I have also contracted an E coil – resistant infection. I am in pain 24/7. My body immune system could not cope – I developed bronchitis and then an allergy to the anti-spasm pills. I couldn’t swallow and have been unable to eat for a month.

My daughters have been as supportive as they can but they have married and moved away. I am trying to care for my 88yr old parents who are very frail and suffer from memory loss. By their G.P.’s request I have to attend their medical appointments, often 2 or 3 times a week.

The last thing I needed in my chronic condition age 56yrs was a letter from Incapacity Benefit asking what makes me unfit for work. I already receive to up income support, higher rate of disability living allowance and severe disablement allowance. I need a wheelchair indoors and out and can no longer do my own housework or gardening.

Please can we have some "joined up thinking" between the various agencies so that we are not put through filling lengthy intrusive forms unnecessarily. Adhesive Arachnoiditis is a chronic debilitating illness and once the debilitating symptoms have developed there is no miracle cure. The Benefits Agency could save a lot of time and money by not badgering sufferers who are deteriorating.

Also with reference to drug toxicology, Glaxo is again in trouble this year over it’s poor and flawed research on Seroxat. (An anti-depressant) Drs are being advised to take their patients off this drug. I was also put on Seroxat to help "lift my mood" because I cannot tolerate Morphine or Morphine derivatives. My G.P. does not know which way to turn to make my life more bearable. Please legislate on drug companies – that testing is inspected independently.

Yours sincerely

Christine Searle.