Mesothelioma (a.k.a asbestos cancer) is a highly aggressive and rare form of cancer. Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lining of the lung (pleural), however it can also occur in the lining of the heart (pericardial) and abdominal cavity (peritoneal).

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.

The purpose of this site is to share information about Mesothelioma and/or asbestos-related cancer in a personal way. We are really interested in talking to people who have Meso, or their family members, to share their stories. Help raise mesothelioma awareness and support this website.

Over a million people in the United States wake up every day in nursing homes. Many of these individuals are helpless, vulnerable and completely dependent upon nursing home staff to meet most or all of their needs. After all, nursing homes are supposed to be in the business of providing skilled nursing care to elderly and disabled residents.

Avandia, sold by GlaxoSmithKline, is a blockbuster medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease. More than 6 million people worldwide have taken the drug, whose U.S. sales topped $2.2 billion last year.

Analysis led by the Cleveland Clinic of 42 separate studies on Avandia concluded that it raised the risk of heart attacks by 43 percent. As many as 100,000 heart attacks may be linked to Avandia, according to Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) in a floor statement placed in the Senate record on May 24, 2007.

Recent studies demonstrate a clear link between osteonecrosis and Fosamax. The irony is that these drugs, such as Fosamax, that are prescribed to prevent bone decay may actually be causing bone decay - such as osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) was first described in the medical literature in 2000, with the first case of NSF bering identified identified in 1997.

The cause of NSF is unknown but it has been reported only in patients who have severe kidney disease.  NSF causes fibrosis of the skin and connective tissues throughout the body which results in skin thickening that may prevent bending and extending joints, resulting in decreased mobility of joints.

On December 22, 2005, the FDA and Davol/Bard notified healthcare professionals of a class 1 recall of the Bard Composix Kugel Mesh hernia patch (X-Large Patch Oval with ePTFE).

Since this time, the hernia patch recall has twice been expanded by the FDA and Davol.

Patients who have who have been implanted with one of the recalled hernia patches should seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms that could be associated with hernia patch failure such as:

• fever
• unexplained or persistent abdominal pain
• tenderness at the implant site
• other unusual symptoms

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is medication containing one or more female hormones, commonly estrogen plus progestin. HRT is often prescribed to treat symptoms of menopause such as “hot flashes,” vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep disorders, and decreased sexual desire. This medication may be taken in the form of a pill, a patch, or vaginal cream.

Recent studies now show that hormone replacement therapy places women at a higher risk for:

• breast cancer
• ovarian cancer
• non-hodgkins lymphoma
• heart attack
• stroke
• blood clots

On October 15, 2007, Medtronic suspended sale of their Sprint Fidelis Defibrillator leads (Models 6930, 6931, 6948, 6949) after receiving reports of 5 fatalities.

According to Medtronic, since 2004 over 268,000 patients in the United States have been implanted with the defective lead as part of the defibrillator.

Johnson & Johnson already settled several of the lawsuits charging that its Ortho Evra contraceptive patch causes blood clots and other serious side effects due to heightened estrogen levels. Several lawsuits have already ended with confidential settlements, and the company has told plaintiffs lawyers it is ready to cut deals in remaining ones.

Learn more about Ortho Evra side effects.

A recent study published by The American Journal of Sports Medicine identified intra-articular pain pumps (aka post-operative pain pumps) as the likely cause of a condition known as chondrolysis.

Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis is a specific type of chondrolysis that is associated with pain pumps and shoulder surgery.

Anyone who has used a pain pump to regulate pain following shoulder, knee, hip, ankle or back surgery should consult their doctor if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• continued pain
• weakness in the shoulder
• clicking, popping or grinding in the shoulder
• decreased range of motion in the shoulder

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening condition. SJS is defined as a hypersensitivity disorder affecting the skin and mucous membranes. There is a reported incidence of around one case per million people per year.

Unum Provident is the largest disability insurance company, providing disability insurance for more than 17 million Americans. Unfortunately, for their policyholders, Unum has denied legitimate disability claims from seriously ill customers. This is a corporate strategy designed for one purpose - to boost profits.