4k-5k_tokens/Govdocs1_xml/020366.xml

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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">To Whom It may Concern,</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">This is in regards to my ability to choose bio-identical hormones.  I am in my early forties, and began having pre-menopausal symptoms as early as my early thirties.  For many years I did not understand why I was so tired, why my menstrual periods were not regular anymore and the breast tenderness was beginning to occur 3 weeks out of the month instead of the normal few days before my period, but I suffered through because I was too young to be having these symptoms.</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">At age 37, things really began to spiral out of control.  I gained 17 pounds in one year.  I was becoming nervous for no reason and my emotions were out of control. I could be crying for no reason, or become so angry that I would be confrontational no matter who it was-even strangers. (I am normally a quiet person who usually shies from confrontation).  This could happen with no provocation and change back and forth within seconds.</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">It was beginning to affect my marriage and my children.  Everyone would walk on eggshells when they were around me.  I was again told that my hormone levels were in the normal range.  I seriously thought that I was losing my mind.</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">Three years ago, I found a doctor that listened to me and treated my symptoms with bio-identical hormones.  My life was changed.  My symptoms diminished or completely went away.  I felt like a normal person again, not the ugly tyrant that had taken over my life.</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">These medications are not covered under my insurance; and even though they can be expensive, I will continue to purchase them.  They may not be for a life-threatening situation, but to me it is.  I could not bear to go back to the person I was.</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">You may say that I could take the prescription pills that are made by the drug company Wyeth, </w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">but that will never happen</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">.  I will never purchase something that is synthesized when there is a more natural or bio-identical solution.</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">Why is it that my right to choose is under fire?  The big drug company that wants to take this privilege away is doing so because it is not making the money it wants to make on its product.  I say, if your product is not profitable then find a better alternative.  Do not interfere with my rights and my choices.</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">Have there been any findings that the bio-identical hormones are bad for me?  No.  There is no reason to take them off the market except for greed.   Have there been findings that Premarin and Prempro are dangerous to my health?  Yes.  So why would I want to put something in my body that can cause me harm?</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">It is because of this greed, that I will never purchase medications Wyeth medications again.  If I need a medication that is made by Wyeth, I will ask for an alternative by a different drug company.</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">I am not asking Wyeth to stop making their hormone medication; I am asking to not take away my right as a consumer to take the medication that </w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">I choose</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">.</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">So please, do not take the bio-identical hormones off the market.  Let me have the right to choose if I want to take them.</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">Sincerely,</w:t>
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        <w:t xml:space="preserve">Dawne Baumann</w:t>
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