Homsey, Cooper, Hill & Carson are proud sponsors of the Go Red for Women Educational Event & Luncheon at the Cox Convention Center on May 18, 2012.

In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an “older man’s disease.” To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women – a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health.

To learn more about the risks and signs of heart disease in women click here. 

What is vaginal mesh?

Vaginal mesh or transvaginal mesh is a surgically implanted device that stretches across the vaginal wall to add extra support for women with pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and ligaments supporting a woman's pelvic organs weaken or become damaged during an injury, childbirth or surgery. Surgical mesh treatments were developed over the past decade to avoid having to perform a hysterectomy on women with pelvic organ prolapse. According to the FDA, about 75,000 patients were treated for pelvic organ prolapse using transvaginal surgical mesh last year.

Why the recall? 

The most common problem with the mesh is that it can begin to erode within months of being implanted and pieces of the mesh may dip down into the vaginal canal. From 2008 to 2010 the FDA received over 2,000 reports of adverse complications linked to the surgical mesh repair of pelvic organ prolapse. In a review issued by the FDA, staffers found that erosion occurred in 35 percent of all adverse events associated with mesh used in treating pelvic organ prolapse. Pain was reported 31 percent of the time; infection, 16 percent; and bleeding, 8 percent. Other women have experienced urinary problems, injury to nearby organs and difficulty or pain during sexual intercourse.

Know your rights.

American law states that manufacturers, distributors, retailers and all others who make products available for public uses are responsible for the safety of those products. If a product is found to be dangerous, it is the responsibility of the business to take action to protect the consumers. Sometimes defective products are recalled before any harm can be done. However, all too often this is not the case. If you or someone you know are experiencing side effects after being treated for pelvic organ prolapse with a transvaginal surgical mesh, Homsey, Cooper, Hill and Carson can help. For a free confidential consultation, submit your information online, or call for an appointment.

    On July 8, 2011, Halliburton representatives announced that tests had shown perchlorate had been detected in water wells on the north side of Duncan.  Perchlorate is a colorless salt that could cause adverse health effects, particularly in the thyroid gland.  It has been 20 years since Halliburton has performed the government contracted work of removing and burning spent missile fuel contained in missile casings.  It is believed that the perchlorate leaked into the ground water as a result of these actions.
    This incident has brought national attention to Duncan, Oklahoma.  Erin Brochovich, with Weitz and Luxenburg Law Firm, who is known for her advocacy on environmental issues, was in Duncan on July 26, 2011, for a town meeting.  Attorney Joe S. Carson with Homsey, Cooper, Hill & Carson will be assisting Ms. Brochovich and the New York firm as they investigate the damage that has been caused by this contamination.  Mr. Carson has been holding meetings at the Hampton Inn off Highway 81 in Duncan, answering questions, and providing legal representation upon request.  For more information on your rights or to schedule an appointment, contact Joe Carson or his legal assistant, Laura Steele, at (800) 845-9923.