Hi Poetist,

I can't answer all of these questions. I might be able to answer some.

I have participated in clinical trials and research studies. Sometimes they are paid. Sometimes they are not. Most of the studies I participated in were not paid. I was happy to participate, knowing that I might help medical science. Since the studies were related to health issues I had, I hoped I might help towards better treatments for people suffering from those same health issues. Sometimes I learned things that also were helpful to me during the studies, and I received additional medical care in the process most of the time.

Maybe it is possible that the product you received was the contrast used in the procedure, although it seems like they would have told you first if they were trying a different product than usual. Usually they use contrast containing iodine, which shows up on imaging but is nontoxic. I think they would have to get your approval before the procedure if they were going to administer a different form of contrast. I suppose you would need to contact the hospital if you have additional questions. I'm sorry about the potential loss of medical information, too. That sort of thing is worrisome. I hope it is just misplaced, and will turn up soon.

Take care,
Erin

Okay, I found more of the letters, and the letters seem to be two different studies.

One says that I had an interest in the Research Program on Genes, Environment, and Health. I never entered my name in a such a study.

Then, there is a packet to move forward with the study.

The other paper says that "the flash drive . . . included the name of the nuclear medicine study in which you participated, and information about the isotope product administered to you."

In some ways the last one sounds like it was a CTscan or MRI because it says the "flash drive did not include the results of your test... diagnosis, prognosis, or other clinical information."

The words: clinical information, study, participated, and "information about the isotope product administered to you -- makes it seem as if I was in some study that used some type of experimental product.

If they had used the words administered, received, I would think I was given a dye to do a test.

Poetist, does the letter give you contact information? If so, you could call or write them if you have further questions. That might be a good idea.

Take care,
Erin

Yeah, I'll see the doctor twice next week, so I'll ask then.

You have the right to know what exactly they did to you, and if it was with your permission or not. Also, they may be doing this extensive "study" in an attempt to cover themselves legally.

If this is an elaborate scam, someone went to a lot of trouble to create it!

There should be a phone number on the paperwork you received. Call that number. Your doctor may not know a thing about it.

Whatever is going on, you deserve to know what they are talking about. When was the isotope in question administered? How much? Only once? There are a lot of questions you should ask them.

I hope you can get to the bottom of all of this!

Annie

Sorry to come back so late with an update, but I talked to the only doctor that I trust, my primary physician.

She said the Isotopes (product) were the dyes used in the MRIs and numerous nuclear tests that I have taken. They include the MRI, CAT, and a few others.

When it came down to the medical study, my doctor said not to trust it. It's been three years, and they've stopped trying to illicit my participation. My doctor thinks that one is a scam, even though it was a very elaborate one. I'm talking about w/very expensive packaging, thick booklets, and glossy postcards with the HMO's logo.

She said the flash drive theft was true, but since my credit is good, I'm good.

Thanks all for your input in the matter.