THIS page contains information I received from Richard Shuster, a parent of GW era vets and a viet vet himself, who is active with GWI issues. It has offered some answers about GWS and also some solutions. I urge all GWS sufferers to print these pages out and go get there blood drawn to send to Pam Asa to test for the adjuvant. This is the first step to determine whether you were infected with an experimental vaccine and whether it is the cause of you or your families illness. To find out how read below.

Subject: gulf-chat GWS, In perspective- Frequent symptoms!
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 1997 20:11:06 -0700

ALL GWS VETS AND THEIR FAMILIES,

WHAT'S YOUR PART IN ALL THIS:
The topic, Gulf War Syndrome, certainly is a controversial one, but very real none the less. One of my sons, his wife and their two young children all have GWS illnesses. It is because of their plight that I became involved in searching for the answers of how to diagnose, how to treat and how to find out the cause of GWS.

HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS:
In my quest, I was introduced to a group of researchers who have been quietly doing solid scientific research for the GWS Illnesses. After 3+ years, they now know how to diagnose, how to treat and also know the source.

WHAT IT ISN'T:
There are intentional detractors and also very many well meaning people out there who would have us to believe Saddam and his scuds, biological bombs, chemicals, insecticides, DU, Strontium 90, mycoplasmas, and / or a bunch of other things combined or separately were the reason(s). The smoke screen of infighting between DOD and Veterans Affairs, recent CIA admissions of chemicals in dumps bombed and other such things have taken center stage for some time. But not one of those issues has ever come up with a proven cause or a proven pathology for GWS. God and all the rest of us knows none of that stuff is good for anybody, but they are not the reasons for GWS.

HOW LONG, BY WHOM:
About 2+ years ago, the researchers previously mentioned went to Washington, D.C. to present their preliminary findings. They communicated with every influential committee including, congressional and Veteran's Affairs, and even to a well known address on Pennsylvania Avenue. They got stonewalled, at each turn in the crooked path inside the Maryland Beltway. They decided to go back to their labs and clinical settings and complete their research. That research is now completed and is conclusive as to diagnosing, treating and origin of the GWS Illnesses.

GWS IS:
Autoimmune-Neurological Disease with Connective Tissue Disorders. Many are suffering Lupus-like and Thyroid autoimmune diseases. Not all develop the disease processes or symptoms the same way or at the same rate. GWS, being autoimmune has an ebb and flow action, with some days being really bad and other days not quite so bad, in symptom severity.

GWS SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
(These can have different degrees of severity within a constellation)-Joint pain, muscle pain, rashes, photosensitive rashes, mouth sores, hair loss anywhere on the body, lymphadenopathy, increased allergic reactions, gastrointestinal problems, Raynaud's phenomenon, autoimmune thyroid disease, Reiter's syndrome, uvetis, autonomic nervous system neuropathies, autoimmune hepatitis, Sjogren's syndrome, intermittent low grade fevers, headaches, cerebella atrophy, cerebral atrophy, memory loss, seizures, mood swings, autoimmune cardiomyopathy, peripheral neuropathies, reactive asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, polymyositis, MS, ALS and Lupus-like syndromes.

WHO'S GOT GWS:
The afflicted have the ability to pass GWS to spouses and to their children. Birth defects are common. Concern exists regarding blood donations from the ones afflicted. There are many people around the Earth now suffering GWS; most of our Allies in the GW, civilian contractors and literally tens of thousands of GW Era Vets, spouses and children. So how did they get this stuff? The research conclusively proves (100% in all tested) the source. Many or most of those deployed and those not deployed to the Gulf have GWS. That's right, even many of those who never went near the Gulf War have GWS.

(IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THE RESEARCHERS WILL MAKE PUBLIC, THEIR STUDY AND IDENTIFY THE UNDENIABLE CAUSE OF GWS.)

WHY DON'T THEY JUST COME OUT AND ANNOUNCE IT:
The researchers, who have been working in collaboration (without grants or funding or any personal financial motives), from several well recognized academic, governmental and private research facilities finally decided it was time to take this information to the proper officials again and to the public. There were several from the group who were in D.C. again recently. The people they approached 2+ years ago shunned them, a major TV network who had arranged an exclusive interview, changed their minds, unless the researchers wished to present in some type of panel discussion, along with the detractors mentioned earlier. These researchers are scientists, not TV personalities or politicians. They want no part of the D.C. circus. They only want to release their findings and get GWS sufferers started on the recommended diagnostics and treatments.

DO YOU REALLY THINK IT TO BE CREDIBLE:
I have not seen the final report yet myself, but I'm sure it is thorough. I work in the biomedical research industry, in the capacity of quality assurance. My job is to audit critical phases of various pharmaceutical & bio-tech studies. In the months I've been communicating with the GWS researchers, I've never been given any questionable scientific data or any conclusions that did not appear to be scientifically sound. (Of important note: I do not do work with any of the people involved in the GWS research).

WHAT'S BEING DONE ABOUT IT:
I got into this from a totally selfish motive, that being my son, his wife and two of my grandchildren. In the course of events, via Internet & Email, I have met hundreds of GWS Vets and family members with GWS and scores more friends of their's attempting to help. I communicate regularly with folks in the U.S., England, Wales, Denmark, Canada, Czechoslovakia and even the Gulf. The story is the same, it's not a pretty story and our government, who knows the truth, is not doing anything about it. But because of some very dedicated and selfless researchers, there is HOPE. As soon as I get the go ahead, I will be posting the recommended Diagnostics and Treatments for GWS sufferers,

Sincerely,

Richard G. Shuster
rgs-jes-shuster@juno.com

Hope springs eternal, scoundrels come and go...rgs
PLEASE PASS THIS ANNOUNCEMENT ALONG TO ANY EMAIL LIST, INTERNET WEBPAGE OR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN OUR VET'S WELL BEING.

Forward #2
Subject: gulf-chat GWS DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENTS AVAILABLE!
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 1997 17:12:12 -0700

To All GWS Sufferers And Their Families,

There are diagnostic testing procedures and appropriate treatments available. As promised, they are presented here below.

Recent research findings, details of which were provided during meetings in our nation's capitol last week, have confirmed both appropriate diagnostic procedures, for those GW Era Vets and others with GWS illnesses and recommended treatments, depending on the severity of the illnesses, for controlling and reducing the symptoms and associated suffering.

The research has also defined clearly that GWS illnesses are Autoimmune- Neurological Disease with Connective Tissue Disorders.

This information is being presented with permission of the research effort, to enable all who are GWS illnesses sufferers to proceed as soon as is possible to appropriate medical specialists, have the recommended diagnostic testing performed and begin appropriate treatment, also as soon as is possible.

WHERE TO GO:
It is hoped that the VA system, having this same information, will be responsive to these new findings and that they will begin proper diagnostics and treatments. If the VA is unresponsive, please pursue other options for care from the private sector. It is recommended that you be seen, diagnosed and treated by an immunologist or rheumatologist with extensive immunology training. If suffering from neurological problems, it is recommended you see a neurologist, also with extensive immunology training.

RECOMMENDED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING:
Of importance is that the following tests need be done at the same time, not in a 2 tiered approach. Some may be missed if part of the tests are performed at different times. Also, if inconclusive at the time of initial testing, it may be necessary to have the tests performed again.

THE TESTS:
FANA, ESR, CRP, CPK, Rheumatoid factor, C3, C4, anti-dsDNA, CBC(look for anemia, leukocytopenia, thrombocytopenia), SMA-20(look for abnormals), thyroid profiles, antithyroid microsomal antibodies, antiphospholipid antibodies, anti-MAG, anti-MBP, antineuronal antibodies, if having brain atrophy look for antiglutamate decarboxylase antibodies, for those with seizures, need exists for EEG's, MRI's, CT's.

RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS:
It is important to note that not all with GWS exhibit the same symptoms nor do all progress in their illnesses at the same rate. Since that is the case, not all treatments will be the same either. Treatments are individualized to associated patient risks. Some do not respond to various medications as do others. Treatments will also vary depending on severity. All treatments should be decided upon by your health care provider.

THE TREATMENTS:
Some of the recommended treatments are: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meds, steroid creams for rashes, cortisone, Plaquenil, Prednesone, Sulphasalazine, I.V. Cytoxan, I.V. Gamma Globlin & Medrol. Use of the individual treatments or in combinations will be physician determined based on the results of testing and which syndromes or symptoms you may have. For example, those with connective tissue difficulties, such as inflammation of muscles, reduced muscle mass and strength, Polymyositis & ALS-type symptoms, I.V. Gamma Globlin may be needed. For those with Lupus-like symptoms, Prednesone, Plaquenil, and/or I.V. Cytoxan may be required. If exhibiting Reiter's Syndrome, Sulphasalazine might be prescribed. For those with brain atrophy and / or damage, steroids may be useful.

ADVICE FROM A FRIEND:
My best advice on going to a private sector physician, is don't mention Gulf War. Just let them know of your symptoms (all of them). Say a friend suggested you go in for these tests, as your symptoms reminded him of Lupus, or Thyroid, or ALS or whatever syndromes or symptoms you may be exhibiting and this way the physician does not pre-judge you. All too many of us know that experience from the VA. Let the symptoms and test results stand on their own merits.

CAUSE FOR HOPE:
OK my fellow Vets and families, you now know all that I know regarding the frequent symptoms, recommended testing and treatments for GWS. There is cause for hope. GWS can be controlled and symptoms and suffering significantly reduced. Take this information and use it for your good health. I wish you and your families love, hope, health and happiness.

Sincerely,

Richard G. Shuster

Hope springs eternal, scoundrels come and go...rgs

Forward #3
Subject: gulf-chat Newest Project for GWS Vets-Blood Serum Samples
Date: Tue, 20 May 1997 23:46:05 -0700

Hello again GW Era Vets And Families,

Well I took a bunch of hits following my last posting, but I do not care much if it was of help to some of you. If only one got relief from the pain and suffering, that is reward enough for me.

The newest project I'm working on is to solicit blood serum samples from all the GW Era Vets I can contact. The researchers, of whom I mention, are testing against the now "known" agent of etiology for the GWS. I'm sure there will be skeptics of this announcement, as with the others, but it matters little in the scheme of things, when the health and lives of GW Era Vets, spouses and children are at stake. Following this GW Era Vet's sample solicitation will be another for spouses and children. I will let you know of the second project.

If anything can be hopeful and even exciting in all of this, it is the fact that now there is a test that can be performed in conjunction with a sample of your blood serum, that will be able to determine whether or not you were introduced to the agent of etiology of GWS. Of great importance is the fact that a test now exists that can tell who does and who does not have GWS. This test may be the "only" test available to determine the GWS, in Vets and their families.

So, if you are interested, as a GW Era Vet, in having your blood tested against the now "known" agent of etiology, please respond and instructions of what, how, where and to whom to you should send blood serum samples will be forwarded to you. The next go around will be for spouses and children.

Putzers and other deliberate detractors, please do not apply. This is much to important, to have you stand in the way of suffering Vets and families and if you do, I will personally make it known to the others who can and will respond to you. Please let me know if you are a GW Era Vet and would like to submit a blood serum sample and you will receive the sample sending information. Wishing you and your's the best.

Sincerely,

Richard G. Shuster

Forward #4
Subject: Blood Serum Testing, As Promised!
Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 01:20:23 -0700

Following is a Study Protocol that tells you what has happened to this date, in the research mentioned multiple times in the past. Clear and specific directions are contained within the following. Please read it carefully, following instructions to assure your Blood Serum arrives for testing in good condition. Please complete the questionnaire and have your physician(s) complete the other and include with the Serum to the designated shipping address. To be safe, be sure to use (aprx. 1/2 pound) dry ice, best not to ship on a Thursday or Friday, in case of Overnight Delivery delay. Best to ship Monday through Wednesday. For samples from overseas, estimate 1/2 pound of dry ice per day if delayed, up to 2 pounds maximum.

I will be traveling for the next couple of weeks, so will not able to get my Email after Friday May 23rd. If any urgent questions, please respond immediately. Otherwise I wish you best wishes and thank you for participating in this Study being conducted for you!

Rick

Hope...........rgs

The study of the disease described as the Gulf War Illness is a complex problem characterized by a multisystemic disease process in military personnel of the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries making up a multi-national force combating the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990. While in the Gulf and upon arriving back in the U.S., some members of the military forces became ill complaining of chronic fatigue, lymphadenopathy, dizziness, chills alternating with sweating, weakness, chronic headaches, joint and muscle pains, rashes, increased allergic reactions, problems with memory loss, and mood swings. This constellation of symptoms is typical of autoimmune disease. It can and has been initiated by adjuvants in both human and animal models.

Our first task was to characterize the disease from a pathological perspective. We found that many of our patients met criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus, undifferentiated connective tissue disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Reiter’s syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune thyroid disease, multiple sclerosis, polmyositis, polyneuropathies, brain atrophy, complex partial seizures known to be associated with lupus. These conditions are documented by laboratory testing, physical examination and by response to treatment. Uniformly, all of our patients have had positive laboratory testing and physical findings for autoimmune disease. They have also responded to appropriate treatment.

Our next goal was to identify a possible etiology. We tested patients for immune reactions to silicone, both cell-mediated and humoral. There was no reactivity in any patient. We then traced an adjuvant known to cause a similar syndrome in vaccine trials from the NIH which we know was also used by the Department of Defense in their experimental vaccines. My patients and the NIH patient showed antibody reactions. The Tulane GWS patients were then tested and all had antibodies to it as well. Then a group of GWS patients from Johns-Hopkins Medical Center were tested. They too had antibodies to it. We tested these GWS patients for reactivity to similar compounds actually marketed under the same name but having a different molecular structure. They did not react.

We tested idiopathic autoimmune patients against the adjuvant, none of them reacted. We tested some GWS patients who never deployed. They were vaccinated and they did react to this adjuvant. We tested normal, healthy controls and there was no reactivity to any adjuvant. This was a very specific reaction of veterans with documented autoimmune disease to one specific adjuvant. We had the opportunity to test one GW veteran who had no symptoms of GWS and all of his labs for autoimmune disease was negative. His reactions to this adjuvant and other adjuvants were negative.

We are expanding the study of the disease process and the reactivity to the adjuvant. We need one tube of blood (red top or SST) to be drawn from each patient. This blood should be spun down at 1000 rpm for 10 minutes. The serum should be drawn off by a sterile pipette and placed in a sturdy tube for freezing and transport Serum should be packed on dry ice or with an ice pack into a Styrofoam box and sent on overnight shipping (Federal Express-FedEX-preferable-Memphis is the hub)

To: Dr. Pam Asa
6553 Cottingham Place
Memphis, Tennessee, USA 38120

Your serum will be tested against various adjuvants known to be used by the U.S. Department of Defense, in an antibody assay system developed by Dr. Bob Garry, Tulane Medical School, New Orleans, LA, as published in the Lancet Journal 1997. Results will be correlated with results of an accompanying questionnaire for the patient and his / her physician. These will be tabulated and results are to be published in a peer review medical journal.

Name:
Address:

Phone:
E-Mail:
Date of birth:
When did you serve in the Persian Gulf?
Where did you serve in the Gulf?
Do you have any vaccination records? Please describe when and where you got the shots.

Please check any of the following that apply to you:
Joint pains________
Muscle Pains______
Chills____________
Low grade fever_____
Weakness__________
Thyroid problems__________Describe:
Memory problems_________Describe:
Chronic fatigue___________(Severe and lasting longer than 6 months)
Headaches, chronic and/or severe___________
Unexplained sweating________
Sleep disturbances___________ Sores in mouth______________Describe:
Swollen glands______________Where?
Weight loss from normal_________How much?_____________
Weight gain from normal_________How much?_____________
Mood changes_________________
Hair loss anywhere on body?______Where?__________________
Pigmentation changes in skin?_______Describe:
Rashes___________Describe where and when:
Dizziness______________
Clumsiness_______________Describe:
Change of feelings in hands__________feet____________
Joint swellings_____________Describe where/how often?
Any cancer?_______________Describe:
Stomach problems__________Describe:
Lung problems_____________Describe:
Intestinal problems__________Describe:
Heart problems_____________Describe:
Kidney problems___________ Describe:
Seizures__________________ Describe:
Pain in chest?
How does the sun make you feel?
How does the cold make you feel?
Do you fingers or toes change color when cold?_______Describe:
For women: Any new problems with your reproductive track since Gulf War?
Any family history of
lupus?___________arthritis?___________cancer?___________________

Dr:
Address:

Phone:
Patient’s name:
S.S.#
Address

Phone
Lab findings:
CBC
WBC__________
Plate___________
Lym___________
Mono__________
Neut___________
Eosin___________
Baso___________
ESR
CRP
CPK
C3
C4
FANA
Anti-dsDNA
Rheumatoid factor
HLA-B27
Anticardiolipin
Antineuronal
AntiMAG
AntiMBG
TSH
T3
T4
Antithyroid microsomal
Chem 20 Profile-if abnormal LFT’s screen for Hep A,B,C
Any X-rays: Hands, knees, SI(sacroiliitis), vertebrae, elbows, any others
MRI
CT
Any biopsies
EEG’s
EMG/NCV-peripheral neuropathies, carpal tunnel syndrome
DTR’s
Range of motion of joints
HEENT-mouth ulcers?
Chest-clear to A&P, rales, wheezing?
Skin-rashes or pigmentation changes, abnormal hair loss?

Forward #5
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 1997 11:40:04 -0700

To All Who Responded Re: The Blood Serum Testing & Other Inquiries,

Returned home after past 2 weeks traveling. Trying to respond to many individual messages, so please accept my apologies for this blanket response. Will address individual-specific inquiries as quickly as time allows.

Thanks to those who have responded so far re: the Blood Serum Testing. Results of those tested so far continue to show reactivity to the known agent of etiology. No difference in those deployed and not deployed. All who have been tested so far appear to have received the same exposure. The offer to test your blood serum remains open, if have not had the opportunity to send your sample yet. Completion of and inclusion of the questionnaires, with your samples is very important to the research, so please remember to complete and include same. The more GW Era Vets tested, the stronger the case for proper diagnostics and treatment of GW Era Vets and their family members. Thanks to all who have responded so far.

Of comment re: the Pentagon Report about Children of GW Era Vets. My opinion is that the study was greatly flawed, too narrow, lacked proper sampling of all possible involved, assumed only exposures in the Gulf and ignored the fact that many non-deployed Vets also are ill and have families afflicted with GWS Illnesses.

Most sincere hope for you and your families,
Richard G. Shuster

Hope springs eternal, scoundrels come and go.......rgs

FWD # 6

Thank you for your response.

The fact that both deployed and non-deployed GW Era Vets, spouses and children were suffering GWS Illnesses, was the point of greatest intrigue to me as well. If that was true, then so many of the other theories no longer held credence. It no longer was a question of Scuds, or ammo dumps, or bug sprays or even PB pills, because so many afflicted had no contact to any of those things directly or even indirectly. That is not to say that chemicals, or insecticides, or nerve gas or any of the rest of the potential environmental contaminants were harmless, some were exposed to one or more of them, but few were exposed to many of them, even fewer were likely to be exposed to all of them. And the always haunting question, what about those who were never exposed to any of them? What then was the etiology? What was the common denominator? What could afflict so many, not only US, but Allies too (except the French) and even civilian contractors. And why not the French? And what kind of thing was this that not only afflicted the Vets, but was showing up in their spouses and their little children?

These questions haunted me and as my son's illness advanced and his wife and children developed symptoms and syndromes, my desire to know became consuming. While searching and asking questions, much as you have been doing, I was referred to the researchers I speak of. It was then that the mystery, conflicting theories, the smoke-screens of Washington DC and the haunting started to dissipate.

Realization that the common denominator was an adjuvant from a vaccine and that the resulting afflictions were autoimmune-neurological disease processes and connective tissue disorders, placed everything into perspective. The fact that GWS patients could be diagnosed and treated to minimize the suffering and retard advancement of the afflictions, offered real hope.

So I have spent most of my spare time doing what I'm doing now, sharing this valuable message with someone who cares about others, sees the value of meaningful hope and is willing to invest time to bring about positive results.

I am anxious for this work to be published. I'd like to have it yesterday. I'm impatient for additional news from the researchers. I want to know how this all happened and who was responsible for this atrocity. But, all of that aside, the most important thing that I can do now, is to share the message, get GW ERA Vets to seek proper diagnostics and treatments, so that they may begin to feel better, to regain their hope and to have the strength and stamina to help their spouses and children to do the same.

Sincerely,
Richard G. Shuster

Hope springs eternal, scoundrels come and go.........rgs

To the Committee, Hon. Senators, et al,
Following is a series of communications re: extensive research performed relative to the Gulf War Syndrome Illnesses. I am a parent of one GW Era Vet, who along with his wife and children, now suffering the ravages of GWS.

As a parent of a GWS son, I have been traveling the Internet and email lists for months, asking questions, getting answers and sharing the information I have found with others, who like my son, like myself have need to know the truth and deserve to have Hope!

Please take the time to review the following and all information to be provided by this group of courageous research professionals who have been responsible for this significant breakthrough into the etiology, diagnoses and treatments, and verification of those afflicted with GWS Illnesses.

The essence of the research is GWS is solely caused by an adjuvant from one of the vaccines widely administered during that time. That is critical to fully understanding the problems of our GW Era Vets and families. The Hope, as a result of this research, is that they can be diagnosed and treated, to minimize the pain & suffering and help them to live reasonable and productive lives. So far, there is no cure for GWS, but the horrible suffering can be alleviated.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Richard G. Shuster
2793 Chavez Drive
Reno, NV 89502

Rick: Investigators from the Persian Gulf Investigative Unit Senate committee on Veterans Affairs have received your information and I have been told that they will reply directly to you. Thanks again, for bringing this information to our attention.