78 replies to this topic

[chimbakka]

[quote name='Henry G' date='Jan 30 2009, 12:28 AM' post='7966']
Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to you following the advice of Mr. X Y Z, Officer of HM Revenue & Customs, in response to the Notice of Seizure of Controlled Drugs letter received on 13/01/2009, of reference: 123456789.

I have a neurological disorder called Narcolepsy which affects the brains ability to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. This condition causes excessive daytime sleepiness as well as ____ which severely affects my mental and physical states while I am awake (or something along this line). I have been taking Ritalin and amphetamines for ___ years for my narcolepsy, and this treatment significantly reduces the adverse effects with which it is associated.

My current neruologist, Dr ___, in Sao Paulo Brazil has prescribed these medications for me. He is a specialist in sleep studies and narcolepsy with whom I meet about twice a year for assessment regarding my condition. Recently, a shipment of this medication from Brazil to myself was confiscated.

Normally, my mother collects the medicines on my behalf and sends them to me. She ensures all prescriptions and documents are contained inside the package. We were advised that this is the correct method to mail such packages; every shipment contains the address of the sender as well as letters from the doctor and copies of officially endorsed prescriptions. I have been receiving my medication (Ritalin and amphetamines) from Brazil via this method regularly, with no problems up until this point.

Upon learning of the confiscation of this last shipment, I phoned the HM Customs Helpline and spoke with someone regarding my problem. This call left me with the impression thatbecause the medications are for my personal use and all necessary documentation was included there should have been no problem with this delivery. Obviously I was mistaken, as this shipment has been seized, but by no means was I attempting to break the rules or bypass protocol: I simply did not realize we were not shipping the packages correctly.

I realize that these medications can be obtained here by prescription, and am currently awaiting an appointment with a specialist to do just that. My GP has refferred me to such a specialist, but without my medication I will be unable to function until then, and quite possibly will be physically unable to go to this appointment. If I do not maintain a strict routine to control the symptoms of my narcolepsy (which includes following a regimented medication schedule) I am unable to physically function at an even remotely "normal" level and am unable to do even simple tasks about my home, let alone leave it.

As you can see, this situation has placed me in quite a predicament. Without my medication it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for me physically to get to the I need to see to obtain a prescriptoin for these medications so that I no longer have to have them shipped. I am unclear, however, in what way I went wrong having them shipped and about what exactly I can do to rectify this, other than plead my case and hope that you can see I truly did not indend to do anything wrong. I can only assume that the procedures/requirements for shipping such medications from overseas has changed without my being aware, and I appologize for taking up your time and causing this problem. If I had known this would happen/what I should have done differently I sincerely would have done so.

I have recently spoken with the officer who confiscated my package, and was told that my doctor should write to him and this would be resolved. She has, but it has not yet been resolved. Should you need to contact her again, here is her contact information:

Dr A B C - GP
D F Z Surgery
London XY15 YPP
Tel: 020 1234 5678

She is also aware of my neurological condition and of the pressing need for this situation to be resolved so that I can resume my medication routine.

The officer I last spoke with, and to whom my doctor wrote, emailed me stating I have the right to appeal, and so am writing this letter.

I am attaching 3 copies of medical documents to support my case. Should you require a more recent letter, my current neurologist in Brazil would be happy to supply one. He can provide you with details regarding the problems associated with stopping these medications so abruptly, the serious side effects associated with doing so, and the negative effects it will have/has started to have on my condition.

If there is any more information or further action I need to take to reasolve this issue as quickly as possible, please let me know. I truly hope to get this resolved as quickly as possible with as little inconvenience to yourself, as well as other persons involved, as possible. I am just hoping to get my medication that I so desperately need in order to function to sufficiently cope with the symptoms of my disorder until I can see a specialist here in the UK.

Also, if you could please advise me of the correct procedure for shipping such medication from Brazil in the future I would greatly appreciate it; I will ensure this mistake does not happen again.

Thank you for your time, attention and consideration,

Yours sincerely,

Henry Gilbert

--------------------------------------------------------------------


Ok im sure it's not perfect but that's all i got.
hope it helps some

Lindsay

[Henry G]

'Lindsay' - that is a nice name. I thought 'chimbakka' would be a guy typing. Like a Star Wars charachater nickname.

Starting again:

Feeling a bit sick. Not alert but must prepare to get a final version, that all feel comfortable with .. before Monday.


I will summarize points then fill in when felling better.


* INTRO (Fixed)

I am writing to you following the advice of Mr. X Y Z, Officer of HM Revenue & Customs and the Notice of Seizure of Controlled Drugs letter received on 13/01/2009 and of Reference: 123456789.

* I suffer from a neurological condition known as Narcolepsy
* I discovered I had Narcolepsy first in Brazil
* I have been receiving medicines from Brazil
* It took longer for me to be confirmed Narcolepsy in England
* In the UK, I was finally diagnoses with the same condition again Narcolepsy.
* I was offered treatment here but didn't feel they were helping me
* So I've abandoned the UK treatment for Brazil
* I would visit Brazil twice a year to see my doctors there.
* In Brazil I would see two Neurologists and a Pyschotherapist specialized on Narcoleptic Patients
* About the medicines: we were once advised that were were following the correct producedures, I spoke with a Post Officer.
* And recently I phone a HM Customs number and mentioned about my seized package recently. Explaining that I thought I did follow the correct procedures. The person assurred me that he believed I had.
* It is only when I was pass through to the Post Seizure Unit that I was told I am not allowed to import those types of medicines as they are "Class B Drugs"
* I stress that I was under the impression I've been following the correct protocol. The medicines were prescribed by a registered doctor, neurologist and specialist in sleep disturbances, issued by a State Hospital and endorsed by the Goverment. Office Prescritions and often Doctor letter's would accompany the package. That I am a certified as a Narcoleptic both here in Brazil, the medicine are for my own consumption, they make part in my long-life treatment and should not be abruptly stopped.
* The Post Seizure Officer than asked me to seek an appointment with my GP and get her to write to send him an email.
* My GP aware of my situation and aware of Narcolepsy emailed the Officer in charge.
* After that, receiving the email - the officer asked me to email him back now.
* After I email, he send me back an official email detailing why the package would be now seized. But that I have the right to appeal.

* I have asked to be referred to a specialist doctor in London, but still need these medicines in the mean-time.
* THe medicine allows me to fend off strong waves of narcoleptic attacks.
* Without them life becomes very difficult. Any activity becomes hard or near impossible. I have already missed an important medical appointment because my medicines ran out, an appointment I've been loooking forward to for a very long time.
* Ritalins and Amphetamines are common medicine dispensed to those suffer from Narcolepsy
* But I need those medicines I need them urgently. So I can function. So I can honour appointments and commitments. So that my condition stops from deteriorating.


(Yes today I am not good sharp .. but anyway cannot give up on a final draft, thanks for helping or any ideas)

HG

[Henry G]

Sometimes breaking all into a micro skeleton is good
because it reinforces what are the most crucial points to put forward
then when that is done
you re-write but only normally, like a normal letter (guided by the skeleton or bullet points)

[chimbakka]

Sometimes breaking all into a micro skeleton is good
because it reinforces what are the most crucial points to put forward
then when that is done
you re-write but only normally, like a normal letter (guided by the skeleton or bullet points)

the only part that might be good to leave out is that you already saw someone in uk for treatment. maybe say you have already had dx confirmed there but are awaiting treatment... they might think "well you werer getting treatment here and refused blah blah blah" (not what i think, just don't think they need to know about that part)

[Marcianna]

I just want to put out there that I am so proud of all of you!

I just love the way we all band together to help each other out.
Sometimes the answers are easy, and sometimes, like now, they really are not.
This Problem that Henry is having is very serious.
Thank you all so much for coming forward to help.

It show a great amount of strength in our community, and not only will this help him out,
it will help us all in the long run.

Thank you!!!

[Henry G]

I am really not well.

This is my last version. Any advice please let me know. Otherwise I will print and send it anyway like this.

==========================

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing an appeal you following the advice of Mr. X Y Z, Officer of HM Revenue & Customs and the Notice of Seizure of Controlled Drugs letter received on 13/01/2009 and of Reference: 123456789.

The medicines within the package haven been issued by a leading Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil – whom I am registered with. My mother collects the medicine on my behalf and sends them to over me. She ensures all prescription and official documents are contained inside the package. The medication is prescribed by a neurologist and specialist in Sleep Studies and Narcolepsy - whom I consult twice a year.

I have been receiving these medicines from Brazil regularly. We were advised at the time that we have been following the correct procedure. Even until recently I was informed by an operator at the HM Revenue & Customs helpine we were following the correct protocols.

I have been clinically diagnosed as suffering from a condition known as Narcolepsy both in England and in Brazil.

These medicines I have been taking responsibly for over 6 years.

These are common medication prescribed to those suffering from Narcolepsy. Without them, I am not able to function properly and complete common tasks. I have already missed an important medical appointment directly as a result.

The abrupt halt to my treatment has began exarcebating my condition - it is affecting my nervous system.

My GP was made aware of the situation as the officer in charge recommended she should contact him via email. But despite her plea, the officer decided I had no rights to the imported medication. He did advised me however, I could appeal to his decision.

My GP has reffered me to a specialist in London who will assess my condition and current medical treatment. But I still need my confiscated package to ensure I am able to honour all commitments.

Please advice me of the correct procedures for shipping medication from Brazil in future.

Thank you for your kind attention and consideration,

[chimbakka]

I am really not well.

This is my last version. Any advice please let me know. Otherwise I will print and send it anyway like this.

==========================

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing an appeal you following the advice of Mr. X Y Z, Officer of HM Revenue & Customs and the Notice of Seizure of Controlled Drugs letter received on 13/01/2009 and of Reference: 123456789.

The medicines within the package haven been issued by a leading Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil – whom I am registered with. My mother collects the medicine on my behalf and sends them to over me. She ensures all prescription and official documents are contained inside the package. The medication is prescribed by a neurologist and specialist in Sleep Studies and Narcolepsy - whom I consult twice a year.

I have been receiving these medicines from Brazil regularly. We were advised at the time that we have been following the correct procedure. Even until recently I was informed by an operator at the HM Revenue & Customs helpine we were following the correct protocols.

I have been clinically diagnosed as suffering from a condition known as Narcolepsy both in England and in Brazil.

These medicines I have been taking responsibly for over 6 years.

These are common medication prescribed to those suffering from Narcolepsy. Without them, I am not able to function properly and complete common tasks. I have already missed an important medical appointment directly as a result.

The abrupt halt to my treatment has began exarcebating my condition - it is affecting my nervous system.

My GP was made aware of the situation as the officer in charge recommended she should contact him via email. But despite her plea, the officer decided I had no rights to the imported medication. He did advised me however, I could appeal to his decision.

My GP has reffered me to a specialist in London who will assess my condition and current medical treatment. But I still need my confiscated package to ensure I am able to honour all commitments.

Please advice me of the correct procedures for shipping medication from Brazil in future.

Thank you for your kind attention and consideration,

sounds good to me. good luck! i hope you get your meds soon

[Henry G]

thanks. I will try and print it today.
Printer not working at home,, need to find a library.

[Henry G]

Update:

I got a reply today:

Dear Mr Gilbert

Thank you for your letter asking for HM Revenue and Customs to conduct a review of our decision.

I understand that you are not the legal owner of the seized things but act as agent for someone who is. ...

What???

The letter seemed to have been written by a child.

I tried phoning but they won't answer.

I don't think this is going to work out.

First we have a sociopathic thicko acting as an Officer.
And now we have a gaga lady confusing the issue.

I suppose it could be worse, imagine getting caught with meds in Dubai?

The thought doesn't make me feel any better though.

[Marcianna]

Are you freakin Serious?

WTF!!!

You are handling this way better than I would.

Who exactly do they think your holding for Santa Claus? What a crock of Sh*t.

Can you get legal assistance in your country? I would maybe look into it see if they can help you get through to these bastards...

[dogdreams]

Man, they'll say anything to keep those meds. I wonder if they've already 'disposed' of the 'evidence' personally. Hmmmm....makes you wonder, doesn't it.

[petra]

Sorry they are doing this. makes me want to emigrate!


I've been pootling about for potentially useful people for if getting help feels right. I phoned up one place about human rights and disability discrimination issues, trying to ask them in a vague, hypothetical way if this area was something they covered or not, (they couldn't) I was wanting to save you awake-time by ruling out the no-use ones. But they just wanted details and I felt like I was interfering when I don't know you. So I didn't call any of these places.

Liberty – http://www.liberty-h...-rights.org.uk/ Don't know if it's covered by what they do, but maybe worth asking them. Even if it's not what they do, they might know other people who could help, like a lawyer who would help for free, or cheap if you couldn't get legal aid.
You can call the LIBERTY ADVICE LINE on 0845 123 2307 during the following hours: Monday & Thursday: 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm. Wednesday: 12.30 pm - 2.30 pm


London Law centres who do community advice - http://www.lawcentre...ocation/London/

Can find a local citizens advice bureau here. http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice.htm They take things like this on, and they might know either a legal aid lawyer. Some offices you have to go and wait which is useless if you sleep. Might do appointments if you phone.

London disability rights groups – there's loads but haven't found a list of all local groups. CAB might have them or they'd be online.

Advocacy services - not lawyers, but someone independent and totally on your side who can work with you, and do the fighting when you get too tired. http://www.actionfor...p?region=London

Local MP's can sometimes get things done.

Narcolepsy Connections site have a ask the experts section where the consultants who got the site set up answer you. http://www.narcoleps...e-sleep-experts

If you felt like going public - You and yours, a radio 4 consumer affairs programme at 12 midday on weekdays - annoying programme but they raise issues like this and get things done. http://www.bbc.co.uk...o4/youandyours/

take care, petra





<h1 class="western"> </h1>

[Henry G]

Thanks for the support.

I will seek all channels as any energy becomes available.

I will seek the Brazilian Embassy and Consulate.

It is my right also a Brazilian citizen to receive treatment from my country of birth.

It is indiscrimenate and abhorrant to play with a patient with narcolepsy like that.

I am hoping to have strength to carry on with th e battle so that others do not suffer in silence.

I am seriously considering publishing my story to the web.
Name and shame the system

I have a domain name: narcolepsia.com.br and with my skills can easily make my story and keywords reach Google's top position

keywords: HM customs, medicine, import, confiscation, HM officers, drugs seizure, narcolepsy, ritalin .. and so on.

I just want my medicines.

I don't want the fight to get any messier.
But see am running out of alternatives.

I'll have to resort to my last weapons.
And that could mean my unmatched (sorry for my lack of humbleness) power over search engines.



hugs to you all.

[Henry G]

I think it's a cover up.

OK, here is my theory:

* SOmeone stole my medicines

* SO instead of avoiding legal issues, they opted to buy themselves time by creating this whole diversion

* They are protected by Bureacracy, internal collegues and the State.

* So they are orchestrating this whole facade, knowing that will be nearly impossible for me to bring them to justice. Going through courts will be a massive headache.

It makes sense.

For 6 years my medicines have never been blocked.

But there has been delays ie (possibly them inspecting)

The HM Officer (which I won't name yet) obvioulsy very very obviously have seen and dealt with my package before.

But this time when my package went missing, the HM Officer thought it would be much better if he come up with the Legal crap - blaming on me instead, buying himself time.

Once you try to sue or fight for your rights - it's years and lots of energy and not to mention money before anything get resolved (if ever)

Think about it.

You are a Customer Officer, your job is on the line and your reputation.
And by nature you care very little about other people.

Would you own up to a package (with controlled substance) gone missing?

This explains why another HM operator said packages with meds are never blocked. It is their procedure not to intervene in sensitive medical cases.

It is very obvious. He never blocked it before because he knew it would also be a headache for him

BUt owning up package went missing is a much greater headache.

Anyway just a theory. I am no Columbo really.

But I have this thing: I always find the real truth in the end.

(It just takes a bit of time)

[greatbig47]

Yeah...I am proud too...

It's complete BS any time we have to struggle for meds that actually work.

Don't give in, Henry!

All who have helped...You all make me so proud!

-Stu

[Henry G]

Time is ticking and I have until the 21st of March to resend my plea.

I went to the Citizen's Advice Bureau, no meds that day - couldn't believe I made it .. anyway I did - and the lady was very nice - she then said I should (hurry up) and one of the free Legal Solicitor's at 7pm on the same day.

I apologised saying I couldn't .. and really I couldn't, I was at the C.A.B at 10am, no meds and no way would I have enough energy to seek an appointment at 7pm somewhere else in town.

Anyway, tried going next week.

The lady from the C.A.B, said that I should really try and make it at 6pm because the place gets crowded and I may not get a hearing.

Suffice to say, I arrived at 6.30am .. and guess what? The place was already full, they closed the door and was sending people home.

I walked in anyway, I was confident that I wouldn't make it anyway, at least should have a sit to rest and give up all of this - cos really too much energy. Faxes. Buying printers. Writing letters., etc

When this other lady was pushing the extra people to go home, I was about to oblige but just said: Look, could you just kindly read what they sent me. I have until the 21st March. Next week will be hard, it was lucky I made it today and next week might be a little too late. Also said I had Narcolepsy and have very little energy available during the day (I mean, i wasn't playing the poor guy, I was just saying the truth and in fact even accepting that I was going to be asked to go home anyway).

But I wasn't. And *BEEP*, I feel embarrassed saying this cos like I started to cry. But *BEEP* this been hard ya know. And the system all over against you - and you thinking why bother? But I did. Was there. And was going to be turned back home. Fine ok ...

She said: Going to have a word with my manager just stay there.

And this is the weird thing about UK .. WEIRD. Maybe America is the same?

Like you meet bastards and biatches, you meet nasty, thick, ignorant, petty, judging, stuck-up or messed-up people and all ...

.. And then you meet angels, like beautiful angels. Maybe there is no inbetween here. Maybe a person is so incredibly wonderfully nice - or just really really nasty.
I think Brazil is composed of "averages" (save doctors, most of them are mostly very nice, ethical, good people, humane)

So this Lawyer stayed longer in the office just to see me. Like almost 1 hour. I almost felt bad robbing her of her favourite soap opera time.

She again was very nice, but tell you what, while i was waiting in the chair - I thought this - if these people are really going to go all out of their way to help me, I shouldn't drain their energy and time. So what I did: was to organize all my documents in such a way - it would become easy peasy for them to read and understand and act accordingly.

I think she appreciated that. And she moved on fast, even though it was probably an hour 45 minutes? - others stayed with them for longer sometimes - like 2 hours going on and on about their pets and mothers and fleas and bed bug bites.

She gave me the instructions, I wrote it on the paper.

Basically she said that that legalese letter really meant this:
I am not the legal owner of the medicine because the legal owner is the person who first send it. Doh!
But I needed to fill in the Agent Authority form provided. Only thing is that, the HMRC did *not* provide the form!

This form I would then fax it to my mother in Brazil. She would fill it in. Fax it to me and then send it by post to the Review (Appeal) Team and all.

I received the form by fax today. Tried to fax it to the "Review Team" and no luck - probably office was closed. I thought faxes would be on 24 hours!

Anyway am preparing now extra documents and so on. And wrote my extra letter. Thing is - I do not know if I am being reasonable in the letter or if it reads wrongly.

So would like to ask you - if you have time that is. To have a look and see if it's OK.
I am going to send it tomorrow first thing.
It's hard not to kinda get emotional when you are upset feeling you've been treated pretty unfairly and all.

Next post is my letter ok?

Thanks

HG

[Henry G]

The letter:

==================

Dear Mrs XYZ,

Thank you for sending me the agent authority form by post.

I've managed to get my mother to fill in the form, sign and have it faxed back to me. I also instructed her to send the original to you by post from Brazil. Kindly, allow some time for you to receive her written form. I apologise for the delay but must stress I did not receive the agent form originally. I've also found the procedure of seeking legal advice challenging since I had no medicines with me at the time. With that, I hope I am granted some leniency concerning my deadline

I also would like to add that I have found the instructions from the different HMRC sources to be confusing.

• The Original Officer advised me to seek my GP to email him, instead of asking me to deal with the Review Team directly – which would have saved me time and energy.

• I was confused as to what was meant by "I am not the legal owner of the package". I understand now what it means within context

I have been trying to fax you the faxed copy of the written authority as signed by mother to speed up the process but your fax number did not answer. Possibly because it is switched off after working hours. So, I will try again, tomorrow (17 March 2009)

I am sending you further copies of documents to support my case. These are:

1. A fax copy of the Agent Authority form filled in by my mother: A B C – legal owner of the seized things, authorising me to act on her behalf. Dated: X/Y/Z
2. Copy of the first letter from HMRC, dated X/Y/Z, titled "Notice of Seizure of Controlled Drugs" and sent by the Post Seizure Unit / A B C D
   
3. Print out of email correspondence from my GP: Dr. ABC to the acting HMRC Officer: X Y Z. Dated: A/B/C
4. Print out of email correspondence from myself to HMRC Officer: Mr X Y Z. Dated: A/B/C
5. Print out of email correspondence from HMRC Officer: Mr X Y Z to myself. Dated: A/B/C
   
6. Copy of Fax received on the A/B/C showing 2 prescriptions to be sent: A x _ mg tablets of Benzedrine (ie Amphetamine Sulphate) and B X _mg tablets of Ritalin. My patient card register of the issuing Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. My next appointment is scheduled for A/B/C , which I plan to attend.
7. Copy of my out-patient card register, of the Hospital in London now treating me for Narcolepsy. My next appointment is only next year Z/Z/Z
8. Copy of a letter dated Y/Y/Y to my GP from Dr J Q R (___ Hospital - London) that saw me on the B/B/B and is aware of my condition.
9. Copy of first letter sent by Dr ____ (____ Hospital – London) who oversaw my sleep studies and re-confirmed my diagnosis of Narcolepsy. Dated Y/Y/Y
10. Copy of my original diagnosis of suspected Narcolepsy in Brazil (in Portuguese). Dated Z/Z/Z

Explaining Myself

The Officer of the Post Seizure Unit asked me when I first phoned him – if I was a British Resident. After which, I replied I was a British Citizen. So he further asked – if that was so, why am I importing these drugs from Brazil?

If I need to explain myself. I have had a better experience on dealing with my Narcolepsy condition by having it treated in and from Brazil.

While it took me 2 months for me to get admitted to a Hospital Sleep Lab in the UK, it took over 2 years of waiting in the queue to repeat the same tests over here.

The medicines I have been originally prescribed here, weren't making me well. But I responded better with the medicines I've been prescribed in Brazil. So eventually I abandoned treatment over here, preferring to concentrate only on receiving treatment from Brazil, travelling to that country at least once a year and consulting my Neurologists over there.

I believed at the time, it was my right, as a Brazilian Citizen to opt for receiving treatment from Brazil instead of the UK. That I was intitled to a choice. At the time, I have not been properly informed about the risks and complications of importing these restricted medicine into the UK. And so have carried on importing these medicines for over 6 years.

The doctors in the UK are now prescribing me a modified form of Ritalin, and have started at a lower dosage to begin with. I have allowed myself to give that a try. But my appointment is over 1 year from now for a review, and I still feel my medicines from Brazil still fare better.

I would like to say I have not tried to break any laws willingly, I am a diagnosed patient that have been receiving medical treatment but from abroad. All over the world, those suffering from Narcolepsy are commonly prescribed these very same restricted substances that have been seized. They shouldn't be discriminated for their incurable and debilitating condition. It is not their fault. They are patients, not criminal.

Yours sincerely,

Henry Gilbert

==================


OK I will sleep on it! Any suggestions let me know.

Man this battle has been quite something. It's like fighting some Heavy Weight Ultimate Fighter Champion from Outer Space.

[ohiolor]

Hi Henry,

My name is Lorrie, and it's my husband that has Narcolepsy. I don't post here on the boards very often, but I do read the messages daily. I have been following you "saga" since the beginning and have been wondering how it has been going. I'm glad things might actually be getting somewhere. I've read through your letter and found 2 things that jumped out at me.

You said:

While it took me 2 months for me to get admitted to a Hospital Sleep Lab in the UK, it took over 2 years of waiting in the queue to repeat the same tests over here

Did you actually mean to say that it was 2 months to be seen at the Sleep Lab in Brazil?

And also, at the beginning of "Explaining Myself" you make mention of being a British Citizen, then several paragraphs later, you mention being a Brazilian Citizen. If I remember correctly, from a previous post, you stated that you had dual Citizenship. You may want to clarify that to the review board, perhaps in the first paragraph where you mention your Citizenship.

I hope that you will finally get this issue resolved. They sure don't make anything easy...do they? And, yes, Henry, there are angels out there.....sadly too few and far between....but often seem to show up just when you need them the most.

Good Luck,

Lorrie

[Henry G]

Hi Lorrie, thanks very much for you kindness and support.

I am really touched.

And I want to thank all of you. Your messages and concern. They have meant a lot to me.

hugs to all

I hope good comes out of all this. So that others do not go through the predicament or are treating that same way.

I am of the personal opinion that HM Customs Officer should resign. What a petty stupid ignorant fellow. Playing with people like that.

Let's see what comes out from this. Now it's a question of just sitting & waiting. Although I may go to the Brazilian Consulate next.

[sleepless sleeper]

Henry, I can't quite focus on the entire letter, and I'm SOOO sorry. Is there anything else that I can do to help? You've got my shoulder at least. I want to do more, though, and I'm really sorry.