The Pain Project
Scientific Connections
Clive C. Solomons, Ph.D., F.A.I.C.
Ruth S. Solomons, Ph.D.
As of June 1, 2005, Scientific Connections laboratory is no longer providing assessments for periodic hyperoxaluria.
At this time, another laboratory has not yet committed to providing the assessments. Scientific Connections is continuing to work with The VP Foundation to secure a laboratory to perform total (bound plus unbound) urine oxalate evaluations as soon as possible. Most commercial laboratories measure only pooled urine (unbound). They do not test for the pattern of hyperoxaluria that is seen in the population with vulvar pain (vulvodynia) and the related connective tissue disorders of fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, and irritable bowel.
Scientific Connections will continue to conduct research into the syndrome that includes these connective tissue disorders. It will also develop additional treatments based on a growing understanding of the syndrome.
Scientific Connections will continue its collaboration with The VPF. Information about new research findings and new products will be available through the Foundation's Newsletters, website, support network, books, videos, and other resources.
In the past, Pain Project participants have been asked to communicate with Scientific Connections. Over many years, Dr. Solomons has responded to a vast number of letters, faxes, and phone calls. This input provided essential information related to research issues. In turn, Scientific Connections was able to provide substantial help to participants in optimizing their treatment responses.
Scientific Connections is no longer providing personal communication service. However, the Solomons are working closely with the Foundation to create a Handbook that will act as a detailed, comprehensive guide to the understanding and treatment of this connective tissue disorder based on Pain Project research. The Handbook will answer many of the questions that Dr. Solomons has been asked over the years.
The Handbook will include information in the Guides provided by Scientific Connections to Pain Project participants, in reports on research published in The Vulvar Pain Newsletter between1993 and 2005, and in Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Answers to many of the questions posed to Dr. Solomons during 32 VPF Seminars held between 1992 and 2004 will also be included in the Handbook.
The Handbook will highlight new scientific information which has emerged from Dr. Solomons' research in the period leading up to publication. Areas of research addressed by other scientists and the many adjunctive therapies found helpful by VPF members will be featured in separate chapters.
Scientific Connections will continue to provide certain of the products that have made the Connective Tissue Stabilization program so effective. Currently, these include NAG (N-Acetyl-Glucosamine) and HTO (hexadecyl tetradecenoyl octodecanoate). New products are being researched.
If you are interested in the products that focus on the stabilization of connective tissues, please write Scientific Connections for information.
