Michelle also rapidly lost 19 pounds and blames "blasting" for the "severe varicose and spider veins on Lanum's legs" that appeared, along with a worsening appearance of cellulite. Reporting her findings to those running the clinical trial, Michelle claims she was met with denials that the FasciaBlaster could cause such symptoms. A "Doctor Bart" referred to in the videos is not a doctor at all, claims the lawsuit. Lanum questioned the professionalism of the FasciaBlaster study.
Julia Lefebvre bought a FasciaBlaster before going on a cruise in hopes of "cellulite reduction" prior to her vow renewal vacation. Lefebvre discovered plenty of positive customer reviews for the FasciaBlaster and no negative reviews. She bought a FasciaBlaster and began blasting often, continuing after severe bruising because instructions claimed it would get worse before it got better. Her bruises didn't fade away when her vacation time arrived. In fact, the lawsuit described scarier episodes that were to come for Julia.
"Lefebvre saw stars and collapsed to the floor while ῾blasting,' and lay on the floor unable to speak or move for three to five terrifying minutes, her body twitching and convulsing involuntarily. When her husband came home, he took her to the emergency room, where a physician told her that she may have triggered the episode by overheating and over stimulating her vagus nerve, i.e. Vasovagal Syncope, which clearly would have been a consequence of ῾blasting.' Lefebvre subsequently continued blasting, but did so more gently and with less heat applied to her abdomen in order to avoid a response from her vagus nerve."
Sue Grlicky, 52, bought a FasciaBlaster after joining the "Ashley Black Guru" Facebook discussion group and reading Black's book, The Cellulite Myth: It's Not Fat, It's Fascia. Sue blasted five times per week and contacted Black about "bad detox" symptoms she underwent. Sue, according to her chiropractor, was diagnosed with a pinched nerve. Grlicky saw a Cleveland Clinic Hospital neurologist who confirmed the pinched nerve diagnosis. Grlicky received MRIs and X-rays, and was prescribed the "neuropathic medication Gabapentin and the pain medication Tramadol." Sue eventually went to the ER, where doctors asked her if she was in an accident.
"She was then told that a burst blood vessel had caused a massive hematoma and internal bleeding in her pelvic region (left side). After trying and failing to find any exterior bruising in the area, the ER doctor told Grlicky that 'this is highly unusual, not something we see often [other than after e.g. a violent collision].' Grlicky was admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay in order for doctors to stop her internal bleeding."
Jerry Gaines used the FasciaBlaster device given to him by Lanum according to "migraine relief protocol" promoted on the FasciaBlaster Facebook page. He eventually "suffered a stroke in June 2017."
"Following Gaines's stroke, Lanum found testimonials from dissatisfied FasciaBlaster users online, which made reference to the device's dangerous tendency to release blood clots. Lanum brought the foregoing to the attention of Gaines and his physician, and the latter demanded that Gaines immediately cease all ῾blasting'; specifically, his doctor expressly said 'throw that thing [FasciaBlaster] away!' Since then, Gaines has had to undergo extensive speech therapy and cognitive exercise programs, as well as physical therapy and treatments to restore his neurological system, including multiple weeks at an expensive in-patient rehabilitation facility."
Jim Bates, a member of the firm Sitrick And Company, provided the following statement.
"Statement on behalf of ADB Interests LLC:
This frivolous suit is nothing more than a shakedown effort growing out of a harassment and smear campaign launched by Ms. Black's embittered ex-husband, Dari Samia, after she obtained a protective order against him. The individuals in this suit are all members of Mr. Samia's gang of Internet trolls--they relentlessly spread false information, personally attack, stalk her and her family and have filed bogus reports with various government agencies. While we have yet to receive any documents regarding this matter, judging by the false statements in the [lawsuit] (i.e. 40% BPA vs. the actual 0.0036%), we look forward to an expedient dismissal."