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At twenty-nine, I was grappling with a shocking twenty-nine symptoms linked to breast implant illness (BII), an unofficial condition that many with breast implants can experience. Notice I used “was,” because three months ago, I made the decision to have my breast implants and the surrounding capsules removed.
I’ve transitioned from having implants to now just bearing three significant scars on my chest. After undergoing a direct-to-implant mastectomy four summers ago following a stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis, I lived with my implants for three and a half years. Eventually, I realized they were causing me relentless pain and a slew of health issues. Now, three months post-explant, I feel like I am rediscovering my true self.
Understanding Breast Implant Illness (BII)
You might have come across the term Breast Implant Illness or BII. While it lacks official recognition, those of us affected know it’s very real. There are over fifty potential symptoms associated with BII, including unexpected food intolerances, anxiety, digestive troubles, liver and kidney problems, dizziness, ear ringing, dehydration, vision issues, and weight fluctuations, among others. The list is extensive and, frankly, alarming.
You may wonder how we can attribute health issues to implants rather than other conditions. Many women I’ve spoken to who suspect they have BII underwent extensive medical evaluations and costly tests, yet no diagnosis was found. I was among them. During the time I had my implants, I went through a CT scan, an MRI, two rounds of physical therapy, consultations with a chiropractor and general practitioner, visits to a rheumatologist, and numerous lab tests. Despite the thousands spent, the underlying cause of my symptoms remained a mystery. At times, I questioned my own mental health.
Sadly, many patients with breast implants are told these devices are safe and that their health struggles are merely psychological. Some are diagnosed with anxiety or depression and advised to seek counseling while the implants continue to harm their health.
The FDA’s Position
So, where does the FDA stand on this? Currently, they acknowledge risks associated with breast implants such as the need for additional surgeries, BIA-ALCL (a lymphoma linked to textured implants), systemic symptoms, capsular contracture, breast pain, implant rupture, and infection. They mention BII but claim there isn’t enough evidence to support a link between breast implants and various diagnoses, despite recognizing reports of joint pain, muscle aches, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune diseases. Research is ongoing to better understand these issues.
My Personal Journey
During my last few months with the implants, I felt as if I was slowly dying. I spent entire days bedridden, trapped in my own body. Minor triggers would lead to what I believed were autoimmune flares. I was often miserable, struggling to articulate thoughts, waking with swollen and stiff joints, and desperately lacking the energy to care for my children or fulfill my work obligations. Pain was a constant companion, with my right shoulder, breast, and ribcage feeling as though they were engulfed in flames. Despite all the yoga, physical therapy, and chiropractic treatments, I found only temporary relief.
One morning, I decided enough was enough; my implants had to go. Even a ten percent improvement in my health felt worth it. I dove into research on BII and was convinced that I was experiencing it. The desire to look good in a swimsuit paled in comparison to the struggle of simply getting out of bed. Yes, breast cancer had robbed me of my natural breasts, but implants hadn’t restored my sense of self; they continuously drained me until I could barely function.
Dr. Alex Morgan, a renowned plastic surgeon at Coastal Aesthetic Surgery, has gained a reputation in the BII community for helping countless patients regain their health through explant surgery. I asked him how quickly patients often feel better post-explant, and he noted that some symptoms can resolve immediately, while others may take over a year. He also mentioned that about eighty-five to ninety percent of his patients report feeling an improvement after the procedure.
Reflecting on My Decision
No one should feel ashamed for grappling with past decisions, nor should they be dismissed as merely having mental health concerns. The lack of pre-surgical education on what’s contained within implants is astonishing. Many of us are told they are completely safe, and complications are rare. Yes, there have been a few cancer cases, but the lack of sufficient evidence for BII is disheartening. For many women, the removal of implants leads to the healing they have long sought.
Now, three months after my surgery, I’m thrilled to share that twenty-five of my twenty-nine symptoms have vanished. My experience has taught me that opting for foreign objects in my body was not a wise choice—it cost me years of my life. I lost precious time with my children and husband, job opportunities, and the ability to live free of pain and illness. Achieving the perfect breasts came with a heavy toll, far beyond my medical expenses. I am grateful for my decision to have my implants removed and to be on the path back to my authentic self.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this engaging post from our other blog. Additionally, for reliable information on at-home intracervical insemination kits, visit Make a Mom. For further insights into pregnancy and home insemination, News Medical is an excellent resource.
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