Re: New to group...doing research, please help

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I have had my implants for five years and I wish I never got them. I should have saved the thousands of dollars I spend on them and bought some nice bras and clothes! Of course I liked them at first, but they soon made me feel uncomfortable. They look fake in certain clothes and I often get catty remarks from girls.

I haven't experienced any physical health problems yet, but I will at some point if I keep them in which is why I am getting them removed. It is not a matter of if you will eventually have problems, but when you will have problems with implants. I have also found that a lot of men really do not like fake boobs despite the amount of celebrities who have them. They sometimes like to look at them, but usually don't like the way they feel. It can also be percieved as insecurity and a desparate attempt for approval. I'm not trying to judge anyone who gets them, because I did too. It's just that I have learned through my experience that implants are not worth it.

Of course, you will get a different take on this if you go to the implant forum, but many of these girls have gotten their implants fairly recently and are in the "honeymoon phase" which will inevitably wear off eventually. There are some women who have implants for many years without having problems, but believe me that won't last forever. My advice is to save your money and not open up a huge set of problems and risks that can be easily avoided. The one thing I have learned from this experience is to finally appreciate my natural body.

Liz

jenniferdp2001 <jenniferdp2001@...> wrote:

Hi!I'm new to the group, and I've been contemplatinggetting saline implants. I even had a surgery datescheduled and thought everything was fine. Then Istarted doing some more last minute reading and beganto discover that people with saline implants were alsohaving complications above and beyond the "risks" thatthe plastic surgeons tell you about. I have postponed my surgery...possibly permanently,but I would appreciate any input and experiences anyof you have. Since I just joined today, I haven'treally had a chance to see everything here, posts,links, etc. But I would like to hear the stories themembers of this group have concerning problems withtheir saline implants and such...if you don't mindsharing of course. And any links you have to actual studies done bysomeone other than PSs or implant

manufacturers wouldbe greatly appreciated. It's so hard to find CLEARstatistics on any of this. That's one reason I'm soconfused. It seems really hard to find solid factsand studies that don't seem to be biased in one way oranother by plastic surgeons or implant manufacturers. Any good sources would be appreciated. Thanks so much for all your help!

[Guest guest]

,

We have a whole file folder full of testimonies of women's stories, so just go to the website, or click on the links at the bottom of this page for "files" and you will see a folder called "Implant and Explant stories".

You can also go to www.explantation.com and click on the link for "our stories" and find lots more.

I know you will make the right decision after you weigh all of the factors that are not fully disclosed by most doctors.

Patty

----- Original Message -----

From: M

Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2003 7:55 AM

Subject: New to group...doing research, please help

Thought I'd post again since it was so late when Iposted last night. Still learning the ropes of beingin one of these groups. Don't know exactly howeverything works...Thanks for being patient with me! =)Hi!I'm new to the group, and I've been contemplatinggetting saline implants. I even had a surgery datescheduled and thought everything was fine. Then Istarted doing some more last minute reading and beganto discover that people with saline implants were alsohaving complications above and beyond the "risks" thatthe plastic surgeons tell you about. I have postponed my surgery...possibly permanently,but I would appreciate any input and experiences anyof you have. Since I just joined today, I haven'treally had a chance to see everything here, posts,links, etc. But I would like to hear the stories themembers of this group have concerning problems withtheir saline implants and such...if you don't mindsharing of course. And any links you have to actual studies done bysomeone other than PSs or implant manufacturers wouldbe greatly appreciated. It's so hard to find CLEARstatistics on any of this. That's one reason I'm soconfused. It seems really hard to find solid factsand studies that don't seem to be biased in one way oranother by plastic surgeons or implant manufacturers. Any good sources would be appreciated. Thanks so much for all your help!

[Guest guest]

,

Hi. I got saline implants in 1998 when I had just turned 19. I thought they'd be the answer to my problems...I only had one breast due to a congenital deformity. I was assured by the surgeon that they were safe and that I was the " perfect candidate " ...so I went ahead and had it done.

I started getting very sick...feeling like I had the flu constantly and very fatigued. Then, my right implant started slipping and I had to have it repositioned. Due to the disruption of the tissue, more silicone was released into my system and I got even sicker, but this time, I couldn't even get out of bed. I was bed ridden for years and could barely even hold a conversation due to my extreme cognitive problems. My body was constantly racked with pain. By this time I had already seen a dozen specialist and had a dozen expensive tests done only to find no real answers.

Finally, with my mom's help, I found this support group and was directed to a doctor in my area who tested me for silicone poisoning. My results came back positive and the doctor was shocked because my levels were higher than he'd seen in years.

I was explanted four weeks ago and I am doing great. I still feel like crap most of the time, but my body doesn't hurt like it used to, my head is much clearer and my memory has improved a little. I know I will have to take really good care of myself from now on and try to undo the damage I have done to my body.

From the ages of about 20-25, I couldn't work....I couldn't go out with friends...I couldn't do anything...I still can't, but I know I'm getting better and I will be able to do these things again one day.

I don't know why some people who get implants get sick and some don't, but I can tell you that the risk IS NOT WORTH IT. Love yourself the way you are. I only have one breast again, but I've learned that my health is so much more important than the way I look.

Good luck in your decision...I hope this helps.

Colleen

From: " jenniferdp2001 " <jenniferdp2001@...>

Reply-

Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2003 04:23:52 -0000

Subject: New to group...doing research, please help

Hi!

I'm new to the group, and I've been contemplating

getting saline implants. I even had a surgery date

scheduled and thought everything was fine. Then I

started doing some more last minute reading and began

to discover that people with saline implants were also

having complications above and beyond the " risks " that

the plastic surgeons tell you about.

I have postponed my surgery...possibly permanently,

but I would appreciate any input and experiences any

of you have. Since I just joined today, I haven't

really had a chance to see everything here, posts,

links, etc. But I would like to hear the stories the

members of this group have concerning problems with

their saline implants and such...if you don't mind

sharing of course.

And any links you have to actual studies done by

someone other than PSs or implant manufacturers would

be greatly appreciated. It's so hard to find CLEAR

statistics on any of this. That's one reason I'm so

confused. It seems really hard to find solid facts

and studies that don't seem to be biased in one way or

another by plastic surgeons or implant manufacturers.

Any good sources would be appreciated.

Thanks so much for all your help!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I second Liz on this. I have my saline implants for 6 years now. At

first, they are great, but I started to develop chest pain and some

other symptoms that seems so irrelevant to my implants. I

delibrately ignore them. I convince myself that my chest pain and

insomnia do not relate to the implants. However, I soon got into

depresssion (I am still dealing with it).

So, like Liz, I am doig research to take them out. I can't wait.

However, I want to make sure I get a good surgeon, becuse I want to

do this right.

Also, one piece of information. I think B/A is a trend. I went to

see a show in LV 3 months ago, and I see that most of those girls

have perfectly perky B cups. they are so youthful looking. I wish I

never gotten those ungly implants!!!!!! Now, I can only repair what

I damaged.

Lastly, the PS do not tell you that the saline bags don't last

forever. There are maintenance to it. Once in a while, you hear a

story about how they last for 30 years, but you never know. You can

be lucky or unlucky. So, I strongly recommend you to reconsider.

I was an A before, and I yearn for the attention from men, but I now

realize that I only need to get one man's attention, and that is the

Mr. Right in my life. Most of the men who are interested in me is

not so thrilled with my hard breast. It interferes with my romance

life negatively.

That's my 2 cents...

Judy.

> Hi!

> I'm new to the group, and I've been contemplating

> getting saline implants. I even had a surgery date

> scheduled and thought everything was fine. Then I

> started doing some more last minute reading and began

> to discover that people with saline implants were also

> having complications above and beyond the " risks " that

> the plastic surgeons tell you about.

>

> I have postponed my surgery...possibly permanently,

> but I would appreciate any input and experiences any

> of you have. Since I just joined today, I haven't

> really had a chance to see everything here, posts,

> links, etc. But I would like to hear the stories the

> members of this group have concerning problems with

> their saline implants and such...if you don't mind

> sharing of course.

>

> And any links you have to actual studies done by

> someone other than PSs or implant manufacturers would

> be greatly appreciated. It's so hard to find CLEAR

> statistics on any of this. That's one reason I'm so

> confused. It seems really hard to find solid facts

> and studies that don't seem to be biased in one way or

> another by plastic surgeons or implant manufacturers.

> Any good sources would be appreciated.

>

>

> Thanks so much for all your help!

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I second this on both counts! Debbye, your post hit everything right on, as I can identify with all the emotions you expressed. I also had a quick, practically overnight downhill slide when I got sick, only 8 months after implanting. In hindsight, I recognized that I had been feeling more tired, and my eyes were feeling a little different in the two months prior to "that one afternoon in January." When the brain fog hit and I started feeling spaced out, that was when my life changed and it went downhill fast. It has never been the same since.

Patty

----- Original Message -----

From: JOSEPH PALANCA

Sent: Friday, September 19, 2003 11:04 PM

Subject: Re: Re: New to group...doing research, please help

Wonderful Post, Debbye. Couldn’t have summed it up any better. That’s what happened to me, I was fine, until one day it hit about 6 years into having them, and then downhill with many illnesses, auto immune diseases, and problems- and fast. Its odd how ill, and changed you become overnight. Love

----- Original Message -----

From: Deborah Levy

Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2003 12:48 AM

Subject: Re: New to group...doing research, please help

Dear :Don't get implants, they can and will ruin your life. You haveno doubt read what many of the other ladies have written about theirexperiences with them. It is wise of you to do some research like you are doing. I didn't research because I didn't want to know anynegative feedback because I had made my mind up that I was getting them. The past eight years I have grown more and more ill from theautoimmune diseases that I have, mainly CFS and FM with others that come and go. Before I was struck down I was in the gym almost dailyand in the best physical shape of my life. My husband and I traveled and I was active in my interior decorating business and Ialso modeled part-time. I love to cook and would have gourmet dinner parties and loved all of the time and work they involved. Ialso was active in our church and in our community. I had also goneback to collage and was working on a masters degree. On the morning of September 12, 1995 I was struck with a terrible flu-like virus and I couldn't make my afternoon class that day. It went down hillfrom there. I was in bed for three long weeks and even after getting up was still weak for 2 more weeks. Igge wrote about the "depression of losing the self that you once were" and that was profound to me. I not only was losing her but I had a ringside seat to watch. As my body grows weaker from fighting these implants moreautoimmune type illnesses come forth. I have limited strength and need to lie down in the afternoon especially if we have anything thatevening. I work very little because I just don't have the staminathat I need to do the kind of work I've always done. I can't exercise anymore because it will bring on a "crash" and I'll be backin bed for an undetermined amount of time. It's hard to plan travelbecause I never know how I will be feeling. I'm so brain-fogged mostof the time I have to think before I speak and my lack of energy doesn't leave much for the sexual part of my marriage. I know inmy heart of hearts that I am very ill right now. I am having theseimplants removed and if I improve even 20% it will be worth it.If I just stay the same and don't get any worse it will be worthit. The other thing I want to speak out about is the depression andsuicide thoughts that come along with this. I think it is becausethis is such a chronic set of illnesses and there seems no end to itall and one does become extremely depressed and cannot seem to findwhat an answer to all of it can be. You know that you cannot go back to being the way you were before you were implanted but the hell you are living through with the implants makes you not want togo forward with your life very much either. Since making the decision to have these removed and finding this site and women that are going through the same things I finally have hope., you might do fine with breast implants and you might notbut are saline filled silicone breast implants really worth what you now know you might have to go through. No they are not! I wish you health and pray God's guidance in your decision. Debbye

[Guest guest]

,

Thank you so much for your post. Yours is another sad story of a life crippled unnecessarily by implants....if only the FDA, the doctors and the manufacturers would have hearts of flesh instead of stone....! Would you mind if I posted your story in our testimonies section?

Patty

----- Original Message -----

From: Lee

Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2003 10:05 AM

Subject: Re: Re: New to group...doing research, please help

- Thanks for the photo - What a lovely family!

Debbye - You're absolutely right! There wasn't much information available in 1991 when I was implanted regarding implants, however, I'm not sure that I would have listened anyway.

- I'm glad you found this group - keep reading and researching. Many of us have experienced similar symtoms related to their implants in one form or another. Here's my story:

I was implanted in 1991 with saline implants and wish I could erase those years off my life. I am tall and have always been very thin. As a child, kids would tease me because of my small chest and call me "flatsy". In my late twenties, I went to work for a large corporation I had Managers tell me what a great body I had - but I'd have to carry a gun if I had a chest. All of this stereotyping of how a women is supposed to look got the best of me. In 1991, I was 38 years old, 5'9" tall and weighed 125-130 lbs. I was in the best shape of my life. I worked out at the gym 3 - 4 times/week. I was in the process of restoring my victorian house in PA. I worked a full time job and part-time at a restaurant. I found out that a fellow co-worker at the restaurant had implants. We had similar qualities and she looked great. I wasn't married and figured I probably would not be having children, so I began my search. I thought, I take care of my body, can wear nice clothes and wanted to look good in them. I did enough research to know that I wanted saline vs. silicone. But when I read the articles about autoimmune diseases, I thought this wouldn't happen to me - I was healthy. Nothing was going to change my mind - I wanted to be able to wear nice bras, swimsuits, etc.

For the first 3 - 4 years I was ok. In 1995, I became very ill with Epstein-Barr virus and everything got progressively worse since then. I always had plenty of energy and now I am either always tired or become fatigued with over-exertion. From that point on my brain became foggy. I couldn't think or even talk right. I felt like the Epstein-Barr virus had caused brain damage. I still have difficulty keeping my attention straight and putting proper sentences and words together. I went through early menopause at age 45, had fibroids removed, have osteoporosis, joint & tissue inflammation, degerative arthritis in my lower back, my throid is not functioning properly, and I've gained about 50 lbs and feel horrible.

I decided this year that I was too young to continue to feel this horrible, began to do research and am very certain that my implants had alot of influence on my detiorating health. I was explanted in March 2003 and am beginning to feel better. My PS did not remove my scar capsule (he told me my body would take care of it). Now I have a large seroma (fluid sack) the size of a hamburger in my left breast. I am seeing doctors to get this taken care of.

I work a full-time job, am still single, so my responsibilities fall on my shoulders only. Some days are good - while the least bit of stress or over-exertion can make me feel like I have my mononecleosis back again. Slowly I hope to regain my health back to the degree that I can for a 50 year old.

- you are very wise to be researching. But my recommendation to you is to cherish your body that you have now. Your natural breasts may get larger anyway as you age. And as you can see by the many women posting to this website that we all have had similar experiences - and none of them are worth ruining your health or possibly your life.

I pray that you make the right decision.

God's peace to all

[Guest guest]

, What a story. Its always so depressing to hear the personal story of yet another woman , a healthy beautiful young women had to go through all of this, because of the effects of breast implants. So sad...But inspirational too. You are a stronger women, like all of us, now opened up to the real truths. Thank you !

----- Original Message -----

From: *~Patty~*

Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2003 5:19 PM

Subject: Re: Re: New to group...doing research, please help

,

Thank you so much for your post. Yours is another sad story of a life crippled unnecessarily by implants....if only the FDA, the doctors and the manufacturers would have hearts of flesh instead of stone....! Would you mind if I posted your story in our testimonies section?

Patty

----- Original Message -----

From: Lee

Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2003 10:05 AM

Subject: Re: Re: New to group...doing research, please help

- Thanks for the photo - What a lovely family!

Debbye - You're absolutely right! There wasn't much information available in 1991 when I was implanted regarding implants, however, I'm not sure that I would have listened anyway.

- I'm glad you found this group - keep reading and researching. Many of us have experienced similar symtoms related to their implants in one form or another. Here's my story:

I was implanted in 1991 with saline implants and wish I could erase those years off my life. I am tall and have always been very thin. As a child, kids would tease me because of my small chest and call me "flatsy". In my late twenties, I went to work for a large corporation I had Managers tell me what a great body I had - but I'd have to carry a gun if I had a chest. All of this stereotyping of how a women is supposed to look got the best of me. In 1991, I was 38 years old, 5'9" tall and weighed 125-130 lbs. I was in the best shape of my life. I worked out at the gym 3 - 4 times/week. I was in the process of restoring my victorian house in PA. I worked a full time job and part-time at a restaurant. I found out that a fellow co-worker at the restaurant had implants. We had similar qualities and she looked great. I wasn't married and figured I probably would not be having children, so I began my search. I thought, I take care of my body, can wear nice clothes and wanted to look good in them. I did enough research to know that I wanted saline vs. silicone. But when I read the articles about autoimmune diseases, I thought this wouldn't happen to me - I was healthy. Nothing was going to change my mind - I wanted to be able to wear nice bras, swimsuits, etc.

For the first 3 - 4 years I was ok. In 1995, I became very ill with Epstein-Barr virus and everything got progressively worse since then. I always had plenty of energy and now I am either always tired or become fatigued with over-exertion. From that point on my brain became foggy. I couldn't think or even talk right. I felt like the Epstein-Barr virus had caused brain damage. I still have difficulty keeping my attention straight and putting proper sentences and words together. I went through early menopause at age 45, had fibroids removed, have osteoporosis, joint & tissue inflammation, degerative arthritis in my lower back, my throid is not functioning properly, and I've gained about 50 lbs and feel horrible.

I decided this year that I was too young to continue to feel this horrible, began to do research and am very certain that my implants had alot of influence on my detiorating health. I was explanted in March 2003 and am beginning to feel better. My PS did not remove my scar capsule (he told me my body would take care of it). Now I have a large seroma (fluid sack) the size of a hamburger in my left breast. I am seeing doctors to get this taken care of.

I work a full-time job, am still single, so my responsibilities fall on my shoulders only. Some days are good - while the least bit of stress or over-exertion can make me feel like I have my mononecleosis back again. Slowly I hope to regain my health back to the degree that I can for a 50 year old.

- you are very wise to be researching. But my recommendation to you is to cherish your body that you have now. Your natural breasts may get larger anyway as you age. And as you can see by the many women posting to this website that we all have had similar experiences - and none of them are worth ruining your health or possibly your life.

I pray that you make the right decision.

God's peace to all

[Guest guest]

Debbye,

Would you permit me to put your story in our section of testimonies? This letter tells your feelings in such a powerful way!

Patty

----- Original Message -----

From: Deborah Levy

Sent: Friday, September 19, 2003 10:48 PM

Subject: Re: New to group...doing research, please help

Dear :Don't get implants, they can and will ruin your life. You haveno doubt read what many of the other ladies have written about theirexperiences with them. It is wise of you to do some research like you are doing. I didn't research because I didn't want to know anynegative feedback because I had made my mind up that I was getting them. The past eight years I have grown more and more ill from theautoimmune diseases that I have, mainly CFS and FM with others that come and go. Before I was struck down I was in the gym almost dailyand in the best physical shape of my life. My husband and I traveled and I was active in my interior decorating business and Ialso modeled part-time. I love to cook and would have gourmet dinner parties and loved all of the time and work they involved. Ialso was active in our church and in our community. I had also goneback to collage and was working on a masters degree. On the morning of September 12, 1995 I was struck with a terrible flu-like virus and I couldn't make my afternoon class that day. It went down hillfrom there. I was in bed for three long weeks and even after getting up was still weak for 2 more weeks. Igge wrote about the "depression of losing the self that you once were" and that was profound to me. I not only was losing her but I had a ringside seat to watch. As my body grows weaker from fighting these implants moreautoimmune type illnesses come forth. I have limited strength and need to lie down in the afternoon especially if we have anything thatevening. I work very little because I just don't have the staminathat I need to do the kind of work I've always done. I can't exercise anymore because it will bring on a "crash" and I'll be backin bed for an undetermined amount of time. It's hard to plan travelbecause I never know how I will be feeling. I'm so brain-fogged mostof the time I have to think before I speak and my lack of energy doesn't leave much for the sexual part of my marriage. I know inmy heart of hearts that I am very ill right now. I am having theseimplants removed and if I improve even 20% it will be worth it.If I just stay the same and don't get any worse it will be worthit. The other thing I want to speak out about is the depression andsuicide thoughts that come along with this. I think it is becausethis is such a chronic set of illnesses and there seems no end to itall and one does become extremely depressed and cannot seem to findwhat an answer to all of it can be. You know that you cannot go back to being the way you were before you were implanted but the hell you are living through with the implants makes you not want togo forward with your life very much either. Since making the decision to have these removed and finding this site and women that are going through the same things I finally have hope., you might do fine with breast implants and you might notbut are saline filled silicone breast implants really worth what you now know you might have to go through. No they are not! I wish you health and pray God's guidance in your decision. Debbye

[Guest guest]

Patty:

Yes, please use my story, I was so happy that decided

to not get implants. It would be wonderful if someone else were

persuaded to not get them. Glad you are back, loved the picture!

Debbye*~Patty~* <fdp@...> wrote:

Debbye,

Would you permit me to put your story in our section of testimonies? This letter tells your feelings in such a powerful way!

Patty

----- Original Message -----

From: Deborah Levy

Sent: Friday, September 19, 2003 10:48 PM

Subject: Re: New to group...doing research, please help

Dear :Don't get implants, they can and will ruin your life. You haveno doubt read what many of the other ladies have written about theirexperiences with them. It is wise of you to do some research like you are doing. I didn't research because I didn't want to know anynegative feedback because I had made my mind up that I was getting them. The past eight years I have grown more and more ill from theautoimmune diseases that I have, mainly CFS and FM with others that come and go. Before I was struck down I was in the gym almost dailyand in the best physical shape of my life. My husband and I traveled and I was active in my interior decorating business and Ialso modeled part-time. I love to cook and would have gourmet dinner parties and loved all of the time and work they involved. Ialso was active in our church and in our community. I had also

goneback to collage and was working on a masters degree. On the morning of September 12, 1995 I was struck with a terrible flu-like virus and I couldn't make my afternoon class that day. It went down hillfrom there. I was in bed for three long weeks and even after getting up was still weak for 2 more weeks. Igge wrote about the "depression of losing the self that you once were" and that was profound to me. I not only was losing her but I had a ringside seat to watch. As my body grows weaker from fighting these implants moreautoimmune type illnesses come forth. I have limited strength and need to lie down in the afternoon especially if we have anything thatevening. I work very little because I just don't have the staminathat I need to do the kind of work I've always done. I can't exercise anymore because it will bring on a "crash" and I'll be backin bed for an undetermined amount of

time. It's hard to plan travelbecause I never know how I will be feeling. I'm so brain-fogged mostof the time I have to think before I speak and my lack of energy doesn't leave much for the sexual part of my marriage. I know inmy heart of hearts that I am very ill right now. I am having theseimplants removed and if I improve even 20% it will be worth it.If I just stay the same and don't get any worse it will be worthit. The other thing I want to speak out about is the depression andsuicide thoughts that come along with this. I think it is becausethis is such a chronic set of illnesses and there seems no end to itall and one does become extremely depressed and cannot seem to findwhat an answer to all of it can be. You know that you cannot go back to being the way you were before you were implanted but the hell you are living through with the implants makes you not want togo forward with your

life very much either. Since making the decision to have these removed and finding this site and women that are going through the same things I finally have hope., you might do fine with breast implants and you might notbut are saline filled silicone breast implants really worth what you now know you might have to go through. No they are not! I wish you health and pray God's guidance in your decision. Debbye

[Guest guest]

Thanks Debbye. I'm thrilled that your story helped !

----- Original Message -----

From: Deborah S Levy

Sent: Monday, October 06, 2003 1:02 PM

Subject: Re: Re: New to group...doing research, please help

Patty:

Yes, please use my story, I was so happy that decided

to not get implants. It would be wonderful if someone else were

persuaded to not get them. Glad you are back, loved the picture!

Debbye