Re: To explant or not to explant, that is the question...

[Guest guest]

Well done to you for finding the site, you carried on trusting your instincts even when told you were making a mistake and that implants are not the reason for all the illnesses you are having.

You are right in what you have found out, nearly every women in this group and others are having or have experienced the problems that are making you ill, unless you get the implants removed things will only get worse.Get them removed and you will improve.

If I went back to when I had the implants in I could not work and had no energy, I had mine removed and I went back to work full time two years ago,something I never dreamt I could do.

Trust your instincts only you knows your body.

Good luck

Sue.

[Guest guest]

Dear Pam , everything you are hearing must sound so scary, I know how I felt when the realisation hit me that it was my implants that were ruining my health.I felt like my god whats happened to me, but really you have found the best bunch of women to help you through it, they are so knowledgeable friendly and helpful it will make things much easier for you.I wish I had found the help these wonderful women before I had mine removed.Keep strong and listen to no one when they tell you its in your mind, our problems are very real.

Trust yourself you know how you feel, and I know you will make the right decision.

SUE.

[Guest guest]

Pam, I had salines placed in 1994. I was 19. A very healthy 19 yr old too. Never went to the hospital once. I was athletic, ate great (my mom a nutritionist ) and modeled. 7 yrs later, health depreciating-and over 20 doctor apt later-I was diagnosed. I had Hashimotos, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, 2 auto immune illnesses all the while with a crooked smile (I just had a bells palsy attack before the apt) I was burdened with chronic yeast infections, big time vision loss, joint pain, weight gain, viral problems, ms like symptoms, muscle twitches, headaches, neck pain. My rhuemy strongly told me not to get them out, to face facts, that I was ill. I brought in studies, he discarded them and would not look at them. He also told my husband I was a mess, boy that pissed my hubby off. A few words were said.

Why didn’t I listen to him, and the other doctors that dismissed me? Simply, because I was 26!

I was too young to have all these illnesses so fast. All their patients were in their 40, mainly 50's, and this was ridiculous. Then I noticed much more. No one would look at the studies, or the pictures, it wasn’t that they didn’t believe it, they were offended. Offended that they were ignorant to the this topic. They no nothing about its safety. They don’t have the time, or some plainly do not care. They didn’t question phen phen while it was out being studies on women, they wrote up those prescriptions like mad. They do not research these things, its not their job.

So about 7 months later- I got them out with the help of this group (thank you Saline support ). Immediately my headaches, neck pains , confusion were gone. My thyroid antibodies went from 12,000 to 70. (those are the puppies that were attacking my thyroid gland) My hands and feet didn’t burn so much. The muscle twitching went away completely, and I had those for the last year straight. My skin kept looking better. Now it has been a year after explant. I am on progesterone cream now , as my hormones were so screwed up, my periods a mess. (Blood work did not show this, only saliva did) On primal Defense, stuff to combat chronic yeast (as most implanted women have this problem) and some other things, and I cannot believe the difference in my life! My joint pain is almost gone. Periods are every 27 days. I look and feel better. I finally am sweating again.

If that isn't enough- my estimated time frame for surgery was 2 to 4 hours,. It took my explanting doc over 6 hours to scrape and pull at the mess in my chest cavity. My safe saline's had created capsules full of meaty, infected matter that had to be scraped off my chest. My doc said it was not pretty, and had to cancel all apts for the day while she worked on me.

My hubby says I am back. The real me. And I am. I have improved, my blood work has improved. Hell the rheumatoid arthritis thing- gone in remission. My thyroid disease? Well, I was recently cut back to 1/3 medication as I no longer need the large amounts I was on for over 2 yrs! My thyroid is coming back. Doctors are shocked, I am not. Those things are time bombs, full of infections, and illnesses.

If you get them out, you are giving yourself a real chance to heal and get well. If you don’t, be prepared to stay ill for the rest of your life, or even get worse. It is your only hope. Besides, if you keep them, you will need more surgeries later anyhow (And hopefully you survive all the contamination they release, if they burst) So surgery is going to happen- Whether to keep them, or remove them. I love my breasts now! Don’t know what was wrong with my head. Look at my pics on the site, under . Its not what you think. You can heal, and you can still look beautiful. (Oh and if your hubby wants reassurance, my husband Joe will talk to him- He hates implants now and is glad we went through hell to get them out) Oh and I sleep so good now, and on my stomach! Yeah! Good luck to you... ----- Original Message -----

From: nannapam37

Sent: Friday, November 07, 2003 7:58 PM

Subject: To explant or not to explant, that is the question...

I just found this group about a week ago. I must say that I am overwhelmed by the number of women who have experienced what I'm now going through and very glad to find I'm not alone. I got saline implants in August of 1999. Of course, I was told that they are not the "silicone" ones, therefore, they're safe. Mine even had a lifetime warranty! Woo hoo! Anyway, you all know the rest. So, here I am sweating the decision of whether or not to have them taken out. My gynecologist says yes, and soon. My (ex) Rheumatologist says no, you won't get better anyways. My husband says - listen to your rheumatologist! The rest of my family says - do whatever you can to get better. My husband doesn't believe all my aches and pains. He thinks I go on the internet to find phantom illnesses that I can say I have. I guess he's partly right. For the last year and a half, I've been researching all of my symptoms. I first found that a hormone imbalance could be the culprit and my doctor treated me for it. I didn't get better. Then hypothyroidism sounded like it fit most of my symptoms and my doctor treated me for that with no improvement. Then fibromyalgia seemed to fit the bill even better, so I was diagnosed with that last fall. Since my gyn was treating me for all of these "contrived" illnesses and fibromyalgia is normally treated by a rheumatologist, he suggested I visit one. I did, and was then diagnosed with "early inflammatory arthritis" (negative rheumatoid factor) along with carpal tunnel, mild raynaud's, chronic fatigue and almost all the symptoms of lupus just to mention a few! I am really struggling now because I want to make the right decision. I feel like taking the implants out will make me get better, but what if it doesn't? Is there still a chance that I'll be like this for the rest of my life? I'm only 38. I can barely walk up a flight of stairs! I just became a grandma in March and my little munchkin weighs 22 pounds! I'm not going to be able to pick him up much longer. My daughter is 17 and they live with me. I need to help her until she can get out on her own. Then my husband looks at me like I'm such a failure because I don't vacuum anymore and I rarely have the energy to make dinner. He says he understands, but then he ends up taking his frustration out on the kids. He thinks that if I can get dressed and put makeup on I should be able to clean the house! I feel like my life is over sometimes. It feels like it is because this is how you should feel at 98, not 38. My 70 year old mother has 10 times more energy than me. I just want to get better. I want to do the right thing. Sorry for rambling. This is the first time I've ever "posted" a message. I have no idea if I'm supposed to give my life story or not! Thanks for listening.... Pam

[Guest guest]

Hi Pam,

Wow, I am surprised you were told you had a lifetime warranty on your salines in 1999. I got my implants in 1997, and was told the same thing then, and I think it was a few months later that they changed their tune and said that implants could only be expected to last about 7 years or so, and that more surgeries would be probable. Talk about bait and switch! It really didn't matter though, because they made me sicker than a dog, and I got them out 9 months after getting them in.

You have an advocate then with your gynecologist! Wow, that's unusual, but what a blessing for you. And the rest of your family is supporting you too, so that is wonderful. I am sorry your husband does not understand. (Oh, and you should fire your rheumatologist!)

It hurts when those that say they love us most don't show the compassion we need in this time. I hope we can help you feel not so alone and that we can become your support system through this time. Yes, getting the implants out is the best thing you can do for your health, and I am sure this is what you are feeling in your heart. It is not a fun prospect at all, I know, I cried so many tears when I realized I was sick from my implants and they needed to go. I was very distressed, but I wanted my health back more than anything else in the world.

I am actually quite better. I don't have my health back fully, as I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroid disease last summer, it took a long time to show up, but in the meantime, I was doing all I could to detox and get my health back, and over a period of 4 years, I finally got to the point where I could live a very normal, active, and fun life again. The Hashimoto's diagnosis actually came as quite a surprise. I wasn't even going to a doctor to find out if anything was wrong with me! I was going for a Vitamin C IV, and the astute doctor decided to do some blood work beforehand, and about a week later he told me I had Hashimoto's. I was disappointed, but at the same time, it was like well, finally, now I know what to call the last 5 years of hell!

Anyway, I am babbling. I just wanted you to know that what you are going through is common to many women, even though we were all told our salines were safe. The only hope we can give you for getting better is to get the dang things out. They are doing you no good. Your immune system is saying "help me" in a desperate voice, and while I can't guarantee that you are going to get your health back 100%, I can tell you that getting your implants out is the one thing you can do to give yourself the very best chance at healing. Hanging on to them will almost guarantee that you will remain as sick as you are, if not get worse. Lupus is a very serious disease. I don't know if you read 's story, but she was headed toward lupus, and was able to turn it around and reverse it after getting her implants out. That is the hope we can give you.

Take care, and let us know....we are here for you.

Patty

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

From: nannapam37

Sent: Friday, November 07, 2003 5:58 PM

Subject: To explant or not to explant, that is the question...

I just found this group about a week ago. I must say that I am overwhelmed by the number of women who have experienced what I'm now going through and very glad to find I'm not alone. I got saline implants in August of 1999. Of course, I was told that they are not the "silicone" ones, therefore, they're safe. Mine even had a lifetime warranty! Woo hoo! Anyway, you all know the rest. So, here I am sweating the decision of whether or not to have them taken out. My gynecologist says yes, and soon. My (ex) Rheumatologist says no, you won't get better anyways. My husband says - listen to your rheumatologist! The rest of my family says - do whatever you can to get better. My husband doesn't believe all my aches and pains. He thinks I go on the internet to find phantom illnesses that I can say I have. I guess he's partly right. For the last year and a half, I've been researching all of my symptoms. I first found that a hormone imbalance could be the culprit and my doctor treated me for it. I didn't get better. Then hypothyroidism sounded like it fit most of my symptoms and my doctor treated me for that with no improvement. Then fibromyalgia seemed to fit the bill even better, so I was diagnosed with that last fall. Since my gyn was treating me for all of these "contrived" illnesses and fibromyalgia is normally treated by a rheumatologist, he suggested I visit one. I did, and was then diagnosed with "early inflammatory arthritis" (negative rheumatoid factor) along with carpal tunnel, mild raynaud's, chronic fatigue and almost all the symptoms of lupus just to mention a few! I am really struggling now because I want to make the right decision. I feel like taking the implants out will make me get better, but what if it doesn't? Is there still a chance that I'll be like this for the rest of my life? I'm only 38. I can barely walk up a flight of stairs! I just became a grandma in March and my little munchkin weighs 22 pounds! I'm not going to be able to pick him up much longer. My daughter is 17 and they live with me. I need to help her until she can get out on her own. Then my husband looks at me like I'm such a failure because I don't vacuum anymore and I rarely have the energy to make dinner. He says he understands, but then he ends up taking his frustration out on the kids. He thinks that if I can get dressed and put makeup on I should be able to clean the house! I feel like my life is over sometimes. It feels like it is because this is how you should feel at 98, not 38. My 70 year old mother has 10 times more energy than me. I just want to get better. I want to do the right thing. Sorry for rambling. This is the first time I've ever "posted" a message. I have no idea if I'm supposed to give my life story or not! Thanks for listening.... Pam

[Guest guest]

Patty, my gynecologist is wonderful. He is a Christian too. He not

only believes my every ache and pain, but he quotes scripture and

prays with me every time I see him. He asks God to give us the

knowlege we need in order to get me well. He is such an awesome

humble man. I thank God for him so much. He is so concerned about

women's health. He no longer delivers babies so that he can

concentrate fully on our other health issues. He takes women

seriously when they find something on the Internet - in fact, he

encourages it. He was willing to continue to treat me, but I needed

to go out on disability and he felt that as a gynecologist he would

be questioned if he was the one that requested I go out. Not only

that, but he doesn't prescribe pain meds. He doesn't believe in them

and I couldn't make it any longer without something. Unfortunately,

I allowed the rheumatologist to build me up from Ultram (which is all

my gynecologist would give me) to the Duragesic 50mg patches. Even

they weren't helping and I was taking Tylenol and muscle relaxers as

well - not to mention 5 other meds - Prilosec (so my stomach could

handle all the drugs) - Neurontin, Plaquenil (anti-malarial for

arthritis) - Amitriptyline, and Wellbutrin. I can't take NSAIDS

because I have had a peptic ulcer. I had a patch leak and when I

asked the doctor to replace it, her secretary said " no, she won't

replace it, she said you shouldn't go in to withdrawal from

duragesic " ! Without her replacing that patch, I would have gone 2

days without any pain meds. I wrote a letter and faxed it to her

office telling her what the Janssen company (who makes duragesic)

told me about withdrawal and that it could be fatal! Her secretary

called me back and said that she would write a prescription for

Hydrocodone to get me through until I found a new doctor! Good

riddance! She didn't give a & #@*! about me anyways! OOps, sorry for

venting.

As for my implants, they are made by Mentor and the doctor told me

that no matter what causes them to rupture, if it was a car accident

and the air bag went off or anything else, they would still replace

them for as long as I live. I guess women don't live very long after

they have them in and that's how they can make that claim?!!! My

sister-in-law is seriously considering getting them now. She said

that hers comes with an extended warranty that you can purchase

separately! I told her that mine may be causing all my problems and

there was a chance that she could have the same thing happen. I

haven't talked to her in a couple of weeks. She doesn't know that

I'm seriously considering getting them taken out. The last time I

talked to her I told her what the rheumatologist said about not

getting better even if I had them taken out. I know that when I was

considering getting them, I didn't want to believe any of the bad

stuff. All I thought of was being way sexy on the back of my

husband's motorcycle! Bad stuff only happens to other people,

right? Not! I thought I was improving my marriage and that my

husband would look more at me and less at the internet if you know

what I mean. I have very low self esteem stemming back from my

childhood, so I've always thought I wasn't good enough for anyone.

My friends and family all say I'm beautiful and even now that I've

been sick, they still say I look like a teenager. What I'm trying to

say is that my husband had no reason to be looking elsewhere. It was

because of his wandering eyes and thoughts that I'm in this

situation. Sorry, more venting. I hope I'm not taking up too much

space on your site or too much of your time. I've just not had

anyone to talk to about this that fully understands. Thank you again

for listening.

Pam

> Hi Pam,

> Wow, I am surprised you were told you had a lifetime warranty on

your salines in 1999. I got my implants in 1997, and was told the

same thing then, and I think it was a few months later that they

changed their tune and said that implants could only be expected to

last about 7 years or so, and that more surgeries would be probable.

Talk about bait and switch! It really didn't matter though, because

they made me sicker than a dog, and I got them out 9 months after

getting them in.

>

> You have an advocate then with your gynecologist! Wow, that's

unusual, but what a blessing for you. And the rest of your family

is supporting you too, so that is wonderful. I am sorry your husband

does not understand. (Oh, and you should fire your rheumatologist!)

>

> It hurts when those that say they love us most don't show the

compassion we need in this time. I hope we can help you feel not so

alone and that we can become your support system through this time.

Yes, getting the implants out is the best thing you can do for your

health, and I am sure this is what you are feeling in your heart. It

is not a fun prospect at all, I know, I cried so many tears when I

realized I was sick from my implants and they needed to go. I was

very distressed, but I wanted my health back more than anything else

in the world.

>

> I am actually quite better. I don't have my health back fully, as

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroid disease last

summer, it took a long time to show up, but in the meantime, I was

doing all I could to detox and get my health back, and over a period

of 4 years, I finally got to the point where I could live a very

normal, active, and fun life again. The Hashimoto's diagnosis

actually came as quite a surprise. I wasn't even going to a doctor

to find out if anything was wrong with me! I was going for a Vitamin

C IV, and the astute doctor decided to do some blood work beforehand,

and about a week later he told me I had Hashimoto's. I was

disappointed, but at the same time, it was like well, finally, now I

know what to call the last 5 years of hell!

>

> Anyway, I am babbling. I just wanted you to know that what you are

going through is common to many women, even though we were all told

our salines were safe. The only hope we can give you for getting

better is to get the dang things out. They are doing you no good.

Your immune system is saying " help me " in a desperate voice, and

while I can't guarantee that you are going to get your health back

100%, I can tell you that getting your implants out is the one thing

you can do to give yourself the very best chance at healing. Hanging

on to them will almost guarantee that you will remain as sick as you

are, if not get worse. Lupus is a very serious disease. I don't

know if you read 's story, but she was headed toward lupus, and

was able to turn it around and reverse it after getting her implants

out. That is the hope we can give you.

>

> Take care, and let us know....we are here for you.

> Patty

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: nannapam37

>

> Sent: Friday, November 07, 2003 5:58 PM

> Subject: To explant or not to explant, that is

the question...

>

>

> I just found this group about a week ago. I must say that I am

> overwhelmed by the number of women who have experienced what I'm

now

> going through and very glad to find I'm not alone. I got saline

> implants in August of 1999. Of course, I was told that they are

not

> the " silicone " ones, therefore, they're safe. Mine even had a

> lifetime warranty! Woo hoo! Anyway, you all know the rest. So,

> here I am sweating the decision of whether or not to have them

taken

> out. My gynecologist says yes, and soon. My (ex) Rheumatologist

> says no, you won't get better anyways. My husband says - listen

to

> your rheumatologist! The rest of my family says - do whatever

you

> can to get better. My husband doesn't believe all my aches and

> pains. He thinks I go on the internet to find phantom illnesses

that

> I can say I have. I guess he's partly right. For the last year

and

> a half, I've been researching all of my symptoms. I first found

that

> a hormone imbalance could be the culprit and my doctor treated me

for

> it. I didn't get better. Then hypothyroidism sounded like it

fit

> most of my symptoms and my doctor treated me for that with no

> improvement. Then fibromyalgia seemed to fit the bill even

better,

> so I was diagnosed with that last fall. Since my gyn was

treating me

> for all of these " contrived " illnesses and fibromyalgia is

normally

> treated by a rheumatologist, he suggested I visit one. I did,

and

> was then diagnosed with " early inflammatory arthritis " (negative

> rheumatoid factor) along with carpal tunnel, mild raynaud's,

chronic

> fatigue and almost all the symptoms of lupus just to mention a

few!

> I am really struggling now because I want to make the right

> decision. I feel like taking the implants out will make me get

> better, but what if it doesn't? Is there still a chance that

I'll be

> like this for the rest of my life? I'm only 38. I can barely

walk

> up a flight of stairs! I just became a grandma in March and my

> little munchkin weighs 22 pounds! I'm not going to be able to

pick

> him up much longer. My daughter is 17 and they live with me. I

need

> to help her until she can get out on her own. Then my husband

looks

> at me like I'm such a failure because I don't vacuum anymore and

I

> rarely have the energy to make dinner. He says he understands,

but

> then he ends up taking his frustration out on the kids. He

thinks

> that if I can get dressed and put makeup on I should be able to

clean

> the house! I feel like my life is over sometimes. It feels like

it

> is because this is how you should feel at 98, not 38. My 70 year

old

> mother has 10 times more energy than me. I just want to get

better.

> I want to do the right thing. Sorry for rambling. This is the

first

> time I've ever " posted " a message. I have no idea if I'm

supposed to

> give my life story or not! Thanks for listening.... Pam

[Guest guest]

, thanks for all the info. I am so blown away by all the

similarities. Not to sound weird or anything, but your breasts look

good. I'm afraid mine won't. I was only a droopy 36A before

implants. I had just finished breast feeding my youngest son about a

year and a half prior to getting the implants. Now I'm a 36D or 38C,

depending on the bra. I was at the store the other day and I just

stopped and looked at the bras. I just couldn't imagine going back

to what I was before. I had a lift done then, so maybe they won't be

so droopy?? I can't imagine 6 hours of surgery either. Where did

you have them taken out? I haven't met with my surgeon yet - I have

an appt. on Tuesday. I want to warn him!

Pam

> Pam, I had salines placed in 1994. I was 19. A very healthy 19 yr

old too. Never went to the hospital once. I was athletic, ate great

(my mom a nutritionist ) and modeled. 7 yrs later, health

depreciating-and over 20 doctor apt later-I was diagnosed. I had

Hashimotos, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, 2 auto immune illnesses all the

while with a crooked smile (I just had a bells palsy attack before

the apt) I was burdened with chronic yeast infections, big time

vision loss, joint pain, weight gain, viral problems, ms like

symptoms, muscle twitches, headaches, neck pain. My rhuemy strongly

told me not to get them out, to face facts, that I was ill. I brought

in studies, he discarded them and would not look at them. He also

told my husband I was a mess, boy that pissed my hubby off. A few

words were said.

> Why didn't I listen to him, and the other doctors that

dismissed me? Simply, because I was 26!

> I was too young to have all these illnesses so fast. All their

patients were in their 40, mainly 50's, and this was ridiculous. Then

I noticed much more. No one would look at the studies, or the

pictures, it wasn't that they didn't believe it, they were offended.

Offended that they were ignorant to the this topic. They no nothing

about its safety. They don't have the time, or some plainly do not

care. They didn't question phen phen while it was out being studies

on women, they wrote up those prescriptions like mad. They do not

research these things, its not their job.

> So about 7 months later- I got them out with the help of this

group (thank you Saline support ). Immediately my headaches, neck

pains , confusion were gone. My thyroid antibodies went from 12,000

to 70. (those are the puppies that were attacking my thyroid gland)

My hands and feet didn't burn so much. The muscle twitching went away

completely, and I had those for the last year straight. My skin kept

looking better. Now it has been a year after explant. I am on

progesterone cream now , as my hormones were so screwed up, my

periods a mess. (Blood work did not show this, only saliva did) On

primal Defense, stuff to combat chronic yeast (as most implanted

women have this problem) and some other things, and I cannot believe

the difference in my life! My joint pain is almost gone. Periods are

every 27 days. I look and feel better. I finally am sweating again.

> If that isn't enough- my estimated time frame for surgery was 2 to

4 hours,. It took my explanting doc over 6 hours to scrape and pull

at the mess in my chest cavity. My safe saline's had created capsules

full of meaty, infected matter that had to be scraped off my chest.

My doc said it was not pretty, and had to cancel all apts for the day

while she worked on me.

> My hubby says I am back. The real me. And I am. I have

improved, my blood work has improved. Hell the rheumatoid arthritis

thing- gone in remission. My thyroid disease? Well, I was recently

cut back to 1/3 medication as I no longer need the large amounts I

was on for over 2 yrs! My thyroid is coming back. Doctors are

shocked, I am not. Those things are time bombs, full of infections,

and illnesses.

> If you get them out, you are giving yourself a real chance to heal

and get well. If you don't, be prepared to stay ill for the rest of

your life, or even get worse. It is your only hope. Besides, if you

keep them, you will need more surgeries later anyhow (And hopefully

you survive all the contamination they release, if they burst) So

surgery is going to happen- Whether to keep them, or remove them. I

love my breasts now! Don't know what was wrong with my head. Look at

my pics on the site, under . Its not what you think. You can

heal, and you can still look beautiful. (Oh and if your hubby wants

reassurance, my husband Joe will talk to him- He hates implants now

and is glad we went through hell to get them out) Oh and I sleep so

good now, and on my stomach! Yeah! Good luck to you... -----

Original Message -----

> From: nannapam37

>

> Sent: Friday, November 07, 2003 7:58 PM

> Subject: To explant or not to explant, that is

the question...

>

>

> I just found this group about a week ago. I must say that I am

> overwhelmed by the number of women who have experienced what I'm

now

> going through and very glad to find I'm not alone. I got saline

> implants in August of 1999. Of course, I was told that they are

not

> the " silicone " ones, therefore, they're safe. Mine even had a

> lifetime warranty! Woo hoo! Anyway, you all know the rest. So,

> here I am sweating the decision of whether or not to have them

taken

> out. My gynecologist says yes, and soon. My (ex) Rheumatologist

> says no, you won't get better anyways. My husband says - listen

to

> your rheumatologist! The rest of my family says - do whatever

you

> can to get better. My husband doesn't believe all my aches and

> pains. He thinks I go on the internet to find phantom illnesses

that

> I can say I have. I guess he's partly right. For the last year

and

> a half, I've been researching all of my symptoms. I first found

that

> a hormone imbalance could be the culprit and my doctor treated me

for

> it. I didn't get better. Then hypothyroidism sounded like it

fit

> most of my symptoms and my doctor treated me for that with no

> improvement. Then fibromyalgia seemed to fit the bill even

better,

> so I was diagnosed with that last fall. Since my gyn was

treating me

> for all of these " contrived " illnesses and fibromyalgia is

normally

> treated by a rheumatologist, he suggested I visit one. I did,

and

> was then diagnosed with " early inflammatory arthritis " (negative

> rheumatoid factor) along with carpal tunnel, mild raynaud's,

chronic

> fatigue and almost all the symptoms of lupus just to mention a

few!

> I am really struggling now because I want to make the right

> decision. I feel like taking the implants out will make me get

> better, but what if it doesn't? Is there still a chance that

I'll be

> like this for the rest of my life? I'm only 38. I can barely

walk

> up a flight of stairs! I just became a grandma in March and my

> little munchkin weighs 22 pounds! I'm not going to be able to

pick

> him up much longer. My daughter is 17 and they live with me. I

need

> to help her until she can get out on her own. Then my husband

looks

> at me like I'm such a failure because I don't vacuum anymore and

I

> rarely have the energy to make dinner. He says he understands,

but

> then he ends up taking his frustration out on the kids. He

thinks

> that if I can get dressed and put makeup on I should be able to

clean

> the house! I feel like my life is over sometimes. It feels like

it

> is because this is how you should feel at 98, not 38. My 70 year

old

> mother has 10 times more energy than me. I just want to get

better.

> I want to do the right thing. Sorry for rambling. This is the

first

> time I've ever " posted " a message. I have no idea if I'm

supposed to

> give my life story or not! Thanks for listening.... Pam

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sue, thanks for the encouragement. I'm unable to work now as well.

I have almost no income. I have a 6 year old and since I have to get

him on and off the bus every day, I figured I could get a few other

ones on and off as well. I only have 1 other child though, and

that's about all I can handle. Sometimes I have to get them and get

snack and lay down on the couch until her mom comes! I make a

whopping $45 per week!

Pam

> Well done to you for finding the site, you carried on trusting your

instincts

> even when told you were making a mistake and that implants are not

the reason

> for all the illnesses you are having.

> You are right in what you have found out, nearly every women in

this group

> and others are having or have experienced the problems that are

making you ill,

> unless you get the implants removed things will only get worse.Get

them

> removed and you will improve.

> If I went back to when I had the implants in I could not work and

had no

> energy, I had mine removed and I went back to work full time two

years

> ago,something I never dreamt I could do.

>

> Trust your instincts only you knows your body.

>

> Good luck

> Sue.

[Guest guest]

Pam I also needed a lift though, as I was droopy. So it helped big time. Although my explanting doctor did a new lift that I was a good candidate for. She snipped & tucked all the excess skin through my initial incision (under the crease) and I guess from what I have heard she also has done only one more that way since then. I think that you have to be more placed on the side, and also not need that large of a lift done, I was the perfect candidate for it, as I also didn’t go that large, I went from a 34b to a 34d. So it wasn’t too big, too stretched out to look horrific without a lift, but I did have a lot of sagging and excess skin. I went to Atlanta Georgia. If you have any other information you would like on my explanting doc - I could email you personally.

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

From: nannapam37

Sent: Saturday, November 08, 2003 9:43 AM

Subject: Re: To explant or not to explant, that is the question...

, thanks for all the info. I am so blown away by all the similarities. Not to sound weird or anything, but your breasts look good. I'm afraid mine won't. I was only a droopy 36A before implants. I had just finished breast feeding my youngest son about a year and a half prior to getting the implants. Now I'm a 36D or 38C, depending on the bra. I was at the store the other day and I just stopped and looked at the bras. I just couldn't imagine going back to what I was before. I had a lift done then, so maybe they won't be so droopy?? I can't imagine 6 hours of surgery either. Where did you have them taken out? I haven't met with my surgeon yet - I have an appt. on Tuesday. I want to warn him! Pam> Pam, I had salines placed in 1994. I was 19. A very healthy 19 yr old too. Never went to the hospital once. I was athletic, ate great (my mom a nutritionist ) and modeled. 7 yrs later, health depreciating-and over 20 doctor apt later-I was diagnosed. I had Hashimotos, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, 2 auto immune illnesses all the while with a crooked smile (I just had a bells palsy attack before the apt) I was burdened with chronic yeast infections, big time vision loss, joint pain, weight gain, viral problems, ms like symptoms, muscle twitches, headaches, neck pain. My rhuemy strongly told me not to get them out, to face facts, that I was ill. I brought in studies, he discarded them and would not look at them. He also told my husband I was a mess, boy that pissed my hubby off. A few words were said. > Why didn't I listen to him, and the other doctors that dismissed me? Simply, because I was 26!> I was too young to have all these illnesses so fast. All their patients were in their 40, mainly 50's, and this was ridiculous. Then I noticed much more. No one would look at the studies, or the pictures, it wasn't that they didn't believe it, they were offended. Offended that they were ignorant to the this topic. They no nothing about its safety. They don't have the time, or some plainly do not care. They didn't question phen phen while it was out being studies on women, they wrote up those prescriptions like mad. They do not research these things, its not their job. > So about 7 months later- I got them out with the help of this group (thank you Saline support ). Immediately my headaches, neck pains , confusion were gone. My thyroid antibodies went from 12,000 to 70. (those are the puppies that were attacking my thyroid gland) My hands and feet didn't burn so much. The muscle twitching went away completely, and I had those for the last year straight. My skin kept looking better. Now it has been a year after explant. I am on progesterone cream now , as my hormones were so screwed up, my periods a mess. (Blood work did not show this, only saliva did) On primal Defense, stuff to combat chronic yeast (as most implanted women have this problem) and some other things, and I cannot believe the difference in my life! My joint pain is almost gone. Periods are every 27 days. I look and feel better. I finally am sweating again.> If that isn't enough- my estimated time frame for surgery was 2 to 4 hours,. It took my explanting doc over 6 hours to scrape and pull at the mess in my chest cavity. My safe saline's had created capsules full of meaty, infected matter that had to be scraped off my chest. My doc said it was not pretty, and had to cancel all apts for the day while she worked on me. > My hubby says I am back. The real me. And I am. I have improved, my blood work has improved. Hell the rheumatoid arthritis thing- gone in remission. My thyroid disease? Well, I was recently cut back to 1/3 medication as I no longer need the large amounts I was on for over 2 yrs! My thyroid is coming back. Doctors are shocked, I am not. Those things are time bombs, full of infections, and illnesses.> If you get them out, you are giving yourself a real chance to heal and get well. If you don't, be prepared to stay ill for the rest of your life, or even get worse. It is your only hope. Besides, if you keep them, you will need more surgeries later anyhow (And hopefully you survive all the contamination they release, if they burst) So surgery is going to happen- Whether to keep them, or remove them. I love my breasts now! Don't know what was wrong with my head. Look at my pics on the site, under . Its not what you think. You can heal, and you can still look beautiful. (Oh and if your hubby wants reassurance, my husband Joe will talk to him- He hates implants now and is glad we went through hell to get them out) Oh and I sleep so good now, and on my stomach! Yeah! Good luck to you... ----- Original Message ----- > From: nannapam37 > > Sent: Friday, November 07, 2003 7:58 PM> Subject: To explant or not to explant, that is the question...> > > I just found this group about a week ago. I must say that I am > overwhelmed by the number of women who have experienced what I'm now > going through and very glad to find I'm not alone. I got saline > implants in August of 1999. Of course, I was told that they are not > the "silicone" ones, therefore, they're safe. Mine even had a > lifetime warranty! Woo hoo! Anyway, you all know the rest. So, > here I am sweating the decision of whether or not to have them taken > out. My gynecologist says yes, and soon. My (ex) Rheumatologist > says no, you won't get better anyways. My husband says - listen to > your rheumatologist! The rest of my family says - do whatever you > can to get better. My husband doesn't believe all my aches and > pains. He thinks I go on the internet to find phantom illnesses that > I can say I have. I guess he's partly right. For the last year and > a half, I've been researching all of my symptoms. I first found that > a hormone imbalance could be the culprit and my doctor treated me for > it. I didn't get better. Then hypothyroidism sounded like it fit > most of my symptoms and my doctor treated me for that with no > improvement. Then fibromyalgia seemed to fit the bill even better, > so I was diagnosed with that last fall. Since my gyn was treating me > for all of these "contrived" illnesses and fibromyalgia is normally > treated by a rheumatologist, he suggested I visit one. I did, and > was then diagnosed with "early inflammatory arthritis" (negative > rheumatoid factor) along with carpal tunnel, mild raynaud's, chronic > fatigue and almost all the symptoms of lupus just to mention a few! > I am really struggling now because I want to make the right > decision. I feel like taking the implants out will make me get > better, but what if it doesn't? Is there still a chance that I'll be > like this for the rest of my life? I'm only 38. I can barely walk > up a flight of stairs! I just became a grandma in March and my > little munchkin weighs 22 pounds! I'm not going to be able to pick > him up much longer. My daughter is 17 and they live with me. I need > to help her until she can get out on her own. Then my husband looks > at me like I'm such a failure because I don't vacuum anymore and I > rarely have the energy to make dinner. He says he understands, but > then he ends up taking his frustration out on the kids. He thinks > that if I can get dressed and put makeup on I should be able to clean > the house! I feel like my life is over sometimes. It feels like it > is because this is how you should feel at 98, not 38. My 70 year old > mother has 10 times more energy than me. I just want to get better. > I want to do the right thing. Sorry for rambling. This is the first > time I've ever "posted" a message. I have no idea if I'm supposed to > give my life story or not! Thanks for listening.... Pam > > > >

[Guest guest]

Pam ,I was also very insecure, and yet pretty (Like you) to be consumed with getting implants. But now, I am more secure with myself than ever. To me, this whole mess has been a healing journey form the inside out.

For the 1st time in my life, I have full acceptance of my body, and now after all this look at it in a whole new light. If only I respected the wonderful things it did, and how beautifully made it was, and how powerful it is. Instead I placed so much on it, that I was destroying it, I literally was killing myself to be a person I could never be. I love my breasts now. And me too.

Never thought I could bear the thought of myself without them ,but was pleasantly surprised to feel the relief when they were gone. A huge burden off my chest "literally' Love

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

From: nannapam37

Sent: Saturday, November 08, 2003 9:29 AM

Subject: Re: To explant or not to explant, that is the question...

Patty, my gynecologist is wonderful. He is a Christian too. He not only believes my every ache and pain, but he quotes scripture and prays with me every time I see him. He asks God to give us the knowlege we need in order to get me well. He is such an awesome humble man. I thank God for him so much. He is so concerned about women's health. He no longer delivers babies so that he can concentrate fully on our other health issues. He takes women seriously when they find something on the Internet - in fact, he encourages it. He was willing to continue to treat me, but I needed to go out on disability and he felt that as a gynecologist he would be questioned if he was the one that requested I go out. Not only that, but he doesn't prescribe pain meds. He doesn't believe in them and I couldn't make it any longer without something. Unfortunately, I allowed the rheumatologist to build me up from Ultram (which is all my gynecologist would give me) to the Duragesic 50mg patches. Even they weren't helping and I was taking Tylenol and muscle relaxers as well - not to mention 5 other meds - Prilosec (so my stomach could handle all the drugs) - Neurontin, Plaquenil (anti-malarial for arthritis) - Amitriptyline, and Wellbutrin. I can't take NSAIDS because I have had a peptic ulcer. I had a patch leak and when I asked the doctor to replace it, her secretary said "no, she won't replace it, she said you shouldn't go in to withdrawal from duragesic"! Without her replacing that patch, I would have gone 2 days without any pain meds. I wrote a letter and faxed it to her office telling her what the Janssen company (who makes duragesic) told me about withdrawal and that it could be fatal! Her secretary called me back and said that she would write a prescription for Hydrocodone to get me through until I found a new doctor! Good riddance! She didn't give a & #@*! about me anyways! OOps, sorry for venting. As for my implants, they are made by Mentor and the doctor told me that no matter what causes them to rupture, if it was a car accident and the air bag went off or anything else, they would still replace them for as long as I live. I guess women don't live very long after they have them in and that's how they can make that claim?!!! My sister-in-law is seriously considering getting them now. She said that hers comes with an extended warranty that you can purchase separately! I told her that mine may be causing all my problems and there was a chance that she could have the same thing happen. I haven't talked to her in a couple of weeks. She doesn't know that I'm seriously considering getting them taken out. The last time I talked to her I told her what the rheumatologist said about not getting better even if I had them taken out. I know that when I was considering getting them, I didn't want to believe any of the bad stuff. All I thought of was being way sexy on the back of my husband's motorcycle! Bad stuff only happens to other people, right? Not! I thought I was improving my marriage and that my husband would look more at me and less at the internet if you know what I mean. I have very low self esteem stemming back from my childhood, so I've always thought I wasn't good enough for anyone. My friends and family all say I'm beautiful and even now that I've been sick, they still say I look like a teenager. What I'm trying to say is that my husband had no reason to be looking elsewhere. It was because of his wandering eyes and thoughts that I'm in this situation. Sorry, more venting. I hope I'm not taking up too much space on your site or too much of your time. I've just not had anyone to talk to about this that fully understands. Thank you again for listening. Pam > Hi Pam,> Wow, I am surprised you were told you had a lifetime warranty on your salines in 1999. I got my implants in 1997, and was told the same thing then, and I think it was a few months later that they changed their tune and said that implants could only be expected to last about 7 years or so, and that more surgeries would be probable. Talk about bait and switch! It really didn't matter though, because they made me sicker than a dog, and I got them out 9 months after getting them in. > > You have an advocate then with your gynecologist! Wow, that's unusual, but what a blessing for you. And the rest of your family is supporting you too, so that is wonderful. I am sorry your husband does not understand. (Oh, and you should fire your rheumatologist!) > > It hurts when those that say they love us most don't show the compassion we need in this time. I hope we can help you feel not so alone and that we can become your support system through this time. Yes, getting the implants out is the best thing you can do for your health, and I am sure this is what you are feeling in your heart. It is not a fun prospect at all, I know, I cried so many tears when I realized I was sick from my implants and they needed to go. I was very distressed, but I wanted my health back more than anything else in the world.> > I am actually quite better. I don't have my health back fully, as I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroid disease last summer, it took a long time to show up, but in the meantime, I was doing all I could to detox and get my health back, and over a period of 4 years, I finally got to the point where I could live a very normal, active, and fun life again. The Hashimoto's diagnosis actually came as quite a surprise. I wasn't even going to a doctor to find out if anything was wrong with me! I was going for a Vitamin C IV, and the astute doctor decided to do some blood work beforehand, and about a week later he told me I had Hashimoto's. I was disappointed, but at the same time, it was like well, finally, now I know what to call the last 5 years of hell!> > Anyway, I am babbling. I just wanted you to know that what you are going through is common to many women, even though we were all told our salines were safe. The only hope we can give you for getting better is to get the dang things out. They are doing you no good. Your immune system is saying "help me" in a desperate voice, and while I can't guarantee that you are going to get your health back 100%, I can tell you that getting your implants out is the one thing you can do to give yourself the very best chance at healing. Hanging on to them will almost guarantee that you will remain as sick as you are, if not get worse. Lupus is a very serious disease. I don't know if you read 's story, but she was headed toward lupus, and was able to turn it around and reverse it after getting her implants out. That is the hope we can give you.> > Take care, and let us know....we are here for you.> Patty> ----- Original Message ----- > From: nannapam37 > > Sent: Friday, November 07, 2003 5:58 PM> Subject: To explant or not to explant, that is the question...> > > I just found this group about a week ago. I must say that I am > overwhelmed by the number of women who have experienced what I'm now > going through and very glad to find I'm not alone. I got saline > implants in August of 1999. Of course, I was told that they are not > the "silicone" ones, therefore, they're safe. Mine even had a > lifetime warranty! Woo hoo! Anyway, you all know the rest. So, > here I am sweating the decision of whether or not to have them taken > out. My gynecologist says yes, and soon. My (ex) Rheumatologist > says no, you won't get better anyways. My husband says - listen to > your rheumatologist! The rest of my family says - do whatever you > can to get better. My husband doesn't believe all my aches and > pains. He thinks I go on the internet to find phantom illnesses that > I can say I have. I guess he's partly right. For the last year and > a half, I've been researching all of my symptoms. I first found that > a hormone imbalance could be the culprit and my doctor treated me for > it. I didn't get better. Then hypothyroidism sounded like it fit > most of my symptoms and my doctor treated me for that with no > improvement. Then fibromyalgia seemed to fit the bill even better, > so I was diagnosed with that last fall. Since my gyn was treating me > for all of these "contrived" illnesses and fibromyalgia is normally > treated by a rheumatologist, he suggested I visit one. I did, and > was then diagnosed with "early inflammatory arthritis" (negative > rheumatoid factor) along with carpal tunnel, mild raynaud's, chronic > fatigue and almost all the symptoms of lupus just to mention a few! > I am really struggling now because I want to make the right > decision. I feel like taking the implants out will make me get > better, but what if it doesn't? Is there still a chance that I'll be > like this for the rest of my life? I'm only 38. I can barely walk > up a flight of stairs! I just became a grandma in March and my > little munchkin weighs 22 pounds! I'm not going to be able to pick > him up much longer. My daughter is 17 and they live with me. I need > to help her until she can get out on her own. Then my husband looks > at me like I'm such a failure because I don't vacuum anymore and I > rarely have the energy to make dinner. He says he understands, but > then he ends up taking his frustration out on the kids. He thinks > that if I can get dressed and put makeup on I should be able to clean > the house! I feel like my life is over sometimes. It feels like it > is because this is how you should feel at 98, not 38. My 70 year old > mother has 10 times more energy than me. I just want to get better. > I want to do the right thing. Sorry for rambling. This is the first > time I've ever "posted" a message. I have no idea if I'm supposed to > give my life story or not! Thanks for listening.... Pam

[Guest guest]

Hi Pam

I wanted to reply to your post sooner but anyhow hopefull this will

do! Welcome to the group by the way. I have been around here for

awhile now. I cannot believe it has already been 3 years almost,

since my explant. I had implants for a short time, 18 months to be

exact but I was very ill during that time. I sound allot like you

actually, I am 39 too. Anyhow, I just want to let you know that with

a lift you can look pretty good again. Did you see my pics that are

on the site? I think I look really good, and even though I am small,

in clothes with the right bra or enhancers, I look like a perfect 34

B which for my size is allot more normal than that C or D cup look. I

also took allot of pain meds and managed to get off almost all the

meds I was on before explant, cept for sleep I still need that one! I

am so much improved that i not only am working full time, but I also

manage to go to school, as well as lead an active normal life again.

It is so strange because I have been explanted longer than i even had

the implants for, and for the most part I am totally over the whole

boob thing, but as much as I have moved on to lead a normal life, I

just know I will never leave this group or stop trying to reach out

and help women who are sick, or the ones just seeking answers, or

seeking implants, those are the ladies that I hope to be able to

reach. Your too young to feel the way you do everyday, and wow your a

young grandma, it sucks to be too sick to enjoy that grandbaby

though! it sounds like you have allot of responsibility and a

daughter and grandbaby that need you. You really truly will not

regret explanting. It will be the best thing you can do for yourself.

Honestly girl, don't wait, get those suckers out before the totally

destroy your health. You can get better, all it takes is the right Dr

to remove them the right way, and in time, you will heal. Don't wait

too long, and don't rush into the hands of the wrong PS either. Take

the time needed to find the right Dr who will believe in you and help

you get well, also who will make you look your absolute best. I

believe Dr Feng is the best out there, in my opinion and lots and

lots of other ladies as well. She is meticulous and really really

kind and sweet and humble. IF your able to afford her, and able to

get to Ohio she is the best. THere are other choices too, however,

and they may be easier for you.

Whatever you do, don't give up on your health, your too young to do

that. You don't have to live a life of pain or suffering just for a

couple of water balloons.

Anyhow I need to get going as it is late and I need to get up early

for work in the am.

Please know that we all care and want to be here to help and support

you as you go through it.

Write more when you can ok?

Hugs

In , " nannapam37 " <Nannapam37@a...>

wrote:

> I just found this group about a week ago. I must say that I am

> overwhelmed by the number of women who have experienced what I'm

now

> going through and very glad to find I'm not alone. I got saline

> implants in August of 1999. Of course, I was told that they are

not

> the " silicone " ones, therefore, they're safe. Mine even had a

> lifetime warranty! Woo hoo! Anyway, you all know the rest. So,

> here I am sweating the decision of whether or not to have them

taken

> out. My gynecologist says yes, and soon. My (ex) Rheumatologist

> says no, you won't get better anyways. My husband says - listen to

> your rheumatologist! The rest of my family says - do whatever you

> can to get better. My husband doesn't believe all my aches and

> pains. He thinks I go on the internet to find phantom illnesses

that

> I can say I have. I guess he's partly right. For the last year

and

> a half, I've been researching all of my symptoms. I first found

that

> a hormone imbalance could be the culprit and my doctor treated me

for

> it. I didn't get better. Then hypothyroidism sounded like it fit

> most of my symptoms and my doctor treated me for that with no

> improvement. Then fibromyalgia seemed to fit the bill even better,

> so I was diagnosed with that last fall. Since my gyn was treating

me

> for all of these " contrived " illnesses and fibromyalgia is normally

> treated by a rheumatologist, he suggested I visit one. I did, and

> was then diagnosed with " early inflammatory arthritis " (negative

> rheumatoid factor) along with carpal tunnel, mild raynaud's,

chronic

> fatigue and almost all the symptoms of lupus just to mention a

few!

> I am really struggling now because I want to make the right

> decision. I feel like taking the implants out will make me get

> better, but what if it doesn't? Is there still a chance that I'll

be

> like this for the rest of my life? I'm only 38. I can barely walk

> up a flight of stairs! I just became a grandma in March and my

> little munchkin weighs 22 pounds! I'm not going to be able to pick

> him up much longer. My daughter is 17 and they live with me. I

need

> to help her until she can get out on her own. Then my husband

looks

> at me like I'm such a failure because I don't vacuum anymore and I

> rarely have the energy to make dinner. He says he understands, but

> then he ends up taking his frustration out on the kids. He thinks

> that if I can get dressed and put makeup on I should be able to

clean

> the house! I feel like my life is over sometimes. It feels like

it

> is because this is how you should feel at 98, not 38. My 70 year

old

> mother has 10 times more energy than me. I just want to get

better.

> I want to do the right thing. Sorry for rambling. This is the

first

> time I've ever " posted " a message. I have no idea if I'm supposed

to

> give my life story or not! Thanks for listening.... Pam