Re: I am new here - intro

April 25, 2004

I am so sorry that this has happened to you. It sounds like all the

symptoms you are having are what all of us got from SALINE SAFE

IMPLANTS. I know that it is hard to believe that this could happen

but it happens to 100's of women every day.

The first thing I would do is get those toxic bags out of you. When

I finally found out the conection between by symptoms and implants I

called my PS and had them removed the next week. You are only going

to get worse. And there is a chance of passing toxins to your baby.

I would stop breast feeding right now TODAY. I have three children

(teen agers now) and if I thought there was a chance to hurt them by

breast feeding I would not risk it. (there are women here that do

belive they passed toxins onto there baby.)

I don't mean to scare you but the only way you have a chance of

getting better is to have them removed.

Print up some of our stories and have your husband read them amd

than ask him ----Who does this sound like? You can find our stories

in the file section.

Cricket

> With a very heavy heart, I'm introducing myself. :-(

>

> I am 33 years old, have sub pec smooth saline (mentor) implants

for

> five years now with no problems until seven months ago. I have

two

> children, one who is 5 months and breastfeeding (I fed my

> successfully b/fd my first as well, with implants). I went from

34B

> to 35D.

>

> My symptoms are:

> - extreme joint pain, stiffness. First it was neck then back and

now

> it is severe in knees, hips, groin, wrists, ankles, feet. My

rings

> no longer fit and my shoe size is up one size.

>

> - joint pain and stiffness/achiness aggravated any time I sleep or

> rest

>

> - flu like feelings constantly, never gets better with rest

>

> - fuzzy thinking, fog-brain (I am sleep deprived but I was with my

> first child and I was still whip smart, not like I am now

>

> - extreme fatigue - like someone just pulled the plug on me

>

> - joints feel hot, I sweat a lot and am hot all the time

>

> - hand dexterity significantly reduced

>

> No headaches, though and I have no numbness, chest rashes.

>

> I kept blaming my pain and fatigue on things like relocation, new

> mattress, new baby, just tired, etc. But the *fact* is, I'm

getting

> worse not better and I feel 73, not 33. I miss how I used to feel

so

> much! I used to go for long hikes with my (then) infant son and

> never was tired or sore, just healthy. Now I wince and gear up

just

> to get out of bed.

>

> I moved out of the US, haven't see a doc here. My PS is in CA,

> haven't contacted him either. I feel strongly that when I see my

GP,

> he will not include my implants as a probable cause for my symptom

> profile. And the thought of being ignored or dismissed is

crushing

> right now.

>

> I cannot have surgery at this time as I have to continue to

> breastfeed my baby, so any explant will have to wait a bit. I

want

> to breastfeed more children of mine in the future and am very

worried

> that when I get the explant (b/c I believe the implants are the

> prob), I will risk my ability to breastfeed.

>

> My husband is very worried with all my implant talk and research

and

> thinks it's drastic to even consider explant. I am beginning to

feel

> like i have an invader in my chest and I want it out *now*. I

feel

> creepy all of the sudden that I have these implants in me (what

was I

> thinking???) Husband thinks if I sleep more and drink no coffee,

it

> will improve but I tell ya, I think he is wrong. I do not feel

right

> and that fact isn't going away.

>

> So, that's my intro and I so so appreciate this group being here.

It

> makes sense to me that the saline could get moldy, that the

silicon

> shell could break down and migrate - all these things are so

> logical. What doesn't make sense to me is a doc saying 'oh, it's

not

> the implants' or that bs about saline being harmless and the shell

> shards unlikely.

>

> Thanks for this space.

>

April 25, 2004

, you are in the right place. We've all been right where

you are. I read your intro and cried because I remember mine 6

months ago. I could not believe my implants were making me sick, but

they were. You have all the " tell-tale " symptoms just like the rest

of us. Take a few minutes and read some of our stories in

the " files " section. You'll get an eery feeling and chills all

over. It will be like you're reading about yourself. You've got a

lot of questions and we will help you get answers. I had Mentor

Smooth Saline as well and I got them 5 years ago - in August of

1999. I had them taken out in December 2003 about 4 & 1/2 months

ago. It was the best decision I have ever made. Please don't stress

over doctors believing you, because they won't, most of them

anyways. We've all left the doctor's office in tears at one time or

another. Even our husbands, families and friends don't always

believe us. But, here you are safe. We all believe you because

we've been there or we are there right now. Each of us is at a

different stage of healing. Some have been well for years and some

are still awaiting explant. It's a long road, but it's worth it.

Pam

> With a very heavy heart, I'm introducing myself. :-(

>

> I am 33 years old, have sub pec smooth saline (mentor) implants for

> five years now with no problems until seven months ago. I have two

> children, one who is 5 months and breastfeeding (I fed my

> successfully b/fd my first as well, with implants). I went from

34B

> to 35D.

>

> My symptoms are:

> - extreme joint pain, stiffness. First it was neck then back and

now

> it is severe in knees, hips, groin, wrists, ankles, feet. My rings

> no longer fit and my shoe size is up one size.

>

> - joint pain and stiffness/achiness aggravated any time I sleep or

> rest

>

> - flu like feelings constantly, never gets better with rest

>

> - fuzzy thinking, fog-brain (I am sleep deprived but I was with my

> first child and I was still whip smart, not like I am now

>

> - extreme fatigue - like someone just pulled the plug on me

>

> - joints feel hot, I sweat a lot and am hot all the time

>

> - hand dexterity significantly reduced

>

> No headaches, though and I have no numbness, chest rashes.

>

> I kept blaming my pain and fatigue on things like relocation, new

> mattress, new baby, just tired, etc. But the *fact* is, I'm

getting

> worse not better and I feel 73, not 33. I miss how I used to feel

so

> much! I used to go for long hikes with my (then) infant son and

> never was tired or sore, just healthy. Now I wince and gear up

just

> to get out of bed.

>

> I moved out of the US, haven't see a doc here. My PS is in CA,

> haven't contacted him either. I feel strongly that when I see my

GP,

> he will not include my implants as a probable cause for my symptom

> profile. And the thought of being ignored or dismissed is crushing

> right now.

>

> I cannot have surgery at this time as I have to continue to

> breastfeed my baby, so any explant will have to wait a bit. I want

> to breastfeed more children of mine in the future and am very

worried

> that when I get the explant (b/c I believe the implants are the

> prob), I will risk my ability to breastfeed.

>

> My husband is very worried with all my implant talk and research

and

> thinks it's drastic to even consider explant. I am beginning to

feel

> like i have an invader in my chest and I want it out *now*. I feel

> creepy all of the sudden that I have these implants in me (what was

I

> thinking???) Husband thinks if I sleep more and drink no coffee,

it

> will improve but I tell ya, I think he is wrong. I do not feel

right

> and that fact isn't going away.

>

> So, that's my intro and I so so appreciate this group being here.

It

> makes sense to me that the saline could get moldy, that the silicon

> shell could break down and migrate - all these things are so

> logical. What doesn't make sense to me is a doc saying 'oh, it's

not

> the implants' or that bs about saline being harmless and the shell

> shards unlikely.

>

> Thanks for this space.

>

April 26, 2004

--- Oh Steph, you have been brought here for a reason!!!!! Listen

to your heart and your spirit, you knew and know how you use to

function prior to implants, and take a long look now... Mine hit me

like a ton of bricks very hard after a few years of having them... I

have been explanted for 3 months, I have returned to work, I work

out, I lost 25 lbs... I thought I was dying.. I was on oxycontin for

pain, could not sleep, could not wake up during the day... I could

not make a meal for my girl... she use to go to school crying

telling the teacher my mommy is dying Im scared... It seems youve

made the connection........ Steph, my heart cries for you right

now... I wanted to die, cuz I felt soooooooooo sick.... I am

now back to normal 90%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes it was implants

for me, the pathology proved that I was having an Hypersystemic

immune reaction to the silicone, .... my body WAS REJECTING

THEM>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> IT took awhile, I was just tired at first....

and weight gain... then pain took over along w/all the usual

symptoms.... Get your life back girl, and get them out... Pray that

God will lead you to your decision and Only God to lead you to that

decision... But you did not pop up here by accident... DIVINE

INTERVENTION>>>>>>>>>>> God wants you to heal and have your life

back w/your babes and husband...... My prayers are w/you..... In

God's love, Iggy

In , " stephsummer " <stephsummer@y...>

wrote:

> With a very heavy heart, I'm introducing myself. :-(

>

> I am 33 years old, have sub pec smooth saline (mentor) implants for

> five years now with no problems until seven months ago. I have two

> children, one who is 5 months and breastfeeding (I fed my

> successfully b/fd my first as well, with implants). I went from

34B

> to 35D.

>

> My symptoms are:

> - extreme joint pain, stiffness. First it was neck then back and

now

> it is severe in knees, hips, groin, wrists, ankles, feet. My rings

> no longer fit and my shoe size is up one size.

>

> - joint pain and stiffness/achiness aggravated any time I sleep or

> rest

>

> - flu like feelings constantly, never gets better with rest

>

> - fuzzy thinking, fog-brain (I am sleep deprived but I was with my

> first child and I was still whip smart, not like I am now

>

> - extreme fatigue - like someone just pulled the plug on me

>

> - joints feel hot, I sweat a lot and am hot all the time

>

> - hand dexterity significantly reduced

>

> No headaches, though and I have no numbness, chest rashes.

>

> I kept blaming my pain and fatigue on things like relocation, new

> mattress, new baby, just tired, etc. But the *fact* is, I'm

getting

> worse not better and I feel 73, not 33. I miss how I used to feel

so

> much! I used to go for long hikes with my (then) infant son and

> never was tired or sore, just healthy. Now I wince and gear up

just

> to get out of bed.

>

> I moved out of the US, haven't see a doc here. My PS is in CA,

> haven't contacted him either. I feel strongly that when I see my

GP,

> he will not include my implants as a probable cause for my symptom

> profile. And the thought of being ignored or dismissed is crushing

> right now.

>

> I cannot have surgery at this time as I have to continue to

> breastfeed my baby, so any explant will have to wait a bit. I want

> to breastfeed more children of mine in the future and am very

worried

> that when I get the explant (b/c I believe the implants are the

> prob), I will risk my ability to breastfeed.

>

> My husband is very worried with all my implant talk and research

and

> thinks it's drastic to even consider explant. I am beginning to

feel

> like i have an invader in my chest and I want it out *now*. I feel

> creepy all of the sudden that I have these implants in me (what was

I

> thinking???) Husband thinks if I sleep more and drink no coffee,

it

> will improve but I tell ya, I think he is wrong. I do not feel

right

> and that fact isn't going away.

>

> So, that's my intro and I so so appreciate this group being here.

It

> makes sense to me that the saline could get moldy, that the silicon

> shell could break down and migrate - all these things are so

> logical. What doesn't make sense to me is a doc saying 'oh, it's

not

> the implants' or that bs about saline being harmless and the shell

> shards unlikely.

>

> Thanks for this space.

>

April 26, 2004

Amy,

I am sorry that I cannot offer any statistics, I am sure that Patty

or someone else can, but this is the way it has been explained to

me...According to my doc, one is genetically predisposed to

autoimmune disease. Then something acts as a trigger such as trauma

or illness or surgery and the immune system goes into overdrive which

makes a person sick. The implants can act as the trigger because the

body/immune system automatically tries to reject them because they do

not belong in the body even more so than other triggers. Even my

rheumy says that women can get sick from the surgery or the implants

themselves. Many things can act as the trigger and one must be

predisposed genetically. Unfortunately you will not know whether you

are predisposed until you are sick!!! Do you have ANY illnesses in

your family or have you had any? It is certainly not worth the

chance. I can tell you that they are not the thrill I thought they

would be and even before I realized they could be making me sick I

wanted them out. According to Dr. Blais who has testified in front

of the FDA, the saline passes through the implant and exchanges with

your bodily fluid and within one year the saline is almost

undetectable! GROSS!!! They are very suceptible to growing fungus

etc. Also, they did not feel right and the weight of them stretched

my skin and eventually they sagged. They are not worth it!! Please,

especially if you have had any indication of illnesses for yourself

or the family don't do it!

I am so happy to see that you are willing to look at the evidence

before you make a decision and I am sure that someone on this site

will be able to provide it.

Take care,

Ann

> > With a very heavy heart, I'm introducing myself. :-(

> >

> > I am 33 years old, have sub pec smooth saline (mentor) implants

for

> > five years now with no problems until seven months ago. I have

two

> > children, one who is 5 months and breastfeeding (I fed my

> > successfully b/fd my first as well, with implants). I went

from

> 34B

> > to 35D.

> >

> > My symptoms are:

> > - extreme joint pain, stiffness. First it was neck then back

and

> now

> > it is severe in knees, hips, groin, wrists, ankles, feet. My

rings

> > no longer fit and my shoe size is up one size.

> >

> > - joint pain and stiffness/achiness aggravated any time I sleep

or

> > rest

> >

> > - flu like feelings constantly, never gets better with rest

> >

> > - fuzzy thinking, fog-brain (I am sleep deprived but I was with

my

> > first child and I was still whip smart, not like I am now

> >

> > - extreme fatigue - like someone just pulled the plug on me

> >

> > - joints feel hot, I sweat a lot and am hot all the time

> >

> > - hand dexterity significantly reduced

> >

> > No headaches, though and I have no numbness, chest rashes.

> >

> > I kept blaming my pain and fatigue on things like relocation,

new

> > mattress, new baby, just tired, etc. But the *fact* is, I'm

> getting

> > worse not better and I feel 73, not 33. I miss how I used to

feel

> so

> > much! I used to go for long hikes with my (then) infant son

and

> > never was tired or sore, just healthy. Now I wince and gear up

> just

> > to get out of bed.

> >

> > I moved out of the US, haven't see a doc here. My PS is in CA,

> > haven't contacted him either. I feel strongly that when I see

my

> GP,

> > he will not include my implants as a probable cause for my

symptom

> > profile. And the thought of being ignored or dismissed is

crushing

> > right now.

> >

> > I cannot have surgery at this time as I have to continue to

> > breastfeed my baby, so any explant will have to wait a bit. I

want

> > to breastfeed more children of mine in the future and am very

> worried

> > that when I get the explant (b/c I believe the implants are the

> > prob), I will risk my ability to breastfeed.

> >

> > My husband is very worried with all my implant talk and

research

> and

> > thinks it's drastic to even consider explant. I am beginning

to

> feel

> > like i have an invader in my chest and I want it out *now*. I

feel

> > creepy all of the sudden that I have these implants in me (what

was

> I

> > thinking???) Husband thinks if I sleep more and drink no

coffee,

> it

> > will improve but I tell ya, I think he is wrong. I do not feel

> right

> > and that fact isn't going away.

> >

> > So, that's my intro and I so so appreciate this group being

here.

> It

> > makes sense to me that the saline could get moldy, that the

silicon

> > shell could break down and migrate - all these things are so

> > logical. What doesn't make sense to me is a doc saying 'oh,

it's

> not

> > the implants' or that bs about saline being harmless and the

shell

> > shards unlikely.

> >

> > Thanks for this space.

> >

>

April 26, 2004

How in the world can saline implants make people ill with Lupus, arthritis and other diseases.

Where is it that I can find actual findings on this situation.

I believe you can become "sick" from the implants but other than that I'm at a loss.

I am still thinking about the surgery. I still have questions either way....but I won't have them done till I find answers to all of your reports on obtaining certain diseases.

I have to admit that this seems quite out of left field. I don't want you to get upset I'm just stating a fact.

Please send me the reports about the implant disease findings.

Amy

Re: I am new here - intro

, you are in the right place. We've all been right where you are. I read your intro and cried because I remember mine 6 months ago. I could not believe my implants were making me sick, but they were. You have all the "tell-tale" symptoms just like the rest of us. Take a few minutes and read some of our stories in the "files" section. You'll get an eery feeling and chills all over. It will be like you're reading about yourself. You've got a lot of questions and we will help you get answers. I had Mentor Smooth Saline as well and I got them 5 years ago - in August of 1999. I had them taken out in December 2003 about 4 & 1/2 months ago. It was the best decision I have ever made. Please don't stress over doctors believing you, because they won't, most of them anyways. We've all left the doctor's office in tears at one time or another. Even our husbands, families and friends don't always believe us. But, here you are safe. We all believe you because we've been there or we are there right now. Each of us is at a different stage of healing. Some have been well for years and some are still awaiting explant. It's a long road, but it's worth it. Pam > With a very heavy heart, I'm introducing myself. :-(> > I am 33 years old, have sub pec smooth saline (mentor) implants for > five years now with no problems until seven months ago. I have two > children, one who is 5 months and breastfeeding (I fed my > successfully b/fd my first as well, with implants). I went from 34B > to 35D.> > My symptoms are:> - extreme joint pain, stiffness. First it was neck then back and now > it is severe in knees, hips, groin, wrists, ankles, feet. My rings > no longer fit and my shoe size is up one size.> > - joint pain and stiffness/achiness aggravated any time I sleep or > rest> > - flu like feelings constantly, never gets better with rest> > - fuzzy thinking, fog-brain (I am sleep deprived but I was with my > first child and I was still whip smart, not like I am now> > - extreme fatigue - like someone just pulled the plug on me> > - joints feel hot, I sweat a lot and am hot all the time> > - hand dexterity significantly reduced> > No headaches, though and I have no numbness, chest rashes.> > I kept blaming my pain and fatigue on things like relocation, new > mattress, new baby, just tired, etc. But the *fact* is, I'm getting > worse not better and I feel 73, not 33. I miss how I used to feel so > much! I used to go for long hikes with my (then) infant son and > never was tired or sore, just healthy. Now I wince and gear up just > to get out of bed.> > I moved out of the US, haven't see a doc here. My PS is in CA, > haven't contacted him either. I feel strongly that when I see my GP, > he will not include my implants as a probable cause for my symptom > profile. And the thought of being ignored or dismissed is crushing > right now.> > I cannot have surgery at this time as I have to continue to > breastfeed my baby, so any explant will have to wait a bit. I want > to breastfeed more children of mine in the future and am very worried > that when I get the explant (b/c I believe the implants are the > prob), I will risk my ability to breastfeed.> > My husband is very worried with all my implant talk and research and > thinks it's drastic to even consider explant. I am beginning to feel > like i have an invader in my chest and I want it out *now*. I feel > creepy all of the sudden that I have these implants in me (what was I > thinking???) Husband thinks if I sleep more and drink no coffee, it > will improve but I tell ya, I think he is wrong. I do not feel right > and that fact isn't going away.> > So, that's my intro and I so so appreciate this group being here. It > makes sense to me that the saline could get moldy, that the silicon > shell could break down and migrate - all these things are so > logical. What doesn't make sense to me is a doc saying 'oh, it's not > the implants' or that bs about saline being harmless and the shell > shards unlikely.> > Thanks for this space.> >

April 26, 2004

I will never cease to be amazed at how some men don't want their

wives to explant? When I told my at the time boyfriend that I was

sick from implants, he immediatly believed me. He told me he wondered

it those things were safe as soon as he found out I had them. We

eventually went on to get married and he has never once doubted any

of this, in fact he says he always associated implants with illness

and risks. He feels that I was very smart to have them removed.

Anyhow i think if your husband needs some verificatin he should read

this site and also some of the stuff on www.explantation.com. That

will help him to change his mind.

It sucks not to have the support of your husband.

ARG!

Anyhow girl I pray you will find the stregnth you will need now, to

proced to explant. It is the only way that we have found that you can

ever get better.

I wish I could tell you better news but that is the facts as I know

them to be.

I had all those symptoms you have and they are all gone now.

I do not believe i could live the life I am living now if I had not

removed my implants.

I probably would have lupus or something by now.

Instead I am totally healthy.

I will pray for your decision and sregnth, and also please tell us

where you are so we can help you with finding the best PS.

I went to Dr Lu Feng in Cleveland, in my own opinion the very

best at what she does, but others here also have different opinions

and other PS's that they were pleased with.

God bless

In , " stephsummer " <stephsummer@y...>

wrote:

> With a very heavy heart, I'm introducing myself. :-(

>

> I am 33 years old, have sub pec smooth saline (mentor) implants for

> five years now with no problems until seven months ago. I have two

> children, one who is 5 months and breastfeeding (I fed my

> successfully b/fd my first as well, with implants). I went from

34B

> to 35D.

>

> My symptoms are:

> - extreme joint pain, stiffness. First it was neck then back and

now

> it is severe in knees, hips, groin, wrists, ankles, feet. My rings

> no longer fit and my shoe size is up one size.

>

> - joint pain and stiffness/achiness aggravated any time I sleep or

> rest

>

> - flu like feelings constantly, never gets better with rest

>

> - fuzzy thinking, fog-brain (I am sleep deprived but I was with my

> first child and I was still whip smart, not like I am now

>

> - extreme fatigue - like someone just pulled the plug on me

>

> - joints feel hot, I sweat a lot and am hot all the time

>

> - hand dexterity significantly reduced

>

> No headaches, though and I have no numbness, chest rashes.

>

> I kept blaming my pain and fatigue on things like relocation, new

> mattress, new baby, just tired, etc. But the *fact* is, I'm

getting

> worse not better and I feel 73, not 33. I miss how I used to feel

so

> much! I used to go for long hikes with my (then) infant son and

> never was tired or sore, just healthy. Now I wince and gear up

just

> to get out of bed.

>

> I moved out of the US, haven't see a doc here. My PS is in CA,

> haven't contacted him either. I feel strongly that when I see my

GP,

> he will not include my implants as a probable cause for my symptom

> profile. And the thought of being ignored or dismissed is crushing

> right now.

>

> I cannot have surgery at this time as I have to continue to

> breastfeed my baby, so any explant will have to wait a bit. I want

> to breastfeed more children of mine in the future and am very

worried

> that when I get the explant (b/c I believe the implants are the

> prob), I will risk my ability to breastfeed.

>

> My husband is very worried with all my implant talk and research

and

> thinks it's drastic to even consider explant. I am beginning to

feel

> like i have an invader in my chest and I want it out *now*. I feel

> creepy all of the sudden that I have these implants in me (what was

I

> thinking???) Husband thinks if I sleep more and drink no coffee,

it

> will improve but I tell ya, I think he is wrong. I do not feel

right

> and that fact isn't going away.

>

> So, that's my intro and I so so appreciate this group being here.

It

> makes sense to me that the saline could get moldy, that the silicon

> shell could break down and migrate - all these things are so

> logical. What doesn't make sense to me is a doc saying 'oh, it's

not

> the implants' or that bs about saline being harmless and the shell

> shards unlikely.

>

> Thanks for this space.

>

April 26, 2004

,

I am new here also & I have a 3 month old baby (my first child) and I

have the same symptoms... extreme joint/muscle pain especially in my

knees & fingers,a flu like feeling all the time, fatigue, weekness

all over, shortness of breath (on & off again), and hardend skin on

my hands and feet. My rings no longer fit as well, along with an

increased shoe size. My smooth saline implants were implanted 2 yrs.

ago but I never had problems until my pregnancy.However, after giving

birth in January, it became much, much worse!!! I now have been

diagnosed with scleroderma and I'm very, very scared!!!! I can't

sleep and my brain NEVER stops thinking about my pain and these

implants. I am having them removed as soon as possible for

scleroderma can become fatel.Along with becoming a first time mom,I

am also a newly wed just married in September. I always imagined this

would be the best time of my life until now... it's become a

nitemare! Unfortunatly it's not until a problem arises that " we

women " find web sites such as this one. I would have never thought to

research autoimmune/ connective tissue disorders when choosing to be

implanted. Had I known at the time there was a possibility of all

this occuring, I would have never chosen to have my implants!!! I too

feel as if I am 73 instead of 29.

I wonder how common it is for these symptoms to come out during or

just after pregnancy???

I wish you the best along with all those who suffer the same,

Crystal

> With a very heavy heart, I'm introducing myself. :-(

>

> I am 33 years old, have sub pec smooth saline (mentor) implants for

> five years now with no problems until seven months ago. I have two

> children, one who is 5 months and breastfeeding (I fed my

> successfully b/fd my first as well, with implants). I went from

34B

> to 35D.

>

> My symptoms are:

> - extreme joint pain, stiffness. First it was neck then back and

now

> it is severe in knees, hips, groin, wrists, ankles, feet. My rings

> no longer fit and my shoe size is up one size.

>

> - joint pain and stiffness/achiness aggravated any time I sleep or

> rest

>

> - flu like feelings constantly, never gets better with rest

>

> - fuzzy thinking, fog-brain (I am sleep deprived but I was with my

> first child and I was still whip smart, not like I am now

>

> - extreme fatigue - like someone just pulled the plug on me

>

> - joints feel hot, I sweat a lot and am hot all the time

>

> - hand dexterity significantly reduced

>

> No headaches, though and I have no numbness, chest rashes.

>

> I kept blaming my pain and fatigue on things like relocation, new

> mattress, new baby, just tired, etc. But the *fact* is, I'm

getting

> worse not better and I feel 73, not 33. I miss how I used to feel

so

> much! I used to go for long hikes with my (then) infant son and

> never was tired or sore, just healthy. Now I wince and gear up

just

> to get out of bed.

>

> I moved out of the US, haven't see a doc here. My PS is in CA,

> haven't contacted him either. I feel strongly that when I see my

GP,

> he will not include my implants as a probable cause for my symptom

> profile. And the thought of being ignored or dismissed is crushing

> right now.

>

> I cannot have surgery at this time as I have to continue to

> breastfeed my baby, so any explant will have to wait a bit. I want

> to breastfeed more children of mine in the future and am very

worried

> that when I get the explant (b/c I believe the implants are the

> prob), I will risk my ability to breastfeed.

>

> My husband is very worried with all my implant talk and research

and

> thinks it's drastic to even consider explant. I am beginning to

feel

> like i have an invader in my chest and I want it out *now*. I feel

> creepy all of the sudden that I have these implants in me (what was

I

> thinking???) Husband thinks if I sleep more and drink no coffee,

it

> will improve but I tell ya, I think he is wrong. I do not feel

right

> and that fact isn't going away.

>

> So, that's my intro and I so so appreciate this group being here.

It

> makes sense to me that the saline could get moldy, that the silicon

> shell could break down and migrate - all these things are so

> logical. What doesn't make sense to me is a doc saying 'oh, it's

not

> the implants' or that bs about saline being harmless and the shell

> shards unlikely.

>

> Thanks for this space.

>

April 26, 2004

amy, i am also pretty new here and usually don't write with advice as i still have my implants and am very sick and have been since 3 mos. after implantation. i am certainly not one to be giving you documented reports, but there are many out there and many smart women in this group who have been through hell and back for a good look in a bathing suit!

i am going to be explanted in june. after being sick for 3 1/2 yrs, i finally started research my own disease and found this group and many other things. until then, the medical community was clueless and careless and compassionateless.

i actually just went to see dr. kolb on fri and until then never knew what was wrong with me and it just makes so much sense. i was immune compromised pre-surg, so my ps should have never done it in the first place, the implant caused me to become chemically sensitive, the i got a horrible rash/lesions, and the implant also further messed up my immune system so my body couldn't fight the rash. this went on for 2 yrs. at which time i think i started having other symptoms-fatigue, yeast, memory loss,pain in jts. and muscles, the flu every week! what was i thinking!

i know i have not shared any documented proof, just my experience. i wish i had read all of this stuff before my implants-you are educated with alot of info. and you can save yourself an awful lot of misery. i hope someone out there tells ou something that will be enough proof for you. it has debilitated my life and the lives of my three small children and my husband. it's not fair that they have only known a sick mommy-i can't tell you how hard it has been on all of us. it's just not worth it! over the long haul, i think the odds are against you, that you won't eventually have some kind of complication.thanks for letting me share, lisaAmy & Dale <aevans2@...> wrote:

How in the world can saline implants make people ill with Lupus, arthritis and other diseases.

Where is it that I can find actual findings on this situation.

I believe you can become "sick" from the implants but other than that I'm at a loss.

I am still thinking about the surgery. I still have questions either way....but I won't have them done till I find answers to all of your reports on obtaining certain diseases.

I have to admit that this seems quite out of left field. I don't want you to get upset I'm just stating a fact.

Please send me the reports about the implant disease findings.

Amy

Re: I am new here - intro

, you are in the right place. We've all been right where you are. I read your intro and cried because I remember mine 6 months ago. I could not believe my implants were making me sick, but they were. You have all the "tell-tale" symptoms just like the rest of us. Take a few minutes and read some of our stories in the "files" section. You'll get an eery feeling and chills all over. It will be like you're reading about yourself. You've got a lot of questions and we will help you get answers. I had Mentor Smooth Saline as well and I got them 5 years ago - in August of 1999. I had them taken out in December 2003 about 4 & 1/2 months ago. It was the best decision I have ever made. Please don't stress over doctors believing you, because they won't, most of them anyways. We've all left the doctor's office in tears at one time or

another. Even our husbands, families and friends don't always believe us. But, here you are safe. We all believe you because we've been there or we are there right now. Each of us is at a different stage of healing. Some have been well for years and some are still awaiting explant. It's a long road, but it's worth it. Pam > With a very heavy heart, I'm introducing myself. :-(> > I am 33 years old, have sub pec smooth saline (mentor) implants for > five years now with no problems until seven months ago. I have two > children, one who is 5 months and breastfeeding (I fed my > successfully b/fd my first as well, with implants). I went from 34B > to 35D.> > My symptoms are:> - extreme joint pain, stiffness.

First it was neck then back and now > it is severe in knees, hips, groin, wrists, ankles, feet. My rings > no longer fit and my shoe size is up one size.> > - joint pain and stiffness/achiness aggravated any time I sleep or > rest> > - flu like feelings constantly, never gets better with rest> > - fuzzy thinking, fog-brain (I am sleep deprived but I was with my > first child and I was still whip smart, not like I am now> > - extreme fatigue - like someone just pulled the plug on me> > - joints feel hot, I sweat a lot and am hot all the time> > - hand dexterity significantly reduced> > No headaches, though and I have no numbness, chest rashes.> > I kept blaming my pain and fatigue on things like relocation, new > mattress, new baby, just tired, etc. But the *fact* is, I'm getting > worse not better and I feel 73,

not 33. I miss how I used to feel so > much! I used to go for long hikes with my (then) infant son and > never was tired or sore, just healthy. Now I wince and gear up just > to get out of bed.> > I moved out of the US, haven't see a doc here. My PS is in CA, > haven't contacted him either. I feel strongly that when I see my GP, > he will not include my implants as a probable cause for my symptom > profile. And the thought of being ignored or dismissed is crushing > right now.> > I cannot have surgery at this time as I have to continue to > breastfeed my baby, so any explant will have to wait a bit. I want > to breastfeed more children of mine in the future and am very worried > that when I get the explant (b/c I believe the implants are the > prob), I will risk my ability to breastfeed.> > My husband is very

worried with all my implant talk and research and > thinks it's drastic to even consider explant. I am beginning to feel > like i have an invader in my chest and I want it out *now*. I feel > creepy all of the sudden that I have these implants in me (what was I > thinking???) Husband thinks if I sleep more and drink no coffee, it > will improve but I tell ya, I think he is wrong. I do not feel right > and that fact isn't going away.> > So, that's my intro and I so so appreciate this group being here. It > makes sense to me that the saline could get moldy, that the silicon > shell could break down and migrate - all these things are so > logical. What doesn't make sense to me is a doc saying 'oh, it's not > the implants' or that bs about saline being harmless and the shell > shards unlikely.> > Thanks for this

space.> >

April 26, 2004

Yep, we all thought that at one time. But when you put a foreign object

inside the human body, ask a biologist what will happen. Especially ask a

biologist who does research.

Lynda

At 08:05 PM 4/25/2004, you wrote:

>How in the world can saline implants make people ill with Lupus, arthritis

>and other diseases.

>Where is it that I can find actual findings on this situation.

>

>I believe you can become " sick " from the implants but other than that I'm

>at a loss.

>

>I am still thinking about the surgery. I still have questions either

>way....but I won't have them done till I find answers to all of your

>reports on obtaining certain diseases.

>

>I have to admit that this seems quite out of left field. I don't want you

>to get upset I'm just stating a fact.

>

>Please send me the reports about the implant disease findings.

>

>Amy

> Re: I am new here - intro

>

>, you are in the right place. We've all been right where

>you are. I read your intro and cried because I remember mine 6

>months ago. I could not believe my implants were making me sick, but

>they were. You have all the " tell-tale " symptoms just like the rest

>of us. Take a few minutes and read some of our stories in

>the " files " section. You'll get an eery feeling and chills all

>over. It will be like you're reading about yourself. You've got a

>lot of questions and we will help you get answers. I had Mentor

>Smooth Saline as well and I got them 5 years ago - in August of

>1999. I had them taken out in December 2003 about 4 & 1/2 months

>ago. It was the best decision I have ever made. Please don't stress

>over doctors believing you, because they won't, most of them

>anyways. We've all left the doctor's office in tears at one time or

>another. Even our husbands, families and friends don't always

>believe us. But, here you are safe. We all believe you because

>we've been there or we are there right now. Each of us is at a

>different stage of healing. Some have been well for years and some

>are still awaiting explant. It's a long road, but it's worth it.

>

>Pam

>

> > With a very heavy heart, I'm introducing myself. :-(

> >

> > I am 33 years old, have sub pec smooth saline (mentor) implants for

> > five years now with no problems until seven months ago. I have two

> > children, one who is 5 months and breastfeeding (I fed my

> > successfully b/fd my first as well, with implants). I went from

>34B

> > to 35D.

> >

> > My symptoms are:

> > - extreme joint pain, stiffness. First it was neck then back and

>now

> > it is severe in knees, hips, groin, wrists, ankles, feet. My rings

> > no longer fit and my shoe size is up one size.

> >

> > - joint pain and stiffness/achiness aggravated any time I sleep or

> > rest

> >

> > - flu like feelings constantly, never gets better with rest

> >

> > - fuzzy thinking, fog-brain (I am sleep deprived but I was with my

> > first child and I was still whip smart, not like I am now

> >

> > - extreme fatigue - like someone just pulled the plug on me

> >

> > - joints feel hot, I sweat a lot and am hot all the time

> >

> > - hand dexterity significantly reduced

> >

> > No headaches, though and I have no numbness, chest rashes.

> >

> > I kept blaming my pain and fatigue on things like relocation, new

> > mattress, new baby, just tired, etc. But the *fact* is, I'm

>getting

> > worse not better and I feel 73, not 33. I miss how I used to feel

>so

> > much! I used to go for long hikes with my (then) infant son and

> > never was tired or sore, just healthy. Now I wince and gear up

>just

> > to get out of bed.

> >

> > I moved out of the US, haven't see a doc here. My PS is in CA,

> > haven't contacted him either. I feel strongly that when I see my

>GP,

> > he will not include my implants as a probable cause for my symptom

> > profile. And the thought of being ignored or dismissed is crushing

> > right now.

> >

> > I cannot have surgery at this time as I have to continue to

> > breastfeed my baby, so any explant will have to wait a bit. I want

> > to breastfeed more children of mine in the future and am very

>worried

> > that when I get the explant (b/c I believe the implants are the

> > prob), I will risk my ability to breastfeed.

> >

> > My husband is very worried with all my implant talk and research

>and

> > thinks it's drastic to even consider explant. I am beginning to

>feel

> > like i have an invader in my chest and I want it out *now*. I feel

> > creepy all of the sudden that I have these implants in me (what was

>I

> > thinking???) Husband thinks if I sleep more and drink no coffee,

>it

> > will improve but I tell ya, I think he is wrong. I do not feel

>right

> > and that fact isn't going away.

> >

> > So, that's my intro and I so so appreciate this group being here.

>It

> > makes sense to me that the saline could get moldy, that the silicon

> > shell could break down and migrate - all these things are so

> > logical. What doesn't make sense to me is a doc saying 'oh, it's

>not

> > the implants' or that bs about saline being harmless and the shell

> > shards unlikely.

> >

> > Thanks for this space.

> >

>

April 26, 2004

So sorry for your pain, you can heal thought, I really was quite ill,

never thought it would happen to me, and then never thought I would

heal, well I have.

Trust in us, we can help.

hang in there, gosh it is late I need to go to bed!

hugs

In , lisa robinson <jzamom2001@y...>

wrote:

> amy, i am also pretty new here and usually don't write with advice

as i still have my implants and am very sick and have been since 3

mos. after implantation. i am certainly not one to be giving you

documented reports, but there are many out there and many smart women

in this group who have been through hell and back for a good look in

a bathing suit!

> i am going to be explanted in june. after being sick for 3 1/2 yrs,

i finally started research my own disease and found this group and

many other things. until then, the medical community was clueless and

careless and compassionateless.

> i actually just went to see dr. kolb on fri and until then never

knew what was wrong with me and it just makes so much sense. i was

immune compromised pre-surg, so my ps should have never done it in

the first place, the implant caused me to become chemically

sensitive, the i got a horrible rash/lesions, and the implant also

further messed up my immune system so my body couldn't fight the

rash. this went on for 2 yrs. at which time i think i started having

other symptoms-fatigue, yeast, memory loss,pain in jts. and muscles,

the flu every week! what was i thinking!

> i know i have not shared any documented proof, just my experience.

i wish i had read all of this stuff before my implants-you are

educated with alot of info. and you can save yourself an awful lot of

misery. i hope someone out there tells ou something that will be

enough proof for you. it has debilitated my life and the lives of my

three small children and my husband. it's not fair that they have

only known a sick mommy-i can't tell you how hard it has been on all

of us. it's just not worth it! over the long haul, i think the odds

are against you, that you won't eventually have some kind of

complication.thanks for letting me share, lisa

>

> Amy & Dale <aevans2@w...> wrote:

> How in the world can saline implants make people ill with Lupus,

arthritis and other diseases.

> Where is it that I can find actual findings on this situation.

>

> I believe you can become " sick " from the implants but other than

that I'm at a loss.

>

> I am still thinking about the surgery. I still have questions

either way....but I won't have them done till I find answers to all

of your reports on obtaining certain diseases.

>

> I have to admit that this seems quite out of left field. I don't

want you to get upset I'm just stating a fact.

>

> Please send me the reports about the implant disease findings.

>

> Amy

> Re: I am new here - intro

>

> , you are in the right place. We've all been right where

> you are. I read your intro and cried because I remember mine 6

> months ago. I could not believe my implants were making me sick,

but

> they were. You have all the " tell-tale " symptoms just like the

rest

> of us. Take a few minutes and read some of our stories in

> the " files " section. You'll get an eery feeling and chills all

> over. It will be like you're reading about yourself. You've got a

> lot of questions and we will help you get answers. I had Mentor

> Smooth Saline as well and I got them 5 years ago - in August of

> 1999. I had them taken out in December 2003 about 4 & 1/2 months

> ago. It was the best decision I have ever made. Please don't

stress

> over doctors believing you, because they won't, most of them

> anyways. We've all left the doctor's office in tears at one time

or

> another. Even our husbands, families and friends don't always

> believe us. But, here you are safe. We all believe you because

> we've been there or we are there right now. Each of us is at a

> different stage of healing. Some have been well for years and some

> are still awaiting explant. It's a long road, but it's worth

it.

>

> Pam

>

> > With a very heavy heart, I'm introducing myself. :-(

> >

> > I am 33 years old, have sub pec smooth saline (mentor) implants

for

> > five years now with no problems until seven months ago. I have

two

> > children, one who is 5 months and breastfeeding (I fed my

> > successfully b/fd my first as well, with implants). I went from

> 34B

> > to 35D.

> >

> > My symptoms are:

> > - extreme joint pain, stiffness. First it was neck then back and

> now

> > it is severe in knees, hips, groin, wrists, ankles, feet. My

rings

> > no longer fit and my shoe size is up one size.

> >

> > - joint pain and stiffness/achiness aggravated any time I sleep

or

> > rest

> >

> > - flu like feelings constantly, never gets better with rest

> >

> > - fuzzy thinking, fog-brain (I am sleep deprived but I was with

my

> > first child and I was still whip smart, not like I am now

> >

> > - extreme fatigue - like someone just pulled the plug on me

> >

> > - joints feel hot, I sweat a lot and am hot all the time

> >

> > - hand dexterity significantly reduced

> >

> > No headaches, though and I have no numbness, chest rashes.

> >

> > I kept blaming my pain and fatigue on things like relocation, new

> > mattress, new baby, just tired, etc. But the *fact* is, I'm

> getting

> > worse not better and I feel 73, not 33. I miss how I used to

feel

> so

> > much! I used to go for long hikes with my (then) infant son and

> > never was tired or sore, just healthy. Now I wince and gear up

> just

> > to get out of bed.

> >

> > I moved out of the US, haven't see a doc here. My PS is in CA,

> > haven't contacted him either. I feel strongly that when I see my

> GP,

> > he will not include my implants as a probable cause for my

symptom

> > profile. And the thought of being ignored or dismissed is

crushing

> > right now.

> >

> > I cannot have surgery at this time as I have to continue to

> > breastfeed my baby, so any explant will have to wait a bit. I

want

> > to breastfeed more children of mine in the future and am very

> worried

> > that when I get the explant (b/c I believe the implants are the

> > prob), I will risk my ability to breastfeed.

> >

> > My husband is very worried with all my implant talk and research

> and

> > thinks it's drastic to even consider explant. I am beginning to

> feel

> > like i have an invader in my chest and I want it out *now*. I

feel

> > creepy all of the sudden that I have these implants in me (what

was

> I

> > thinking???) Husband thinks if I sleep more and drink no coffee,

> it

> > will improve but I tell ya, I think he is wrong. I do not feel

> right

> > and that fact isn't going away.

> >

> > So, that's my intro and I so so appreciate this group being

here.

> It

> > makes sense to me that the saline could get moldy, that the

silicon

> > shell could break down and migrate - all these things are so

> > logical. What doesn't make sense to me is a doc saying 'oh, it's

> not

> > the implants' or that bs about saline being harmless and the

shell

> > shards unlikely.

> >

> > Thanks for this space.

> >

>

April 26, 2004

stephanie -

I am so happy you found us! my symptoms are almost exactly the same as yours! I got mine back in 1996 and now they have been removed. I guess if have read the stories then you know mine so I won't bore you with the details but you are on the right track. I have a two year old - almost three. I breast fed him also and felt pretty bad after I saw what my implants looked like!! If this helps any, I had a total of three operations before explant due to complications - 2 were at the nipple - and I was still able to breast feed without any problems. Hopefully you will some to a decision of what you want to do soon - I know how it feels to get that creepy - "I want them out now!" feeling!! i hope you feel better soon!

PS - I didn't get a lift and look just fine - I guess it depends on the size of the implants and skin texture, etc.

love

shari

April 26, 2004

Amy, To answer your question about how saline implants make people ill from auto-immune diseases such as Lupus...I've pulled an excerpt from a medical journal article called Pathogenetic and Diagnostic Aspects of Siliconosis by Dr. Shanklin and Dr. Smalley, who are heads of the Memphis Silicone Research Project...

Assessment of the health risk of implanted silicone devices is moving from the general question - whether there is a risk - to particular aspects of mechanism and extent, which implies direct activation of body defense systems against the alien material(s). Critical to this reaction is the immune system, which responds but cannot eliminate silicones from the body by immune processes. The pattern of response is one of chronic hypersensitivity with microgranuloma formation and, eventually, the production of auto-antibodies that are attributed to specific disorders like scleroderma, lupus, systematic sclerosis, etc.

Saline implants have silicone shells, therefore they can cause these auto-immune disorders due to the body's reaction to the silicone.

I have research papers and copies of articles by Dr. Shanklin and Dr. Smalley. I'd be more than happy to mail you copies of them if you'd like to read them. If so, you can email me directly and give me your address.

Hope this helps, Colleen

From: " Amy & Dale " <aevans2@...>

Reply-

Date: Sun, 25 Apr 2004 21:05:02 -0500

< >

Subject: Re: Re: I am new here - intro

How in the world can saline implants make people ill with Lupus, arthritis and other diseases.

Where is it that I can find actual findings on this situation.

I believe you can become " sick " from the implants but other than that I'm at a loss.