Fw: Please welcome Diane ... Breast encapsulation, explant questions

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

From: " by way of ilena rose " <Deh49977@...>

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Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2002 4:29 PM

Subject: Please welcome Diane ... Breast encapsulation, explant questions

> Dear Ilena,

>

> I am an implant recipient who is facing explantation and am hoping for

> some relief from my insurance company.

>

> I was originally implanted in August of 1989. The reason was because of

a

> loss of breast tissue (all of it in my case) due to a side effect of a

drug

> called Lupron. This drug had just been accepted by the FDA that year as a

> treatment for endometriosis. Prior to this is was, and still is, used to

> treat prostate cancer. One of the now documented side effects which is

> listed in the PDR is/are breast changes, loss of breast tissue, and

> reduction in breast size. All patient information pamphlets at that time

> related only to prostate cancer so there was no way anyone knew of this

> potential side effect. However, the insurance company stated at that time

> that the procedure, augmentation, was ony cosmetic. Now the information

is

> there about this side effect and full disclosure can be made. My

implants

> are now 13 1/2 years old and have become encapsulated. I saw my PCP who

> referred me to a P/S in the HMO system. The PS confirmed " level 3 "

> contracture. I also have pain, cannot tolerate pressure directly on the

> implants, the implants themselves have sunk down into the pockets creating

> a sundowner effect and the right nipple/areola is now lower than the left.

> In addition I do have occasional burning, hives around the perimeter of

> the implants, and altered sensation in some areas. The plastic surgeon is

> Dr. Noel Tenebaum. My insurance is BC/BS Health Options for Small

> Businesses, Plan #25. A mammo from June, '01 does not show rupture but

> that's not a shock. The PS that I saw stated that he felt very strongly

> that I had ruptured but evidence of that will not show up until I am

> explanted as the capsules are containing the rupture right now. I have

> double cell implants manufactured by McGhan Medical Corporation and do

have

> the serial numbers and a copy of the labels showing lot numbers, etc.

>

> Planned procedure is for explant with complete capsulectomy. I have not

> had any replacement implants. In 1994 I had explant with capsulectomy on

> the left and replacement of the same implant as it had not ruptured. I

> have essentially been trouble free all these years until the past year and

> a half. I am 39 years old and reside in Florida and never have had

> children and no systemic effects noted. I am also a nurse, specifically a

> CRNA. I never filed a claim with Dow as they did not have anything to do

> with my implants. I do plan to have re-implantation with smaller implants

> placed under the muscle instead of subglandular as they are now. Two

years

> ago my aunt underwent a mastectomy for cancer.

>

> Hence I want future mammograms to be able to see any natural tissues

> clearly. I have asked my PCP to try to obtain pre-authorization for the

> above mentioned procedure. Any help you can give me regarding information

> he should use would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help.

>

> I await your reply.

>

> Sincerely, Diane

>

>