Re: Re: My conversation with a plastic surgeon about explants

[Guest guest]

Kathy,

Yeah, that's what that nurse said....she said " Most

women NEVER have to have their implants removed! "

Yeah, right!

--- mikat828 <mikat828@...> wrote:

> -

> Wow. That conversation sounds very familar! I

> wonder if they give

> all the medical professionals scripts to read for

> when people come

> in and question whether their implants are making

> them sick. Aren't

> you glad there are places like this to come to and

> find out the

> truth? I know it helped save my life! I love your

> parting comment

> to the nurse. Hopefully she will remember when her

> symptoms set

> in. I have a friend who still has salines and

> blames all her aches

> and pains on family history and things she would

> have developed

> anyway. She simply doesn't want to hear that

> implants can make you

> sick because she doesn't ever intend to remove them.

>

> Hugs, kathy

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> -- In , " leyna1964 "

> <leyna1964@...>

> wrote:

> >

> > Ok, on the advice of Rogene, I contacted a plastic

> surgeon in my

> area

> > to ask some questions about getting my implants

> removed. The doctor

> > was.....

> >

> > DR. ROBERT WALLACE, P/S,

> > U T Medical Group-Plastic Surgery,

> > 910 Madison Avenue, Suite 525,

> > Memphis, TN 38103-3470,

> > 1-901-347-8290

> >

> > Here was my conversation....

> >

> > Me: Hi-I'd like to have my explants removed

> because I'm having a

> lot

> > of health problems that I believe are caused by my

> implants. I've

> been

> > diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue

> Syndrome, Raynaud's

> > syndrome, I've got bad memory problems now, horrid

> one-sided

> headaches

> > that don't respond to aspirin, and pain in my

> breasts and chest

> that

> > has caused me to go to the emergency room. My Mom

> had breast

> cancer at

> > my age, and I really want to have mine taken out.

> I'm read a lot of

> > information online about the dangers of implants,

> as well as

> joined a

> > Saline Support group and have talked to lots of

> women with the same

> > symptoms.... Will my insurance cover this?

> >

> > Nurse: Well, first off...no, your insurance will

> NOT cover

> explants,

> > any more than it will cover implants. Two-saline

> implants are VERY

> > safe-I've had mine for 11 years with NO problems

> at all. You cannot

> > believe everything you hear, and you certainly

> can't believe

> ANYTHING

> > you read online. Fibromyalgia and your other

> problems are NOT

> caused

> > by implants, believe me! We can do the explants

> if that's what you

> > want, but your skin will be all stretched out and

> you WILL be

> > deformed. As for the surgery, if you still want to

> do it, will cost

> > around $7,000 UPFRONT, and that's with no lift. I

> would think twice

> > about this if I were you-saline implants are VERY

> safe!

> >

> > Me: Ok, thanks so much for your time-but remember

> our conversation

> > when YOU start having Fibro and other weird

> symptoms yourself! Bye!

> >

> > *sigh*

> >

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

That reminds me of a friend who told me she would take her implants to the grave . .. She did . .. they discovered her breast cancer when it was too late! . . . She lived only a few months after cancer was discovered. Brilliant woman - microbiologist - who, by the time she passed seemed retarded. Rogene

[Guest guest]

This was to Leyna, but since I'm having the same problem I'll chime in...

I don't think banks will give loans against cars that are older than a 2001 model, and also you still have to have the credit to do that-or any loan. (If you had a car newer than that and it's paid off, you could possibly sell it in the first place to do the surgery and buy an older car.)

(Both are our problems.)

As for the places who finance cosmetic surgeries... It's been over a year ago, so I can't remember which it was, but I applied with a place that is supposed to check all lenders to see if you qualify for a loan. I called it a "lift" since there was no place to check "explant." They emailed me over and over telling me lenders to check with, and each time I was denied. Then, I found out by calling one that even if I were approved ---the loan payment was something like $300/mo. (I can't remember for how long... I think 3 or 4 years.) I've also tried this to get dental work and have been denied even for $1500... so even these high interest places require pretty good credit. (Mine is low-average.)

If you can't afford to save $100 (or even $50) per month, you certainly can't afford a loan payment.

I know it sounds like "where there's a will there's a way," but when your income is $20,000 or so per year, and you're already living check to check and off credit cards for groceries or unforeseen expenses (dental work, medicine, etc) ---there is just no way to come up with money like this.

THIS is another thing doctors should be warning women about. When I got these, they made it sound like "you came up with $8,000 ---now you're set for life." (Some places it's $3,000-$5,000 to get implanted.) That case is slim to none.

This is one of the best cases NOT to get implants. Even if you can scrape up money to GET them, you have to make sure you can also afford replacing them -even if you don't get sick. Then if you do get sick, by the time you figure out it's your implants ---you've already lost your job. (My case.)

Leyna, maybe if your insurance will pay, say 80% you could find a way to get a loan for the rest. Keep checking on your insurance at least to see so you'll know what you're dealing with. Same with a consultation ---at least try it to see what you're dealing with.

Brig

In a message dated 8/3/2006 1:55:39 PM Eastern Standard Time, funx2sweet@... writes:

Maybe I missed it but... have you tried to get a loan for the explant? Basically, the loan for the implant (and should be for explant) is just a signature loan. Also, if they will not lend money for the explant (for some odd reason), maybe you can get the PS to list the surgery as a lift or something else. My husband and I took out a line of credit on our house to do some projects but we are taking some of it for my surgery. If you have a car (or any other asset like it) that is paid off, you can take a loan out on it. Just a thought.

Leyna <leyna1964 > wrote:

You know what is a shame? The fact that you see allthese advertisements about getting financed forIMPLANTS and other procedures, wonder why there isn'tthat for explants?

Thoughts of you encompass my mindon the wings of butterflies frozen in time...BRIGITE

[Guest guest]

You know what is a shame? The fact that you see all

these advertisements about getting financed for

IMPLANTS and other procedures, wonder why there isn't

that for explants?

--- auntsisnj <auntsisnj@...> wrote:

> Leyna,

>

> Unfortunately, just about all of us were in the same

> position as

> you - one of the many things the plastic surgeons

> won't point out to

> you in your consultation (when first getting

> implants) is that you'd

> better have a hefty bank account because eventually,

> for one reason

> or another, you'll need more surgery. I'm still

> paying my credit

> card off for the getting the implants in May of

> 2005, even though I

> had them removed in November. My insurance didn't

> pay for the

> explant, either. It's your choice to keep the

> implants in your

> body, but eventually you'll need more surgery

> because they're not

> guaranteed for life. Also, if you're having health

> problems because

> of them, you won't get better while they're in your

> body.

>

> Sis

>

>

> >

> > > Leyna . . .

> > >

> > > I'm sorry your conversation with his

> receptionist

> > > didn't go well . ..

> > >

> > > But, catch your breath for a minute . . . Don't

> > > give up on him! . . .

> > >

> > > Because he comes recommended by Dr. Shanklin,

> I'd

> > > give him a chance to talk to you! . . . His

> > > receptionist can believe whatever makes her

> happy!

> > >

> > > He doesn't have to believe that implants are

> > > dangerous . . . All he has to do is to remove

> them

> > > properly . . . and respect your desire to do so.

> > > Virtually all plastic surgeons are placing

> breast

> > > implants . .. Let's face it, it's a cash cow! .

> ..

> > >

> > > The price you were quoted is in line with what

> > > most surgeons charge . .. a bit higher than

> some,

> > > lots cheaper than others . . . Considering that

> you

> > > wouldn't have to travel, it would probably be

> the

> > > best price you can get.

> > >

> > > We're talking about finding a doctor who has the

> > > skills to help you and to do it right. That's

> all

> > > that matters. You're not going to make a convert

> out

> > > of him! . . . Unless a miracle happens (although

> > > that has happened) . . .

> > >

> > > Take a deep breath . . . and call for an

> > > appointment . . . Wait to see how you feel about

> the

> > > doctor before you make a decision. Sometimes,

> when a

> > > doctor sees how sick a woman is, they've been

> known

> > > to cut their price - Let's pray for the best!

> > >

> > > Hugs and prayers,

> > >

> > > Rogene

> > >

> > >

> >

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

You have a good point! . . . could it be that the manufacturer's are behind the fiancing? Rogene

[Guest guest]

Maybe I missed it but... have you tried to get a loan for the explant? Basically, the loan for the implant (and should be for explant) is just a signature loan. Also, if they will not lend money for the explant (for some odd reason), maybe you can get the PS to list the surgery as a lift or something else. My husband and I took out a line of credit on our house to do some projects but we are taking some of it for my surgery. If you have a car (or any other asset like it) that is paid off, you can take a loan out on it. Just a thought. Leyna <leyna1964@...> wrote: You know what is a shame? The fact that you see allthese advertisements about getting financed forIMPLANTS and other procedures, wonder why there isn'tthat for explants?--- auntsisnj <auntsisnjlycos> wrote:> Leyna,> > Unfortunately, just about all of us were in the same> position as > you - one of the many things the plastic surgeons> won't point out to > you in your consultation (when first getting> implants) is that you'd > better have a hefty bank account because eventually,> for one reason > or another, you'll need more surgery. I'm still> paying my credit > card off for the getting the implants in May of> 2005, even though I > had them removed in November. My insurance didn't> pay for the >

explant, either. It's your choice to keep the> implants in your > body, but eventually you'll need more surgery> because they're not > guaranteed for life. Also, if you're having health> problems because > of them, you won't get better while they're in your> body.> > Sis> > > > > > > Leyna . . . > > > > > > I'm sorry your conversation with his> receptionist> > >

didn't go well . .. > > > > > > But, catch your breath for a minute . . . Don't> > > give up on him! . . . > > > > > > Because he comes recommended by Dr. Shanklin,> I'd> > > give him a chance to talk to you! . . . His> > > receptionist can believe whatever makes her> happy! > > > > > > He doesn't have to believe that implants are> > > dangerous . . . All he has to do is to remove> them> > > properly . . . and respect your desire to do so.> > > Virtually all plastic surgeons are placing> breast> > > implants . .. Let's face it, it's a cash cow! .> .. > > > > > > The price you were quoted is in line with what> > > most surgeons charge . .. a bit higher than> some,> > > lots cheaper than others . . . Considering

that> you> > > wouldn't have to travel, it would probably be> the> > > best price you can get. > > > > > > We're talking about finding a doctor who has the> > > skills to help you and to do it right. That's> all> > > that matters. You're not going to make a convert> out> > > of him! . . . Unless a miracle happens (although> > > that has happened) . . . > > > > > > Take a deep breath . . . and call for an> > > appointment . . . Wait to see how you feel about> the> > > doctor before you make a decision. Sometimes,> when a> > > doctor sees how sick a woman is, they've been> known> > > to cut their price - Let's pray for the best!> > > > > > Hugs and prayers,> > > > > > Rogene> > >

> > > > > > > __________________________________________________> >

[Guest guest]

I'd love to do that, but my credit is BEYOND bad.

Plus, I have a bankruptcy going too.

--- funx2sweet <funx2sweet@...> wrote:

> Maybe I missed it but... have you tried to get a

> loan for the explant? Basically, the loan for the

> implant (and should be for explant) is just a

> signature loan. Also, if they will not lend money

> for the explant (for some odd reason), maybe you can

> get the PS to list the surgery as a lift or

> something else. My husband and I took out a line of

> credit on our house to do some projects but we are

> taking some of it for my surgery. If you have a car

> (or any other asset like it) that is paid off, you

> can take a loan out on it. Just a thought.

>

>

> Leyna <leyna1964@...> wrote:

> You know what is a shame? The fact that

> you see all

> these advertisements about getting financed for

> IMPLANTS and other procedures, wonder why there

> isn't

> that for explants?

>

> --- auntsisnj <auntsisnj@...> wrote:

>

> > Leyna,

> >

> > Unfortunately, just about all of us were in the

> same

> > position as

> > you - one of the many things the plastic surgeons

> > won't point out to

> > you in your consultation (when first getting

> > implants) is that you'd

> > better have a hefty bank account because

> eventually,

> > for one reason

> > or another, you'll need more surgery. I'm still

> > paying my credit

> > card off for the getting the implants in May of

> > 2005, even though I

> > had them removed in November. My insurance didn't

> > pay for the

> > explant, either. It's your choice to keep the

> > implants in your

> > body, but eventually you'll need more surgery

> > because they're not

> > guaranteed for life. Also, if you're having health

> > problems because

> > of them, you won't get better while they're in

> your

> > body.

> >

> > Sis

> >

> >

> > >

> > > > Leyna . . .

> > > >

> > > > I'm sorry your conversation with his

> > receptionist

> > > > didn't go well . ..

> > > >

> > > > But, catch your breath for a minute . . .

> Don't

> > > > give up on him! . . .

> > > >

> > > > Because he comes recommended by Dr. Shanklin,

> > I'd

> > > > give him a chance to talk to you! . . . His

> > > > receptionist can believe whatever makes her

> > happy!

> > > >

> > > > He doesn't have to believe that implants are

> > > > dangerous . . . All he has to do is to remove

> > them

> > > > properly . . . and respect your desire to do

> so.

> > > > Virtually all plastic surgeons are placing

> > breast

> > > > implants . .. Let's face it, it's a cash cow!

> .

> > ..

> > > >

> > > > The price you were quoted is in line with what

> > > > most surgeons charge . .. a bit higher than

> > some,

> > > > lots cheaper than others . . . Considering

> that

> > you

> > > > wouldn't have to travel, it would probably be

> > the

> > > > best price you can get.

> > > >

> > > > We're talking about finding a doctor who has

> the

> > > > skills to help you and to do it right. That's

> > all

> > > > that matters. You're not going to make a

> convert

> > out

> > > > of him! . . . Unless a miracle happens

> (although

> > > > that has happened) . . .

> > > >

> > > > Take a deep breath . . . and call for an

> > > > appointment . . . Wait to see how you feel

> about

> > the

> > > > doctor before you make a decision. Sometimes,

> > when a

> > > > doctor sees how sick a woman is, they've been

> > known

> > > > to cut their price - Let's pray for the best!

> > > >

> > > > Hugs and prayers,

> > > >

> > > > Rogene

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> __________________________________________________

> > >

[Guest guest]

Leyna, Please talk to the Memphis plastic surgeon . . . I still see him as hopeful . . . If he decides to do so, and Tenn Care approves, he could do your explant for what they would pay . . . Insurance does cover explants under the right conditions. I sent you Colleen's address . .. have you contacted her? . . . Somehow she was able to get her implants removed. Some people even helped her to get her own home. I'm really concerned about you! . . . Don't give up! . .. Your health is too important. Hugs and prayers, Rogene

[Guest guest]

Wasn't that something? You can read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/_Mac I've checked out Craigslist.com.....just heard about it not that long ago from one of our guys at work. Pretty cool place and it's all free! PattyRogene S <saxony01@...> wrote: Leyna . . . There was a recent news story about a guy

who started out with something as little as a matchbook and, by trading it for things of every increasing value, ended up with a house . . . I don't know how I would go about doing something like that . . . but, it reminds me of the Bibical reference to a mustard seed . .. Ask God to give you the faith and show you the way . . . and He will do it! Hugs, Rogene

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[Guest guest]

Dawn, Great job! I am glad to see that you did this....I can't think of anything more scary than to plunk down thousands of dollars to "a clinic" for a procedure and not know who the heck is going to be cutting into my body! That's insane! One thing I did want to mention....it is very true that explant is a more complicated surgery. She was right there. A good explant, in which all of the scar tissue is removed does take longer than an implant surgery. My explant with lift took over 4 hours. Most explants are going to be at least several hours. One of the ways we can determine an improper explant is if it just didn't take very long. In that case, it is probable that the surgeon just popped the implants out of the body without considering removal of the scar tissue. Scar tissue does have to be scraped off of the chest wall in some cases, and it

takes more skill, time and effort to do that completely and do it right. The risk is in the bleeding....I remember one woman (very long ago I might add; this is a very rare occurrence) who ended up being rushed to an emergency room from a clinic setting due to hemorraghing during explant. That comes from removing the scar tissue if it gets embedded into veins or other areas where there is high risk of bleeding. So, the nurse was actually correct about the surgery being more extensive. In any case, I am glad you called. What an eye opener. I am glad you told her their practices make you want to run and not walk away. I wonder how many women end up using their shoddy services? It sure is a scary thought. They make it sound like you are setting an appointment for getting your nails done or something like that! PattyDawnsusan <dawnsusan@...>

wrote: Okay, I talked with a "representative" from that plastic surgery group that advertised through that link that was a few posts back..Here's how it went:She was very sweet, almost calming and sugary, like we were about to share something personal.I said: I am calling for a friend who has become terribly ill from her implants and wants to get them removed. She is looking for a safe and affordable option. Your prices are so good that we want to see if your surgeons do breast implant

removals.She stuttered and her tone immediately changed : Ah , uh, ah....well......(long pause), we do do them, but..... ( I could hear papers rustling on the other end) the procedure costs $7,324 dollars plus $999 for anesthesia and surgical suite and a follow-up visit.Me: How come it costs $2,900 to put them in, but almost three times that to take them out?Her: Well, it's a more complicated surgery. They have to scrape out all the scar tissue, and it takes a lot longer. You'd be under anesthesia a long time.Me: Hmm, well I don't think that's true in all cases.Her: Yes. It is.Me: When I had my implants removed, it took nearly two hours to put them in, and when I had them removed it was about half that time. So I am proof that it is not true in all cases.Her : Well, it's a more complicated surgery.Me: I see your point.Well, can you tell me some of the surgeons we may be

working with?Her: No. That's not the way we work. We don't reveal the name of the surgeon until you have booked with us and paid your fee.Me: Wow, frankly, that seems foolish. You mean, we book for an invasive surgery without knowing a single thing about the doctor doing the work? Not only is that foolish, that is irresponsible. Her: Well, all our doctors are qualified and we are a member of the Better Business Bureau.Me: Yeah, and so are a lot of roofers, and no one I know would even let someone do work on their house unless they interview them personally and check their references.Her: Well that's they way we do business.Me: Okay, thank you very much for your time, but we're going to run, not walk, away from your organization.Can you believe that? At least we know. STAY AWAY FROM THIS ORGANIZATIONDawn

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[Guest guest]

Leyna, I've never heard of any of the women who used one of our recommended surgeons having horrible dents . . . So, I'd have to assume that the horrible dents are caused by inept surgeons. Rogene

[Guest guest]

You've got some great ideas, Dawn. PattyDawnsusan <dawnsusan@...> wrote: For Brigite and Lenya,I know this idea might sound crazy, and it would take guts, but do you think you could go to the local media and see if they will do a story on you? You can describe all the avenues you have tried -- teaching hospitals, loan options, etc. Doctors you have seen for your illnesses. You could be frank with your symptoms and get cliffs notes versions of facts for the reporters

to check (make it easy for them to do a story), including research articles, this support site, contact info for Dr. Kolb or Dr. Melmed, who would probably be happy to speak publically on how bad implants are.It would be a bold story and, having several reporters in my family, I know it is an attractive thing-- to expose something controversial that has facts behind it, witnesses, etc.You could be frank about your plight- - can't afford to get them removed, and are getting sicker. Set up a website or fund through some local organization that will help manage donations. If everyone who heard or read the story kicked in five bucks, you'd be well on your way.Downside -- you would not be able to keep your stories private. Everyone will know. But the good side of that is you will be able to help turn something bad into something that is actually good, which is how God works, by the way. And after surgery you

would be able to be the contact people in your area to help other women -- you'd have a way to "pay back" the kindness you received by maybe doing some non-profit thing for women who can't afford to get implants. I know NOW, whom I actually dislike, but who has tons of money, might kick in.You could help spread the word and hopefully keep women from getting implants. Part of our problem is that we can't get our stories out there - there is such an infatuation with boob jobs and Hollywood, and such pressure to keep things pro-implant. (Remember Shari's story that got cut down to 1 or 2 minutes?)I think by using local media this would be an easier hurdle.Then again, I would love to see a story in national media that paid some time to this -- like 60 minutes or 20-20 or one of those shows that has the time and research power to to devote a third of a show to the idea.And a third thing -- there are so many

makeover reality shows. They need a counter makeover -- where they profile people reversing the "bad things" they have done to their bodies. A natural, wholistic makeover. Hey wow! Maybe I'll pitch it to Oxygen. We can get you two to be on it. Wouldn't it be a kick to do a follow-up on you two six weeks later, like they do with the other folks on that show. You could show results of bloodwork that improved, skin changes, energy changes, and all that. It would be very hard for the nation to ignore that kind of proof.Like I said, it's a crazy idea, but it's that stuff that gets born when you have no other options.If you are interested, let me start thinking about ways I could help. It breaks my heart to know you can't get these things out. I know we certainly didn't have the money -- we have five kids, one with special needs and one who keeps needing surgery, but we were blessed to own a house in an area that

had a huge real estate boom and we were able to get an equity loan, or else I would still have my implants in. I can't stand that thought, since I already feel SO MUCH BETTER in the three weeks since they were removed. I want this for you too!Dawn

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[Guest guest]

I would but I don't have the energy. Penni

Re: Re: My conversation with a plastic surgeon about explants

You've got some great ideas, Dawn.

PattyDawnsusan <dawnsusanbellsouth (DOT) net> wrote:

For Brigite and Lenya,I know this idea might sound crazy, and it would take guts, but do you think you could go to the local media and see if they will do a story on you? You can describe all the avenues you have tried -- teaching hospitals, loan options, etc. Doctors you have seen for your illnesses. You could be frank with your symptoms and get cliffs notes versions of facts for the reporters to check (make it easy for them to do a story), including research articles, this support site, contact info for Dr. Kolb or Dr. Melmed, who would probably be happy to speak publically on how bad implants are.It would be a bold story and, having several reporters in my family, I know it is an attractive thing-- to expose something controversial that has facts behind it, witnesses, etc.You could be frank about your plight- - can't afford to get them removed, and are getting sicker. Set up a website or fund through some local organization that will help manage donations. If everyone who heard or read the story kicked in five bucks, you'd be well on your way.Downside -- you would not be able to keep your stories private. Everyone will know. But the good side of that is you will be able to help turn something bad into something that is actually good, which is how God works, by the way. And after surgery you would be able to be the contact people in your area to help other women -- you'd have a way to "pay back" the kindness you received by maybe doing some non-profit thing for women who can't afford to get implants. I know NOW, whom I actually dislike, but who has tons of money, might kick in.You could help spread the word and hopefully keep women from getting implants. Part of our problem is that we can't get our stories out there - there is such an infatuation with boob jobs and Hollywood, and such pressure to keep things pro-implant. (Remember Shari's story that got cut down to 1 or 2 minutes?)I think by using local media this would be an easier hurdle.Then again, I would love to see a story in national media that paid some time to this -- like 60 minutes or 20-20 or one of those shows that has the time and research power to to devote a third of a show to the idea.And a third thing -- there are so many makeover reality shows. They need a counter makeover -- where they profile people reversing the "bad things" they have done to their bodies. A natural, wholistic makeover. Hey wow! Maybe I'll pitch it to Oxygen. We can get you two to be on it. Wouldn't it be a kick to do a follow-up on you two six weeks later, like they do with the other folks on that show. You could show results of bloodwork that improved, skin changes, energy changes, and all that. It would be very hard for the nation to ignore that kind of proof.Like I said, it's a crazy idea, but it's that stuff that gets born when you have no other options.If you are interested, let me start thinking about ways I could help. It breaks my heart to know you can't get these things out. I know we certainly didn't have the money -- we have five kids, one with special needs and one who keeps needing surgery, but we were blessed to own a house in an area that had a huge real estate boom and we were able to get an equity loan, or else I would still have my implants in. I can't stand that thought, since I already feel SO MUCH BETTER in the three weeks since they were removed. I want this for you too!Dawn

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