RA and Breast Implants??

[Guest guest]

Hi, I lost 130 pounds in 2004 and I told myself that if I kept it off for 5

years I would have the extra skin lifted!

In January of 2010 I had a lowerbody lift, thigh lift and a breast lift. When

they " lifted " the breasts they told me I should get an implant to help it keep

its shape since they were taking away skin. So...I had a small implant placed in

each breast.

By June 2010 I developed an encapsulated implant on each side (a risk all

implants have). I had them replaced in August. Later in August is when most of

my symptoms of RA started I think. I had periods of back pain, hips pain etc...

for a few years but it would only last a few days and go away. I only had to

take ibuprofen for the pain.

Since Aug, my symptoms had spread to my feet, ankles, hips and mid/lower back. I

was told I had a " slightly raised " RA factor in my labs in October when I saw

the doctor. We than started me on RA meds which " kind of " helped for a while. I

have gone through a series of different RA meds to find something that would

help. At this point I am on Sulfasalazine and I am still in constant pain. The

pain is now in my upper/back shoulder and arms. My feet, hips and legs also

hurt. The pain is to the point where I can NOT do any of my normal daily

functions. I can't even lift my arms over my shoulders to take off a shirt! I

can't bend etc....

I have also noted that BOTH of my breasts are firm and uncomfortable which means

there is another encapsulation. I am thinking of just having the implants

removed. I am wondering if there is a REAL link between RA and silacone breast

implants??? Could they have irritated my immune system enough to cause these RA

symptoms?

I am seeing a plastic surgeon tomorrow but I bet he will say there is no

evidence of a link.

I also have Ankylosing Spongeolytis (sp?) which the doc told me about last week.

That is why we switched my meds to Sulfasalazine. I am trying to be patient and

see how the meds work, but so far, I am in so much pain, I can't sleep or even

function. He said it takes time for the meds to really help. I take 800mg

Ibuprofen on top of this medication at least 2 times a day. I know my liver and

kidneys are NOT going to like all these meds. I am seriously anemic and have

been for years. I know I am at high risk of bleeding already and adding so much

ibuprofen is risky. I just don't know what else to do.

I am only 47 and I feel so old and feeble! I can't do anything with my kids and

I am on FMLA for work right now. FMLA is only good for a short time, so I really

need to get back to work! I hate this!!! I am facing years of this RA ahead and

I am so frustrated that I can't find anything to help the pain. I know many here

are having the same issues with finding pain medication that works. I don't know

how anyone could deal with this for years!!!!! I have such a short fuze and I am

always wanting to just lay around and cry.

Anyhow, I know I am just rambling now....I am just really looking for

information about having breast implants and than getting sick from them. I

don't think they are ruptured. My body just does not like them. I would rather

have flat breasts that do not hurt than have these implants causing more pain

and problems.

Thanks for listening. I am really enjoying reading everyones posts. I have

gotten some good tips and information from them.

Robin in St. Louis