Patty, Rogene, Lynda N Friends

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/9/2008 8:32:58 AM Central Daylight Time, dusty.com@... writes:

I have a questions about these implants

I am having a difficult time still

Your body hasnt even had the time to heal from

the surgery muchless realize that nasty mass is gone

please give it some time....

Have any of your doctors or Dr. Blais

found an infection in their findings

and were you prescribed anything ??

I know some of our symptoms vary

I just do not understand why we all don't

have at least one specific infection from

these chemicals that go into the making

If implants are not removed correctly we all

learned in here that capsules retain bacteria

So this garbage is floating in us and no infection ??

Dr. Kolb said my capsules did not need to be sent out to Dr. Blais

I sure hope she sent them to pathology, cuz there should

never ever be anything removed from inside a body without

a pathologist looking at it and doing studies on it....

PLEASE find your records from her and see if there is

a path report on the capsules, I would call her office

and tell them they left that out of your records that you paid

for while there and to mail a copy to you ASAP !

and for some of us in this situation... how do we really know

what is in our blood stream or if we have an infection

you dont unless testing is done ! !

There has to be some reason I am crippled and blown up

and it all started with those crawly sensations in my knees

I still do not understand this crawly sensation symptom

Felt like worms crawling in my knees 24/7

Dr. Blais will now be getting a sample slide of my fluid and he said..

My implants or capsules would of given him more promising results.

but that is not to say he won't find anything

Is there a list of other findings of infection ?

There are many articles that I have sent to the group from

medical sites that talk about the different organisms that have

been cultured or discovered from breast implants and the tissues

around them......many, many ! aspergillis is, well, here is a site

: Aspergillus , or http://healthandenergy.com/aspergillis.htm

Carol said she was on antibiotic and antifungal IV's Aspergillis was also cultured in both her breasts

Aspergillis - Exactly what is this ???

So without culturing - we could remain sick ??

The below should answer some of your questiions........

I hope this helps you.......you might want to print some

of this out for your doctors wife....

Sandy~

BREAST IMPLANT HORROR  LEAKY

http://www.mold-survivor.com/breast_implant_horror__leaky.html

I ( link is little ! )

http://www.info-implants.com/BC/0004.html

I.A.S. IMPLANT AWARENESS SOCIETY102 - 6086 Boundary Drive WestSurrey, B.C. V3X 2B3Telephone: (604) 572-8486e-mail: adellaem@...

A FATAL CASE OF SLE COMPLICATED BY INVASIVE ASPERGILLOSIS

Authors: Zuber, M.; Daus, H.; Koch, B.; Pfreundschuh, M.Address: University of Saarland Medical Center, Hamburg, GermanySource: Rheumatol. Int., 1997, 17(3):127-30

ABSTRACT

We report on the case of a 25-year-old female with severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who presented with pancytopenia, fever, arthralgia and abdominal pain. After antibiotic treatment, the patient was afebrile for 3 days before her temperature rose again. Dyspnoea and cough pointed towards pneumonia which was confirmed by X-ray. Different antibiotics and the antimycotic agent fluconazol were given. The lupus flare was treated with high-dose prednisolone.After a couple of days, the dyspnoea increased and mechanical ventilation became necessary. Bronchoscopy and transbronchial biopsy revealed the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis*. Despite of an immediate treatment with amphotericin B, the patient died because of respiratory insufficiency. The literature on aspergillosis in SLE is reviewed and prophylactic, diagnostic and therapeutic options are discussed for this infectious complication which has an 80% mortality in patients with SLE.*Checked medical dictionary; same as aspergillus below articles!The articles below are from the SALINE IMPLANT LIBRARY at the SILICONE IMPLANT SURVIVORS SITE:http://www.GeoCities.com/HotSprings/8689/saline.html

ASPERGILLUS COLONIZATION ASSOCIATED WITH BILATERAL INFLATABLE SILICONE MAMMARY IMPLANTS

Author: Walton, BunkisSource: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Journal, February, 1983, 71(2):260-1

ABSTRACT

A case of aspergillus niger fungal colonization associated with bilateral inflatable silicone mammary implants is reported. Painful fibrous capsular contractures without clinical evidence of infection or inflammation characterized the presenting symptoms. Operative findings included a cheesy-white exudate that surrounded the implants and turbid fluid within the implants.All specimens yielded a heavy growth of aspergillus niger. Special stains of the fibrous capsules were negative for fungal invasion.The etiology and pathogenesis of aspergillus colonization in this patient are postulated.

MICROBIAL GROWTH INSIDE SALINE-FILLED IMPLANTS

Authors: Young, V. L.; Hertl, M. C.; Murray, P. R.; Jensen, J.; Witt, H.; Schorr, M.W.Address: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USASource: Plast Reconstr Surg, July, 1997, 100(1):182-196

ABSTRACT

In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to determine whether intraluminal saline in breast implants can support the growth of common wound-infecting micro-organisms over a prolonged period of time. The bacteria tested were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium jeikeium, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Three fungal species also were tested: Aspergillus fumigatus, Paecilomyces variofii, and Candida albicans. In the in vitro study, four organisms survived in flasks of sterile saline for the 2 weeks in which serial cultures were performed: K. pneumoniae, C. albicans, A. fumigatus, and P. variotii.In the in vivo study, 61 white rabbits (122 implants) received both an experimental implant inoculated with one of the test organisms and a control implant containing only sterile saline. They were sacrificed at 1-, 3-, or 6-month scheduled endpoints. None of the control implants containing sterile saline had positive cultures. In contrast, the intraluminal saline was culture positive for 7 of the 10 inoculated organisms after varying lengths of time: S. epidermidis, E. coli, E. cloacae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, A. fumigatus, and P. variotii. Samples of capsular tissue also were cultured. Of the 122 capsular tissue specimens, 21 (17 percent) had positive cultures and surrounded both inoculated and sterile implants.In most instances, capsules that were culture positive contained an organism different from the one that had been inoculated in the group. In only 3 cases was the same organism cultured from both the periprosthetic tissue and the intraluminal saline, and these may represent instances of the inoculated organism migrating through the implants filler valves. The data show that several types of bacteria (particularly gram-negative species) and fungi can grow and reproduce in a restricted saline environment for extended periods of time.

BACTERIAL GROWTH IN SALINE IMPLANTS; IN VITRO AND IN VIVO STUDIES

Authors: Chen, N.T.; , P.E.; Hooper, D.C.; May, J.W., Jr.Address: Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, 02114Source: Ann Plast Surg, April, 1996, 36(4):337-41

ABSTRACT

The survival of bacteria was evaluated in custom-made saline breast implants with integral injection ports in vitro and in 10 New Zealand White rabbits for Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia marcescens. Pseudomonas and Serratia survived in vitro in saline-filled implants and multiplied 24-fold and 22-fold, respectively, from the initial inocula of 300 colony-forming units per cubic centimeter in 21 days.Serratia alone survived in saline implants placed on the dorsum of rabbits, proliferated 80-fold in 7 days, and tapered to 10-fold at the end of 3 weeks. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of glucose in fluid from the implants in the animal study (mean, 1.2 mg per deciliter; standard error of mean [sEM], 0.6) after 21 days and from human subjects (mean, 3.8 mg per deciliter; SEM, 1.0) after 8 months to 10 years. Serratia incubated in human breast implant fluid samples proliferated 7-fold to 30-fold greater than in the saline control in a nonaerated environment. We conclude that some bacteria are able to proliferate in saline in breast implants. Furthermore, their survival may be facilitated by a substance (i.e., glucose) that diffuses across the implant outer shell.

PAECILOMYCES VARIOTII CONTAMINATION IN THE LUMEN OF A SALINE-FILLED BREAST IMPLANT

Authors: Young, V.L.; Hertl, M.C.; Murray, P.R.; Lambros, V.S.Address: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USASource: Plast Reconstr Surg, November, 1995, 96(6):1430-4

ABSTRACTThis report describes a case of gross contamination with the filamentous fungus P. variotii cultured from an intraluminal saline breast implant removed from a patient 14 months after implantation because of severe capsular contracture. We suspect the fungal contamination occurred when a container of saline was left open in the operating room prior to filling and placement of the implant. This case may be the first documented report of microbial growth and reproduction in the internal environment of a saline implant. We assume that organisms such as P. variotii can survive - and accumulate biomass - on the minute amounts of substrates that diffuse across an implant envelope.NOTE: One of the women in our support group brought her intact explanted saline- filled implants to a meeting locally. They are filled with black, brackish saline with particles floating profusely in them. She is also on disability and in a wheelchair. She was a school teacher; another intelligent woman struck down in her 30's or in the prime of life.The shells are permeable; fluid can flow in and out. See below:

SPONTANEOUS AUTOINFLATION OF SALINE MAMMARY IMPLANTS

Authors: , O. G., Jr.; Benos, D. J.Address: Dept. of Plastic Surgery, Brookwood Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35209Source: Ann Plast Surg, August, 1997, 39(2):114-8, discussion 118-21

ABSTRACT

This study was prompted by 5 patients (seen by O. G. , M.D.) presenting with unilateral enlargement of the breasts 4 to 9 years following augmentation mammaplasty with saline-filled implants. At exploration one breast implant was seen to be markedly enlarged when compared to the other, with a brownish yellow material that had the consistency of serum.Studies were undertaken to determine the permeability of the silicone container to various body fluids and a study of the contained fluid itself. Protein measurements, viscosity measurements, and osmotic water permeability measurements were performed. The results were consistent with the hypothesis that these silicone implants were indeed permeable to both water, glucose, and protein. We hypothesize that the mechanism underlying this in vivo expansion is colloid osmotic swelling. Why one breast should be more involved than the other is unknown. We believe that this phenomenon is occurring more frequently than is being reported

LIPID INFILTRATION AS A POSSIBLE BIOLOGIC CAUSE OF SILICONE BREAST IMPLANT AGING

Authors: , P. , Jr., M.D.; Jack B. , Jr., Ph.D.; Rod J. Rohrich, M.D., Dallas, TexasSource: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal,1998, 101:64

The cause of silicone gel implant ageing and rupture is not known. Recent reports indicate the failure rate is higher than previously published, and implant ageing and rupture may be due to progressive mechanical deterioration of the outer vulcanized silicone shell. It is known that lipids are absorbed by the hydrophobic silicone elastomer, and lipid infiltration causes mechanical attenuation and possible failure of the elastomer. The purposes of this article are to analyze the silicone envelope/gel of explanted prostheses and the silicone elastomer of other medical grade silicone devices for lipid content and to suggest its possible role in implant ageing and rupture.We assayed 33 ruptured silicone breast implant shells (mean age 13.1 years; range 8 to 26 years) and 8 medical grade silicone elastomer devices (mean age 3.7 years; range 3 months to 12 years) for evidence of lipid infiltration using thin layer chromatography. These were compared with control group assays from two nonimplanted silicone gel implants and one unused Silastic catheter. Ninety-eight percent of implants and other previously implanted silicone devices were found to have evidence of lipid infiltration compared with none in nonimplanted controls (p < 0.005).We conclude that lipids infiltrate the outer silicone shell and may be a factor related to breast implant ageing and rupture due to progressive mechanical weakening of the outer silicone shell.

Post Surgery Pain From Breast Implants

http://www.bustbuilder.co.uk/post-surgery-pain.htm

POST SURGERY PAIN - BREAST IMPLANTS - SLICONE IMPLANT SURGERY

THE EXCRUCIATING PAIN

When Gordon’s black implant was sent for testing to Dr. Pierre Blais, Ph.D., a former senior scientific adviser at Canada’s version of the FDA, Health Canada’s Health Protection Branch, the results were unnerving. "The implant was full of dead fungus–aspergillis [sic] niger, aspergillis [sic] fumigatis and a subtype of the albicans family–which could make the recipient very ill," explains Blais, who has analyzed more than 7,000 breast implants. But he also found something far worse–dead, antibiotic-resistant bacteria: "Enough to fill a teaspoon."

The bacteria and fungi were dead because the implant had been dunked in formaldehyde upon removal from Gordon’s chest, as is customary–so clearly this wasn’t mold that had grown afterward. "We’ve seen hundreds of cases like this," maintains Blais. "But Ms. Gordon’s implant ranks number four among the most contaminated implants we’ve ever tested."

In Blais’ analysis, small amounts of the bugs had leaked into Gordon’s body as her implant aged, making her feel sick. When the organism-filled sac was removed, antibiotics and antifungal drugs were able to wipe out the remaining germs in her body and restore her health. "Had the implant stayed in longer, she might have been chronically ill; had it ruptured, her body could have been flooded with bacteria and fungus that drugs would have been unable to fight. She was really lucky to walk away from this," notes Blais solemnly. "If I were her, I would not buy a lottery ticket for a long time."

Mounting evidence suggests that in a small percentage of women, like Gordon, implants become tainted with bacteria or fungus, which sometimes causes the sacs to discolor and, over time, the wearers develop autoimmune-like illnesses. Although the FDA maintains that implants do not cause these illnesses, the agency is planning to review additional reports from the manufacturers’ ongoing studies (which will continue for about six more years). Mentor Corp.’s studies so far have already shown that 2 percent of augmentation patients and 9 percent of reconstruction subjects developed unspecified infections within three years. Six women in each of the manufacturers’ studies were also deemed, using very strict criteria, to have autoimmune problems.

How could the implants become contaminated? When breast implants are shipped to a surgeon, they arrive deflated; in the office, the doctor fills them with saline solution through a valve. If the conditions aren’t completely sterile–if, for example, the solution is exposed to air–germs could be introduced. Also, some doctors have been known to add ingredients like antibiotics and disinfectants in the hope of preventing infections. These additives degrade in the implant’s solution after years inside the body. In fact, in Gordon’s implant, Blais did find degraded Keflin, an antibiotic, which contributed to the black color. Worse, instead of protecting her it encouraged the growth of bacteria that were resistant to the drug, hence more dangerous.

Some experts believe that microbes can pass through the implant’s envelope and through imperfect valves. According to this theory, bugs could enter the sacs from the body, and/or germs growing inside could wind up on the device’s outer surface, infect the surrounding tissue and travel into the bloodstream. The idea is controversial, however. "Cases of contamination have been cited in the past, but with today’s sterile techniques, bacteria or fungus should not enter the implant during filling or afterward," contends Diane Hart, program manager of patient services at Mentor, the company that made Gordon’s implant.

Meanwhile, Blais, who has authored 250 scientific papers on the safety of implantable medical devices, believes women are still in danger. He has seen hundreds of black, brown and green implants–both saline and silicone-gel implants, which were banned for cosmetic use in 1992 but allowed for reconstruction patients–removed from women who had all types of health problems, including autoimmune symptoms. These colors correlate to certain types of microbes present in the implant, he explains. "One of the most common contaminants in black implants is aspergillus niger, a black variety of fungus, while two other forms, aspergillus fumigatis and Bouffardi’s black, cause dark brown discoloration." In the case of blue or green implants, the culprit is usually algae.

V. Leroy Young, M.D., professor of plastic surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, is another scientist who has shown that disease-causing microbes including E. coli, staph bacteria and aspergillus can grow in saline implants. Further, a handful of studies have shown a connection between symptoms associated with autoimmune disease and germ-ridden implants of both the saline and silicone variety.

In one of these studies, Marek .K. Dobke, M.D., head of the division of plastic surgery at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, cultured both kinds of implants, removed from more than 300 hundred women complaining of muscle or joint pain, chronic fatigue, skin rashes, low grade fever, dry eyes and mouth, hair loss, and confusion or impaired memory. He found bacteria (most commonly staph) or fungi in approximately 70 percent of cases–three times the rate of occurrence of bugs in implants removed from healthy women who were having an "explant" for cosmetic reasons (such as trading up a cup size). He also found high rates of microbe contamination in women with capsular contracture and breast pain–a connection that many agree with, including Dr. Young, who fingers bacteria as the culprit. "This strong correlation between microbes–mostly bacteria–and symptoms," maintains Dr. Dobke, "may be the key to the health troubles so many women with implants have."

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