Hi- I'm new here, and here's what I've been through:

September 13, 2008

Hello Annette ~

Welcome to the group....I am so sorry you are

having so many problems with your health due

to the " Safe " implants.........You can attribute

all of your symptoms to the implants....

With proper removal ( enbloc and use of drains)

and proper detoxing and eating a healthy diet, you

can get your health back. That is the good thing.

1.) Has anyone had any sucess getting their insurance to pay for

explantation?

Removal of implants due to alot of pain "can" covered by insurance

it depends on if your policy excludes you because you got implants.

2.) Can someone tell me more about testing for silicone poisoning?

They took silicone tests off the market, silicone is safe...... and they dont want any test to prove it is not

3.) Have people found their doctors and surgeons to be supportive,

and receptive to this information if it is new to them?

Very few doctors or surgeons are supportive.....we have a list

of good surgeons in our archives. As far as health is concerned

and medical doctors to help, most doctors poo poo us.......

There are hundreds of thousands of us out here very ill, and

still they pretend we and illness due to implants doesnt exist.

We have had more luck with naturopath's and there are some that

are MD and naturopath.

It never even crossed my mind that the mysterious health problems

that I've been having over the last several years would have anything

to do with my implants. It's just saline, right?

Saline has a shelf life of up to 2 years . Some of the valves on the implants that are filled after they are put in you have bi-directional flow problems that allow bodily fluids to go in and out of the implants, as well as mold and fungus, and bacterial organisms to flow back and forth.

Silicone is made up of some 40 ingredients, all known neuro-toxins.

so the outter shell is highly toxic, then you add to it, moldy implants, then foreign body reaction, and you can have a body really rebelling ! !

Here is a photo of some saline implants, there are many more in

our photo section in the archives.

"I can certainly see why you

want implants- you have the body of a young boy".

That was a very manipulative statement he made to you, putting

you down to sell his services.....he should be punished !

I'm scared and sad to have to go

back to looking like a 10 year old boy

Beauty really is from within.....and you know what ? ? Sexy

is too, it is confidence and self love....

Now, think about these people:

Debra Messing

Keira Knightly

Kate Hudson

All beautiful sexy women, and they do not

look like little 10 yr old boys ! and you wont either !

Again welcome to the group, there is tons of info in the archives

we are here to help you thru everything. Please stay close and

ask all the questions you can come up with !

Hugs N Prayers

Dede

**************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com. (http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014)

September 13, 2008

Hello Everyone,

I've only just discovered all this information about saline implant

complications a few days ago, and I'm still reeling.

I'd like to share my story and get some advice.

I'm 27 years old, and I had McGhan saline implants put in in June of

2001. I got them because, at 20 years old, my breasts were completely

undeveloped. There was nothing. The first doctor that I consulted

with said something along the lines of " I can certainly see why you

want implants- you have the body of a young boy " . I still regret not

slugging him...

But I found a very good doctor, who gave me two very natural looking

breasts. They certainly didn't look like " two oranges sitting on your

chest " like the first doctor said they would. I was extremely happy

with them. It was so nice to be able to buy clothes without even

having to think about whether the fabric would sag, or how I could

alter it, or if it was feasible for me to wear it at all.

It never even crossed my mind that the mysterious health problems

that I've been having over the last several years would have anything

to do with my implants. It's just saline, right?

Well, it finally did occur to me to look into it, and as soon as read

the list of symptoms the tears started coming. I felt like I was

reading my own diary.

For many years now I've had chronic aching, pain, and stiffness all

over my body. I'm constantly fatigued- there is NO time when I could

not lay down and sleep. My muscles are weak and sluggish. And the

worst symptoms are the cognitive ones- the memory loss, confusion,

and inability to focus. It is so embarrassing to be in the middle of

a sentence, and suddenly lose track of reality and just start

staring. I seem to not be able to think and talk at the same time.

It's getting harder to read books, and retaining information seems

impossible.

I saw my doctor a few years ago about the pain and fatigue. My mother

has fybromyalgia, so that seemed the likeliest thing to me. She ran

some tests, which all came back negative. She sent me to a

Rheumatologist, who also ran tests that were inconclusive. He said

there were signs of inflammation, perhaps beginnings of arthritis,

but not enough to yet be concerned about. So that was that.

Last year I had a headache that lasted two months, and as I write

this, I am at about the two month mark of another headache marathon.

I have not told my doctor about the headaches, because I have zero

faith that he would do anything about it except give me meds. I

sought help from a chiropractor, but it hasn't seemed to help much.

About six months ago I woke up with completely dead numb hands, and

that has been happening more days than not since then.

I have depression and anxiety issues, but they were known about

before the implants. They do lead to a confusing point in this matter

though. I was on anti-depressants from the time that I got my

implants until March of this year. Over the years I attributed many

of the symptoms I've described to the anti-depressants- especially

the cognitive issues. But I haven't seen any improvement snce I have

been off of them- in fact I've seen decline. So I don't know If the

meds caused permanant damage, or if my brain was turning to gravy

despite the meds.

I have a lot more that I want to say, but I'm getting pretty tired of

typing and need to wrap it up for tonight. The big questions that I

have are:

1.) Has anyone had any sucess getting their insurance to pay for

explantation?

2.) Can someone tell me more about testing for silicone poisoning?

3.) Have people found their doctors and surgeons to be supportive,

and receptive to this information if it is new to them? I already

feel as though my doctors think I'm a whacko who thinks up illnesses.

I don't want to be told that this is in my head. I got a bit of it

yesterday when I called the doctor who did my implants. I spoke with

his receptionist/assistant who said that no, wow, they've never had

women complaining to them of health problems from saline implants.

They've never even HEARD of such a thing! I know that the bottom line

is that it doesn't matter what other people think- I know what's up

and they need to come out But it sure would be nice to be believed

too. I'm just curious how other people's experiences have been.

So I'm pretty scared and angry and sad right now. Scared to have

surgery, scared to pay for surgury, and scared that I'm permanantly

damaged. I'm angry that I was given the impression that these were

safe as salt water, and angry at myself for believing it. And while

it's my last concern among them all, I'm scared and sad to have to go

back to looking like a 10 year old boy. It's not as important as

being healthy, but I really love having breasts.

I am really really eager to get some feedback, and so thankful that

this forum is here. Where else could we go?

Thank you,

Annette

September 13, 2008

Welcome Annette! . . . You've found the right place. We understand! . . . We've all been through what you're going through in one form or another - sometimes worse.

1.) Has anyone had any sucess getting their insurance to pay for

explantation?Insurance sometimes pays for explant . . . There are certain conditions that will be more likely to get coverage - especially pain! . . . If the truth be known, insurance companies should realize that explant, without replacement, is a good investment. Without explant, health problems will continue to mount. Read your policy carefully. . . If it says they do not cover "complications from cosmetic surgery", they probably won't pay though.

2.) Can someone tell me more about testing for silicone poisoning? There is no conclusive test. . . Those that have helped have been removed from the labs. . i.e. silicone hypersensitivity and Platinum testing.

3.) Have people found their doctors and surgeons to be supportive,

and receptive to this information if it is new to them? I already

feel as though my doctors think I'm a whacko who thinks up illnesses.

I don't want to be told that this is in my head. I got a bit of it

yesterday when I called the doctor who did my implants. I spoke with

his receptionist/ assistant who said that no, wow, they've never had

women complaining to them of health problems from saline implants.

They've never even HEARD of such a thing! I know that the bottom line

is that it doesn't matter what other people think- I know what's up

and they need to come out But it sure would be nice to be believed

too. I'm just curious how other people's experiences have been.We have a list of doctors we can recommend - most of whom take implant related illness seriously. . . but you are unlikely to get them to admit it. They all make money putting implants in - as well as taking them out. You may be able to find a local doctor who will remove them properly. Ask HOW they remove breast implants. If they tell you they remove them "en bloc" (cut around the capsule and removed it with the implant still inside), you have a winner. A good doctor will also use drains until there is no significant drainage. . . A bad doctor will tell you that you will be deformed and depressed without implants . . . consider that witness to their skill and get out of there. . . If you find the doctor respectful of your opinion, you may be able to get a committment out

of him/her (preferably in writing) to do the job right. If you'll let us know where you live, we may be able to guide you to a good doc. . . There is also a list in the group archives. The bad news is that it's going to be a challenge to find the right doctor - and it may cost you plenty. . . The good news is that it's the best investment you can make in getting your life back.Stay close . . . you'll learn a lot about getting your health back.Hugs and prayers,Rogene

September 14, 2008

Hi Annette,Welcome to the group. You will find you are not alone in your experience right now and things will get better.

I had all the symptoms you described and am still dealing with some at that moment but working on detoxing. We have tons of information to share with you on that, but first things first, is getting your implants out by a qualified doctor. We have a list of surgeons who are knowledgeable in removing the capsules en bloc and using drains to minimize future problems.

Yes, insurance paid for my explant. I traveled 9 hours to see Dr. Kolb in Atlanta. She called the insurance company and within ten minutes they approved it. There are other great docs out there and maybe some even closer to you but here's her site, just in case www.plastikos.com She was phenomenal with me. I called her and she spoke to me for an hour one night and was able to get me in ASAP to get them out. Like you, I was experiencing the cognitive issues...scary feeling, I know! Please DO NOT worry that your cognitive issues are permanent...they're not. I've talked with at least ten women with similar symptoms who after detox, diet changes and time, have their brains and lives back.

As far as doctors and surgeons being supportive: Dr. Kolb was supportive because she deals with this daily. Local doctors, however, gave me the same kind of look/response you have received. I stopped seeing mainstream MDs because few of them understand toxicity issues and even laughed at my gut instinct that it was my implants. I have found more help from chiros and NDs and this forum and wish I would not have wasted all the time, energy and money with regular MDs. It seems as if the women who recover go the natural route rather than taking several prescriptions.

As far as your fears and anger, we can ALL relate. Emotionally, the whole thing is traumatic, but it's also a gift in many ways...you will find many positives along the way and grow to love your body and self in ways you never imagined. As far as fear of the surgery, for me personally, it was far easier than implant. It was far less painful and I recovered a lot more quickly from the surgery itself. It's getting the toxins out that is the harder part, but it happens and women go on to have healthier lives. We're all here for you and if you have any more questions, keep asking. ~ PH

>> Hello Everyone,> I've only just discovered all this information about saline implant > complications a few days ago, and I'm still reeling.> I'd like to share my story and get some advice. > I'm 27 years old, and I had McGhan saline implants put in in June of > 2001. I got them because, at 20 years old, my breasts were completely > undeveloped. There was nothing. The first doctor that I consulted > with said something along the lines of "I can certainly see why you > want implants- you have the body of a young boy". I still regret not > slugging him...> But I found a very good doctor, who gave me two very natural looking > breasts. They certainly didn't look like "two oranges sitting on your > chest" like the first doctor said they would. I was extremely happy > with them. It was so nice to be able to buy clothes without even > having to think about whether the fabric would sag, or how I could > alter it, or if it was feasible for me to wear it at all.> It never even crossed my mind that the mysterious health problems > that I've been having over the last several years would have anything > to do with my implants. It's just saline, right?> Well, it finally did occur to me to look into it, and as soon as read > the list of symptoms the tears started coming. I felt like I was > reading my own diary.> For many years now I've had chronic aching, pain, and stiffness all > over my body. I'm constantly fatigued- there is NO time when I could > not lay down and sleep. My muscles are weak and sluggish. And the > worst symptoms are the cognitive ones- the memory loss, confusion, > and inability to focus. It is so embarrassing to be in the middle of > a sentence, and suddenly lose track of reality and just start > staring. I seem to not be able to think and talk at the same time. > It's getting harder to read books, and retaining information seems > impossible.> I saw my doctor a few years ago about the pain and fatigue. My mother > has fybromyalgia, so that seemed the likeliest thing to me. She ran > some tests, which all came back negative. She sent me to a > Rheumatologist, who also ran tests that were inconclusive. He said > there were signs of inflammation, perhaps beginnings of arthritis, > but not enough to yet be concerned about. So that was that. > Last year I had a headache that lasted two months, and as I write > this, I am at about the two month mark of another headache marathon. > I have not told my doctor about the headaches, because I have zero > faith that he would do anything about it except give me meds. I > sought help from a chiropractor, but it hasn't seemed to help much. > About six months ago I woke up with completely dead numb hands, and > that has been happening more days than not since then.> I have depression and anxiety issues, but they were known about > before the implants. They do lead to a confusing point in this matter > though. I was on anti-depressants from the time that I got my > implants until March of this year. Over the years I attributed many > of the symptoms I've described to the anti-depressants- especially > the cognitive issues. But I haven't seen any improvement snce I have > been off of them- in fact I've seen decline. So I don't know If the > meds caused permanant damage, or if my brain was turning to gravy > despite the meds.> I have a lot more that I want to say, but I'm getting pretty tired of > typing and need to wrap it up for tonight. The big questions that I > have are:> > 1.) Has anyone had any sucess getting their insurance to pay for > explantation?> 2.) Can someone tell me more about testing for silicone poisoning? > 3.) Have people found their doctors and surgeons to be supportive, > and receptive to this information if it is new to them? I already > feel as though my doctors think I'm a whacko who thinks up illnesses. > I don't want to be told that this is in my head. I got a bit of it > yesterday when I called the doctor who did my implants. I spoke with > his receptionist/assistant who said that no, wow, they've never had > women complaining to them of health problems from saline implants. > They've never even HEARD of such a thing! I know that the bottom line > is that it doesn't matter what other people think- I know what's up > and they need to come out But it sure would be nice to be believed > too. I'm just curious how other people's experiences have been.> > So I'm pretty scared and angry and sad right now. Scared to have > surgery, scared to pay for surgury, and scared that I'm permanantly > damaged. I'm angry that I was given the impression that these were > safe as salt water, and angry at myself for believing it. And while > it's my last concern among them all, I'm scared and sad to have to go > back to looking like a 10 year old boy. It's not as important as > being healthy, but I really love having breasts.> I am really really eager to get some feedback, and so thankful that > this forum is here. Where else could we go?> Thank you,> Annette>

September 15, 2008

Hi Annette,

I am so sorry to read your story and all you have been through....yet

another story that is all too similar to the ones we have heard for

years and years. It makes me so angry to hear that your implanting

surgeon claims that they have never heard fo anyone getting sick from

saline implants. I have to wonder if someone has advised all plastic

surgeons to use this standard line, because it appears to be used

over and over again. They all act so innocent, but there is no way

that they have NOT heard that women are getting sick from saline

implants. The FDA has had hearings on this very subject. So, for

them to say that they have not heard that before means that a) they

are lying, or , they are seriously uninformed of what is happening

in the very field they claim to be experts in. Either way, they are

losers.

Let me get right to your questions:

I have had success in getting my insurance to pay for explant. I had

a great explanting surgeon, who worked in my favor. He wrote the

letter that got approval, stating that I had Baker IV contractures

and not much else. He did not state that they were saline, nor did

he state the length of implantation. (It was only 9 months for me.)

Silicone poisoning testing has been discredited. When you understand

what is at stake, you will know why. There has never been a single

test that will prove that our implants are making us sick. The

manufacturer's have made sure to question every indication that

silicone may be implicated, creating enough doubt to keep women from

prevailing in court. As a result, silicone antibody testing is not

offered except at a very few labs, and it is not considered

definitive.

Doctors and surgeons are predominantly disbelieving, insulting,

offensive, uninvolved, and worthless when it comes to treating women

who are ill from implants. It is very rare to find a medical doctor

or plastic surgeon who understands our concerns, and offers any type

of compassionate care. For this reason, we have, over the years,

created a list of plastic surgeons who have been helpful at one time

or another. Even so, we have seen some of these doctors change their

tune when they realize they have been " listed " as helpful to us poor

women. I guess we are not politically correct for most doctors.

Thankfully, we do have several very, very wonderful doctors who are

not afraid to face the truth that implants have been harmful to us.

These doctors have bravely recognized that we need help--we need

proper explant and we need someone who listens carefully and

honestly, with no agenda of their own to push. These are our saints:

Dr. LU Feng, Cleveland, Ohio

Dr. Kolb, Atlanta, Georgia

Dr. Huang, Denver, Colorado

Dr. Ed Melmed, Dallas Texas

You can certainly puruse explant with a local surgeon, but I would

caution you to carefully question them about gettting a total

capsulectomy and drains. You MUST, MUST, MUST have a total capsule

removal....this is the scar tissue that has developed around the

implant..it has to go along with the implant!!!! No compromise on

this one! Drains are also recommended to help remove the fluid that

will accumulate within the pocket that remains. It will eventually

heal up, but it is better to have that fluid removed from the body

than to let it sit there.

I hope this helps you...I understand your fears and concerns, as I

had them myself. But explant is the very best thing you can do for

yourself. I am sorry you have struggled so. You join hundreds of

thousands of other women who have struggled similarly. Our group is

a safe haven where you will be understood. We've been down this

path, we know the pitfalls, we know the heartaches, we know the

feeling of being alone. We will be here for you!

Patty

--- In , " brasvak213 " <brasvak213@...>

wrote:

>

> Hello Everyone,

> I've only just discovered all this information about saline implant

> complications a few days ago, and I'm still reeling.

> I'd like to share my story and get some advice.

> I'm 27 years old, and I had McGhan saline implants put in in June

of

> 2001. I got them because, at 20 years old, my breasts were

completely

> undeveloped. There was nothing. The first doctor that I consulted

> with said something along the lines of " I can certainly see why you

> want implants- you have the body of a young boy " . I still regret

not

> slugging him...

> But I found a very good doctor, who gave me two very natural

looking

> breasts. They certainly didn't look like " two oranges sitting on

your

> chest " like the first doctor said they would. I was extremely happy

> with them. It was so nice to be able to buy clothes without even

> having to think about whether the fabric would sag, or how I could

> alter it, or if it was feasible for me to wear it at all.

> It never even crossed my mind that the mysterious health problems

> that I've been having over the last several years would have

anything

> to do with my implants. It's just saline, right?

> Well, it finally did occur to me to look into it, and as soon as

read

> the list of symptoms the tears started coming. I felt like I was

> reading my own diary.

> For many years now I've had chronic aching, pain, and stiffness all

> over my body. I'm constantly fatigued- there is NO time when I

could

> not lay down and sleep. My muscles are weak and sluggish. And the

> worst symptoms are the cognitive ones- the memory loss, confusion,

> and inability to focus. It is so embarrassing to be in the middle

of

> a sentence, and suddenly lose track of reality and just start

> staring. I seem to not be able to think and talk at the same time.

> It's getting harder to read books, and retaining information seems

> impossible.

> I saw my doctor a few years ago about the pain and fatigue. My

mother

> has fybromyalgia, so that seemed the likeliest thing to me. She ran

> some tests, which all came back negative. She sent me to a

> Rheumatologist, who also ran tests that were inconclusive. He said

> there were signs of inflammation, perhaps beginnings of arthritis,

> but not enough to yet be concerned about. So that was that.

> Last year I had a headache that lasted two months, and as I write

> this, I am at about the two month mark of another headache

marathon.

> I have not told my doctor about the headaches, because I have zero

> faith that he would do anything about it except give me meds. I

> sought help from a chiropractor, but it hasn't seemed to help much.

> About six months ago I woke up with completely dead numb hands, and

> that has been happening more days than not since then.

> I have depression and anxiety issues, but they were known about

> before the implants. They do lead to a confusing point in this

matter

> though. I was on anti-depressants from the time that I got my

> implants until March of this year. Over the years I attributed many

> of the symptoms I've described to the anti-depressants- especially

> the cognitive issues. But I haven't seen any improvement snce I

have

> been off of them- in fact I've seen decline. So I don't know If the

> meds caused permanant damage, or if my brain was turning to gravy

> despite the meds.

> I have a lot more that I want to say, but I'm getting pretty tired

of

> typing and need to wrap it up for tonight. The big questions that I

> have are:

>

> 1.) Has anyone had any sucess getting their insurance to pay for

> explantation?

> 2.) Can someone tell me more about testing for silicone poisoning?

> 3.) Have people found their doctors and surgeons to be supportive,

> and receptive to this information if it is new to them? I already

> feel as though my doctors think I'm a whacko who thinks up

illnesses.

> I don't want to be told that this is in my head. I got a bit of it

> yesterday when I called the doctor who did my implants. I spoke

with

> his receptionist/assistant who said that no, wow, they've never had

> women complaining to them of health problems from saline implants.

> They've never even HEARD of such a thing! I know that the bottom

line

> is that it doesn't matter what other people think- I know what's up

> and they need to come out But it sure would be nice to be believed

> too. I'm just curious how other people's experiences have been.

>

> So I'm pretty scared and angry and sad right now. Scared to have

> surgery, scared to pay for surgury, and scared that I'm permanantly

> damaged. I'm angry that I was given the impression that these were

> safe as salt water, and angry at myself for believing it. And while

> it's my last concern among them all, I'm scared and sad to have to

go

> back to looking like a 10 year old boy. It's not as important as

> being healthy, but I really love having breasts.

> I am really really eager to get some feedback, and so thankful that

> this forum is here. Where else could we go?

> Thank you,

> Annette

>

September 15, 2008

Annette, honey, you will never be alone again. This wonderful group of women will help you to get through this. I am so sorry that you must go through all the pain that we have been through. There is hope for you, because you have realized that your symptoms were not in your head.

In my opinion, being flat-chested is beautiful, and never forget that beauty comes from within. This is a hard decision to make; however, it is the only way that you will get your health back. Please make sure that you find a good plastic surgeon who will clean you out properly.

Stay close...love always..........Lea

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``

Hi- I'm new here, and here's what I've been through:

Hello Everyone,I've only just discovered all this information about saline implant complications a few days ago, and I'm still reeling.I'd like to share my story and get some advice. I'm 27 years old, and I had McGhan saline implants put in in June of 2001. I got them because, at 20 years old, my breasts were completely undeveloped. There was nothing. The first doctor that I consulted with said something along the lines of "I can certainly see why you want implants- you have the body of a young boy". I still regret not slugging him...But I found a very good doctor, who gave me two very natural looking breasts. They certainly didn't look like "two oranges sitting on your chest" like the first doctor said they would. I was extremely happy with them. It was so nice to be able to buy clothes without even having to think about whether the fabric would sag, or how I could alter it, or if it was feasible for me to wear it at all.It never even crossed my mind that the mysterious health problems that I've been having over the last several years would have anything to do with my implants. It's just saline, right?Well, it finally did occur to me to look into it, and as soon as read the list of symptoms the tears started coming. I felt like I was reading my own diary.For many years now I've had chronic aching, pain, and stiffness all over my body. I'm constantly fatigued- there is NO time when I could not lay down and sleep. My muscles are weak and sluggish. And the worst symptoms are the cognitive ones- the memory loss, confusion, and inability to focus. It is so embarrassing to be in the middle of a sentence, and suddenly lose track of reality and just start staring. I seem to not be able to think and talk at the same time. It's getting harder to read books, and retaining information seems impossible.I saw my doctor a few years ago about the pain and fatigue. My mother has fybromyalgia, so that seemed the likeliest thing to me. She ran some tests, which all came back negative. She sent me to a Rheumatologist, who also ran tests that were inconclusive. He said there were signs of inflammation, perhaps beginnings of arthritis, but not enough to yet be concerned about. So that was that. Last year I had a headache that lasted two months, and as I write this, I am at about the two month mark of another headache marathon. I have not told my doctor about the headaches, because I have zero faith that he would do anything about it except give me meds. I sought help from a chiropractor, but it hasn't seemed to help much. About six months ago I woke up with completely dead numb hands, and that has been happening more days than not since then.I have depression and anxiety issues, but they were known about before the implants. They do lead to a confusing point in this matter though. I was on anti-depressants from the time that I got my implants until March of this year. Over the years I attributed many of the symptoms I've described to the anti-depressants- especially the cognitive issues. But I haven't seen any improvement snce I have been off of them- in fact I've seen decline. So I don't know If the meds caused permanant damage, or if my brain was turning to gravy despite the meds.I have a lot more that I want to say, but I'm getting pretty tired of typing and need to wrap it up for tonight. The big questions that I have are:1.) Has anyone had any sucess getting their insurance to pay for explantation?2.) Can someone tell me more about testing for silicone poisoning? 3.) Have people found their doctors and surgeons to be supportive, and receptive to this information if it is new to them? I already feel as though my doctors think I'm a whacko who thinks up illnesses. I don't want to be told that this is in my head. I got a bit of it yesterday when I called the doctor who did my implants. I spoke with his receptionist/assistant who said that no, wow, they've never had women complaining to them of health problems from saline implants. They've never even HEARD of such a thing! I know that the bottom line is that it doesn't matter what other people think- I know what's up and they need to come out But it sure would be nice to be believed too. I'm just curious how other people's experiences have been.So I'm pretty scared and angry and sad right now. Scared to have surgery, scared to pay for surgury, and scared that I'm permanantly damaged. I'm angry that I was given the impression that these were safe as salt water, and angry at myself for believing it. And while it's my last concern among them all, I'm scared and sad to have to go back to looking like a 10 year old boy. It's not as important as being healthy, but I really love having breasts.I am really really eager to get some feedback, and so thankful that this forum is here. Where else could we go?Thank you,Annette

September 20, 2008

--- In , " brasvak213 " <brasvak213@...>

wrote:

>Hi, I've had my safe saline implants out, now for 3 years. I do feel

I'd say 75% better, but I wonder if I'll ever be 100%. I too loved my

implants, they looked great, but I felt like I was 90 years old when

I woke up and thru out the day. It was awful !!! My quack of a doctor

told me the same damn thing , that he'd never heard of saline making

you sick. He is such a liar ! I am still so mad I did this to myself,

I was never sick before, just the normal stuff. I stll wish we could

sue ! Maybe not for them making us sick, well maybe that too, but for

doctors letting us run around for years to 100's of doctors trying to

find out what's wrong with us. They should have just come clean and

said YES, in some cases people do get sick. That would have saved us

all alot of heartache and money. I got my insurance to cover 3 breats

surgeies after my implants...1 for a broken blood vessel in the ER 3

months after I got them put in, 2...time for hardeing cause it was

causeing shoulder pain and 3rd the expalnt itself. I have a federal

plan, I work for the government, my husband's insurance which is my

secondary wouldn't touch it. I wish you all the best, and you really

should get them removed... I wish I hadn't waited 2 and 1/2 years. I

feel as though years of my life were wasted being sick and running up

doctor bills. Take Care

> Hello Everyone,

> I've only just discovered all this information about saline implant

> complications a few days ago, and I'm still reeling.

> I'd like to share my story and get some advice.

> I'm 27 years old, and I had McGhan saline implants put in in June

of

> 2001. I got them because, at 20 years old, my breasts were

completely

> undeveloped. There was nothing. The first doctor that I consulted

> with said something along the lines of " I can certainly see why you

> want implants- you have the body of a young boy " . I still regret

not

> slugging him...

> But I found a very good doctor, who gave me two very natural

looking

> breasts. They certainly didn't look like " two oranges sitting on

your

> chest " like the first doctor said they would. I was extremely happy

> with them. It was so nice to be able to buy clothes without even

> having to think about whether the fabric would sag, or how I could

> alter it, or if it was feasible for me to wear it at all.

> It never even crossed my mind that the mysterious health problems

> that I've been having over the last several years would have

anything

> to do with my implants. It's just saline, right?

> Well, it finally did occur to me to look into it, and as soon as

read

> the list of symptoms the tears started coming. I felt like I was

> reading my own diary.

> For many years now I've had chronic aching, pain, and stiffness all

> over my body. I'm constantly fatigued- there is NO time when I

could

> not lay down and sleep. My muscles are weak and sluggish. And the

> worst symptoms are the cognitive ones- the memory loss, confusion,

> and inability to focus. It is so embarrassing to be in the middle

of

> a sentence, and suddenly lose track of reality and just start

> staring. I seem to not be able to think and talk at the same time.

> It's getting harder to read books, and retaining information seems

> impossible.

> I saw my doctor a few years ago about the pain and fatigue. My

mother

> has fybromyalgia, so that seemed the likeliest thing to me. She ran

> some tests, which all came back negative. She sent me to a

> Rheumatologist, who also ran tests that were inconclusive. He said

> there were signs of inflammation, perhaps beginnings of arthritis,

> but not enough to yet be concerned about. So that was that.

> Last year I had a headache that lasted two months, and as I write

> this, I am at about the two month mark of another headache

marathon.

> I have not told my doctor about the headaches, because I have zero

> faith that he would do anything about it except give me meds. I

> sought help from a chiropractor, but it hasn't seemed to help much.

> About six months ago I woke up with completely dead numb hands, and

> that has been happening more days than not since then.

> I have depression and anxiety issues, but they were known about

> before the implants. They do lead to a confusing point in this

matter

> though. I was on anti-depressants from the time that I got my

> implants until March of this year. Over the years I attributed many

> of the symptoms I've described to the anti-depressants- especially

> the cognitive issues. But I haven't seen any improvement snce I

have

> been off of them- in fact I've seen decline. So I don't know If the

> meds caused permanant damage, or if my brain was turning to gravy

> despite the meds.

> I have a lot more that I want to say, but I'm getting pretty tired

of

> typing and need to wrap it up for tonight. The big questions that I

> have are:

>

> 1.) Has anyone had any sucess getting their insurance to pay for

> explantation?

> 2.) Can someone tell me more about testing for silicone poisoning?

> 3.) Have people found their doctors and surgeons to be supportive,

> and receptive to this information if it is new to them? I already

> feel as though my doctors think I'm a whacko who thinks up

illnesses.

> I don't want to be told that this is in my head. I got a bit of it

> yesterday when I called the doctor who did my implants. I spoke

with

> his receptionist/assistant who said that no, wow, they've never had

> women complaining to them of health problems from saline implants.

> They've never even HEARD of such a thing! I know that the bottom

line

> is that it doesn't matter what other people think- I know what's up

> and they need to come out But it sure would be nice to be believed

> too. I'm just curious how other people's experiences have been.

>

> So I'm pretty scared and angry and sad right now. Scared to have

> surgery, scared to pay for surgury, and scared that I'm permanantly

> damaged. I'm angry that I was given the impression that these were

> safe as salt water, and angry at myself for believing it. And while

> it's my last concern among them all, I'm scared and sad to have to

go

> back to looking like a 10 year old boy. It's not as important as

> being healthy, but I really love having breasts.

> I am really really eager to get some feedback, and so thankful that

> this forum is here. Where else could we go?

> Thank you,

> Annette

>

September 20, 2008