NEW

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Kath!

Is your physician a rheumatologist? If not, I would recommend seeing one

to get a confirmation of the diagnosis.

A positive rheumatoid factor (RF) is not specific to rheumatoid

arthritis. Since there are approximately 100 forms of arthritis and many

of them are associated with a positive RF, it's a good idea to get a

second opinion.

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] New

> Hi,

>

> I just joined this list and have enjoyed reading a few of the posts.

I just had blood work done and the doctor called me back to tell me my

RA Factor is 25. He says a normal number is 13 or under. Therefore, he

assumes I have RA. I have swelling in my fingers, wrists, ankles, and

feet. I have pain in them also, but mostly in my fingers. I seem to

have a not so good day followed by a good day that makes me think I

surely do not have RA. But, I must. I would just like to hear how you

found out you had RA - your early symptoms and diagnosis. I'm 44,

married 25 years to the love of my life, and mom to three grown sons

(18, 19, and 21).

>

> Thanks,

>

> Kath

[Guest guest]

Hi Kath. The symptoms and initial tests sound to me like it could

be RA. But the diagnosis is usually not so quick. Once the visual

signs are seen, and an elevated RA factor is identified, the next

common step is to prescribe an RA drug and see if your symptoms

react. My rheumy gave me Bextra to start. As is common, it worked

for a while then stopped. I also had a good reaction to cortisone

injections, and later to prednisone.

I had an elevated RA factor, family history, and joint pain to

start. My primary doctor referred me to a rheumatologist right

away. It took 9 months before my rheumy was ready to officially

diagnose me with RA. That could be partially because I was just

developing it when my symptoms first started. If you've had these

symptoms for a longer time maybe your doctor is seeing other signs

that leads him to the RA diagnosis.

Is your doctor a rheumatologist? What has he said is the next

step? Has he prescribed any medication for you?

And welcome to the group.

Jennie

--- In , " Kathy A " <joyfulkate60@m...>

wrote:

> Hi,

>

> I just joined this list and have enjoyed reading a few of the

posts. I just had blood work done and the doctor called me back to

tell me my RA Factor is 25. He says a normal number is 13 or

under. Therefore, he assumes I have RA. I have swelling in my

fingers, wrists, ankles, and feet. I have pain in them also, but

mostly in my fingers. I seem to have a not so good day followed by

a good day that makes me think I surely do not have RA. But, I

must. I would just like to hear how you found out you had RA - your

early symptoms and diagnosis. I'm 44, married 25 years to the love

of my life, and mom to three grown sons (18, 19, and 21).

>

> Thanks,

>

> Kath

>

>

[Guest guest]

-

Gayle

Welcome to the group. Each time I read someone's story, I am

saddened to think of another person having to suffer such terrible

side effects as you have described. So many of your symptoms I can

relate to. I had my mine for eleven years before I realized what

was making me sick. I had mine out almost 3 years ago and have

gotten alot better. Some symptoms are entirely gone, and others

come and go. But overall, I have a life again! I hope and pray

that you will too! We will help and support you in any way we can.

Hugs,

kathy

got> > Vote for the stars of 's next ad campaign!

> > Today I am thanking God for finding this support group. My

> > name is Gayle and I had saline implants following a

> > bi-lateral mastectomy 3 years ago. Almost immediately I

> > started feeling strange pains...pains the doctor said were

> > my imagination. Looking back, the first sign of pain was

> > in the hospital following surgery. It was not a 'normal'

> > surgical pain...it was a horrible pain in my neck, back,

> > shoulders and jaw. When I called for the nurse to ask for

> > help, she said the only thing they could do for me is an

> > x-ray, but they were busy. Nothing was done to

> > investigate....in fact, I had the feeling they thought I

> > was crazy.

> >

> > I have been living with horrible pain since. I have

> > constant chest pains, numbness, burning and tingling in my

> > arms, back and neck, all-over discomfort, memory loss -

> > after working in the same field for 13 years, I have

> > tremendous difficulties remembering things that should be

> > second nature to me and cannot seem to retain anything. I

> > was dx'd with fibromyalgia, arthritis, TMJ and CFS nearly 2

> > years ago. I have suffered numerous kidney/bladder

> > infections. The sleepless nights drive me insane. The

> > depression is such that I have had thoughts of ending it

> > all. I mean, who really wants to live like this??!

> >

> > I have had a mild form of IBS since my hysterectomy (almost

> > 15 years ago)...since the implants, the IBS has worsened so

> > much so that I have had several occasions of severe weight

> > loss and anemia.

> >

> > There is so much more to the turn my life has taken since

> > the implants...I just wanted to share a brief history and

> > say thank you for being here. I now realize the symptoms I

> > have are real.

> >

> > I did want to ask if anyone has had any luck with legal

> > avenues.

> >

> > Thank you,

> > Gayle

[Guest guest]

Hi Carla and welcome to the group. Just let us know what questions

you have as you read old posts and learn more about RA. You will

find lots of support here, but also a ton of information about

dealing with RA and treatment of RA.

[Guest guest]

Hi Cherie and welcome to the group. I am 34 and have a 4 year old

daughter. My mom has severe RA, she got it when I was in junior

high. My sypmtoms started about two years ago and I've been

diagnosed for over a year now. Here is a link to help with

understanding what it means to have a chronic illness:

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/spoons.htm

Have you considered doing something else with nursing that will be

less stressful and less physically challenging? I have made lots of

changes in my life since getting RA (mainly getting divorced and

changing jobs). I have found all the changes to be for the positive,

resulting in me being much happier and having a lot less stress, both

good for RA and for my life in general.

I know the Plaquinil takes a while to fully take affect. Keep in

mind that if it doesn't get you to the point you can function fairly

well, there other other medication options. I am on methotrexate and

Humira, and I am on prednisone but almost weaned off. The key is to

let your rheumy know if the medication is not doing enough. You

probably can't expect to be 100% of how you used to feel, but you can

expect to get to the point of having no regular flares. My problems

these days are limited to fatigue and flares when the weather changes

or there is high humidity.

Jennie

[Guest guest]

Hi carla, i am very new to this group, also... welcome... my name is Rae and i

live in napa, california... sounds sort of like me, trying to get diagnosed... i

think you will like it here, these girls have a lot of info, which we all need

so we can make educated decisions aobut our bodies.... i am on the same meds as

you but i had a very high liver enzyme count so i had to stop the methotrexate

and now i just took it again on friday and i have to have another test, if the

enzymes are high, then i can not take it anymore....

does anybody know what happens if you can not take methotrexate anymore???

rae

[ ] New

Hi. My name is Carla and I was recently diagnosed with RA after 2 years of

dealing with ongoing symptoms following Lyme disease. It was suspected that I

also got fibro... but the RA is a definite diagnosis.

In the past year I've had extensive damage to my wrists and hands and to my

left ankle, which has been very swollen for almost two years.. the damage is

beginning to affect my toe joints also.

I am just starting treatments... I'm taking low doses of methotrexate once a

week, which will be increasing.. also folic acid once a day.

My family tends to have osteoarthritis; not rheumatoid..which is, I am

learning, a whole different ballgame.

I was going to go into treatment with a controversial but respected Infectious

disease specialist for my Lyme.. however, due to the increasing pain and

disability I acceded to my primary care physician's request that I be seen and

tested by a good rheumatologist. After seeing both doctors, and getting some

extremely good responsiveness and answers that made sense from the

rheumatologist, I decided that the first order of priority was to stop or slow

the rheumatoid arthritis before I was permanently disabled.... I have been

working full time through all this and helping my widowed mother who is 87. I

also plan to retire in a year and want to be able to write, play guitar, garden,

groom my dogs, knit... in other words walking and using my hands is so important

to me......

I'm not 100% sure that the lyme bacteria aren't still in my body and going to

do more damage.. but I can't not try to stop the RA. Being new new new.... I

have a big learning curve... I'll start reading past posts during this

weekend... Thank you. Nice to meet you all. Carla in Rhode Island

[Guest guest]

That means that you will have failed at mtx, and your doctor should

move on to something else to try. Many insurance companies require that

you fail at at least two meds before they will pay for one of the

biologicals (Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade). My insurance was like that.

I failed at mtx and Arava because of low white blood cell counts. Even

then, the insurance company took a whole month before they approved me

for Enbrel. The Enbrel is working so much better for me than the mtx

did. Here's hoping that your next med will help you without adverse

side effects.

Sue

On Sunday, November 14, 2004, at 12:33 PM, Rae Sandberg wrote:

>

> i am on the same meds as you but i had a very high liver enzyme count

> so i had to stop the methotrexate and now i just took it again on

> friday and i have to have another test, if the enzymes are high, then

> i can not take it anymore....

> does anybody know what happens if you can not take methotrexate

> anymore???

[Guest guest]

THANKS, SUE... oooppppss... did not know i was yelling, hahahahaha..

do you have any bad side effects from enbrel? i took thre methotrexate friday,

we will see on thursday what is going to happen, i hate waiting, i wanted to

have this all under control before the holidays, does not look like we will make

it..

rae

Re: [ ] New

That means that you will have failed at mtx, and your doctor should

move on to something else to try. Many insurance companies require that

you fail at at least two meds before they will pay for one of the

biologicals (Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade). My insurance was like that.

I failed at mtx and Arava because of low white blood cell counts. Even

then, the insurance company took a whole month before they approved me

for Enbrel. The Enbrel is working so much better for me than the mtx

did. Here's hoping that your next med will help you without adverse

side effects.

Sue

On Sunday, November 14, 2004, at 12:33 PM, Rae Sandberg wrote:

>

> i am on the same meds as you but i had a very high liver enzyme count

> so i had to stop the methotrexate and now i just took it again on

> friday and i have to have another test, if the enzymes are high, then

> i can not take it anymore....

> does anybody know what happens if you can not take methotrexate

> anymore???

[Guest guest]

No, Rae, I don't have any bad side effects from Enbrel. Lately I have a

mild injection site reaction once in a while, but that's no big deal.

Enbrel has made it seem almost as if I don't even have RA. Sue

On Sunday, November 14, 2004, at 06:07 PM, Rae Sandberg wrote:

>

> THANKS, SUE... oooppppss... did not know i was yelling, hahahahaha..

> do you have any bad side effects from enbrel? i took thre

> methotrexate friday, we will see on thursday what is going to happen,

> i hate waiting, i wanted to have this all under control before the

> holidays, does not look like we will make it..

[Guest guest]

oh, that is so good, sue... i am hoping for one day i will be able to say that!

)

well, it is late and the AMA is almost over... so glad that toby keith won!!! i

love his music.. well it is getting late and i should get to bed... i need all

the beauty rest i can get.. haha ha ha ha....

good night to all...

rae

Re: [ ] New

No, Rae, I don't have any bad side effects from Enbrel. Lately I have a

mild injection site reaction once in a while, but that's no big deal.

Enbrel has made it seem almost as if I don't even have RA. Sue

On Sunday, November 14, 2004, at 06:07 PM, Rae Sandberg wrote:

>

> THANKS, SUE... oooppppss... did not know i was yelling, hahahahaha..

> do you have any bad side effects from enbrel? i took thre

> methotrexate friday, we will see on thursday what is going to happen,

> i hate waiting, i wanted to have this all under control before the

> holidays, does not look like we will make it..

[Guest guest]

Hi Sam: My name is . I have had RA for about 8 years or so. What

questions do you want to ask? People are different. Some things help some and

then other things don't.

We usually all have pain. Although even that is different with different

people. Some can bear it with some medication others need to take more. The

best advice I could give you is to tell your Dr. everything about your

condition.

Don't keep anything from him. That is the only way to help yourself. Be

honest with him and yourself and you will do okay.

Sincerely, Colletti

Anjillah@...

PS: Write me anytime you want.

[Guest guest]

Sam, welcome to the group. Sorry that you have RA, but glad that you

found us. This is a good place to get support and answers to your

questions.

I hope that you are going to a rheumatologist. They are best equipped

to deal with these devastating autoimmune diseases. There are better

medications today than in the past, so people with RA don't have to

become crippled. It sometimes takes a while for the rheumy to find the

right combination of meds to control the pain and inflammation.

I have had RA for about four years. I have been on methotrexate, then

Arava, and now Enbrel, one of the new, expensive biologicals. Enbrel is

working very well to keep my RA under control. I am also taking Bextra,

but getting more and more afraid to, with all of the news about Vioxx,

and now Celebrex.

What medications are you on?

Sue

On Friday, December 17, 2004, at 08:06 PM, Sam wrote:

>

> I was recently diagnosed with RA, and am searching for some real

> people to talk to and get some answers concerning what to expect.

> Anyone feel like talking to a confused man?

>

[Guest guest]

Sam,welcome to the group, glad your here, Tawny

>

>

> I was recently diagnosed with RA, and am searching for some real

> people to talk to and get some answers concerning what to expect.

> Anyone feel like talking to a confused man?

[Guest guest]

Hi there, Sam. You are in the right place!! I was diagnosed a

little over 2 years ago with RA, Fibromyalgia, Sjogrens. Evcen

today they go back and forth with the diagnosis of RA, RA with

Lupus, RA with Lupus tendencies, or even Lupus. I get so frustrated

sometimes. But, like said, I tell my rheumatologist

everything. Even if it seems insignificant. I am a nurse, so I

have access to a lot of literature. But, in all the research I did,

I have found that this group is the best place for information.

There is nothing that replaces the answers you can get form people

who are going through this. You will also find it easier to discuss

your issues in here because we understand exactly what you are going

through because we are going through it too. and a also

post Research news and other important information that can help you

out. So, feel free to ask what ever questions you come up with. We

will do our best to answer if we can and with heart and honosty.

Take care.....Blessed Be.........Marina in Ohio

>

>

> I was recently diagnosed with RA, and am searching for some real

> people to talk to and get some answers concerning what to expect.

> Anyone feel like talking to a confused man?

[Guest guest]

Welcome, . This is a great group, and a and keep us

well informed. I'm glad that you're going to make an appointment with a

rheumatologist. If you have any questions, just ask away. We know what

you're going through. Sue

On Monday, February 28, 2005, at 11:43 PM, wrote:

>

> Hi there. I am new, and was just referred by someone I met on another

> list. I was diagnosed with RA almost two years ago.

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Olivia! I had my implants put in 11 years ago because I was

modeling and acting. At that time there weren't any jobs available

to you if you didn't have large breasts. I was at the jumping off

point of my career, I had been offered a role on Melrose Place, but

I became sick. I became so sick that for the next 10 years I was

unable to hold down a full time job, lost my first husband, lost all

of my friends, and lost all hope of ever getting back to my dream of

acting. That was until I found this group! In this group I found out

the truth of my illness and the means to get rid of my implants. I

had them removed exactly 7 days ago and I feel better than I have in

a decade. I have watched these fitness competitions that you are in

and I always shake my head and think how awful it is that it is

another industry that promotes self destruction in the name of

health. Ironic isn't it? Your gut instinct is right on! DO NOT get

implanted. You may not get as sick as some of us have, or you may

get so bad that you couldn't have a career at all. Either way, you

will feel differently about yourself and the overall health of your

body. The reason the other implanted women that you've talked to say

that they feel better with implants is because they are probably

getting more attention, more wins by having the bustier body. I

KNOW! I felt awesome with them when my income immediately tripled

and I was hired to do some major jobs. Was it worth it? HELLS NO!!!!

Take care of yourself Olivia, and I'm glad you found this group

before you were implanted!

Love,

--- In , " olivialars " <olivialars@y...>

wrote:

> Hello. I am new to the group and am interested in getting

information

> about saline breast implants. I have been considering getting them

for

> years really, but did not get serious about it until I began

entering

> fitness competitions this last year. I find that I am at a big

> disadvantage in all the competitions because all the other girls

have

> implants. Being as fit as we all are at this level none of us have

any

> real breasts left. Breasts are made up of fat mostly and when you

do

> allot of exercise you lose that. I once had full B cup breasts and

> have shrunk to a AA. Well I have this bad feeling about the effects

> implants can have on health, but all the girls I meet in the gyms

all

> tell me how great the implants are and how much better they feel

with

> them.

> Can I get some honest information here? I have a consult with a

local

> plastic surgeon but I have got to admit, the whole thing gives me

the

> creeps. I feel uneasy about this. I wish there was another way of

> enhancing my breasts beside implanting. For some reason it seems

to be

> going against everything I worked for to get in this shape I am

in, we

> eat health, we exercise and work so hard to be natural and then to

> insert these things into us that are made up of silicone seems so

> unatural. Everyone thinks I am nuts for even hesitating. The thing

is

> if I don't do I don't know that I will ever be able to win a

title. At

> least not in fitness competitions. I know that there are other

titles

> I could strive for.

> I appreciate any information.

> Olivia

[Guest guest]

thank you for responding to my post. I really am scared now. I

can't imagine losing my health for boobs. I know I won't win any of

the competitions without the boobs, but I have shunned the steroids as

well and that hasn't stopped me from trying to win. The world I am in

is strange and unknown to most, it sounds like you have some idea

about it though. Most of the women do HGH injections, some anolbolics

and other roids too. They get away with it but they pay the price for

it with some bad side effects, I can't imagine what they will end up

with later in life.

It is sad.

I will most likely be cancelling my appointment, I think I would have

cancelled even if I had not found this group, or backed out at the

last minute. I have never really wanted the implants. Not that I don't

like the way they look, because I do. I just don't like the health

implications.

Can you tell me how your doing now ? Are you better? Are you

able to move forward with your career? Do women get better that get ill?

I wonder why not one women I know has ever had a problem. Do you think

it is rare or just not talked about much? I imagine the sick ones are

not going to be in the gym right?

Thank you again, I appreciate your help. I hope that your health is

well now.

Olivia.

n , " ktitko " <ktitko@y...> wrote:

> Welcome Olivia! I had my implants put in 11 years ago because I was

> modeling and acting. At that time there weren't any jobs available

> to you if you didn't have large breasts. I was at the jumping off

> point of my career, I had been offered a role on Melrose Place, but

> I became sick. I became so sick that for the next 10 years I was

> unable to hold down a full time job, lost my first husband, lost all

> of my friends, and lost all hope of ever getting back to my dream of

> acting. That was until I found this group! In this group I found out

> the truth of my illness and the means to get rid of my implants. I

> had them removed exactly 7 days ago and I feel better than I have in

> a decade. I have watched these fitness competitions that you are in

> and I always shake my head and think how awful it is that it is

> another industry that promotes self destruction in the name of

> health. Ironic isn't it? Your gut instinct is right on! DO NOT get

> implanted. You may not get as sick as some of us have, or you may

> get so bad that you couldn't have a career at all. Either way, you

> will feel differently about yourself and the overall health of your

> body. The reason the other implanted women that you've talked to say

> that they feel better with implants is because they are probably

> getting more attention, more wins by having the bustier body. I

> KNOW! I felt awesome with them when my income immediately tripled

> and I was hired to do some major jobs. Was it worth it? HELLS NO!!!!

>

> Take care of yourself Olivia, and I'm glad you found this group

> before you were implanted!

>

> Love,

>

>

>

> > Hello. I am new to the group and am interested in getting

> information

> > about saline breast implants. I have been considering getting them

> for

> > years really, but did not get serious about it until I began

> entering

> > fitness competitions this last year. I find that I am at a big

> > disadvantage in all the competitions because all the other girls

> have

> > implants. Being as fit as we all are at this level none of us have

> any

> > real breasts left. Breasts are made up of fat mostly and when you

> do

> > allot of exercise you lose that. I once had full B cup breasts and

> > have shrunk to a AA. Well I have this bad feeling about the effects

> > implants can have on health, but all the girls I meet in the gyms

> all

> > tell me how great the implants are and how much better they feel

> with

> > them.

> > Can I get some honest information here? I have a consult with a

> local

> > plastic surgeon but I have got to admit, the whole thing gives me

> the

> > creeps. I feel uneasy about this. I wish there was another way of

> > enhancing my breasts beside implanting. For some reason it seems

> to be

> > going against everything I worked for to get in this shape I am

> in, we

> > eat health, we exercise and work so hard to be natural and then to

> > insert these things into us that are made up of silicone seems so

> > unatural. Everyone thinks I am nuts for even hesitating. The thing

> is

> > if I don't do I don't know that I will ever be able to win a

> title. At

> > least not in fitness competitions. I know that there are other

> titles

> > I could strive for.

> > I appreciate any information.

> > Olivia

[Guest guest]

olivia

im fairly new to the group too. I have had the implants for a

little over 2 years and i just made my app last week for a

consultation to have them explanted. My boyfriend has called the

doctor everyday this week to see if there are any cancelations and

they finally had one so tomorrow i get to go in. If i could go back

knowing what i know now i would have never even went on that first

consultation. The last two years have been so hard, i have missed

and wasted so much. Im just glad i have people who have helped me

realize what i need to do-TAKE THEM OUT-

Im only 22 so i know i can get better, its just to bad that women

have to get so sick before they can accept their own bodies--

In , " ktitko " <ktitko@y...> wrote:

> Welcome Olivia! I had my implants put in 11 years ago because I

was

> modeling and acting. At that time there weren't any jobs available

> to you if you didn't have large breasts. I was at the jumping off

> point of my career, I had been offered a role on Melrose Place,

but

> I became sick. I became so sick that for the next 10 years I was

> unable to hold down a full time job, lost my first husband, lost

all

> of my friends, and lost all hope of ever getting back to my dream

of

> acting. That was until I found this group! In this group I found

out

> the truth of my illness and the means to get rid of my implants. I

> had them removed exactly 7 days ago and I feel better than I have

in

> a decade. I have watched these fitness competitions that you are

in

> and I always shake my head and think how awful it is that it is

> another industry that promotes self destruction in the name of

> health. Ironic isn't it? Your gut instinct is right on! DO NOT get

> implanted. You may not get as sick as some of us have, or you may

> get so bad that you couldn't have a career at all. Either way, you

> will feel differently about yourself and the overall health of

your

> body. The reason the other implanted women that you've talked to

say

> that they feel better with implants is because they are probably

> getting more attention, more wins by having the bustier body. I

> KNOW! I felt awesome with them when my income immediately tripled

> and I was hired to do some major jobs. Was it worth it? HELLS

NO!!!!

>

> Take care of yourself Olivia, and I'm glad you found this group

> before you were implanted!

>

> Love,

>

>

>

> > Hello. I am new to the group and am interested in getting

> information

> > about saline breast implants. I have been considering getting

them

> for

> > years really, but did not get serious about it until I began

> entering

> > fitness competitions this last year. I find that I am at a big

> > disadvantage in all the competitions because all the other girls

> have

> > implants. Being as fit as we all are at this level none of us

have

> any

> > real breasts left. Breasts are made up of fat mostly and when

you

> do

> > allot of exercise you lose that. I once had full B cup breasts

and

> > have shrunk to a AA. Well I have this bad feeling about the

effects

> > implants can have on health, but all the girls I meet in the

gyms

> all

> > tell me how great the implants are and how much better they feel

> with

> > them.

> > Can I get some honest information here? I have a consult with a

> local

> > plastic surgeon but I have got to admit, the whole thing gives

me

> the

> > creeps. I feel uneasy about this. I wish there was another way of

> > enhancing my breasts beside implanting. For some reason it seems

> to be

> > going against everything I worked for to get in this shape I am

> in, we

> > eat health, we exercise and work so hard to be natural and then

to

> > insert these things into us that are made up of silicone seems

so

> > unatural. Everyone thinks I am nuts for even hesitating. The

thing

> is

> > if I don't do I don't know that I will ever be able to win a

> title. At

> > least not in fitness competitions. I know that there are other

> titles

> > I could strive for.

> > I appreciate any information.

> > Olivia

[Guest guest]

Dear Olivia,

Thank you so much for joining us and sharing your thoughts and

concerns. I never knew that in fitness competitions breast implants

were rampant--to the point of making a difference in winning a title

or not! That is a very sad statement about that industry. I have

to commend you on your efforts in getting in shape. There is a lady

at my local Health Express store that is in competitions for weight

lifting. She said it took her about 2 years to get where she

was...and she looked like solid muscle! I did notice that she had

implants too. They were just too hard and high looking to be

natural.

I think it would be a tragedy for you to get implants and risk

getting sick after all you have done to get where you are. I have

to wonder how many women in your field do get sick? There really is

no way of knowing what the stats are, as there has never been a

registry to calculate those statistics for women as a whole. This

illness is not a respecter of professions, wealth, health, or

anything else. It can strike any woman at any time once she has

gotten implants. We have women who have gotten sick immediately, and

others that took a decade or longer to get sick. But the sickness

is not always reversible and that is the scary part. It can be so

devastating that you lose everything....like Beth S. recently

posted, who lost her home, career, financial security...everything.

It is a risk too great to take, in my opinion. Who knows when the

women in your field of fitness will get sick...some of them may just

drop out of sight and know one ever knows about it, because that is

what usually happens. Our sickness takes away our ability to be

productive members of society, and leaves us essentially housebound,

sometimes even bedridden. I know what it feels like to be a social

paraiah.

I am so glad you found us....treasure your health for what it

is...priceless! Don't get implants...

Patty

--- In , " olivialars " <olivialars@y...>

wrote:

> Hello. I am new to the group and am interested in getting

information

> about saline breast implants. I have been considering getting them

for

> years really, but did not get serious about it until I began

entering

> fitness competitions this last year. I find that I am at a big

> disadvantage in all the competitions because all the other girls

have

> implants. Being as fit as we all are at this level none of us have

any

> real breasts left. Breasts are made up of fat mostly and when you

do

> allot of exercise you lose that. I once had full B cup breasts and

> have shrunk to a AA. Well I have this bad feeling about the effects

> implants can have on health, but all the girls I meet in the gyms

all

> tell me how great the implants are and how much better they feel

with

> them.

> Can I get some honest information here? I have a consult with a

local

> plastic surgeon but I have got to admit, the whole thing gives me

the

> creeps. I feel uneasy about this. I wish there was another way of

> enhancing my breasts beside implanting. For some reason it seems

to be

> going against everything I worked for to get in this shape I am

in, we

> eat health, we exercise and work so hard to be natural and then to

> insert these things into us that are made up of silicone seems so

> unatural. Everyone thinks I am nuts for even hesitating. The thing

is

> if I don't do I don't know that I will ever be able to win a

title. At

> least not in fitness competitions. I know that there are other

titles

> I could strive for.

> I appreciate any information.

> Olivia

[Guest guest]

Good luck Aubree.

I hope that everything goes well for you.

Olivia

In , " auw_bree " <auw_bree@y...> wrote:

> olivia

> im fairly new to the group too. I have had the implants for a

> little over 2 years and i just made my app last week for a

> consultation to have them explanted. My boyfriend has called the

> doctor everyday this week to see if there are any cancelations and

> they finally had one so tomorrow i get to go in. If i could go back

> knowing what i know now i would have never even went on that first

> consultation. The last two years have been so hard, i have missed

> and wasted so much. Im just glad i have people who have helped me

> realize what i need to do-TAKE THEM OUT-

> Im only 22 so i know i can get better, its just to bad that women

> have to get so sick before they can accept their own bodies--

>

>

> In , " ktitko " <ktitko@y...> wrote:

> > Welcome Olivia! I had my implants put in 11 years ago because I

> was

> > modeling and acting. At that time there weren't any jobs available

> > to you if you didn't have large breasts. I was at the jumping off

> > point of my career, I had been offered a role on Melrose Place,

> but

> > I became sick. I became so sick that for the next 10 years I was

> > unable to hold down a full time job, lost my first husband, lost

> all

> > of my friends, and lost all hope of ever getting back to my dream

> of

> > acting. That was until I found this group! In this group I found

> out

> > the truth of my illness and the means to get rid of my implants. I

> > had them removed exactly 7 days ago and I feel better than I have

> in

> > a decade. I have watched these fitness competitions that you are

> in

> > and I always shake my head and think how awful it is that it is

> > another industry that promotes self destruction in the name of

> > health. Ironic isn't it? Your gut instinct is right on! DO NOT get

> > implanted. You may not get as sick as some of us have, or you may

> > get so bad that you couldn't have a career at all. Either way, you

> > will feel differently about yourself and the overall health of

> your

> > body. The reason the other implanted women that you've talked to

> say

> > that they feel better with implants is because they are probably

> > getting more attention, more wins by having the bustier body. I

> > KNOW! I felt awesome with them when my income immediately tripled

> > and I was hired to do some major jobs. Was it worth it? HELLS

> NO!!!!

> >

> > Take care of yourself Olivia, and I'm glad you found this group

> > before you were implanted!

> >

> > Love,

> >

> >

> >

> > > Hello. I am new to the group and am interested in getting

> > information

> > > about saline breast implants. I have been considering getting

> them

> > for

> > > years really, but did not get serious about it until I began

> > entering

> > > fitness competitions this last year. I find that I am at a big

> > > disadvantage in all the competitions because all the other girls

> > have

> > > implants. Being as fit as we all are at this level none of us

> have

> > any

> > > real breasts left. Breasts are made up of fat mostly and when

> you

> > do

> > > allot of exercise you lose that. I once had full B cup breasts

> and

> > > have shrunk to a AA. Well I have this bad feeling about the

> effects

> > > implants can have on health, but all the girls I meet in the

> gyms

> > all

> > > tell me how great the implants are and how much better they feel

> > with

> > > them.

> > > Can I get some honest information here? I have a consult with a

> > local

> > > plastic surgeon but I have got to admit, the whole thing gives

> me

> > the

> > > creeps. I feel uneasy about this. I wish there was another way of

> > > enhancing my breasts beside implanting. For some reason it seems

> > to be

> > > going against everything I worked for to get in this shape I am

> > in, we

> > > eat health, we exercise and work so hard to be natural and then

> to

> > > insert these things into us that are made up of silicone seems

> so

> > > unatural. Everyone thinks I am nuts for even hesitating. The

> thing

> > is

> > > if I don't do I don't know that I will ever be able to win a

> > title. At

> > > least not in fitness competitions. I know that there are other

> > titles

> > > I could strive for.

> > > I appreciate any information.

> > > Olivia

[Guest guest]

Thank you Patty for the welcome and kind words. What you say makes a

lot of sense to me. Yes not many realize the world of fitness is the

way it is. How much these women and men will do to acheive the perfect

body. It is fun in many ways to compete, but it has it's dark side

that I have learned in the last year since I got serious. The dieting

down to competition day is also another somewhat dangerous thing. The

dehydration to make your muscles all stand out, the basic starvation

mode that we have to go into, it is very tough, but the feeling of

achieving the win is incredible.

I have placed 4th in my weight class last comp so who knows, maybe I

will be able to place somewhere in the top 5 even with out the implants.

I guess not everyone gets sick, or maybe it takes time, and they may

just fade off into the sunset or whatever happens to them. I honestly

don't know anyone that is sick from implants in person (just on this

group so far) but I will be keeping my eyes open. Maybe I will be able

to help someone now through my new found knowlegde.

If you happen to look at the fitness mags you will see that is really

rampant in the fitness industry to have fake boobs. The main thing you

will notice as I mentioned already is the over the muscle implants.

They look really round and fake and often times the girls have more

problems with hardness and rippling because of the placement. Most

weight lifters won't place under the muscle because it reduces

pectoral stregnth.

I have been reading the files on this site. Absolutely amazing

information.

I am glad that I found this group. It has been very enlightening.

Again, thank you

Olivia

In , " glory2glory1401 "

<glory2glory1401@y...> wrote:

> Dear Olivia,

> Thank you so much for joining us and sharing your thoughts and

> concerns. I never knew that in fitness competitions breast implants

> were rampant--to the point of making a difference in winning a title

> or not! That is a very sad statement about that industry. I have

> to commend you on your efforts in getting in shape. There is a lady

> at my local Health Express store that is in competitions for weight

> lifting. She said it took her about 2 years to get where she

> was...and she looked like solid muscle! I did notice that she had

> implants too. They were just too hard and high looking to be

> natural.

>

> I think it would be a tragedy for you to get implants and risk

> getting sick after all you have done to get where you are. I have

> to wonder how many women in your field do get sick? There really is

> no way of knowing what the stats are, as there has never been a

> registry to calculate those statistics for women as a whole. This

> illness is not a respecter of professions, wealth, health, or

> anything else. It can strike any woman at any time once she has

> gotten implants. We have women who have gotten sick immediately, and

> others that took a decade or longer to get sick. But the sickness

> is not always reversible and that is the scary part. It can be so

> devastating that you lose everything....like Beth S. recently

> posted, who lost her home, career, financial security...everything.

>

> It is a risk too great to take, in my opinion. Who knows when the

> women in your field of fitness will get sick...some of them may just

> drop out of sight and know one ever knows about it, because that is

> what usually happens. Our sickness takes away our ability to be

> productive members of society, and leaves us essentially housebound,

> sometimes even bedridden. I know what it feels like to be a social

> paraiah.

>

> I am so glad you found us....treasure your health for what it

> is...priceless! Don't get implants...

> Patty

>

>

> > Hello. I am new to the group and am interested in getting

> information

> > about saline breast implants. I have been considering getting them

> for

> > years really, but did not get serious about it until I began

> entering

> > fitness competitions this last year. I find that I am at a big

> > disadvantage in all the competitions because all the other girls

> have

> > implants. Being as fit as we all are at this level none of us have

> any

> > real breasts left. Breasts are made up of fat mostly and when you

> do

> > allot of exercise you lose that. I once had full B cup breasts and

> > have shrunk to a AA. Well I have this bad feeling about the effects

> > implants can have on health, but all the girls I meet in the gyms

> all

> > tell me how great the implants are and how much better they feel

> with

> > them.

> > Can I get some honest information here? I have a consult with a

> local

> > plastic surgeon but I have got to admit, the whole thing gives me

> the

> > creeps. I feel uneasy about this. I wish there was another way of

> > enhancing my breasts beside implanting. For some reason it seems

> to be

> > going against everything I worked for to get in this shape I am

> in, we

> > eat health, we exercise and work so hard to be natural and then to

> > insert these things into us that are made up of silicone seems so

> > unatural. Everyone thinks I am nuts for even hesitating. The thing

> is

> > if I don't do I don't know that I will ever be able to win a

> title. At

> > least not in fitness competitions. I know that there are other

> titles

> > I could strive for.

> > I appreciate any information.

> > Olivia

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Welcome to our group. I also had " the creeps " prior to getting

implants... but I went against what my instincts were telling me and

did it anyway on a whim.

I was extremely fit like you... not a body builder, but packed solid

with muscle and stamina. I worked out 5 days per week and was

jogging up to 7 miles per day on weekends. I was the vision of

fitness for sure. I had worked out for 13years.

To make a very long story short.... two months after getting

implants, my muscles became so weak I could not lift weights, My

stamina was gone and I could not handle cardio workouts anymore. I

was so weak and fatigued I could barely get out of bed after

sleeping 12 hours per night and with a nap.

Then my hair began to fall out... I quickly gained 25lbs out of

nowhere... this was very disturbing to me as I am sure it would be

you.. because I was so fit just a couple months prior. I also

developed this water retention throughout my body that not one

doctor (and I have been to many) was ever able to explain. I also

had many other symptoms.

I was told that there was no way that implants could be doing this

to me.. so I went on for 3 years suffering and very sick. Finally,

after I had enough, I was forced to look into the implants as a

possibility of being the root cause of my health decline.

Well, now I have proof. I was explanted on 4/13/05 and all of those

symptoms have gone away. I am back to my old routine.. yet ofcourse

I still must rebuild from the ground up... I'm not the same person I

was before... which is a good thing. I took my body for granted by

putting the foreign object in me... I will never do something so

dumb again.

I have friends who are not sick yet. " Yet " is the keyword. Some

women do not get sick for years, some get sick very quickly and some

seem to never get sick.

You need to know that you are playing russian roulette with your

body, mind and your health. If your body reacts to the implants, it

will not be pretty.

Dawn

--- In , " olivialars " <olivialars@y...>

wrote:

> Hello. I am new to the group and am interested in getting

information

> about saline breast implants. I have been considering getting them

for

> years really, but did not get serious about it until I began

entering

> fitness competitions this last year. I find that I am at a big

> disadvantage in all the competitions because all the other girls

have

> implants. Being as fit as we all are at this level none of us have

any

> real breasts left. Breasts are made up of fat mostly and when you

do

> allot of exercise you lose that. I once had full B cup breasts and

> have shrunk to a AA. Well I have this bad feeling about the effects

> implants can have on health, but all the girls I meet in the gyms

all

> tell me how great the implants are and how much better they feel

with

> them.

> Can I get some honest information here? I have a consult with a

local

> plastic surgeon but I have got to admit, the whole thing gives me

the

> creeps. I feel uneasy about this. I wish there was another way of

> enhancing my breasts beside implanting. For some reason it seems

to be

> going against everything I worked for to get in this shape I am

in, we

> eat health, we exercise and work so hard to be natural and then to

> insert these things into us that are made up of silicone seems so

> unatural. Everyone thinks I am nuts for even hesitating. The thing

is

> if I don't do I don't know that I will ever be able to win a

title. At

> least not in fitness competitions. I know that there are other

titles

> I could strive for.

> I appreciate any information.

> Olivia

[Guest guest]

Oh my gosh...you guys are telling my story. I worked out and was a

dancer when I was younger and my breats did have the " look of " a

gymnast. In other words, I was basically flat. However, I was

healthy and was always complimented and how fit I was. That is,

until I had my implants put in. Now I feel like going to the grocery

store is a big accomplishment. Sure, I may fill out my bathing suit

better, but instead of swimming around, I feel like just sitting

there since I am sooo tired. I always feel bloated and the aches and

pains I have seem to move around each day. Each night I wonder what

will hurt tomorrow. This morning my chest feels hard as a rock. I

touch them and want to just scream. I want to have them removed but

then I wonder what if I still feel like this when they are taken

out. Deep down I know these things (implants) are just a problem

waiting to explode. I do not want to wait until that time so I am

starting to research my options as to where I can go and who to trust

with this. For anyone who is thinking about have implants put in, I

say..DON'T. This is obviously not a natural procedure and your body

will begin to let you know....fast!

> > Hello. I am new to the group and am interested in getting

> information

> > about saline breast implants. I have been considering getting

them

> for

> > years really, but did not get serious about it until I began

> entering

> > fitness competitions this last year. I find that I am at a big

> > disadvantage in all the competitions because all the other girls

> have

> > implants. Being as fit as we all are at this level none of us

have

> any

> > real breasts left. Breasts are made up of fat mostly and when you

> do

> > allot of exercise you lose that. I once had full B cup breasts and

> > have shrunk to a AA. Well I have this bad feeling about the

effects

> > implants can have on health, but all the girls I meet in the gyms

> all

> > tell me how great the implants are and how much better they feel

> with

> > them.

> > Can I get some honest information here? I have a consult with a

> local

> > plastic surgeon but I have got to admit, the whole thing gives me

> the

> > creeps. I feel uneasy about this. I wish there was another way of

> > enhancing my breasts beside implanting. For some reason it seems

> to be

> > going against everything I worked for to get in this shape I am

> in, we

> > eat health, we exercise and work so hard to be natural and then to

> > insert these things into us that are made up of silicone seems so

> > unatural. Everyone thinks I am nuts for even hesitating. The

thing

> is

> > if I don't do I don't know that I will ever be able to win a

> title. At

> > least not in fitness competitions. I know that there are other

> titles

> > I could strive for.

> > I appreciate any information.

> > Olivia

[Guest guest]

Irene,

Almost all of us go through those doubts! . . .

Perfectly natural. First response is " Implants are

safe " . . . then comes " No not me " . . . then . . .

" is it the implants? . . . then " It must be the

implants " then comes . . . " what if I don't feel

better afterwards? " . . . then " I got to get these

things out - I don't want to get any sicker " . . . the

" I can't stand them another day - get them out NOW! "

It's a process . . . Assuming you get them removed

properly - you should start feeling better soon after.

Just ask our ladies!

Hugs and prayers,

Rogene

[Guest guest]

Hi olivia

I am so glad that you decided not to get implants! Praise God. I

got implants about 14 years ago and had them out 3 years ago after I

got so sick that I thought I was going to die. I started developing

extreme symptoms with my heart, skin, tendons, muscles, everything

really. After explanting many of my symptoms got better and some I

have had to really work on. I spent thousands of dollars on the

explant and trying to get better and still spend alot of money on

supplements, organic food etc. Anyway, I wanted to tell you about

my friend. She got her implants first and just loved them. Then

lisa and her husband got into working out several nights a week.

And that led to some of what you are talking about. The special

diet before a competition, taking pictures of themselves, etc. I

thought she looked really buff! I was so jealous of how " fit " she

was and I was just getting less and less able to do anything--

terribly fatigued all the time. Anyway, over the last several years

lisa has developed all kinds of pains in her shoulders, arms, brain

fog, kidney problems and now a painful condition called interstitial

cystitis. She is on a strong antidepressant and no longer works out

regularly because she has so many health issues. I am sure her

implants are behind all of it, but she won't listen to me. She

doesn't want to believe that the implants could be the cause. It is

hard to imagine how someone that fit could deteriate like she has.

You are a very wise person to research this before making your

decision. I knew that women had gotten sick from silicone, but was

told these were just harmless saline. Well, not so. They still

have a silicone shell which can degrade sending silicone particles

through your body and provoking autoimmune reactions, they still

have harmful metals in the shell used in the manufacturing process,

and they can leak, the valves can be defective allowing bacteria,

mold etc. to grow in the implant. MOre than one woman on this site

has found her implants to be heavily contaminated.

Lastly, I have not heard one woman on this site say that she loved

the way the implants feel. They feel abnormal. They feel weird.

You can feel the edges of the implant and where the valve is (at

least I could). They are not soft and if you are really flat--like

me--they look almost like a ball on your chest at times. A natural

breast is so much softer and more attractive. Plus I lost some

sensation in my nipples as a result of the surgery.

Please tell anyone who will listen about what you have learned. If

you even save one person from going through the hell the women here

have gone through it will be worth the time and effort! Many people

will choose not to believe you, but others will. Good luck with

your competitions. Whether you win or not, you will always know

that it is ALL you and not fake implants or steroids that you are

competing with! And that says something.

God bless, kathy

> > > Hello. I am new to the group and am interested in getting

> > information

> > > about saline breast implants. I have been considering getting

them

> > for

> > > years really, but did not get serious about it until I began

> > entering

> > > fitness competitions this last year. I find that I am at a big

> > > disadvantage in all the competitions because all the other

girls

> > have

> > > implants. Being as fit as we all are at this level none of us

have

> > any

> > > real breasts left. Breasts are made up of fat mostly and when

you

> > do

> > > allot of exercise you lose that. I once had full B cup breasts

and

> > > have shrunk to a AA. Well I have this bad feeling about the

effects

> > > implants can have on health, but all the girls I meet in the

gyms

> > all

> > > tell me how great the implants are and how much better they

feel

> > with

> > > them.

> > > Can I get some honest information here? I have a consult with

a

> > local

> > > plastic surgeon but I have got to admit, the whole thing gives

me

> > the

> > > creeps. I feel uneasy about this. I wish there was another way

of

> > > enhancing my breasts beside implanting. For some reason it

seems

> > to be

> > > going against everything I worked for to get in this shape I

am

> > in, we

> > > eat health, we exercise and work so hard to be natural and

then to

> > > insert these things into us that are made up of silicone

seems so

> > > unatural. Everyone thinks I am nuts for even hesitating. The

thing

> > is

> > > if I don't do I don't know that I will ever be able to win a

> > title. At

> > > least not in fitness competitions. I know that there are other

> > titles

> > > I could strive for.

> > > I appreciate any information.

> > > Olivia