RE: My introduction and plead for advice on hydrogel and polyurethan implants

[Guest guest]

I really want to commend you for taking the time to post here, now I want

you to listen very carefully to the advice that I am going to give you and I

want you to think long and hard about it.

First of all I am not sure what purpose removing saline implants only to

replace them with hydrogel implants would serve, since in my opinion they

are all dangerous, if there is nothing wrong with your current implants what

exactly is the reasoning for removing and replacing them with another set???

I personally feel all implants are dangerous and hazardous to health, this

is not just my opinion as there are many studies that show that they can and

do cause illness, and can be full of bacteria and fungus. Now maybe hydrogel

are used in Norway or in Europe but in the USA I do not think they are legal

at all. I think that they have not been studied enough just like all

implants and that they are very risky. Think about it, you are sticking a

foreign object in your body, think of what that means, your body is not made

to hold 2 big bags of silicone in it, fact!

I know many women who are ill from implants, I am one of them, though I am

much healed now I still feel that I will suffer lingering problems to some

extent maybe for the rest of my life, I made a poor decision but was smart

enough to have taken action and had them removed.

I also want to point out to you that all surgery will carry risks, and that

with implants it is a fact that you will be replacing them often, with

hydrogels I am not even sure if they can or do leak, but they all leach into

the body in some way, this is a fact. How you react to them is entirely

unknown, everyone is different. I know some who got ill and had immediate

problems like me, I know others who have had them for 10 years before they

had problems, I know that once the problems start it is hard to make them

stop and that when your sick from implants no one believes you and the Dr's

don't take you serious so you really end up suffering in so many ways.

My advise would be to remove the implants and get a breast lift, move on

with your life and forget about them. This is hard I realize and not

everyone can do it, but for me it was the best thing I ever did for myself,

I am not ill any more and I look the best I ever have in my life, that is

good enough for me. Implants are not to be taken lightly!

I hope that you will think about it, but if you should decide to replace

your implants I truly wish you the best.

good luck and let us know of your decision, either way I hope that your

health remains, being sick is the most awful thing in the world. It makes

breast size seem very unimportant.

----- Original Message -----

From: " Silje sson " <silje@...>

" ' ' " < >

Sent: Friday, August 23, 2002 5:16 PM

Subject: My introduction and plead for advice on hydrogel

and polyurethan implants

> Hi everyone.

>

> I'm a 21 years old woman from Norway in Europe. I'm active in sports and

> in good shape.

> I have rather large saline implants. I do not have any discomfort or

> health problems from them and everything healed well and I haven't had a

> problem with shield developments or lack of sensivity, but several

> independant clinics have recommended against usage of them here,

> including the Department of Health.

> And from reading the posts in this group I've started to worry a bit

> too. I recieved absolutely no information about what to do before,

> under and after my surgery, and for circumstances I rather not go into

> here, I wasn't fully able to research this kind of surgery on myself

> before I underwent it, but very short summary: I no longer have any

> contact with family and ex boyfriend after this.

> I was very badly treated at the clinic in which the doctor was a

> personal friend of my father, and this clinic is now up for

> investigation, and they will probably be closed down and their doctor

> arrested, I hope at least.

>

> Now, I'm trying to get my life stable, and so after a lot of

> consideration, advice and my now thorough research, I found a new clinic

> that I really trust, who're not shady or anything but a clinic in good

> standing with a good history who's been around for a long time.

>

> The doctors there suggested for surgery in which they'd remove my saline

> implants, and they could replace them with either polyurethan or

> hydrogel.

> Since my mother had cancer due to excessive smoking (it does not run in

> the family, but of course it has ME worried), the doctor suggested that

> I might want to get hydrogel, since these are excellent for breast

> examinations, X-Rays and so on, but he told me they're not 'safer' than

> any of the other ones. Another disadvantage is that the clinic isn't

> fully convinced that this implant has been thouroughly researched for

> side effects yet.

>

> Polyurethan they could guarantee for as safe. I'd get state of the art

> and entirely new implants, not manufactured earlier than late 2001 at

> worst. If I picked either for a while, and felt any complications at

> all, they'd remove them and if necessary, give me a lift, for free.

> Another benefit is that I'd go to this clinic for followup and support,

> can call them 24 hour a day, and they're always up to date with the

> latest research, and best of all, they're not seedy or suspicious.

>

> But... I turn to you because I really want to make an informed decision

> here. I hold the option of having my implants removed entirely, but if

> I so choose to continue with implants, do you have any advice on

> hydrogel, sugar gel or polyurethan that you think I should really be

> aware off or if you have any recommendations, advice, tips... I'm all

> very grateful for it.

>

> love and wishes,

> Silje

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

It sounds like they want to make you a guinea pig . . . like many of us were (but they didn't tell us). Every time they come out with a new implant, it's supposed to be the best, the safest, and last forever . . . (and not have the problems the old implants had). So far, they haven't proven it. . . Of course, if they can get women to participate in the studies, and if the doctors and manufacturer's are allowed to discard negative reports, they may prove it yet! Personally, I trust very few people in the medical and corporate world these days. Rogene I'm sorry if I sound cynical . . .

[Guest guest]

I would not recommend any of these. In my opinion as a surgeon who treats

the complications of these implants, smooth saline is the safest. .

-----Original Message-----

From: Silje sson [mailto:silje@...]

Sent: Friday, August 23, 2002 7:17 PM

' '

Subject: My introduction and plead for advice on

hydrogel and polyurethan implants

Hi everyone.

I'm a 21 years old woman from Norway in Europe. I'm active in sports and

in good shape.

I have rather large saline implants. I do not have any discomfort or

health problems from them and everything healed well and I haven't had a

problem with shield developments or lack of sensivity, but several

independant clinics have recommended against usage of them here,

including the Department of Health.

And from reading the posts in this group I've started to worry a bit

too. I recieved absolutely no information about what to do before,

under and after my surgery, and for circumstances I rather not go into

here, I wasn't fully able to research this kind of surgery on myself

before I underwent it, but very short summary: I no longer have any

contact with family and ex boyfriend after this.

I was very badly treated at the clinic in which the doctor was a

personal friend of my father, and this clinic is now up for

investigation, and they will probably be closed down and their doctor

arrested, I hope at least.

Now, I'm trying to get my life stable, and so after a lot of

consideration, advice and my now thorough research, I found a new clinic

that I really trust, who're not shady or anything but a clinic in good

standing with a good history who's been around for a long time.

The doctors there suggested for surgery in which they'd remove my saline

implants, and they could replace them with either polyurethan or

hydrogel.

Since my mother had cancer due to excessive smoking (it does not run in

the family, but of course it has ME worried), the doctor suggested that

I might want to get hydrogel, since these are excellent for breast

examinations, X-Rays and so on, but he told me they're not 'safer' than

any of the other ones. Another disadvantage is that the clinic isn't

fully convinced that this implant has been thouroughly researched for

side effects yet.

Polyurethan they could guarantee for as safe. I'd get state of the art

and entirely new implants, not manufactured earlier than late 2001 at

worst. If I picked either for a while, and felt any complications at

all, they'd remove them and if necessary, give me a lift, for free.

Another benefit is that I'd go to this clinic for followup and support,

can call them 24 hour a day, and they're always up to date with the

latest research, and best of all, they're not seedy or suspicious.

But... I turn to you because I really want to make an informed decision

here. I hold the option of having my implants removed entirely, but if

I so choose to continue with implants, do you have any advice on

hydrogel, sugar gel or polyurethan that you think I should really be

aware off or if you have any recommendations, advice, tips... I'm all

very grateful for it.

love and wishes,

Silje

[Guest guest]

Hi Silje and welcome,

I am glad you have found us and have come looking for some more information regarding your implants. I am also glad to hear you have not had any major complications at this point from them. I do hope you continue to have good health.

I am curious as to why the Department of Health and some independent clinics are recommending against saline implants there in Norway? Do they specify the reasons for the lack of approval? I am wondering if they have some information there that we don't have here, because of course, saline implants are approved for use in the United States. (Which most of us find to be tragic).

I want to say at this point that I completely agree with what has written about the implant issue as a whole. Generally, I do not believe that implants are a wise choice for any woman. They are fraught with many risks which we don't always realize immediately. When we do begin to experience these problems, it is usually too late....the disease process is one which is very hard to turn around. I also experienced devastating health issues that have cleared up for the most part after 4 and a half years since being explanted, but also like , I believe I will have some lingering problems the rest of my life. I may have even brought on a shorter life span for myself because of them. Certainly my quality of life is not what it used to be. It is much better now than when I first became ill. Those were the darkest times of my life. I don't wish them on anyone.

I think if you want to bring some stability back into your life, the wisest thing you could do would be to remove the implants for good, and not take any chances with these other experimental implants. I think doctors will tell you that the newest ones are now better than the last, but the truth is, they have absolutely no proof of that. Every time a new implant comes out they say it is improved, better, longer lasting, whatever, but it is just one more experiment, hoping to overcome all the other myriad of problems. If our implants weren't risky, why would they have to keep coming out with new ones? Gee, after 40 years you'd think they'd have figured out how to make a perfect implant by now! But these things are so unproved they have to keep coming up with new ones.

Anyway, I realize this is a difficult decision for you. I mean, none of us wanted to really part with our perfected breasts, and I know you probably don't want to either. The only thing I know is that common sense has to prevail where your health is concerned. If you ARE concerned about your health, then implants are not going to contribute anything positive to that. Over time, you will most certainly be dealing with some implant related issues. They are NOT without further complications, and eventually, you will have to deal with them again at some point in the future. On the other hand, if you are willing to take chances with your health in order to keep your implants now, then you are probably better off just leaving everything alone as it is right now, and not risking another surgery with another imperfect implant. Like Dr. Kolb said, none of these that have been offered you are recommended, at least not here in the United States.

I do wish you the best of health and all of life's blessings. I know this is difficult, but it is a decision that only you can make. I admire you for seeking answers....you are a smart woman.

God bless!

Patty

----- Original Message -----

From: Silje sson

' '

Sent: Friday, August 23, 2002 4:16 PM

Subject: My introduction and plead for advice on hydrogel and polyurethan implants

Hi everyone.I'm a 21 years old woman from Norway in Europe. I'm active in sports andin good shape.I have rather large saline implants. I do not have any discomfort orhealth problems from them and everything healed well and I haven't had aproblem with shield developments or lack of sensivity, but severalindependant clinics have recommended against usage of them here,including the Department of Health. And from reading the posts in this group I've started to worry a bittoo. I recieved absolutely no information about what to do before,under and after my surgery, and for circumstances I rather not go intohere, I wasn't fully able to research this kind of surgery on myselfbefore I underwent it, but very short summary: I no longer have anycontact with family and ex boyfriend after this. I was very badly treated at the clinic in which the doctor was apersonal friend of my father, and this clinic is now up forinvestigation, and they will probably be closed down and their doctorarrested, I hope at least.Now, I'm trying to get my life stable, and so after a lot ofconsideration, advice and my now thorough research, I found a new clinicthat I really trust, who're not shady or anything but a clinic in goodstanding with a good history who's been around for a long time.The doctors there suggested for surgery in which they'd remove my salineimplants, and they could replace them with either polyurethan orhydrogel.Since my mother had cancer due to excessive smoking (it does not run inthe family, but of course it has ME worried), the doctor suggested thatI might want to get hydrogel, since these are excellent for breastexaminations, X-Rays and so on, but he told me they're not 'safer' thanany of the other ones. Another disadvantage is that the clinic isn'tfully convinced that this implant has been thouroughly researched forside effects yet.Polyurethan they could guarantee for as safe. I'd get state of the artand entirely new implants, not manufactured earlier than late 2001 atworst. If I picked either for a while, and felt any complications atall, they'd remove them and if necessary, give me a lift, for free.Another benefit is that I'd go to this clinic for followup and support,can call them 24 hour a day, and they're always up to date with thelatest research, and best of all, they're not seedy or suspicious.But... I turn to you because I really want to make an informed decisionhere. I hold the option of having my implants removed entirely, but ifI so choose to continue with implants, do you have any advice onhydrogel, sugar gel or polyurethan that you think I should really beaware off or if you have any recommendations, advice, tips... I'm allvery grateful for it.love and wishes,Silje

[Guest guest]

Thank you for all your advice everyone.

I just want to point out a few things.

First of all, I haven't yet contacted the department of health about the saline implants directly. I only referrenced what the the new clinic said to me. I will however check it out with them, as I had planned all along anyway. As soon as I have, I'll let you know.

Second of all, the reason hydrogel was suggested was because it's clear and therefore has some properties that makes it ideal for further breast examinations. My mom got breast cancer soon after I had my implants. I've been worried about that.

And third: the case is, this is not the clinic that gave me my implants. The clinic that did has given me absolutely no follow up, advice, or support. That is strictly against norwegian law. So why did I do it at their place, or why did I do this at all? An extended stay at a crisis centre and other personal factors were involved, which I rather not detail here, but I belive I have a different reason and different paths into the whole mess than most people here who did it for personal reasons, whether cancer, insecurity, aesthetic reasons and more.

And yes, I've read this community for some time now. And I'm mostly leaning towards totally removing them and get a lift. I've been giving this a lot of thought in several directions, and I can't decide what to do. As I said, the "clinic" who gave me the implants in the first place was a rather lousy clinic who're now under investigation. That is probably why the new one felt safe to me. Also, I believe I wasn't clear, the doctor at the new clinic didn't say that this was '_the_ safe one', he said it was 'safER', but possible side effects had not been completely mapped, although they were 'considered' safe. He didn't say anything for certain. I didn't dislike the doctor, but I do take their advice with a pinch of salt, they're after all a private clinic, and they make a living on plastic surgery and breast augmentation and reduction. So far their deals have been ok: I can keep my current ones, or if I got them, I'd not have to keep the hydrogel for more than 6 months, then they'd remove them and give me the lift for free whenever I wanted. They'd give me free checkups and support for the entirety of the period, and I can contact them 24 hours a day, in addition of course to normal norwegian health services. Also, they would follow me up for several years after a total removal, and I'd get everything in writing (a piece of advice I picked up from this community

I'm not going to rush this and make a bad decision if I can help it. I want again to thank everyone who replied to my questions here and in private, and let you know that I've not yet made any arrangements or plans on what to do. No appointments, obligations or anything. I've only had my implants 1 year and so far everything's been good. As to why I've been considering keeping the implants, it's a bit complicated but has less to do with me wanting big breasts and more to do with my rather bad past.

I generally have quite good experiences with norwegian doctors, particularily in the field of epileptics research. I've suffered from narcolepsy all my life that I'm more or less cured entirely off, and it seems I'll be fully cured. Now, I'm not so naive as to think narcolepsy doctors and plastic surgeons are the same branch, but contrary to what it seemed you believed, the penalties for misconduct as doctors in norway are quite severe. However, I know that americans tend often to be primaries in a lot of medical research, so I have the greatest respect for all your advice. Everyone who've gone through this and has experience from many years of having had implants, the doctors and surgeons in this community who know this stuff.

kind regards,

Silje