nanic54

Hi Kim, sorry I didn't get back sooner. Four days after my surgery, my husbands back went out and had to have surgery and then had to have surgery again two months later....it's been crazy! My surgery went as well as expected. Both had ruptured to my surprise. They had to scrape and suction everywhere since the silicone was all over. My recovery was very intense as he had to be so aggressive. I didn't think the pain was ever going to stop even with the pain pills. Over time, it got better but trying to take care of myself and then my husband after his surgery didn't help me.

I just saw my surgeon again last week because I was concerned about the pain I'm still having. He told me it's the muscles and nerves still getting back to normal. I still have silicone in my lymphnodes which will always be there so that will be a continued worry for me. I also have been having some pain and swelling in one of my toes which I think is where some of the silicon settled. Now it's just another dr. I have to go see.

I'm trying to get use to the new me but it's about what I expected. It took me months to find a bra that didn't hurt or bother me. I found the Genie Bra and really like it. It's not a Victoria Secrets Bra but hey, I'm not constantly trying to rearrange it.........lol

How are you feeling?????

I am so sick and tired of reading statements from these so called educated doctors on the safety of breast implants. I had silicone gel implants put in under the muscle in 1988. I was told then that they are absolutely safe and would last my lifetime. I also returned to the doctor who did my implants in 2000 after the big scare regarding all the bad publicity about implants and the harm that they could do. My surgeon told me he would remove them at no cost but assured me that they were 100% safe even after 12yrs. and I had nothing to worry about so I decided to do nothing.

I had my annual (1 yr. late) mammogram about 2 weeks ago and was told that I needed an ultrasound due to the fact that both sides looked like they had ruptured. Yes, lying on the table I could see for myself that they had both ruptured and I was told that they had leaked through the capsule and into my lymph nodes. After going to see a surgeon regarding the removal, I was told several things that I was never told before regarding implants. I understand that after years of science, new materials, etc. that newer and better implants are available but wasn't this the same statement that was made back in 1988?

My health started to go down hill about 2-3 years ago. I thought it was just my age (53 then)and stress. I would have burning sensation in my breast, shortness in breath, flu like symptoms all the time, fatigued and within the last year my eyesight has really changed. I went to doctors, had blood work done, went to eye doctors and nothing was ever found. I even had mammograms. Everyone said I was fine and was told it was because I was just getting older. Well, I know my body was trying to tell me something.

I have researched several websites with testimonials from women who have had ruptured implants and they too have had the same symptoms. Thankfully, most of these women have regained their health after having them removed but unfortunately not all of them. I hope that after my surgery next month, that I too will be one of the lucky ones!

So, for all you Doctor's and women out there who say that implants are safe, don't need to be replaced every 10 years. aren't linked to any other disease, that silicone is safe once it breaks through the capsule...........DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT!!!!!!!

Thousands of women including myself are living with and through this nightmare. I am not trying to capitalize on this or sue anyone but I am DISGUSTED that women aren't being given the complete truth about implants regardless if they are silicone or saline. We need to know the facts and the truth so women can make an educated decision on weither to have implants put in or weither to have them removed but stop telling us that there is nothing to worry about when our lifes are at stake!!!

Thank you Kim for getting back to me. I too just want them out. I was also told I have to quit smoking 3 weeks before surgery which I am trying very hard to do. What did they do about the silicone in your lymph node? Were they able to remove it? My doctor told me that he wouldn't be able to remove it all and that I would have to go in for an ultrasound every 6 months to check for cancer. Yeah, he told me that day that there was no link to silicone and cancer and then that very next day it came out in the news which wasn't very comforting. I guess I won't really know until the time comes.

Thank you so much for sharing with me and giving me some insight as far as what to expect. Sounds like I will be down for at least 2-3 weeks. I am not looking forward to the burning sensation as I already have some of that and I'm sure it will be worse. It feels like someone has a hot match against the inside of me.

Do you mind if I contact you in the future if I have any other questions as the surgery approaches? Hopefully I will hear something in the next week as far as scheduling. Thanks again!
Carol

Kim, I found out about 2 weeks ago that both my silicone implants that are 23 yrs. old have ruptured. I am waiting for the insurance to get back to my doctor to see if they will cover the procedure. The silicone has gone into my right lymphnode and he thinks it's also gone into my chest wall. I will not have new ones put in either since I am 56 and don't want to even think about having to go through this again or have them removed again in 10 years. I am really worried about the surgery but know I need these things out asap. Is there anything you can tell me to help with preperation, recovery, etc? I am so happy for you and that you are feeling better. I too hope that after this is all done, I regain some energy and stop feeling sick all the time.

Hi Kathy,

I was told by my surgeon that the same thing happens with saline. They also rupture, the fluid can become unsterile and can cause problems also. They too need to be removed every 10 years if they last that long. I'm sure your doing your homework on this but please, be sure before you have them put in. Not sure what your doctor told you but I was informed by mine, that I would have to wait 6 mos. before I could even have implants put back in even if I wanted them after surgery. Good luck to you and I wish you all the best.

Carol