Is it possible for a ruptured implant to be the source of sepsis and chronic health issues that mimic Auto Immune Diseases?

Question

Saline implants for 13 yrs, ruptured and had to have the replacement done 5 yrs ago, went with silicone. I thought I had a rupture, the same breast, went to my surgeon-he didn’t believe it was. Since, I’ve been constantly ill, fatigued, lost 40 lbs, no appetite, hair loss, joint and back pain, nausea, night sweats. I ended up last Nov in the ER w sepsis and a WBC of 42k. No source was discovered. Had every test done and can’t find a thing wrong. I’m on meds galore. Could this be the cause? Solutions?

Andrew Wolfe, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your challenges.  The short answer is that your implants are not the cause of your health problems.  Although there is a lot that you may read on the web surrounding the supposed ill effects of implants on the immune system, there is a wealth of data showing a lack of connection between any implant and any immune-related problems.  Without a doubt, if your implants were infected enough to give you a white count of 42K and sepsis then they would have been horribly symptomatic and your diagnosis would have been obvious.  Best of luck -- I hope that your doctors can find a source for your problems.

Is it possible for a ruptured implant to be the source of sepsis and chronic health issues that mimic Auto Immune Diseases?

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