Is breast implant illness real? I’ve been experiencing symptoms related to breast implant Illness. All my bloodwork and tests have come back negative. I do not have an autoimmune disease. I do not drink alcohol. I am an active and healthy individual. Some days I feel great but others I am experiencing extreme fatigue and muscle weakness. I am trying to rule everything out. Can stress or depression cause physical symptoms like dark puffy bloodshot eyes?
July 11, 2019
Answer: Can stress or depression cause weak muscles and extreme fatigue? Some PSs will respond that science has yet to provide conclusive studies which establish an association between silicone breast implants and immune related conditions. However, there is no denying that anecdotal evidence suggest that breast implant illness is real. Some patients, after removal of implants, indicate an overall improvement in health and well-being. Knowing that all of your bloodwork and tests have come back negative and you do not have an autoimmune disease should reassure you and diminish your stress and depression that your physical symptoms may be caused by something other than BII. Continue to follow up with your PS and PCP as you investigate the real reason for your medical issues.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
July 11, 2019
Answer: Can stress or depression cause weak muscles and extreme fatigue? Some PSs will respond that science has yet to provide conclusive studies which establish an association between silicone breast implants and immune related conditions. However, there is no denying that anecdotal evidence suggest that breast implant illness is real. Some patients, after removal of implants, indicate an overall improvement in health and well-being. Knowing that all of your bloodwork and tests have come back negative and you do not have an autoimmune disease should reassure you and diminish your stress and depression that your physical symptoms may be caused by something other than BII. Continue to follow up with your PS and PCP as you investigate the real reason for your medical issues.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
August 8, 2019
Answer: Breast Implant Illness Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) Although the term "breast implant illness" has been used by patients (and some physicians) for several years, "breast implant illness" is a diagnosis that has not yet been accepted by the medical community. The condition itself is poorly-defined, and its symptoms vague and variable. That is not to say that patients aren't experiencing symptoms. The evidence is just limited as to whether the symptoms are due to breast implants. Fatigue, weakness, and poor sleep can have a number of causes. If you believe that your symptoms may be due to stress or depression, you should consider visiting a mental health professional who can evaluate you in-person, address your concerns, and (possibly) develop a plan of care. Best of luck! Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.
Helpful
August 8, 2019
Answer: Breast Implant Illness Hello, and thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) Although the term "breast implant illness" has been used by patients (and some physicians) for several years, "breast implant illness" is a diagnosis that has not yet been accepted by the medical community. The condition itself is poorly-defined, and its symptoms vague and variable. That is not to say that patients aren't experiencing symptoms. The evidence is just limited as to whether the symptoms are due to breast implants. Fatigue, weakness, and poor sleep can have a number of causes. If you believe that your symptoms may be due to stress or depression, you should consider visiting a mental health professional who can evaluate you in-person, address your concerns, and (possibly) develop a plan of care. Best of luck! Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.
Helpful