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.

Dear botched2017,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

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.

Stress and depression can cause many physical symptoms, including those you mentioned.  I encourage you to visit with your PCP to discuss your concerns and possible treatment options for you.  

Stress and depression can cause a whole host of mental and physical problems. I would suggest also being tested for food allergies, especially to wheat, dairy, eggs, soy , and corn.

I am sorry to hear about the problems you are experiencing.   Online consultants will not be of much specific help when it comes to arriving at a diagnosis and/or treatment plan. Workup with your internist and/or mental health professionals will be necessary. Some general thoughts regarding presence and illness may be helpful to. Keep in mind that you are asking a question that is currently controversial;  do not be surprised if you receive very different responses from different sources and if responses change over the course of the next year.  Also, also, keep in mind that every plastic surgeon may have different thoughts/protocols at this time.


 


There is a very small subset of patients who feel that their breast implants contribute to a variety of illnesses.  This phenomenon has been discussed since the 1960s and has been termed human adjuvant disease, silicone induced human adjuvant disease, autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants and silicone implant incompatibility syndrome. Today, systemic symptoms possibly associated with silicone breast implants involve the central nervous system, musculoskeletal system, immune and inflammatory systems, GI and GU systems, psychological system, and the cardiorespiratory sound systems. The term breast implant illness is being used to describe the variety of  symptoms thought to be possibly associated with silicone breast implants.


 You will find, that there is no consensus among plastic surgeons, whether or not there is a link between breast implants and the medical conditions of concern.   In other words, as of today, there is no scientific "causation" shown thus far.  The main theory currently involves a complex interaction of breast implant material with the patient's immune system,  Involvement of bacteria/fungal/virus/other adjuvants, as well as the patient's specific genetic makeup. It is theorized that the "wrong combination" of these parameters may lead to autoimmune disease and/or other associated systemic symptoms.  
 
 Personally  having worked with many patients who have presented with concerns regarding breast implant illness, I think (as thoughtful and humble) physicians, it is important to keep an open mind (even though there is no definitive scientific demonstration of breast implants and specific illnesses except for a very rare lymphoma) and remember (again) that we may very likely do not have a full understanding of breast implants and the potential interactions that may occur with each patient's unique biology.   It is clear, based on the literature and my own anecdotal experience, that a significant percentage of patients who undergo breast implant removal surgery (and capsulectomy)  do experience improvement in symptomatology. On the other hand, a similarly significant percentage of patients continue to  experience symptoms despite breast implant removal/capsulectomy surgery.


   I am also, based on individual patient's current and/or family history, recommending that patients presenting for breast augmentation and who have concerns about autoimmune phenomenon, to postpone breast augmentation surgery until we have further information (which should, hopefully, be coming soon).




 Again, the above "information" are simply my personal thoughts in regards to your question. These thoughts may change as more information comes to light.  I hope this helps.