62 Years Old; Take Them Out! First Implants 30 Years Ago, Ruptured - New Implants 11 Years Ago; Now Scheduled for Explantation.

Your journeys resonate deeply with me. I am scheduled for removal of my second set of implants on August 20. Thanks to this website and the many courageous women who have shared and suffered before me, I feel I must share my experiences. After my first marriage failed, I re-entered the dating world. Like many of us, I had nursed three babies and was so discouraged about the appearance of my breasts. So, I had my first implants placed in 1986 (silicone w/saline). They were 350cc, under the muscle. My breasts looked great for many years. Their shape changed slightly over time....a mammogram, then ultrasound indicated a rupture, so in 2004, I had both implants removed and replaced with new implants. They were silicone, under the muscle, round, modified profile, 450cc. I was terribly dismayed when I found they were much so bigger than I had wanted/requested. I've been unhappy with them ever since. I did not link the illness I began to experience (back pain) with my first implants until my illness began in earnest about six years ago. I began to experience peripheral neuropathy and symptoms of fibromyalgia. I was not able to exercise as I always had and gained weight, despite my efforts to walk. When I did walk more than a mile, the next morning I would experience excruciating pain shooting through my legs. Doctors simply would not believe me and many didn't understand fibromyalgia. About three years ago, I discovered palpable lumps in the lower part of my left breast. I was told that I had fibrocystic breasts. But the lumps grew to be much larger over time and I got really worried. No one ever linked my symptoms with my implants (nor did I). I had mammograms, ultrasounds and MRI's over the next three years, yet I was still told it was fibrocystic tissue. Sadly, unlike some of your husbands, mine was not as supportive. We had only been married two years when he left me. I knew he had grown tired of my illness; he said he felt he could barely touch me, as I had pain and tenderness throughout my body. After he left, I began research in earnest. It seems like a dream, for I cannot remember who told me to read 'The Naked Truth About Breast Implants'. I believe that information was passed along to me in some way for guidance. As I was reading the book, it all made sense. I am ever grateful to have learned about Dr. Susan Kolb. I've met with three other plastic surgeons about explantation and all pointed out that the research shows implants to be safe. Yes, but....what about all of us who are experiencing illness? "Too few to be significant" is what they said. I've begun to have pain in my breasts and under my armpits, along with increasing worry. However, I'm so fortunate - my surgery with Dr. Kolb is scheduled for August 20. Imagine the size my breasts have been for about 30 years; in about a week I don't know what I'll look like. Yes, I'm nervous. Worried about surgery, pain and aesthetics. I've struggled with my fears...am I being vain because I'm so worried about how I will look as an A or B cup? No. It's "how" they will look that may be hard to cope with. Tough issues. Insurance will cover, but not out of network. So, now retired on a small income, I'll have to take out a loan to have them removed. Likely, it will take the rest of my life to pay off the loan, yet this is something I have to do for me, my health, (my sanity, truly). I draw strength and support from this online community as I enter this new journey. I will get photos posted online, and updated information as I move through the journey. I wish each of you healthy journeys!

I'm five days away from explantation with Dr. Kolb (Aug 20). Feeling nervous today, though completely calm about my choice and esp. my doctor. Yet, discouraged that my ins. co. will not pay for explantation. True, no rupture, but I have large pieces of silicone floating around in my body, yet that does not warrant help with payment. Amazing. I've got to let the insurance issue go and focus on a successful surgery and recovery. Focus...calm...relax. Sending my support to each of you-contact me if you'd like someone to talk with. XOXOXO