Starting my Explant Journey! - Cleveland, OH

When I was 23 , I was a 32 B with a tiny upper body but with womanly hips. After much research, I made the decision to have 325cc HP mentor smooth silicone implants. My mother has implants, as do both of my grandmothers (all still in tact after 20+ years) so that gave me more peace of mind that my decision wasn't completely crazy. Never had any complications with the surgery, my recovery was way too easy and my breasts turned out exactly what I wanted. I love(d) them. Looking back, I got really ill about 5-6 months after implantation (night sweats, anxiety, weight loss, fatigue, etc). Shortly thereafter, these symptoms just disappeared.

Fast forward 9.5 years later and it all started to change. I used to considered myself an extremely healthy person. Never sick, very healthy diet, love being active and my body showed it. It all started with fatigue and bloating. I was convinced it was hypothyroid problems so I completely eliminated gluten and amended my diet to non-inflammatory thyroid-friendly foods. My gut felt better, but the fatigue persisted. I would work lying down from my couch (work from home) and would have a two hour afternoon nap to try to help the fatigue, yet it was futile. The night sweats and weakness started shortly after that. Climbing stairs was impossible. My daily walks ceased and I bought a bicycle just so I could try to still be active. I'd be out of breath by the end of the street. I could no longer hold a blow dryer, so I chopped my locks off and donated them. My social life suffered as I had no energy to leave the house. My GP was not helpful at all as all of my vitamins and minerals levels are perfect and she kept suggesting anti-depressants. Um, no thanks. I sought the advice of an alternative doctor and after substantial testing, it's found that my adrenal glands are kaput, I have lingering Epstein Barr virus and systemic candida. I've been on meds and IV therapy to eliminate candida and rehabilitate my adrenal glands and my energy levels are slightly elevated, but not sufficient to live a normal day-to-day life. Yet the weakness is still there (especially my arms) and opening up a pill bottle is challenging most days. I have been consistently doing infrared saunas, which I have found to be helpful. Tried colonics, massages, acupuncture, reflexology. Eat 100% organic, high in veggies and fibre, no sugar/yeast-free diet. I'm at my wits end here as I'm 34 and this is no way for one to live.

Back in November the sharp pains in my left breast started happening. Ultrasound shows all is good. But the light bulb went off and the Googling (I've become a master) started with any connection with silicone and fatigue, weakness, breast pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, swollen glands, night sweats, hair loss, brain fog, memory loss.... Bingo!! I'm realistic to know that this may not be the answer to my illness(es), but my goodness, having these babies removed can't hurt.

I live in Canada and the provincial government covers (as far as I know) explant surgery. I have researched surgeons and it's quite shocking how they all are just interested in reimplantation and the wait for appointment times for explant solely are ridiculous. These are my breasts and I'd feel much better going under the knife with someone who is experienced in explants/reconstruction, understands the toxicity of silicone, and is not going to pressure me into putting new ones in for fear of the negative outcome. I have decided to have my procedure with Dr. Feng and asked for the soonest appointment (February 12th). I have also elected to have the fat grafting in conjunction, assuming I have sufficient body fat.

This site has helped me tremendously so far in knowing that I'm on the right path and I thank you all for that. Hopefully my journey too can help someone else make a more informed decision.

Unfortunately Dr. Feng does not think it's wise to have fat grafting done at this time as she'd rather see the results post-surgery once I've recovered and fluffed. She was also concerned with my fatigue and recovery that it may be too much for my body to handle two procedures. I have limited fat to work with (none when I am more physically active), and I was more worried about the Lipo procedure than explant...so this is probably for the better. 13 days to go...wish it were happening tomorrow!

My goodness...Its less than a week away and I don't think this all has really hit me yet. Absolutely sure about this decision, yet I have no idea what to expect in terms of how I will feel about myself post-op. I am really happy with my current breast size and not exactly looking forward to itty bitties. Let alone having my wardrobe altered. Hopefully I will be pleasantly surprised!

I've been taking my multi-vitamins that Dr. Feng sent. So far extremely impressed how they have handled everything. Top-notch service. Started the 7 day salicylate-free diet. Being gluten-free and a veggie lover on top of this is not fun nor easy at all!

I've ordered two Marena surgical bras and picking up some bio oil and silicone sheets for the eventual scar healing. Planning on having all laundry and cleaning finished before my trip so I come home with nothing to do but rest and recover. Any other tips?