POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal Reviews
40 Yo UK - Removal of 340cc Cohesive Gel Submuscular Implants - Gutted but They're Making Me Ill - Manchester, GB
UPDATED FROM Pollyanna
8 months post
7 Months Post Op
$5,800
I am so sorry for not keeping everyone u to date as promised but I found I was over analysing how I was feeling every day and becoming a bit obsessed and also upset when I didn't immediately feel better. So, I decided to leave it a couple of months before updating.
Not sure what has happened to last 7 months. That's a lie. I know exactly what has happened. I got better and started living properly again and enjoying life.
Looking back I cannot believe I felt the way I did and also how I managed to carry on. It feels like a bad dream now - the whole thing. And I realise I hadn't been right for a very long time.
So, what symptoms went and when? the energy levels were the first thing to come back, started to feel quite a lot better quite quickly. The rashes and allergic reactions were probably the next to go. The aches and pains took a while longer - 3 months? And they were very gradual to ease. In fact I can still experience a little stiffness in my fingers. The water retention and excessive weeing went too, about 2 months? Now I can sleep all night without being up multiple times. The fair loss took the longest. Almost 6 months and it happens so gradually it is difficult to notice.
One of the biggest things is the lack of viruses. During the winter of 14/15 by February I'd had 5 bouts of exactly the same sore throat / gloopy sinuses that lasted 10 days and flu that wiped me out for nearly 2 weeks. Winter of 15/16 one slight sore throat - that lasted barely 3 days. I don't wake up anymore with gloop in my throat and nose.
The best thing of all is I am not plagued by aches and pains especially neck and shoulder pain. I thought it wasn't associated and I had a frozen shoulder but it's gone. I can turn my head fully to the left and right. I don't wake up hurting anymore or get constant headaches and feel like I have been hit by a truck a lot of the time.
Last week I went to the gym lost track of time in my own thoughts and ran 4.8k. Didn't stretch out properly and the following day was hardly even stiff. I feel amazing.
The otters big thing is the mental fog and mental effects. At one point I asked myself if i was stressed and losing the plot. I strongly believe that the heavy metals have an impact on the brain. In that regard I am so very much better , my head is clear and I can concentrate a lot more but I am sorry to say I don't think I'll ever be 100% but then it's hard because I am older so I don't know what is natural degradation in cognitive function.
And the girls? They have settled down beautifully. They are small yes and at first found it hard but they are soft and natural and I am well. And now I hardly give them a thought. I'll post a picture when my son gets off my i pad!
So, to anyone who feels like I did and doesn't want to believe the way they are feeling is down to their implants because of the lies and denial of the truth. Don't hesitate, just do it. Or to anyone who is lacking hope they will feel better. Be patient it takes time but you WILL get better.
The other thing to mention is supplement wise I have done nothing. Lifestyle wise I have done nothing. I wanted to conduct a kind of experiment where the only variable altered was the removal of the implants. I've not taken so much as a vitamin tablet. I eat a healthy diet and I try to get to the gym when I can. The only thing that has changed is I probably drink more because i can and i go to the gym a lot more because I can!
Lastly if you're in the North West I cannot recommend Garry Ross enough. Don't got to a budget surgeon if you can help it.
Good luck. xxxxx
So,
Not sure what has happened to last 7 months. That's a lie. I know exactly what has happened. I got better and started living properly again and enjoying life.
Looking back I cannot believe I felt the way I did and also how I managed to carry on. It feels like a bad dream now - the whole thing. And I realise I hadn't been right for a very long time.
So, what symptoms went and when? the energy levels were the first thing to come back, started to feel quite a lot better quite quickly. The rashes and allergic reactions were probably the next to go. The aches and pains took a while longer - 3 months? And they were very gradual to ease. In fact I can still experience a little stiffness in my fingers. The water retention and excessive weeing went too, about 2 months? Now I can sleep all night without being up multiple times. The fair loss took the longest. Almost 6 months and it happens so gradually it is difficult to notice.
One of the biggest things is the lack of viruses. During the winter of 14/15 by February I'd had 5 bouts of exactly the same sore throat / gloopy sinuses that lasted 10 days and flu that wiped me out for nearly 2 weeks. Winter of 15/16 one slight sore throat - that lasted barely 3 days. I don't wake up anymore with gloop in my throat and nose.
The best thing of all is I am not plagued by aches and pains especially neck and shoulder pain. I thought it wasn't associated and I had a frozen shoulder but it's gone. I can turn my head fully to the left and right. I don't wake up hurting anymore or get constant headaches and feel like I have been hit by a truck a lot of the time.
Last week I went to the gym lost track of time in my own thoughts and ran 4.8k. Didn't stretch out properly and the following day was hardly even stiff. I feel amazing.
The otters big thing is the mental fog and mental effects. At one point I asked myself if i was stressed and losing the plot. I strongly believe that the heavy metals have an impact on the brain. In that regard I am so very much better , my head is clear and I can concentrate a lot more but I am sorry to say I don't think I'll ever be 100% but then it's hard because I am older so I don't know what is natural degradation in cognitive function.
And the girls? They have settled down beautifully. They are small yes and at first found it hard but they are soft and natural and I am well. And now I hardly give them a thought. I'll post a picture when my son gets off my i pad!
So, to anyone who feels like I did and doesn't want to believe the way they are feeling is down to their implants because of the lies and denial of the truth. Don't hesitate, just do it. Or to anyone who is lacking hope they will feel better. Be patient it takes time but you WILL get better.
The other thing to mention is supplement wise I have done nothing. Lifestyle wise I have done nothing. I wanted to conduct a kind of experiment where the only variable altered was the removal of the implants. I've not taken so much as a vitamin tablet. I eat a healthy diet and I try to get to the gym when I can. The only thing that has changed is I probably drink more because i can and i go to the gym a lot more because I can!
Lastly if you're in the North West I cannot recommend Garry Ross enough. Don't got to a budget surgeon if you can help it.
Good luck. xxxxx
So,
Pollyanna's provider
Replies (5)
N
May 12, 2016
Not sure if my comment posted but I had a ba in 2007, since been ok but since last year a bit of brain fog, input that down too stress n looking after a 4 year old at the age of 41. I do pee far too often but don't get up in the middle of the night, I regret having the ba for various reasons but think I was desperate at the time, although I feel more confident as a person now. How are you feeling now, what confuses me is that if so many women report these problems then why can't a gp simply confirm that it is possible side effects of the implants n why don't they reveal the truth... I suppose if they are fda approved then I can be rest assured a litl... I say??? I'm not sure at this stage what I should do, my surgeon who implanted was Gary trainor from Manchester, same hospital n was amazing, I wish I had waited n got a fat transfer instead of foreign objects
P
August 6, 2016
Yes same time frame for me personally I think they start to break down around the 8 year mark onwards. I am feeling great. It's not 12 months yet but I feel 99% back to my old self. Even the brain fog has gone. I think the trouble is that there is no simple test to prove that you are having an autoimmune reaction to the chemicals and silicone. From my research I also think only certain genetic types have the reaction too which makes it even more difficult. It would take a big controlled study and the manufacturers are hardly likely to fund it. They know and the FDA know but there is no proof unfortunately. x
P
M
May 14, 2016
Thank you for your update, I feel that I have a very similar body shape to yours and I would like to know if you could post a more updated picture if its not too much to ask, I am very skinny and my chest is the skinniest part of my body showing bones and really thin muscles. Is my only worry really. Thank you!
M
May 19, 2016
Did you have your capsules removed too or just the implant ? Thanks
P
August 6, 2016
So sorry for the delay in replying. For some reason haven't had any notifications. Because my capsules were very very thin the decision was made to let the surgeon take away what he could without causing any disfiguration or losing too must breast tissue (I have very little). My rationale was if my capsules are so thin then they can't contain much! But I got better so it can't be that imperative to remove it all!
M
August 7, 2016
Thanks for replying. I didn't take my capsules out either for same reasons and recommendation from surgeon. I'm three months explant and all is well , hope the same for you!
UPDATED FROM Pollyanna
6 days post
3-6 days post Op
Ok so I might have spoken a bit too soon in terms of feeling very much better. For those who are experiencing joint pain and stiffness beware the anaesthetic stays in your system for at least 24 hours! Also, I'd say there is a certain amount of euphoria immediately afterwards.
So I woke up on day 3 and the stiff and painful joints were back as usual but they almost feel worse because you're post op and tired. Also, the fatigue was back with a vengeance but that might be because I've been overdoing things. I think I have to realise that the journey is going to be slow and there'll be ups and downs. The sore tummy doesn't help post op. I'd forgotten about the effect the anaesthetic has on the digestive system! I was given lactulose to take but it's only today post 6 days things are settling down.
What I can say though is that my skin is 100% better. It is back to its smooth and rash free self. I haven't had a single red bump. They vanished the morning after the Op. Putting on my moisturiser this morning my skin felt like velvet. I put some blusher on, something I haven't been able to do since January because I was self conscious of the redness. The skin on my body has changed too, its less dry and my thighs are smoother.
What else?
The chest and underarm pain has gone and my neck pain is definitely better. Yes, the girls are still very sore but I think the pain has gone, although I'll have to wait a bit longer to be 100% sure. I'm sure the brain fog is easing too.
What else? I think the thirst and excessive peeing is settling down a bit. I've noticed my pint water glass has still been half full these past 3 morning. I also slept through without needing the toilet last night. I can't even remember the last time I did that.
In terms of the girls, the hardest thing to get used to isn't so much the size its the softness and lack of volume in the upper breast. But I think they are definitely starting to firm up though. They are very slightly less splayed out to the side and they are not quite so completely flat either side of my chest bone. The skin is looking better too. I've added my immediate post op photo and a photo from tonight - its not very good sorry. I think and am hoping the vast difference is due to the placement of the tape! We'll soon know when it comes off tomorrow. 1 week post Op appointment tomorrow. Cant wait to get rid of the tape to have a proper look!
Is there anything else I can update on? Only that for me the pain has changed and one side is more sore than the other. Almost to the point that I was worried something was wrong but i'm assured its normal.
So I woke up on day 3 and the stiff and painful joints were back as usual but they almost feel worse because you're post op and tired. Also, the fatigue was back with a vengeance but that might be because I've been overdoing things. I think I have to realise that the journey is going to be slow and there'll be ups and downs. The sore tummy doesn't help post op. I'd forgotten about the effect the anaesthetic has on the digestive system! I was given lactulose to take but it's only today post 6 days things are settling down.
What I can say though is that my skin is 100% better. It is back to its smooth and rash free self. I haven't had a single red bump. They vanished the morning after the Op. Putting on my moisturiser this morning my skin felt like velvet. I put some blusher on, something I haven't been able to do since January because I was self conscious of the redness. The skin on my body has changed too, its less dry and my thighs are smoother.
What else?
The chest and underarm pain has gone and my neck pain is definitely better. Yes, the girls are still very sore but I think the pain has gone, although I'll have to wait a bit longer to be 100% sure. I'm sure the brain fog is easing too.
What else? I think the thirst and excessive peeing is settling down a bit. I've noticed my pint water glass has still been half full these past 3 morning. I also slept through without needing the toilet last night. I can't even remember the last time I did that.
In terms of the girls, the hardest thing to get used to isn't so much the size its the softness and lack of volume in the upper breast. But I think they are definitely starting to firm up though. They are very slightly less splayed out to the side and they are not quite so completely flat either side of my chest bone. The skin is looking better too. I've added my immediate post op photo and a photo from tonight - its not very good sorry. I think and am hoping the vast difference is due to the placement of the tape! We'll soon know when it comes off tomorrow. 1 week post Op appointment tomorrow. Cant wait to get rid of the tape to have a proper look!
Is there anything else I can update on? Only that for me the pain has changed and one side is more sore than the other. Almost to the point that I was worried something was wrong but i'm assured its normal.
Replies (5)
D
September 15, 2015
How wonderful to have some symptoms already disappearing! You are also looking fabulous, my dear! Please know that time and patience are your friends. Pain will sometimes wear your spirit down, so be kind to yourself. Keep us posted!
P
September 16, 2015
Thank you. Patience isn't my strong point but I have a lot of spirit! I promotes keep you all posted. Just need to balance it with not letting all this consume me 100% and being a mummy xx
L
September 15, 2015
Hi there, hope your symptoms are still improving,
Did you end up having your capsules out as well? and how much was your surgery if you don't mind me asking, i am not too far from you and going through the same situation with problems doctors can't sort out.
Did you end up having your capsules out as well? and how much was your surgery if you don't mind me asking, i am not too far from you and going through the same situation with problems doctors can't sort out.
P
September 16, 2015
Hi I think its early days for the symptoms. But ultimately for me I had to remove the variable. If my autoimmune symptoms persist after 12 months then at least i can rule out the implants. Also after all my research and finding out I had lesser quality implants I wouldn't have been happy keeping them in. I got very caught up in the whole capsule removal before i had my consultations. My surgeon removed as much of the capsule as he could. The capsule was very thin, I had very little breast tissue covering the implant at the bottom and the capsules behind were very adhered to my chest wall. The removal of the capsules has to be balanced with still getting a good aesthetic result (no dents or disfiguration and keeping as much breast tissue as possible) and safety. I paid just over 5.5 k but the cost was worth it. He definitely knows what he's doing and the care is fantastic. No conveyer belt surgery like putting them in. I dread think what they would have looked like if I had gone to a "high street" plastic surgery group. For me it was worth paying a little bit more to get as good a result as possible. PM me if you would like any more info xx
G
September 16, 2015
Hi I had mine out on the 28th aug and I feel the same as u as in relief for them to b out. But I'm 17 days post op now and this wk I have been so tired and feeling a bit run down. I had the aches and pains in back and neck but this cud b due to the way u r holding urself. So don't worry too much. People keep saying to me it's early days so just keep strong. Sorry to hear ur disappointed with them. Give it all time. I still feel it's best they r out. I am telling everyone don't have them in. Mine were CC grade 3/4 so I've had lots of cutting and a rupture. Give it time x
P
September 16, 2015
Only days apart :-). I think the whole thing takes its toll emotionally. I didn't realise until after it was done just how stressed out i was about it. Is your neck pain better? I read it has something to do with the implants being adhered to the chest wall but don't know how true that is. Thanks for the encouragement. I'm not a patient person - I'm a make it happen person so waiting it hard! Yes, I think even if you feel a bit low you definitely know they are better out. I am the same. I wish I could sit in every consultation and tell everyone my story. I realise I must have been in a pretty insecure time in my life to have had them put in in the first place. But there is no going back. Only forwards. Are you still quite sore with the extra cc work? Wishing you all the best xx
G
November 9, 2015
Hi Pollyanna.. So sorry I didn't even see this message.. How r u doing now? I have just logged on. I am totally great now back to everything and so happy with my results. The time has flown 10 wks ago now. I have pics of my implants I will upload them. X
H
September 26, 2015
How did your post op go? How are you feeling now?
Just over a month under my surgery and I'm starting to have doubts think it's nerves getting the better of me. Xx
Just over a month under my surgery and I'm starting to have doubts think it's nerves getting the better of me. Xx
SW
September 27, 2015
So happy for you!... looking forward to updates, on how your feeling! Good luck and God Bless:)
UPDATED FROM Pollyanna
2 days post
2 days post Op
Well, I'm out. It's done. Thank you so much for all the responses and kind comments. I'll respond individually shortly. I have to say I made absolutely the right choice in terms of my surgeon and the hospital. Apart from heavy fog and an an accident on the way there which made us a bit late the whole experience was stress free and I felt I was in great hands.
I had no rupture which is good. I haven't had a lot of pain even straight after the Op. Nothing compared to getting them put in. It's more of a soreness and tightness especially around the incisions.
The girls don't look great I must say! They are very saggy and the skin is very slack but its early days. Hoping they might firm up a little. I'd forgotten just how flat chested I am! But I'm not as bothered as I thought I would be. It's a relief when its done.
In terms of how I'm feeling, I swear even 2 days post Op I feel better. I woke up this morning and my hands and wrists didn't feel like stiff painful claws like they normally do. My head feels clearer somehow, less foggy and I didn't feel like I had a hangover. I think the pain in my neck, shoulders and chest seems to have gone although its difficult to say with the soreness.
I took some pictures pre Op they're not great but they're all i've got sorry.
I had no rupture which is good. I haven't had a lot of pain even straight after the Op. Nothing compared to getting them put in. It's more of a soreness and tightness especially around the incisions.
The girls don't look great I must say! They are very saggy and the skin is very slack but its early days. Hoping they might firm up a little. I'd forgotten just how flat chested I am! But I'm not as bothered as I thought I would be. It's a relief when its done.
In terms of how I'm feeling, I swear even 2 days post Op I feel better. I woke up this morning and my hands and wrists didn't feel like stiff painful claws like they normally do. My head feels clearer somehow, less foggy and I didn't feel like I had a hangover. I think the pain in my neck, shoulders and chest seems to have gone although its difficult to say with the soreness.
I took some pictures pre Op they're not great but they're all i've got sorry.
Replies (4)
S
R
September 13, 2015
What wonderful news!! What's the old saying, "if you don't have your health you don't have anything"? Thanks for sharing and God Bless..
K
October 13, 2015
Hi Pollyanna,
I have just been reading your story and it is something that sounds all too familiar. I got my cohesive teardrop implants in January this year and 6 weeks later the issues started. My hair started falling out, something I had never experienced before no matter how much stress I was under) I though this was perhaps due to the stress of surgery and had tried not to think too much about it. Then since July have had two cases of shingles and a rash all over my face and neck, it is like a burning redness over my cheeks that will not seem to go, strangely no rash from my neck down however. I feel my skin is super sensitive to anything I put on it now. This has been ongoing for almost 3 months now. I'm considering getting my implants removed as I'm sick of the constant viral infections, rash and hair loss. How are you feeling since your explanation? Have your symptoms improved at all? I'm concerned how my chest will look after removal, I was a 34a and had 295/310cc implants under the muscle. How long did you have your implants for before explanation?
Hope you're feeling better.
I have just been reading your story and it is something that sounds all too familiar. I got my cohesive teardrop implants in January this year and 6 weeks later the issues started. My hair started falling out, something I had never experienced before no matter how much stress I was under) I though this was perhaps due to the stress of surgery and had tried not to think too much about it. Then since July have had two cases of shingles and a rash all over my face and neck, it is like a burning redness over my cheeks that will not seem to go, strangely no rash from my neck down however. I feel my skin is super sensitive to anything I put on it now. This has been ongoing for almost 3 months now. I'm considering getting my implants removed as I'm sick of the constant viral infections, rash and hair loss. How are you feeling since your explanation? Have your symptoms improved at all? I'm concerned how my chest will look after removal, I was a 34a and had 295/310cc implants under the muscle. How long did you have your implants for before explanation?
Hope you're feeling better.
J
November 11, 2015
When people get sick from silicone (and all the other poisons in breast implants), they need to find a surgeon who will take out the capsule (scar tissue around the implant that forms to protect the body from foreign objets) as this scar tissue holds many of the toxins and the body will not be able to heal as well (some people don't heal well if they are left in). There is a fb account that will help anyone with illness due to their implants that Doctors and Surgeons tell you categorically, are NOT connected to your implants.....don't believe this! the fb page to visit is Breast Implant Illness and Healing Official Group. It is so helpful and informative and when women are at their 'wits end' with Doctors not able to treat their ailments month after month and year after year! I am looking to get mine out soon, they have only been in 14 months. xx
L
August 7, 2016
O M G I just posted my explant story....I came across your story and noticed that you said you you felt like you had a hangover. I just had to post because in dry January, I felt like I had a hangover every day. I couldn't work it out, and you are the first person I have noticed on this site to say the same thing. I am so pleased those bags are out of my body, and I hope you have had a good recovery ❤️
I have never had any problem except a previous "capsulitis" in my right breast.
Before I began to read reviews here I didn't recommend to any woman to get implants but now even less I'll do. It is a plague and a great evil.
Only I hope women begin to open their eyes little by little and they love themselves more.
I am happy to know your story and to know you got over all the illness and above all because you are really happy and as you said the process is like a bad dream.
Sister thanks for sharing!
Greetings from Spain! :)