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40 Yo UK - Removal of 340cc Cohesive Gel Submuscular Implants - Gutted but They're Making Me Ill - Manchester, GB
ORIGINAL POST
I have read so many reviews on here and they have...
PollyannaSeptember 4, 2015
$5,800
I have read so many reviews on here and they have helped me so much so am adding my own to be able to give something back.
Nearly 8 years ago I had 340cc cohesive gel implants placed under the muscle at The Hospital Group.
I was a very tiny 30A, had always been totally flat chested and had been thinking about implants for a very long time. I didn't want big boobs I just wanted some boobs! I wanted to be a modest C/D cup but woke up a D/DD cup. Once I got used to them I was happy with them. I had no post operative issues and even after having a baby have had no issues other than some slight bottoming out .
About 12 months ago I realised something wasn't right. I kept getting one virus after another and then developed some weird symptoms; extreme fatigue, feeling cold all the time, headaches, neck ache, rashes (body and face), very dry throat, excessive thirst and weeing a lot, losing my hair (body and head), pains in my fingers and generally aching especially after exercise. I am a bit of a health freak and have always been very fit and healthy. I went to the doctors and had my blood tested for everything under the sun - all normal and negative. He could only suggest post viral fatigue .. chronic fatigue syndrome which I did't buy.
Then the slight discomfort i'd been experiencing in my right breast got a lot worse. I started to google and wham ... all the other symptoms fell into place and I realised I had developed an autoimmune response to my implants "silicone sickness". Yes, I know there is no proven link etc. etc. So why is the internet and this site full of women reporting the same issues?
I came to the slow and painful realisation that I had no other choice but to have my implants out. The only way to be sure the implants are causing my symptoms is to remove the variable. My symptoms have gradually worsened to the point I am struggling to function; old down a job, be a mum and run a house. I'm exhausted and sick.
I have my explant surgery booked for Tuesday 8th September. Whilst I am absolutely gutted to be losing my boobs and am also dreading it, I know I am doing the right thing.
I am trying to find some photos I took pre and post surgery to post and will post some current photos before Tuesday.
Lisa
Nearly 8 years ago I had 340cc cohesive gel implants placed under the muscle at The Hospital Group.
I was a very tiny 30A, had always been totally flat chested and had been thinking about implants for a very long time. I didn't want big boobs I just wanted some boobs! I wanted to be a modest C/D cup but woke up a D/DD cup. Once I got used to them I was happy with them. I had no post operative issues and even after having a baby have had no issues other than some slight bottoming out .
About 12 months ago I realised something wasn't right. I kept getting one virus after another and then developed some weird symptoms; extreme fatigue, feeling cold all the time, headaches, neck ache, rashes (body and face), very dry throat, excessive thirst and weeing a lot, losing my hair (body and head), pains in my fingers and generally aching especially after exercise. I am a bit of a health freak and have always been very fit and healthy. I went to the doctors and had my blood tested for everything under the sun - all normal and negative. He could only suggest post viral fatigue .. chronic fatigue syndrome which I did't buy.
Then the slight discomfort i'd been experiencing in my right breast got a lot worse. I started to google and wham ... all the other symptoms fell into place and I realised I had developed an autoimmune response to my implants "silicone sickness". Yes, I know there is no proven link etc. etc. So why is the internet and this site full of women reporting the same issues?
I came to the slow and painful realisation that I had no other choice but to have my implants out. The only way to be sure the implants are causing my symptoms is to remove the variable. My symptoms have gradually worsened to the point I am struggling to function; old down a job, be a mum and run a house. I'm exhausted and sick.
I have my explant surgery booked for Tuesday 8th September. Whilst I am absolutely gutted to be losing my boobs and am also dreading it, I know I am doing the right thing.
I am trying to find some photos I took pre and post surgery to post and will post some current photos before Tuesday.
Lisa
Pollyanna's provider
Replies (24)
September 6, 2015
Hello Pollyanna! Thank you for sharing your story. Yes--many of us have experienced the very distressing symptoms of silicone illness. It's a very strange disease to have because it is not acknowledged by the medical community (except some great specialists who do many explants). It is ironic and troubling that the only Dr's who can do the surgery to take care of the problem are plastic surgeons -- the very one's with the vested interest in denying the complications because they make so much money implanting innocent women. I had very bad symptoms and had my explant about 3 months ago. My autoimmune symptoms are all gone. They can say what they want, but I know -- absolutely without a shadow of doubt -- that the cause of my illness and pain was the implants. I'm glad you've made a choice in favor of your health. You will not regret it. It's a little tough to get used the new reality when your implants are gone -- but they do heal and you will be fine. I wish you the very, very best on your journey. Keep us posted. xo
September 10, 2015
Thank you so so much. Its great to hear from women who have got better. This is why I wanted to post so helpfully when I get better my story will encourage others to explant. Like you say no one recognises your illness and there is no recognised condition or even a test. To be honest at one point I was doubting myself and wondering if I was suffering from stress. I am lucky though I have a fantastic GP who has believed me and supported me. Thank you so much for the well wishes [RS bleep]
September 6, 2015
Hi Polyanna, Gary removed my implants, same size as yours, almost a year a go. You're in good hands. I'll send you a PM. Best wishes for the 8th.
September 6, 2015
Good luck to you... looking forward to following your journey with you!! Please keep us posted!!
September 7, 2015
Good luck tomorrow, you're going to do great! :)
September 10, 2015
Thank you so much for the well wishes. I did read them the night before but I couldn't reply. Think I was just wound up xx
UPDATED FROM Pollyanna
2 days post
2 days post Op
PollyannaSeptember 10, 2015
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 (6)
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..
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.
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
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 ❤️
UPDATED FROM Pollyanna
6 days post
3-6 days post Op
PollyannaSeptember 14, 2015
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 (13)
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!
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
September 27, 2015
So happy for you!... looking forward to updates, on how your feeling! Good luck and God Bless:)
Please keep us posted on ur progress and all the best. Your doing the right thing. I'm curious to see if it is in fact the implants making u ill. ((Hugs))