POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
Explant to Regain My Health
ORIGINAL POST
It all started in 2004 when I was 20 years old. I...
$7,848
It all started in 2004 when I was 20 years old. I had my first set of saline Implants under the muscle. I was an A cup and thought I'd be stuck with small breasts forever. I was happy with them for the first several years and never thought about them being a health risk, even though I was diagnosed with being Hypothyroid in 2010 and taxed Adrenals. I've been on medication ever since. I still suffered cold hands, feet and excessive thirst and a general feeling of unwellness despite healthy eating and lifestyle.
Fast forward to 2014, two years after having a healthy baby and done with breastfeeding, I thought it was time to get a new set of implants due to my skin stretching from breastfeeding and my old implants bottoming out. I received Silicone implants and an internal bra to fix the over dissected pocket from the original surgery 10 years prior. The recovery was smooth sailing and uneventful. The 2nd plastic surgeon did an amazing job and fixed all the issues I had regarding my breasts.
Now almost 2 years later, I am facing some huge health concerns since my Silicone implants and after reading symptoms that mirror mine, I have decided to explant en-bloc.
***This is no way the fault of my 2nd prior plastic surgeon who is AMAZING***
I am sharing this from the moment of realization to recovery so that I can help others with their journey, as they've helped me from theirs.
My symptoms have progressively gotten worse over the past 2 months. I've noticed extremely dry skin all over, dry eyes in the morning, dry throat and mouth no matter how much I drink, I still experience cold hands and feet and dry skin which is as worse as ever this past year, my fatigue has been crushing lately as well as my joints popping and aching, I wake up very stiff and in pain all over and have shallow breathing. I have no zest for life and I am experiencing a forgetfulness of how to spell words correctly lately. I forget "what I was just about to do" numerous times throughout the day. This has been crippling for me since a year after I've had the silicone implants. I was also diagnosed with the beginnings of PCOS with insulin resistance last year, after giving birth to a very healthy boy full term 2 years prior with no help.
I have been eating gmo free and organic for years, as well as going mostly vegan this passed year. I also don't use any lotion, shampoos or makeup that has chemicals. Per blood tests I am not deficient in vitamins or nutrients.
I have recently been out of work due to severe pain in my left hip while sitting and shooting pains down my leg. Orthopedist found a herniated disc in my lower back and arthritis in my neck. Around the same time I have recently developed a sharp pain deep within my left breast that radiates to my armpit. In the last week the pain has progressed down my left arm to my fingertips. The pain is worse at night when I lie down. I can't get comfortable no matter what with burning, tingling and numbness throughout. I now have popping of all joints when I move. I still have taxed Adrenals and I have been hypersensitive to sound for some time.
I'm trying to cope with all of this while trying to take care of my almost 3 year old toddler. I can barely take care of myself! I can't wait to get these bags out. They are feeling so foreign to me the past few months, and I feel like my health is deteriorating at such a fast rate, it's scary. To make matters worse, none of the Doctors validate that this may be from Silicone poisoning, as I've read happens to so many women facing this issue. I feel so alone with this. I have decided to schedule explantation with Dr. Feng in Ohio.
Thanks for reading
Fast forward to 2014, two years after having a healthy baby and done with breastfeeding, I thought it was time to get a new set of implants due to my skin stretching from breastfeeding and my old implants bottoming out. I received Silicone implants and an internal bra to fix the over dissected pocket from the original surgery 10 years prior. The recovery was smooth sailing and uneventful. The 2nd plastic surgeon did an amazing job and fixed all the issues I had regarding my breasts.
Now almost 2 years later, I am facing some huge health concerns since my Silicone implants and after reading symptoms that mirror mine, I have decided to explant en-bloc.
***This is no way the fault of my 2nd prior plastic surgeon who is AMAZING***
I am sharing this from the moment of realization to recovery so that I can help others with their journey, as they've helped me from theirs.
My symptoms have progressively gotten worse over the past 2 months. I've noticed extremely dry skin all over, dry eyes in the morning, dry throat and mouth no matter how much I drink, I still experience cold hands and feet and dry skin which is as worse as ever this past year, my fatigue has been crushing lately as well as my joints popping and aching, I wake up very stiff and in pain all over and have shallow breathing. I have no zest for life and I am experiencing a forgetfulness of how to spell words correctly lately. I forget "what I was just about to do" numerous times throughout the day. This has been crippling for me since a year after I've had the silicone implants. I was also diagnosed with the beginnings of PCOS with insulin resistance last year, after giving birth to a very healthy boy full term 2 years prior with no help.
I have been eating gmo free and organic for years, as well as going mostly vegan this passed year. I also don't use any lotion, shampoos or makeup that has chemicals. Per blood tests I am not deficient in vitamins or nutrients.
I have recently been out of work due to severe pain in my left hip while sitting and shooting pains down my leg. Orthopedist found a herniated disc in my lower back and arthritis in my neck. Around the same time I have recently developed a sharp pain deep within my left breast that radiates to my armpit. In the last week the pain has progressed down my left arm to my fingertips. The pain is worse at night when I lie down. I can't get comfortable no matter what with burning, tingling and numbness throughout. I now have popping of all joints when I move. I still have taxed Adrenals and I have been hypersensitive to sound for some time.
I'm trying to cope with all of this while trying to take care of my almost 3 year old toddler. I can barely take care of myself! I can't wait to get these bags out. They are feeling so foreign to me the past few months, and I feel like my health is deteriorating at such a fast rate, it's scary. To make matters worse, none of the Doctors validate that this may be from Silicone poisoning, as I've read happens to so many women facing this issue. I feel so alone with this. I have decided to schedule explantation with Dr. Feng in Ohio.
Thanks for reading
PureLife84's provider
UPDATED FROM PureLife84
1 month pre
My Salines from 2004 and new Silicones in 2014
First photo of of my old saline implants and visible problems. Photo was taken right before my new 700cc silicone implants in 2014. I had internal bra stitching as well to fix the bottoming out
Replies (13)
September 12, 2015
I have no idea if it could be related, but I was just diagnosed with epstein barr virus and so was my mother, apparently 95% of the population is exposed to it at some point in their lives.....worth getting tested for through a blood test. I have naturalpathic doc that tested me and said she is testing all her patients now because she is seeing more and more that people have this silent disease. I hope you don't have it but I just thought you might want to rule it out:) I hope you feel better soon. Wishing you good luck!
September 12, 2015
I have epstein barr too but have recently decided to explant so i can rid myself of it - i believe the implants hold me back from full recovery - causing autoimmune disease on top of the actual disease. i have a lot of the same symptoms - taking implants out is a good step
September 14, 2015
o wow, yeah I think more and more people are finding out they have this, its crazy! I bet you will feel better after explant for sure then!!! Good luck and keep us posted!!!!
September 12, 2015
I was reading your story as I was weighing up the pros and cons of saline implants. Would you say that your problems only started after the silicone implants? I am aware the saline implants have a silicone shell but I am hoping they don't cause the same sort of issues as your story is quite alarming? Any advice would be welcome :)
September 12, 2015
Hi beckysenghore. I had saline under muscle for 18 years. I loved them but I always suffered from neck, shoulder, back pain and daily headaches. I had 280cc. So not even that big. I also had lots of difficulty breast feeding my kids. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. And developed arthritis in my feet. I feel so much better without the implants. I've also heard the silicone shell can start to sluff off of the saline implants. Just my experience. Good luck with your decision.
September 13, 2015
Hi Beckysenghore,
I can only go by my experience of being perfectly healthy and energetic before the Salines 11 years ago, although I was diagnosed hypothyroid 5 years after them. Up until that point I felt great with them. I suffered stiff neck for years from the weight but other than the physical effects I never thought I was sick from them. I can definitely say that since getting cohesive silicone 2 years ago my health has declined very quickly as the chemicals are more aggressive. My rapid sickness could also be from the scar capsules from the original implants, that were opened and then left inside my chest as the new implants were put in, as most surgeons do. What happens is all the toxins (from the implant shell, possible mold etc) that the scar capsule was containing to protect the body, was then released throughout my body. I read somewhere that many women won't notice autoimmune problems until having them in for 12 years or so. But some women get sick within months. I also read that there is a certain blood test that can be done to see if you could potentially have a bad reaction to the chemicals in implants. I wish I could remember where I found that article. I'm wondering if Dr. Susan Kolb would know, as she states saline is generally safer. Google Dr. Kolb she may give you some sound advice. Good luck on your decision :)
I can only go by my experience of being perfectly healthy and energetic before the Salines 11 years ago, although I was diagnosed hypothyroid 5 years after them. Up until that point I felt great with them. I suffered stiff neck for years from the weight but other than the physical effects I never thought I was sick from them. I can definitely say that since getting cohesive silicone 2 years ago my health has declined very quickly as the chemicals are more aggressive. My rapid sickness could also be from the scar capsules from the original implants, that were opened and then left inside my chest as the new implants were put in, as most surgeons do. What happens is all the toxins (from the implant shell, possible mold etc) that the scar capsule was containing to protect the body, was then released throughout my body. I read somewhere that many women won't notice autoimmune problems until having them in for 12 years or so. But some women get sick within months. I also read that there is a certain blood test that can be done to see if you could potentially have a bad reaction to the chemicals in implants. I wish I could remember where I found that article. I'm wondering if Dr. Susan Kolb would know, as she states saline is generally safer. Google Dr. Kolb she may give you some sound advice. Good luck on your decision :)
September 12, 2015
Omg! What a nightmare you've been through!. I had saline implants for 18 years with no major complaints except headaches from muscle tension. So I was shocked when the arthritis in my foot cleared up after explant. And my implants were completely intact. So many stories of woman losing their health after getting implants. It's just not worth it. I'm praying you find relief and feel healthier after removal. If anyone had told me that implants would affect my quality of life I would've thought a lot harder about getting them. Thank goodness for RS so we can all see that explant is possible. Wishing you the best!
September 13, 2015
I know it's so crazy that it seems as if everyone is explanting. For good reason of course! If only I had researched for a mere 5 minutes before getting this 2nd set put in... but everything happens for a reason. So glad you are feeling better that's great!
September 13, 2015
Wow thank you for the info I'll definitely look into that. Wishing 100% recovery for us!!
September 13, 2015
Please keep us posted on how your health improves? Good luck, and God Bless!!
UPDATED FROM PureLife84
1 month pre
Wow time is going sooo slow
36 days to go, feels like it's forever since I have nothing to occupy my time. Too sick to work and every little chore feels like I'm climbing a mountain to accomplish it. Being a mom of an almost 3 year old is exhausting because I have no life in me from feeling like a vegetable from these implants. Sometimes I worry, what if it's not the implants or I don't get better and happy again when they're out? I've been through a lot of heavy drama since the beginning of this year. Stressed to the max.. but I know it's better off for my health. Just afraid of the unknowns... I just want to feel better again physically and mentally, and most importantly, HAPPY. Anyone felt this way?
Replies (15)
September 15, 2015
Check out a new review, 800 cc removed! No lift! 3 months post op- great results. Im explanting on sept 28
September 16, 2015
I feel entrapped too. Waiting sucks!
I'm hopeful someone cancels their procedure and I find out my ps can fit me in earlier than in 2 weeks!
I'm hopeful someone cancels their procedure and I find out my ps can fit me in earlier than in 2 weeks!
September 16, 2015
Hang in there! I'm 6 days post explant and honestly my energy has increased 10 fold! I have 3 little ones and I've actually been waking up energized instead of a vegetable. I had my implants for 8 years and just assumed it was normal to feel like that. I was really worried about work colleagues finding out but so far I've only had comments about how I've look much thinner lately - a bonus I didn't expect :)
September 19, 2015
That's great news congrats!! Yes feeling like a vegetable, that's exactly how I feel lol. Wishing you a speedy recovery sounds like you're doing amazing already!
September 16, 2015
Hi PureLife ~ Yes, time certainly does seem to go slowly while waiting. I truly believe you will feel better once explanted, both physically and mentally. I spent my time waiting for the explant doing productive things that moved me closer to my goal. I focused on eating really well, got all my travel plans set (plane flight, rental car and hotel), and got my home clean, organized and ready for an easy return (including making some meals ahead to freeze for when I returned home). Additionally, I read story after story on this site and it really got me prepared for every step I would be going through. The fact that I was doing something proactive really helped me and I am glad, looking back, that I had that extra time to get myself prepared. I was very ready for surgery by the time the day arrived and Dr. Feng reported that I woke up from anesthesia smiling. :)
Dr. Feng and her staff are WONDERFUL ~ you are in great hands! Know that you are doing the right thing for your health and we are all here for you. Take care!!
Dr. Feng and her staff are WONDERFUL ~ you are in great hands! Know that you are doing the right thing for your health and we are all here for you. Take care!!
September 19, 2015
Thanks for sharing! Good tips on making time go by fast.. some things I didn't think of doing, but definitely great ideas :)
September 19, 2015
Hi PureLife ~
If you are travelling to Cleveland, I can provide a few more tips, some of which may be helpful to you...
We stayed at the Homewood Suites in Beachwood and it really worked out well. I upgraded our suite from the standard one, which had one queen bed and one sofa sleeper, to one with two queen beds. It was spacious with a kitchen, living room area, bedroom with the two queen beds, and a large flatscreen TV in the bedroom.
Having the kitchen was really a great option. We loaded up the fridge with a case of water and having the cold water available really upped my water consumption both pre- and post- surgery. It is also handy to store the salad and soup that Dr. Feng sends you home with post-surgery as the portions are really generous and you will not be able to eat it all. The kitchen also has bowls and a microwave for reheating the soup.
Homewood Suite provides a morning breakfast, but I will say the coffee isn't the best. I may be a coffee snob, though. :) In any event, I bought a Starbucks card and my sister did coffee runs for us on those first couple of mornings post-surgery. Starbucks is close by in a car, just over the freeway, but not close enough for walking if you want hot coffee. :)
I loaded a lot of movies on my computer for the trip. If you don't have the ability to do that, you can bring a few DVD's. We watched a movie on the plane, using a headphone splitter so we could both hear the audio. It made the travel go by so much quicker. I also brought along an HDMI cable and connected my computer to the TV at the hotel to play the movies on the flatscreen TV. You will need to change the input setting to HDMI via the TV remote to make this work.
While at Costco, I bought restaurant gift cards for Fleming's Prime Steakhouse ~ $80 for $100 worth of gift cards. We don't have any Fleming's near us and it was a very good meal. We went there the night before my surgery and somehow it came up in our conversation with the waitress that we were in Ohio for surgery. We were sent home with a gold gift box filled with 4 DECADENT creamy chocolate truffles. Such a nice touch! They were delicious ~ we each had one that night and then saved one for when I got the drains out. Since I had been focusing on eating healthy, that little splurge was really enjoyable!!
If you have any questions that come up about the travel or the surgery, feel free to ask. You will be on the other side before you know it! :)
We also enjoyed Mitchell's Fish Market ~ eating there once pre- surgery and once post- surgery. We went in the day after my surgery for dinner and explained that we would prefer a corner table in the back. I didn't want to bring much attention to myself in my post surgery, covering the drain look! They were very accommodating to our request. I mentioned in another post (somewhere) that this is the restaurant where my sister and I both ordered the DELICIOUS pecan crusted trout dish and my sister cut the fish and veggies (asparagus and green beans) on her plate, then switched plates with me. A perfect solution.
We didn't book our plane flight until after the drains were out as we didn't know how long that would take. My drains were removed on Friday, so we wandered around Ohio on Saturday and then flew home Sunday. The Homewood Suites has a business center avaiable with both a computer and printer that I was able to use to print off our boarding passes.
If you are travelling to Cleveland, I can provide a few more tips, some of which may be helpful to you...
We stayed at the Homewood Suites in Beachwood and it really worked out well. I upgraded our suite from the standard one, which had one queen bed and one sofa sleeper, to one with two queen beds. It was spacious with a kitchen, living room area, bedroom with the two queen beds, and a large flatscreen TV in the bedroom.
Having the kitchen was really a great option. We loaded up the fridge with a case of water and having the cold water available really upped my water consumption both pre- and post- surgery. It is also handy to store the salad and soup that Dr. Feng sends you home with post-surgery as the portions are really generous and you will not be able to eat it all. The kitchen also has bowls and a microwave for reheating the soup.
Homewood Suite provides a morning breakfast, but I will say the coffee isn't the best. I may be a coffee snob, though. :) In any event, I bought a Starbucks card and my sister did coffee runs for us on those first couple of mornings post-surgery. Starbucks is close by in a car, just over the freeway, but not close enough for walking if you want hot coffee. :)
I loaded a lot of movies on my computer for the trip. If you don't have the ability to do that, you can bring a few DVD's. We watched a movie on the plane, using a headphone splitter so we could both hear the audio. It made the travel go by so much quicker. I also brought along an HDMI cable and connected my computer to the TV at the hotel to play the movies on the flatscreen TV. You will need to change the input setting to HDMI via the TV remote to make this work.
While at Costco, I bought restaurant gift cards for Fleming's Prime Steakhouse ~ $80 for $100 worth of gift cards. We don't have any Fleming's near us and it was a very good meal. We went there the night before my surgery and somehow it came up in our conversation with the waitress that we were in Ohio for surgery. We were sent home with a gold gift box filled with 4 DECADENT creamy chocolate truffles. Such a nice touch! They were delicious ~ we each had one that night and then saved one for when I got the drains out. Since I had been focusing on eating healthy, that little splurge was really enjoyable!!
If you have any questions that come up about the travel or the surgery, feel free to ask. You will be on the other side before you know it! :)
We also enjoyed Mitchell's Fish Market ~ eating there once pre- surgery and once post- surgery. We went in the day after my surgery for dinner and explained that we would prefer a corner table in the back. I didn't want to bring much attention to myself in my post surgery, covering the drain look! They were very accommodating to our request. I mentioned in another post (somewhere) that this is the restaurant where my sister and I both ordered the DELICIOUS pecan crusted trout dish and my sister cut the fish and veggies (asparagus and green beans) on her plate, then switched plates with me. A perfect solution.
We didn't book our plane flight until after the drains were out as we didn't know how long that would take. My drains were removed on Friday, so we wandered around Ohio on Saturday and then flew home Sunday. The Homewood Suites has a business center avaiable with both a computer and printer that I was able to use to print off our boarding passes.
September 19, 2015
I hit Post Comment before I was done proofing this, so it is a little out of order and fragmented. I so wish we could edit on this site!!
September 16, 2015
Hi,I just scheduled my explant with Feng in November. I have a similar story as far as the symptoms go. I've had implants for 11 years and have been sick for 10. Just now figured out that it's the implants. So many feelings: angry, sad, scared, hopeful. As you (and probably most on here), I'm pretty concerned about the aesthetics after explant. Please keep us posted so those waiting can have some hope of what to expect! Blessings!!!
September 19, 2015
Congrats on scheduling!! Yes many mixed emotions... 31 days to go, will definitely share my experience :)
Replies (15)
I developed high anxieties to the point where I started feeling sick. High levels of inflammation, extreme fatigue, acne, pain in my legs and arms, etc...
I am very happy to say since having the explant with capsulectomy, I am feeling so much better! I will never put another foreign object in me again. I have learned to love my own naturalness again!
You are not alone. We are all here to share our stories. I do have to say that my ps is wonderful and it's nothing he did. My body just rejected them and I could not handle them. But I have to also say that I never felt the way I did until after I had implants placed in me. I wish you the very best and your going to do great! :)