POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal Reviews
I'm 29 but Feel Like I Am 90. Phoenix, AZ
ORIGINAL POST
QUESTION! Have any of you brave women that have...
katesvenMarch 19, 2016
QUESTION! Have any of you brave women that have had your implants removed because of health reasons.. Experienced a better quality of life since getting them out? Any less pain?
I had a fantastic chest in high school. After my first was born, I was ruined. My left breast hung down a full inch and a half longer than my right and was a whole cup size bigger. I delt with it for two years but I felt so uncomfortable. I wouldn't wear a swimsuit or form fitting tops. I always had to add padding to my right side to even things out. SO I asked my husband if I could go "get my old boobs back". He was weary about me going under the knife and being put under for asthetic reasons but eventual said I could do what I needed to feel comfortable. I got 250cc on the left and 325cc on my right. I had textured gel implants under the muscle with a full lollipop lift. Recovery was a nightmare! 2 full months before I didn't wake up sore.
FAST FORWARD 5 years and I feel like my health has been on a steady decline since the end of the first year with my new "old boobs". I have terrible neck a shoulder pain that truly never leaves. Numbness and tingling in my back and shoulder blades. More headaches than usual, all over aching, pain in my joints.. My knees especially. I have had all kinds of blood work done, I have had an MRI on my back, I've have steroid injections in my neck to try and alleviate some pain, I've been to so many doctors and have gotten zero answers. I even did physical therapy and went Raw Vegan for a year to see if it was my diet hurting my health. It only helped minimally. I feel like I'm dying. I'm too tired to do the things I want. I get winded just walking up the stairs. Getting myself and my 7 year old and 5 month old daughters ready and out the door is a monumentous feat! Im just in constant pain.
I also feel like I have some capsular contracture happening in my left side and I'm 100% convinced that my right side is ruptured. If it's these implants are causing all my pain and exhaustion I want them out.. Even though I know I am going to be devistated by the looks of my poor hacked up boobs after. My hubby is all for what ever can help me feel better so that's not a concern. I just would like to know if any of you have had a better quality of life after getting them out. Not just convienence or piece of mind... But real relief from pain. Thank you so much for any help or advice you can offer!
I had a fantastic chest in high school. After my first was born, I was ruined. My left breast hung down a full inch and a half longer than my right and was a whole cup size bigger. I delt with it for two years but I felt so uncomfortable. I wouldn't wear a swimsuit or form fitting tops. I always had to add padding to my right side to even things out. SO I asked my husband if I could go "get my old boobs back". He was weary about me going under the knife and being put under for asthetic reasons but eventual said I could do what I needed to feel comfortable. I got 250cc on the left and 325cc on my right. I had textured gel implants under the muscle with a full lollipop lift. Recovery was a nightmare! 2 full months before I didn't wake up sore.
FAST FORWARD 5 years and I feel like my health has been on a steady decline since the end of the first year with my new "old boobs". I have terrible neck a shoulder pain that truly never leaves. Numbness and tingling in my back and shoulder blades. More headaches than usual, all over aching, pain in my joints.. My knees especially. I have had all kinds of blood work done, I have had an MRI on my back, I've have steroid injections in my neck to try and alleviate some pain, I've been to so many doctors and have gotten zero answers. I even did physical therapy and went Raw Vegan for a year to see if it was my diet hurting my health. It only helped minimally. I feel like I'm dying. I'm too tired to do the things I want. I get winded just walking up the stairs. Getting myself and my 7 year old and 5 month old daughters ready and out the door is a monumentous feat! Im just in constant pain.
I also feel like I have some capsular contracture happening in my left side and I'm 100% convinced that my right side is ruptured. If it's these implants are causing all my pain and exhaustion I want them out.. Even though I know I am going to be devistated by the looks of my poor hacked up boobs after. My hubby is all for what ever can help me feel better so that's not a concern. I just would like to know if any of you have had a better quality of life after getting them out. Not just convienence or piece of mind... But real relief from pain. Thank you so much for any help or advice you can offer!
UPDATED FROM katesven
Woke up feeling so stiff again.
katesvenMarch 19, 2016
I feel like now that I really suspect my implants are what's causing my pain and exhaustion, I can't stop thinking about them. They feel so heavy on my chest now. I need to set up a few consults. Afraid to go back to my original Doctor. I'm worried he will be defensive.
Replies (5)
March 20, 2016
I hate to tell you this, but you may have to leave town for the consults, especially if you are referred to a psychiatrist for your problems. If you are feeling this bad, implant removal will probably be the least you will need to feel better.
March 20, 2016
So true and worth it if there's no one local who's experienced at Explants enbloc, ie, with the tissue that surrounds the implants, because it's filled with the poisons leaching into it... And who will irrigate then use drains of at least a couple days to remove the worst of the bleeding so seromas and infection are less likely ... Try find someone who has experience with these things and don't let them say he capsules will be absorbed! :/ this means they can't do it properly!...and you'll continue having health issues from the poisons in the capsules... Up to you but research... I didn't know any of this till a kind member pointed it out to me, so I'm paying it forward! ;) [RS bleep]
March 22, 2016
Thank you. Yes research is key. I have learned so much the past couple weeks! I feel like it's all I can think about.
March 20, 2016
Yes, I feel a lot better. The main thing that motivated my explant was capsular contracture, a fibroadenoma tumor, and the age of my implants (12 years, smooth saline). I did not even suspect any of my other nagging health concerns (digestive problems, chiropractic problems, rashes, low energy, and menstrual irregularities) would be effected by explanting. My capsular contracture was of course cured, and my fibroadenoma was removed and never grew back (this was my goal, and best expectation for explant so I am thrilled). The great surprise was that in the 3 years since my explant, I have had relief from all of the above other complaints. I'm not a doctor but as someone who lived with implants in for 12 years (with a slow, insidious decline in health) and then 3 years post-explant (with a gradual, surprise improvement in health) the best way I can describe it is I feel my energy was drained and my immune system was going haywire from attacking the implants for many years with no resolution (the capsular contracture was just the most visible part of this immune response). Who knows why this is the case, why some women seem to maintain their health and other are reactive to implants. Mine were saline, not silicone gel - so it isn't just ruptures and gel bleed... I think sometimes just having a prosthetic in the body can cause some type of immune rejection/irritation. I've had a tremendous improvement in my quality of life. Especially if you suspect a connection between your health decline and the implants, it's worth it to explant and give yourself a year to see if your health improves! Just to let you know, I did nothing else special, nor changed anything in my lifestyle or birth control that can account for the difference in my health - explant is the only change I made!
March 20, 2016
I'm in the same boat, wishing I could get them out yesterday... I bet it will solve many issues being explanted! :) Looking forward to hearing your date so I can put it on my calendar! :) [RS bleep] Keep posting your thoughts and issues, the more the better so we can help others!... :) [RS bleep]
March 25, 2016
Hi - I am from the Phoenix area but now live in Colorado and I will say that I felt better almost immediately after having my implants removed and have continued to feel better. It has been a little over a year since my removal. I would recommend Dr. Meger in Phoenix (office is off of Camelback) for removal. He is great and very understanding, and his staff is WONDERFUL. Some of your symptoms also sound a bit like Valley Fever so I would ask your primary care to have you checked for that. The best lab that they should send your blood work to UC Davis in California. I contracted Valley Fever in 2012 and the fatigue and body aches felt like I had been hit by a Mack truck. I could barely work even part-time but manage to get the treatment I needed and after 6 months, I started to feel a little better. It has been 4 years and I still will feel it occasionally. the implants (in my opinion) cause the immune system to be compromised and thus we become more susceptible to things like Valley Fever, which by the way has had a 2000% increase in cases in the past few years. The worst part of the season is from August to December. I had lived in the Phoenix area for over 27 years and contracted Valley Fever after all that time of being exposed to it in all the dust etc., So.....my conclusion was the implants made me more susceptible to it. Good luck in your journey. PS....I am an RN.
March 25, 2016
Theirs a list of the doctors that perform explant surgery correctly which is the only way to go. The surrounding capsule needs to come out too and most surgeons don't think it's necessary. Go to healingbreastimplantillness.com for Dr names and other useful info
UPDATED FROM katesven
Preparing to say goodbye
katesvenMarch 20, 2016
I had a baby girl 5 months ago. I gained 55 pounds with her and 75 pounds with my first born. She is 7 now. I've worked my booty off (literally hehe) and focused hard to get the weight off quick. Yesterday I hit one pound under my pre pregnancy weight. I had a shirt I bought in the middle of my pregnancy. I told myself I'll wear it once I lose all the weight. Up until now I have been wearing really loose clothing. I felt confident for the first time in a LONG time. I still have an extra 20lbs on me because of steroid injections I had done in my neck to help with my "mysterious undiagnosed pain". BUT! Putting on that shirt that has been in my closet for so long felt great. I'm still no where near where I want to be but I actually got the gift of feeling attractive last night. My hubby got a sitter and took me to a Fair and music festival that was in town. I took a photo to remember the night and that I can feel confident again even if it's fleeting. Man I'm going to miss my chest.. :( I know my chest is not what makes me, me. It's not what makes me attractive to my husband.. But I'm sure a lot of you wonderful women can relate to the feeling of loss once they are out. I know it's for the best. I need to feel healthy again.. It's just hard.
Tomorrow is Monday. I'm going to start calling around to schedule a few consults. I'm praying I feel comfortable with at least one surgeon. I hope I can find one that has experience with the en-block and total capsulectomy procedures.
Tomorrow is Monday. I'm going to start calling around to schedule a few consults. I'm praying I feel comfortable with at least one surgeon. I hope I can find one that has experience with the en-block and total capsulectomy procedures.
Replies (5)
March 21, 2016
Good luck! I had mine removed along with a full capslectomy on the 9th and definitely feel a difference. My upper back, neck pain is gone.. I have had few headaches since explant and the joints in my hands no longer hurts.. I can't wait to see what the future has in store.. I pray you have the same relief with your explant.. If you have any question feel free to reach out
March 22, 2016
I'm so happy to hear from some of you wonderful women who are having relief! What a huge blessing! I can only hope I get the same relief. My baby girls need a mommy who doesn't have to grit my teeth and smile through the pain.
March 21, 2016
Hi,
I´m 6 days after implant removal and I feel better from day to day. I have a lot of pain in my breast since the surgery, but my headache and the pain in my back and neck is better.
I think, the implants are poison for the body, so you´re right, when you want to remove them! Good luck
I´m 6 days after implant removal and I feel better from day to day. I have a lot of pain in my breast since the surgery, but my headache and the pain in my back and neck is better.
I think, the implants are poison for the body, so you´re right, when you want to remove them! Good luck
March 22, 2016
That is so good to hear! That is really encouraging! As it is now I have to take pain killers if I know I have something big to do like a family party. My body doesn't love painkillers so I pay for it double the next day. I can not believe how just utterly sick and achy I feel. I hope all of your symptoms start to ease. I'm glad you know you made the right choice!
March 21, 2016
Hi I am also in Phoenix and am also looking to explant. I have had saline under the muscle for 20 yrs. 2 years ago at 37 yrs old I started to have strange symptoms like fatigue, neck back soreness, excema, allergies, panic attacks, and started menopause. Saw several Drs and then a naturopath Which basically found out I had adrenal fatigue, hormone imbalances and a mold infection! I have had consults with dr Meger, dr Cory, dr Weinrach, dr Andres and Solo Bella. And spent hours researching others but dr Andres was the only dr who I felt took me seriously and was willing and confident about removing my implants and capsules with out trying to scare me. He does a lot of reconstruction from breast cancer as well as implant removals and Evan said some of the women report feeling better after explant! I am going to schedule my surgery with him as soon as I can work it all out. I can't wait to get theses out and be tiny and myself again
March 22, 2016
How great that you are in Phoenix too! I've been feeling weary about the work it's going to take to wade through all the Scottsdale Dr's who won't take me seriously. Please please let me know how it goes! I'll make sure I go to him for a consult. Is there anyone you felt totally uncomfortable with? I won't waste my time if they were just creeps about it.
April 14, 2016
I'm in Phoenix too and would love to share what we learn with each other! I have an appt with dr meger in May...he has a lot of positive explant reviews here. I also met with dr boll (she was somewhat close to me) but after being asked 3x by her nurse "Am I sure I don't want to replace with another implant?" I've crossed them off my list.
April 14, 2016
Dr Meger will tell you that you dont need to remove the capsules, he was nice but made me feel like I was wrong for wanting a full capsulectomy. Which I definitely will be getting. Dr Andreas always removes the capsule, he specializes in reconstruction and there for has better experience on a technical level I feel. He does a ton of explants too. Of course it is for you to decide on who you feel is right for you. I am getting an ultra sound today to look for any leaks and after that has been seen by my DR I will schedule my surgery date. Best of luck to you on your journey.
April 14, 2016
If you have a mold problem, you need the capsules also removed! The mold may be in the capsule, so leaving it may not give you the relief you are hearing about from others. It doesn't necessarily have to be only inside the implant.
March 23, 2016
I am having explant done 4-6 with Dr Meger..I have had my implants close to 30 years..I joined the FB page and it has a lot of info.
I am starting to get really nervous..my implants have really hardened and after a mamogram earlier this year I started researching for removal..I worked really hard this last year to get myself in shape and it scares me that I won't be able to workout for 6 weeks??
March 23, 2016
I removed mine two years ago. I don't get the same kind of headaches anymore but it's a process getting better. I've been through the same thing as you except the MRI. I've been working on deep breathing and stretching. My shoulders are still tight but I think it's because I need to be a lot more diligent on my stretching. I'm so glad I removed them. I wish I never got them.
Replies (5)