I recently penned an article detailing my journey with breast implant illness, and I truly empathize with women who have breast implants. Too often, we have been deceived into getting and holding onto them, despite the countless women who have undergone explant surgery due to severe health issues linked to their implants. The responses I received from some women with implants were filled with extreme gaslighting.
I understand that confronting the reality of breast implant illness (BII) can be challenging. Before I opted for implants post-breast cancer diagnosis, a friend advised me to conduct thorough research. I ignored her, which led to three and a half years of debilitating symptoms. My intention in sharing my experience isn’t to shame anyone but to raise awareness. Yet, I still encounter significant gaslighting from both women and the medical community.
It’s essential to clarify that those of us who share our personal stories of breast implant illness are driven by a singular purpose: to protect others from the same painful, costly outcomes. Discussing the dangers of breast implants is far from glamorous. Many prefer to admire flawless breasts on social media rather than face the uncomfortable truths surrounding breast cancer, implant complications, and explantation.
The subjects I address can be unsettling. I can almost hear someone cringe every time I write about my experience living as a sick individual due to the silicone implants in my chest. While medical discussions can be uncomfortable, living with toxic implants near vital organs is far more distressing than simply warning women about the potential risks.
It troubles me that many women quickly dismiss the stories of others. Our experiences are valid, and sharing them comes from a genuine desire for women’s health to be prioritized. When your own experience reveals that breast implants do not provide the benefits women deserve, it’s hard to remain silent.
Facing skepticism is disheartening, especially from other women. Many of us have endured years of doubt and victim-blaming from the medical community. When we report symptoms like sudden food intolerances, rapid heart rates, insomnia, rashes, constipation, dry eyes, and various autoimmune issues, we often undergo numerous tests, including CT scans and blood work. These processes are draining, both physically and financially.
Unfortunately, many of these tests yield no clear medical diagnosis since breast implant illness is not recognized as an official condition. The symptoms, which can mirror various other health issues, leave us to self-diagnose. This lack of recognition requires us to advocate for ourselves at medical appointments. Some doctors, unfamiliar with BII, may dismiss our concerns as “all in our heads,” despite the FDA’s black box warning on breast implants.
It’s perplexing that some women, after deciding to explant, request their implants back post-surgery, only to be told that they are classified as “medical hazardous waste.” If implants are too dangerous to return to the patient, how can they be safe for insertion into the body?
When I share my story, some women respond that they have implants and feel “perfectly fine.” While I cannot speak to their experiences, some have confided about unexplained symptoms, such as heartburn, rashes, joint swelling, headaches, and even infertility. If I cautiously suggest that these might be related to their implants, they often shut down.
I understand the complexity of the emotional ties to breast implants. Personally, I enjoyed how my implants looked in a swimsuit, finally achieving symmetry. However, the toll on my health was overwhelming. Each day felt like an uphill battle; mundane tasks required immense effort, and I never knew if I would have a good day or a debilitating one.
When my experiences are dismissed, especially by other women, it’s incredibly frustrating. I share my story not for accolades but to protect others who may be considering implants or are already struggling with their health. I genuinely care about their well-being.
I believe that in the future, breast implant illness will gain recognition as an official medical diagnosis, leading to better understanding and belief in women’s experiences. While we await that acknowledgment, I will continue to share my truth, regardless of how uncomfortable it may make some feel.
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Summary:
In this article, the author discusses her experience with breast implant illness (BII) and the gaslighting faced from others, including women with implants and the medical community. She emphasizes the importance of sharing personal stories to warn others about the potential health risks associated with breast implants. Despite the discomfort that such discussions may evoke, the author remains committed to raising awareness and advocating for women’s health.