A few weeks prior to my mastectomy, a friend suggested I consider going flat instead of opting for breast reconstruction. She had come across numerous stories from women who reported experiencing illness due to their breast implants. At the time, I was adamant about not delving into the topic of breast implant illness. I was set on undergoing a direct-to-implant mastectomy, believing it would allow me to leave my cancer journey behind, emerge with enhanced breasts, and reclaim my life.
However, a year ago, I began feeling increasingly unwell. My symptoms started with joint pain and stiffness and escalated to include temperature sensitivity, food intolerances, sleep disturbances, dehydration, dry eyes, tinnitus, skin issues, heightened anxiety, and more. In late summer, I found myself in the emergency room with heart palpitations, and I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. At just 39 years old, active and health-conscious, why was I feeling so ill? Could breast implant illness be the culprit?
While my silicone implants appear aesthetically pleasing and mimic the feel of natural breasts, I have endured persistent shoulder pain since my surgery, which has resisted multiple physical therapy sessions, massages, yoga, and chiropractic treatments. An MRI showed no abnormalities.
I can’t definitively say that all my health issues stem from my breast implants. The human body is complex, and I’ve faced various medical challenges, including being a type 1 diabetic and a breast cancer survivor recently diagnosed with lupus. My journey has involved extensive trial and error. I never wanted to be the one opting for explant surgery in my thirties, but here I am.
Understanding Breast Implant Illness
How can implants, deemed safe, potentially be responsible for so many health problems? There’s no formal test for breast implant illness, and it’s not officially recognized as a medical diagnosis. However, reputable institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center, Harvard Health Publishing, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information acknowledge that breast implants may lead to significant complications in some patients. Unfortunately, research on BII is lacking.
To gain insights, I consulted Dr. Alex Reynolds, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and Nicole Harper, who leads a prominent breast implant illness support group online. A common struggle among women experiencing symptoms related to their implants is finding someone who believes their concerns. When I asked Dr. Reynolds if he thinks breast implant illness is real, he explained that women are three times more likely than men to develop autoimmune diseases over their lifetimes, suggesting that women may have more reactive immune systems. He noted that while silicone is often regarded as the gold standard for implant materials, it can still provoke inflammation.
Though BII isn’t an official diagnosis, Dr. Reynolds believes that the chemicals in implants may indeed trigger an autoimmune response. He emphasized the importance of women who suspect their implants are affecting their health to consult their primary care physician for imaging and lab tests to rule out other conditions. If they choose to have their implants removed, they should seek a board-certified plastic surgeon who validates their concerns. If that surgeon dismisses them, he advises to keep searching, as patients know their bodies best.
Dr. Reynolds generally considers breast implants safe, noting that millions of women have them without issues. However, he cautions that women with autoimmune diseases should have an honest discussion about the potential risks involved, as their immune systems may react negatively to the implants. He also points out that implants can cause various complications, including ruptures and infections, and are not lifetime devices, meaning future surgeries may be necessary.
The Community of Support
Nicole Harper, who has experienced BII herself, leads a Facebook group of over 135,000 members where many women share their symptoms and experiences. Many join the group believing they were healthy before receiving implants but later recognize symptoms consistent with BII after hearing others’ stories. Members often refer to their implants as “toxic bags” and share before-and-after photos following their explant surgeries.
If you’re wondering about BII symptoms, Harper’s website lists over fifty possible indicators, including fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain, insomnia, and more. However, since many of these can also be linked to other conditions, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for thorough evaluations.
Harper explains that silicone is composed of harmful chemicals and heavy metals, which can disrupt endocrine function and lead to inflammation. Furthermore, she emphasizes that the type or brand of implant doesn’t determine safety; there’s no such thing as a completely safe breast implant.
Despite the absence of a formal diagnosis for BII, women experiencing symptoms must seek help. The next step is finding a qualified surgeon to safely remove the implants and any surrounding capsules.
Reflections on My Journey
I’ve read countless testimonials from those who believe they have experienced BII. The before-and-after photos shared in Harper’s group are particularly impactful, showcasing remarkable transformations in health and appearance after explant surgery. Although these accounts are anecdotal, I believe each woman knows her body best and is sharing her journey to support others.
Friends have asked if I regret my decision to get breast implants, and I honestly don’t know. I was in a fog of uncertainty when I chose to have them, not wanting to face life without breasts at 35. While I anticipate a period of mourning when I part with my implants, I refuse to dwell in regret. I made a choice then, and now I’m ready to move forward. I genuinely hope that removing my implants will bring about the relief I’ve been seeking.
For more insights, you can check out this related post on home insemination or explore intracervical insemination for authoritative information. Additionally, MedlinePlus offers excellent resources about pregnancy and home insemination.
In Summary
Many women who suspect their breast implants may be causing health issues are left without formal diagnoses but should seek support and medical advice. With the right guidance and validation, they can find the path to improved well-being.
- How to identify breast implant illness symptoms?
- What are the risks associated with breast implants?
- Can breast implants cause autoimmune diseases?
- Where to find support for breast implant illness?
- What is the process for removing breast implants?