Breast Implant Illness / Removal

Twenty years ago, I unknowingly made a decision that would disastrously affect my life.  At that time I was young, wanting to look and feel great about my body, I underwent breast implant surgery. Had I know I would spend the next 20 years of my life pouring toxins into my system I would have made a different decision. 

Of course hind sight is always 20/20!

Immediately after the surgery I began to put on weight and developed strange redness and rash. I figured it was likely due to my body adapting to the new implants and brushed off the symptoms. Again, if I had been informed I was suffering from BII (Breast Implant Illness) action would have been taken to remove them at the first on-set of illness. 

Breast implant manufacturers are not presenting accurate science and are withholding significant and truthful information about the toxic contents of their products and the fact that the chemicals in saline and silicone breast implants are seriously toxic to life and interact with and harm our tissues and body processes required for good health.

Additionally, plastic surgeons are lying to patients about the safety of silicone/saline breast implants. Plastic surgeons and the manufactures deny that symptoms of our illness and symptoms of our autoimmune diseases are from breast implants, even though these symptoms and illness are listed in the manufacturer’s patient information and are well known to plastic surgeons or should be.

If we were told that silicone/saline breast implants were made of highly toxic chemicals and when implanted and these chemicals would create profound illness in my body, I would never have purchased breast implants. If I were told that breast implants microscopically sweat and bleed their toxic contents early after implantation, I would not have made the decision to get breast implants.  If I were informed of the accurate failure rates of breast implants I would never have purchased them.

Alas...Here I am...

I was blessed to have met a wonderful man and we were eager to start a family. We were blessed to have beautiful 4-year-old twin girls, who are my reason for starting this research. However, about 3 years before getting pregnant, my body started to drastically change. I was overwhelmingly tired and had heart palpitations, I summed it up to changing hormones and a hectic life.  By my daughters' first birthday, I noticed my physical health was not doing well; in fact I felt awful!  My hair was falling out; I had constant pains running through both my arms, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and burning pain in both my breasts.

To address the problem, I saw several doctors and was ultimately diagnosed with hypothyroidism and given thyroid medication. No matter how much Levothyroxine or T3 I was prescribed, my numbers would not stabilize and all my symptoms worsened. There was more hair loss, my skin was looking grey, I was constantly feeling like I couldn’t get enough sleep (despite some days getting a full 12 hours)… I have zero energy.  

The ongoing exhaustion depresses me because it prevents me from enjoying life with my family. I have a terrific, understanding and supportive husband who is in this fight with me. Sometimes it takes a toll on our relationship. It’s frustrating and incredibly difficult, constantly feeling physically ill; wanting to feel better and searching for answers and solutions that would not come.

Multiple ultrasounds and mammograms have shown high levels of inflammation and tissues damage with no clear diagnosis...

And so ...I have taken it upon myself to find the answers. 

After much research I was fortunate enough to meet other women with the same symptoms. They lead me to credible doctors and research regard BII. This illness is now being talked about due to the thousands of women suffering with this condition. In fact there are multiple class actions lawsuits against these manufactures and surgeons.  

 
THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO REMOVE THE IMPLANTS.

It was a confirmation of what I’ve suspected all along. I know now I cannot continue to live like this any longer. 

I must admit creating this page was not easy for me. I am strong, proud and have been independent my whole life. I am a bit embarrassed and hesitant to ask, but humbled by the realization that I NEED to ask for help. I want to be a great mom, a present wife and the woman my family deserves.

The cost of this surgery is between $14,000 and $17,000. I have been actively saving (slowly) towards this goal. I know now that I will not reach this lofty amount on my own  in the timeframe I need to get healthy.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.  My family and I are immensely and deeply grateful for your help and support.