artificial insemination syringe
At 29, I experienced a staggering 29 symptoms related to what is commonly referred to as breast implant illness (BII). While this isn’t an officially recognized condition, for those of us who have lived through it, it’s undeniably real. Three months ago, I made the decision to have my breast implants, along with the capsules surrounding them, taken out.
Now, I’m left with three prominent scars on my chest and no implants. After undergoing a direct-to-implant mastectomy four years ago due to a stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis, I had lived with breast implants for three and a half years. Eventually, I realized that not only were they causing me ongoing pain, but they were also making me feel unwell. Today, three months post-explantation, I am finally beginning to feel like myself again.
You may have heard of BII; it’s characterized by a myriad of symptoms that can range from food intolerances and anxiety to joint pain and chronic fatigue. The list is extensive and, frankly, terrifying. You might wonder how one can attribute these health issues to breast implants rather than other medical conditions. Many women I’ve spoken to, myself included, underwent extensive medical tests costing thousands of dollars in search of answers, only to be left without a clear diagnosis. At times, I questioned if my struggles were all in my head.
Unfortunately, many individuals with breast implants are told they’re safe, with some being misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression and advised to seek counseling while the implants continue to impact their health.
As for the FDA, their stance on breast implants remains cautious. They acknowledge risks such as the need for additional surgeries, BIA-ALCL (a type of cancer linked to textured implants), and “systemic symptoms,” among others. Although they mention that some women have reported various health issues, they claim insufficient evidence exists to substantiate a direct link between breast implants and these conditions.
During the last few months of having my implants, I often felt as though I was at death’s door. I spent days confined to bed, feeling trapped within my own body. Even the most minor triggers seemed to initiate what I believed to be autoimmune flares. I felt miserable, struggling to articulate thoughts and waking each day with swollen, stiff joints. No amount of caffeine could provide the energy needed to care for my children or manage my work responsibilities. The relentless pain in my shoulder, breast, and ribcage felt unbearable. Despite trying yoga, physical therapy, and chiropractic care, the relief I found was only temporary.
Then one day, I decided it was time to remove my implants. I was convinced that even a slight improvement in my condition would be worth it. I researched BII extensively and recognized that I was suffering from it. The desire to look good in a swimsuit paled in comparison to my need to regain my health. While breast cancer had taken my natural breasts, the implants only took more from me until I could hardly function.
Dr. Ryan Smith, a well-respected plastic surgeon in Florida, has gained recognition in the BII community for helping countless individuals reclaim their health by removing breast implants. When I inquired about the timeline for recovery post-explantation, he noted that while some patients experience immediate relief, others may take over a year to fully recover. He also shared that between 85% and 90% of his patients report feeling better after the procedure.
It’s crucial that no one feels ashamed for their past decisions regarding their health, nor should they be dismissed as having psychological issues. The lack of comprehensive pre-surgery education about the materials used in implants is shocking. Many of us were led to believe that implants were completely safe, with complications being rare. While there have been a “few” reported cases of cancer, the existence of BII is often contested. In my experience, when implants are removed, many women find the healing they have long sought.
Now, three months post-surgery, I am thrilled to share that 25 of my 29 symptoms have disappeared. This journey has taught me that opting for foreign materials in my body was not the right choice; it cost me precious years of my life. I lost time with my family, job opportunities, and the ability to live without pain. The pursuit of the “perfect” breasts came at an exorbitant cost, far beyond my medical bills. I am grateful to have had my implants removed and to be on the path back to my true self.
For further insights on home insemination, you can check out this post on our blog.