My Breast Implant Illness Journey

When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 at age 35, I was told I had a very aggressive form because of my age. When you’re told you have cancer, the first thing you want to do is get it out, so it is easy to rush into a surgical decision that might not be the best option for the future. In my research for the right surgical option, I learned recurrence in the other breast was fairly common, so I made the difficult decision to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction using implants. This was the option with the quickest recovery, which was important because I needed to start chemo as soon as possible (healing is not possible during chemo). My surgeon steered me toward implants and told me they are safe and the most natural option. He briefly mentioned, in full disclosure, that some women in their 40s had started websites where they were sharing about the sicknesses they believed were caused by their implants. He said I was welcome to read their stories just so I felt fully informed, but that they were invalid and the illnesses they had would’ve happened with or without implants.

Within 2 months of receiving my first set of implants, I developed a heart condition called SVT (supraventricular tachycardia), which caused my heart to get stuck in a rhythm of 220 bpm and required being “shocked” into normal rhythm. I went to a cardiologist, who surmised that even though my tests came back saying no heart damage had been done by the chemo, I needed to take a beta blocker for the rest of my life. I learned if I took my medicine late or forgot to take it until the morning, I would have an episode, so I never forgot my medicine after a couple of missteps.

Over the next 13 years, I gradually developed other symptoms, including sudden anaphylactic reactions to products used for years, brain fog, memory/concentration issues, fatigue, insomnia, vision deteriorating quickly, hormonal imbalances, throat clearing, difficulty swallowing, vertigo/lightheadedness, chronic sinusitis, sudden food intolerance, constant face rash, headaches, aching hips/shoulders/back, shortness of breath (usually associated with anxiety), anxiety, symptoms of thyroid problems (no diagnosis), soft tissue pain, Vitamin D deficiency, constant itching and nerve irritation surrounding implants, and restless legs.

I visited multiple doctors and specialists, who all said I was in great health and gave me mega doses of Vitamin D. Finally, in 2016, I stumbled upon an article on Facebook about a woman who had what she called Breast Implant Illness. My symptoms matched hers! I started researching and learning more about the effects of silicone and it seemed my implants must be the source of my issues.

In July 2017, I had both implants explanted and underwent a 10-hour DIEP flap procedure. My recovery included 2 days in ICU, followed by 6 weeks of immobility to keep the transplants alive. Immediately upon explant, my blood pressure dropped to dangerous levels because the beta blocker was still in my system from the night before surgery. It took about a week to stabilize, at which point my doctor said I didn’t need the medication anymore. After 13 years of having to take it daily, the need for it completely disappeared and my heart condition was cured.

My other symptoms began slowly disappearing as well. When my surgeon did a minor follow-up surgery, he absentmindedly used a silicone-based glue in a couple of tiny spots. I broke out in severe hives from my stomach to my face that required steroid and antihistamine injections. Due to my many irrefutable contraindications, my medical charts now have an alert stating I am highly allergic to silicone.

As a result of my case, my surgeon is now a believer in Breast Implant Illness, as is my naturopath, my general practitioner, and many others in my medical community. I have discontinued use of all products (skin, hair, supplements, etc.) that contain any form of silicone. My skin has cleared and looks younger, my vision has improved, and I have not had any reactions. These pictures were both taken without makeup and in the same lighting, one before removing the toxic chemicals from my body and one after explant and detoxing. It’s hard for me to post this, but it is the best visual proof of what I suffered with for so many years.

I don’t know how sick I’d be now if I had not stumbled across that article. I’m so thankful for brave women who are willing to share their stories and I hope my story can save someone from making the same life-altering decision I made. I can say with assurance that physical appearance is not worth the risk of sacrificing your health.

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For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our
weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as
we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with
confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace
to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16