Unveiling the Hidden Dangers of Breast Implants, My Journey to Awareness
Growing up in the late '80s and early '90s, I was bombarded by magazine covers featuring striking models with impossibly large chests. I thought that was the standard of beauty I had to achieve. Throughout school, I always felt small-chested, which made me increasingly self-conscious. I can still remember a middle school dance where a guy made a cruel remark, mocking my flat chest as he brushed his hand over a wall. From that moment on, I was determined to get breast implants, believing that they held the key to my self-esteem and beauty—little did I know the complexity that decision would bring.
In 2010, I took the plunge and got breast implants. Back then, my research was minimal; I assumed the procedure was safe and backed by the medical establishment. What followed was a whirlwind of health challenges that transformed my understanding of beauty and self-worth.
If you or someone you know has contemplated breast augmentation, my story could provide valuable insights that transcend the glossy allure often associated with this procedure. The phenomenon known as Breast Implant Illness (BII) is gaining traction, and my experience reveals the real toll it can take on health and well-being.
The Transformation Begins
For years, my insecurities over my small chest lingered, and I believed implants were the solution. I rarely felt confident in clothes or dresses and was always self-conscious. It was one of those things I just couldn’t let go and move on from. So, in 2010, I underwent breast augmentation, believing it would bring confidence and alleviate my long-held insecurities. My surgeon recommended a size larger than I initially wanted, but I trusted their judgment. The surgery, involving 350 cc silicone breast implants under the muscle, was painful, to say the least. I recall the nurse telling me that it was more painful than natural childbirth which I can attest that statement is true. As my muscles adjusted, the pain lessened each day. I became diligent about post-surgery care, including required massaging to maintain their softness. I will be honest, I was happy with them, despite that they were larger than I had wanted but, clothes fit better, I had more confidence and no longer felt self-conscious.
Motherhood and Unforeseen Challenges
After the birth of my first daughter in 2016, I faced new challenges. Despite being able to breastfeed, I encountered gut issues, later diagnosed as celiac disease with borderline leaky gut. While addressing these concerns, joint pain and persistent fatigue became my constant companions. I was living off of liquid turmeric to cut down on the inflammation in my joints and if I missed a day, the joint pain was so severe it was hard to walk without pain. I never connected the dots back to my implants. If you would like to understand more about my health journey, check out my “about me” page.
Unraveling the Mystery
A wellness doctor suggested that my implants could be linked to my symptoms. This felt unbelievable at first. However, as joint pain and fatigue persisted, I dived into the research mode looking for answers. I stumbled upon a Facebook group Breast Implant Illness and Healing by Nicole, a community with over 187,000 members sharing stories and struggles related to breast implants. So many women were plagued with similar symptoms and some with much worse stemming from their implants. I felt grateful to be amoung those not bedridden or completly incapacitated, but the shared stories were haunting.
Many celebrities, including Genevieve Padalecki, Danica Patrick, Tori Spelling, Clare Crawley, Tamra Judge and Hayley Hubbard, have bravely opened up about their health struggles related to breast implants and opted to remove them. These individuals serve as notable examples in raising awareness about Breast Implant Illness (BII).
Seeking Solutions
Empowered by the stories shared, in late 2018 I sought a skilled surgeon in the Chicagoland area. My research led me to a professional actively studying the impacts of breast implants on health. She performed an en bloc removal, taking out the implants along with the encasing scar tissue, known to prevent silicone from leaking into the body. Although many implants may appear intact, they release harmful materials over time, as revealed in documentaries like Explant. I learned that many bodies, including mine, could reject these foreign objects, leading to the very symptoms I had experienced.
In October 2021, the FDA issued its most serious warning label concerning these implants of Black Box Warning —a wake-up call for many.
The Miracle of Removal
Undergoing surgery can be nerve-wracking, but my experience turned out to be a remarkable journey of transformation. When I awoke after the procedure, the difference in my well-being was nothing short of astonishing. The relentless fatigue and nagging joint pain that had plagued me were suddenly gone. Instead of relying on conventional pain medications, I embraced a holistic recovery with CBD and Arnica, allowing me to feel vibrant and alive. Each breath was a revelation, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from my chest. Though I initially questioned whether it was just a placebo effect, five years later, I can confidently say it wasn’t. I have enjoyed lasting relief from my health issues, free from joint pain!
Navigating Autoimmune Connections
As I delved deeper into my healing journey, conversations with medical professionals surfaced intriguing hints about a potential link between breast implants and autoimmune diseases. It sparked my curiosity, leaving me yearning for more research in this area. I also grappled with questions about my autoimmune condition in conjunction with celiac disease—could it be connected to the implants? The answers may remain elusive, raising the question of whether my celiac is truly hereditary or did the implants spark celiac?
Embracing Self-Healing
Post-implant removal, I accepted the reality of being smaller-chested, it is how God created me after all. This physical change, however, became a catalyst for internal self-healing. I realized that the chasing physical changes might provide temporary happiness, but it doesn’t touch the core of emotional struggles. Learning to love my body, even in its altered state, became a daily practice—one I strive to instill in my daughters every day. As woman, we must recognize that God gave us these amazing bodies. We create life! We as woman need to accept our bodies and everything that comes with it, we aren’t perfect and the best we can do is to lead a life of health and happiness and teach the next generation to respect the body we have.
Resources and Recommendations
For anyone considering breast augmentation or supporting someone on that journey, being well-informed about the associated risks is crucial. In today’s world, informed consent is a powerful tool for taking control of our health.
If you are assisting someone dealing with Breast Implant Illness (BII), consider the following recommendations:
1. FDA Information on Breast Implants:
2. Breast Implant Illness and Healing Resources:
3. Studies and Research Articles:
4. Autoimmune Diseases and Breast Implants:
5. FDA Black Box Warning:
6. Explantation and Scar Tissue:
7. Documentaries:
Explant Documentary - Offering insights into the impact of breast implants.
Busted – A Breast Implant Illness Documentary - An additional documentary to explore.
Remember, your well-being matters, and seeking professional advice is crucial. Embrace your journey to self-love, acknowledging that true beauty stems from within.