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Report post · March 29, 2005

Kenda,

I'm delighted to hear you've decided against implants.

That's one decision you'll never regret . . . If you

have any second thoughts, please think of us.

I think I can speak for all of us when I say that

getting breast implants was the worst single decision

we made in our lives. We're doing what we can to make

a postitive experience out of it by helping others.

It's always wonderful to know another woman won't have

to go down that road.

Please tell you friends!

Hugs,

Rogene

Report post · March 29, 2005

Hi and Welcome!

As a mother of two boys that I breastfed, I totally can completely empathize with you regarding the change in your breasts. I too, had saggy breasts that my PS convinced me that implants would cure. After 3 surgeries for Capsular Contracture in less than a year, along with flu-like symptoms and fatigue, I decided to explant on March 17th, along with a full lift. How I wish I had gotten just the lift in the first place! They are exactly how I wanted them to be, and I would have saved thousands of dollars, as well as a lot of pain and heartache.

I am so glad you found this site, and decided not to implant. I wish I had before I decided to have my implants. Best of luck to you!

Cristinahomemadesoaper <kdskaggs@...> wrote:

Hi Rogene,You are right, the voice in my head has been screaming at me to stop. I knew I wouldn't get support to get implants here, I wanted the truth because it seems few plastic surgeons give it. After reading here and talking to Dr. Melmed, I am totally convinced NOT to get implants. Since kicking fibro years ago and all the diseases I had along with it, I place much value in my health. Too much value to risk it for the sake of rounder breasts. Thank you for saving me from what so many of you are going through. You will never know how much I appreciate it.Kenda> Welcome . . . I'm sure you already know you won't be> encouraged to get implants here! Our ladies have had> ban experiences and stay around to help inform others.> > The most important, most

powerful voice is that one in> your head that's telling you what you SHOULD do. . . > > Most of us heard it, and disregarded it.> > The nightmares that go with implants are too many to> list. Suicide is 4X's that among implanted women as> other plastic surgery patients . . . Is that enough to> know?> > Hugs and prayers,> > RogeneOpinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician or licensed health care professional before commencing any medical treatment. "Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a better world." - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954, Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

Report post · March 29, 2005

Hi Marie,

I feel so lucky today, like someone (all of you and Dr. Melmed) saved me from a

certain hell. Because I have had fibro and my ANA levels were elevated in the

past,

I am one who likely would develop autoimmune problems from implants. The

plastic

surgeons dismiss it and say that all of you would have had problems anyway.

This

is something I just couldn't accept. All of our bodies are different and some

of us

are more sensitive than others. To me that means that without the silicone

trigger,

you wouldn't have had the cause to get sick, it's simple cause and effect.

My husband was never for the implant surgery, I had to push him into believing

they

were safe and that I would look and feel better with them -- something he never

believed.

Thank you so much for all the information you have given me and for posting

publicly about your pain. You all have helped me more than you know.

Kenda

I am so

> You should give yourself a pat on the back for doing such thorough research

and

finding this wonderful support group.

>

> I was in your situation in 2003. I researched implants and the pros and cons

of

them. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. The plastic surgeons

have a

way of making everything sound so safe. The warning signs are all there but,

" It will

never happen to you " the saline implants are so safe. WRONG!

>

> I do hope you take the time to read some of the posts from some of the women

on

this site. If only I had found this site before my surgery last May, I would

have

saved myself a lot of heart ache...not to mention a lot of Hair!

>

> You see Kenda, I would consider myself one of the lucky ones. My only

symptom is chronic hair loss. It is stated in the disclaimer you have to sign,

but

who would have thought it would happen to me. I have about 50% of the hair on

my

head that I had before implants.

>

> I had my implants in for only 9 Months and I had them removed. I put two and

two together and knew that the implants were making my hair fall out. I also

knew

that if they were doing this to me this early on, what would my symptoms be like

in

a few months or a year from now?

>

> I am just trying to save you some grief. The implants only last between 7-12

years before you have to have them replaced.

> They don't feel real while they are in your chest.

> They make you very self conscience.

> You have to massage them all of the time so you don't get capsular

contraction.

> Most likely you will have to have more than just one surgery.

> You can't sleep on your stomach because you feel like you are balancing on two

balls.

> The list goes on and on!

>

> The most important thing is that you are taking a chance with your health.

You

might not get sick...or you might be just like one of us fighting for your

health, and

wishing you had those little boobs you had before the surgery.

>

> If your breasts are saggy from having babies, than I would highly recommend

getting JUST a lift. It has done wonders for my breasts as they are as perky as

a

teenagers...just smaller.

>

> I love the way my breasts look now that I don't have those foreign objects

tugging

at my skin. I love that they are soft and fall like they are supposed to be.

>

> Save yourself the worry and not to mention the pain of implants. Love your

body

the way God made it. My vote would be NOT to get the implants!

>

> Do as you may, and know that we are all here for you. Ask as many questions

as

you need to before you make this decision. Best of Luck to you!

>

> Marie

>

> New member

>

> Hi everyone, my name is Kenda and I am new to your list. I had an

> initial

> consultation with a plastic surgeon regarding breast implants. I am

> 44 years old and

> have wanted them for years. I am thin, 5'4 " , 100 pounds, and have

> what I call 1/2

> breasts. After two pregnancies and breastfeeding, the upper outer

> part of my

> breasts are sunken. I went to three different plastic surgeons for

> consults and all

> were surprised that at my size I had as much breast tissue as I did

> -- a perfect

> candidate for implants! Excitedly I booked my surgery for 4/22. I

> was happy about

> my decision for less than a day and have been researching implants

> for hours on end ever since.

>

> The reason I am here is that I want your opinions regarding saline

> implant safety.

> All of the doctors tell me there is NO risk and that the material

> used is inert and the

> fluid inside is saline water and will simply be absorbed by my body

> if one should

> rupture. After seeing your photos, I can't say that I'd want my body

> to absorb that

> fluid! I spoke with my ND and he said that if I ever had a positive

> ANA test, I

> should not have the surgery because I would be at a higher risk for

> autoimmune

> diseases. My current ANA is negative but two tests 12 and 10 years

> ago I believe were

> positive and speckled -- I'll have to have my ND interpret the tests for me

when I

> see him tomorrow. My health is not something I am willing to gamble for

cosmetic

> gain. I had fibromyalgia about 10 years ago and was very sick for about 5

years.

I

> beat it 5 years ago and don't ever want to feel that way again. Has anyone

here

> ever had their ANA tested either prior to

> implantation or following?

>

> At this point in my life I am either going to go for it or put the

> idea away

> permanently. I am definitely leaning toward not having the surgery

> but need the kick

> in the butt from you who have already been there. I believe the doctors are

lying

to

> me but also wonder if I am being paranoid.

>

> Thank you so much for your help.

>

> Kenda

>

> Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice given by

licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician or licensed health

care

professional before commencing any medical treatment.

>

> " Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you.

Find out

what the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live a happy life

and

how to work for a better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner

(1954,

Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

>

Report post · March 29, 2005

Hi Marie,

I feel so lucky today, like someone (all of you and Dr. Melmed) saved me from a

certain hell. Because I have had fibro and my ANA levels were elevated in the

past,

I am one who likely would develop autoimmune problems from implants. The

plastic

surgeons dismiss it and say that all of you would have had problems anyway.

This

is something I just couldn't accept. All of our bodies are different and some

of us

are more sensitive than others. To me that means that without the silicone

trigger,

you wouldn't have had the cause to get sick, it's simple cause and effect.

My husband was never for the implant surgery, I had to push him into believing

they

were safe and that I would look and feel better with them -- something he never

believed.

Thank you so much for all the information you have given me and for posting

publicly about your pain. You all have helped me more than you know.

Kenda

I am so

> You should give yourself a pat on the back for doing such thorough research

and

finding this wonderful support group.

>

> I was in your situation in 2003. I researched implants and the pros and cons

of

them. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. The plastic surgeons

have a

way of making everything sound so safe. The warning signs are all there but,

" It will

never happen to you " the saline implants are so safe. WRONG!

>

> I do hope you take the time to read some of the posts from some of the women

on

this site. If only I had found this site before my surgery last May, I would

have

saved myself a lot of heart ache...not to mention a lot of Hair!

>

> You see Kenda, I would consider myself one of the lucky ones. My only

symptom is chronic hair loss. It is stated in the disclaimer you have to sign,

but

who would have thought it would happen to me. I have about 50% of the hair on

my

head that I had before implants.

>

> I had my implants in for only 9 Months and I had them removed. I put two and

two together and knew that the implants were making my hair fall out. I also

knew

that if they were doing this to me this early on, what would my symptoms be like

in

a few months or a year from now?

>

> I am just trying to save you some grief. The implants only last between 7-12

years before you have to have them replaced.

> They don't feel real while they are in your chest.

> They make you very self conscience.

> You have to massage them all of the time so you don't get capsular

contraction.

> Most likely you will have to have more than just one surgery.

> You can't sleep on your stomach because you feel like you are balancing on two

balls.

> The list goes on and on!

>

> The most important thing is that you are taking a chance with your health.

You

might not get sick...or you might be just like one of us fighting for your

health, and

wishing you had those little boobs you had before the surgery.

>

> If your breasts are saggy from having babies, than I would highly recommend

getting JUST a lift. It has done wonders for my breasts as they are as perky as

a

teenagers...just smaller.

>

> I love the way my breasts look now that I don't have those foreign objects

tugging

at my skin. I love that they are soft and fall like they are supposed to be.

>

> Save yourself the worry and not to mention the pain of implants. Love your

body

the way God made it. My vote would be NOT to get the implants!

>

> Do as you may, and know that we are all here for you. Ask as many questions

as

you need to before you make this decision. Best of Luck to you!

>

> Marie

>

> New member

>

> Hi everyone, my name is Kenda and I am new to your list. I had an

> initial

> consultation with a plastic surgeon regarding breast implants. I am

> 44 years old and

> have wanted them for years. I am thin, 5'4 " , 100 pounds, and have

> what I call 1/2

> breasts. After two pregnancies and breastfeeding, the upper outer

> part of my

> breasts are sunken. I went to three different plastic surgeons for

> consults and all

> were surprised that at my size I had as much breast tissue as I did

> -- a perfect

> candidate for implants! Excitedly I booked my surgery for 4/22. I

> was happy about

> my decision for less than a day and have been researching implants

> for hours on end ever since.

>

> The reason I am here is that I want your opinions regarding saline

> implant safety.

> All of the doctors tell me there is NO risk and that the material

> used is inert and the

> fluid inside is saline water and will simply be absorbed by my body

> if one should

> rupture. After seeing your photos, I can't say that I'd want my body

> to absorb that

> fluid! I spoke with my ND and he said that if I ever had a positive

> ANA test, I

> should not have the surgery because I would be at a higher risk for

> autoimmune

> diseases. My current ANA is negative but two tests 12 and 10 years

> ago I believe were

> positive and speckled -- I'll have to have my ND interpret the tests for me

when I

> see him tomorrow. My health is not something I am willing to gamble for

cosmetic

> gain. I had fibromyalgia about 10 years ago and was very sick for about 5

years.

I

> beat it 5 years ago and don't ever want to feel that way again. Has anyone

here

> ever had their ANA tested either prior to

> implantation or following?

>

> At this point in my life I am either going to go for it or put the

> idea away

> permanently. I am definitely leaning toward not having the surgery

> but need the kick

> in the butt from you who have already been there. I believe the doctors are

lying

to

> me but also wonder if I am being paranoid.

>

> Thank you so much for your help.

>

> Kenda

>

> Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice given by

licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician or licensed health

care

professional before commencing any medical treatment.

>

> " Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you.

Find out

what the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live a happy life

and

how to work for a better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner

(1954,

Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

>

Report post · March 29, 2005

Hi Rogene,

I am so thankful that all of you have made your voices heard so that some of us won’t endanger our health. It’s hard to discuss health issues with someone who has never been sick, they don’t seem to understand what it’s like. Having had fibro and other health issues, it’s a road I never want to go down again. My sister has 10 year-old silicone implants and has never had them checked out. She doesn’t understand my decision not to have the surgery. Nearly all of the women at the gym I go to have breast implants, it seems it’s the thing to do. I’ll remain a minority.

Kenda

Kenda,

I'm delighted to hear you've decided against implants.

That's one decision you'll never regret . . . If you

have any second thoughts, please think of us.

I think I can speak for all of us when I say that

getting breast implants was the worst single decision

we made in our lives. We're doing what we can to make

a postitive experience out of it by helping others.

It's always wonderful to know another woman won't have

to go down that road.

Please tell you friends!

Hugs,

Rogene

Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician or licensed health care professional before commencing any medical treatment.

" Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954, Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

Report post · March 29, 2005

Hi Cristina,

The plastic surgeon said I don’t need a lift. Did you find someone other than the doc who implanted you to do the lift? I’m wondering if it would help for 1/2 breasts -- that’s what I call my breasts after breast feeding.

Kenda

Hi and Welcome!

As a mother of two boys that I breastfed, I totally can completely empathize with you regarding the change in your breasts. I too, had saggy breasts that my PS convinced me that implants would cure. After 3 surgeries for Capsular Contracture in less than a year, along with flu-like symptoms and fatigue, I decided to explant on March 17th, along with a full lift. How I wish I had gotten just the lift in the first place! They are exactly how I wanted them to be, and I would have saved thousands of dollars, as well as a lot of pain and heartache.

I am so glad you found this site, and decided not to implant. I wish I had before I decided to have my implants. Best of luck to you!

Cristina

homemadesoaper <kdskaggs@...> wrote:

Hi Rogene,

You are right, the voice in my head has been screaming at me to stop. I knew I

wouldn't get support to get implants here, I wanted the truth because it seems few

plastic surgeons give it. After reading here and talking to Dr. Melmed, I am totally

convinced NOT to get implants. Since kicking fibro years ago and all the diseases I

had along with it, I place much value in my health. Too much value to risk it for the

sake of rounder breasts.

Thank you for saving me from what so many of you are going through. You will

never know how much I appreciate it.

Kenda

> Welcome . . . I'm sure you already know you won't be

> encouraged to get implants here! Our ladies have had

> ban experiences and stay around to help inform others.

>

> The most importa nt, most powerful voice is that one in

> your head that's telling you what you SHOULD do. . .

>

> Most of us heard it, and disregarded it.

>

> The nightmares that go with implants are too many to

> list. Suicide is 4X's that among implanted women as

> other plastic surgery patients . . . Is that enough to

> know?

>

> Hugs and prayers,

>

> Rogene

Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician or licensed health care professional before commencing any medical treatment.

" Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954, Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

Report post · March 29, 2005

Hi Sue,

What type of products are you using to detox with? I have used so many over the years, I feel like an expert.

Kenda

Dear Kendra,

Thanks for the reply its really kind of you to mention your ND, I live in England so its impossible for me but some of the ladies will find it useful, THANKYOU.

I am so glad you have decided against implants, you are both lucky and clever to have researched things so well, if only 20 years ago I had the same opportunity to look into everything as you have done I would have my health.

Keep well Kendra, I intend to keep dettoxing as much as I can.

Keep intouch

Sue.

Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician or licensed health care professional before commencing any medical treatment.

" Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954, Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

Report post · March 29, 2005

Kenda

You sound like a very smart lady and I applaud your efforts to find

out the truth. We all have heard the same old story about how

saline implants aren't harmful. The hundreds of women on this site

all with very similar stories prove otherwise. I never had my ana

tested but, like you, I had fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed when I

was 26 yr. old. Most of my symptoms weren't bad then--just

annoying. They came and went and as long as I got my rest, it was

no problem. When I was 35 I decided to get implants as I was

terribly terribly flat and had always wanted to know what it would

be like to actually have breasts. I had no shape whatsoever.

None. My 2 sisters and best friend had gotten saline and assured me

they were safe. As the years passed after I got implants, my

fibromyalgia worsened. I had just about every symptom imaginable.

I had more bad days than good, but never thought it was anything

other than fibromyalgia. Then 4 years ago, over a few month period

of time, my symptoms took on a sinister turn. I started developing

many many new symptoms--frightening ones. My heart, skin, muscles,

tendons, stomach, lungs, everything became involved. I had brain

dysfunction so bad that I absolutely couldn't stand the way I felt.

I kept hoping it would go away. I tried everything I knew to try.

It didnt get better it got worse. I was scared to death I was

dying. then God guided me to this site and I saw how similar my

symptoms were to everyone elses. Immediately I scheduled an

explant. Within weeks, my weirdest brain dysfunction left. I had

to go on a therapy with antibiotics and have spent thousands of

dollars to try and get better. I am much much better than I was.

Even alot of my fibromyalgia symptoms are better (maybe they never

were fibro symptoms. I mean most autoimmune diseases have many

similar symptoms.) I still experience waxing and waning of fatigue,

and muscle spasms mainly and I am trying hard to get the rest of my

health back. I was diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue disorder

which is an autoimmune disorder of unknown origin with features of

more than one autoimmune disease. I had symptoms of lupus and

scleroderma. This is what the implants did for me. And by the way,

I have a negative ana. ANA's are helpful in diagnosing autoimmune

illness, but not necessary to have one. Dr. don't seem to get

that. YOu can die from an autoimmune illness like lupus,

scleroderma, etc and still have a negative ana. But the fact that

you had a positive ana at one time should be a neon sign

flashing " DANGER, DANGER " to you. Your body is already sensitive

that way. You are a very lucky lady if you overcame fibromyalgia

and I guarantee you are playing with fire if you should get

implants. Run, don't walk as far away from implants as you can

get. And read the posts from many ladies here who are glad to have

their small soft breasts back and be rid of those unnatural looking

and feeling implants. Putting a foreign object in your body is just

looking for trouble. Believe me, you will never regret not getting

implants, but you may very well regret it if you do.

The women on this group are just so happy to regain their health---

like you said, cosmetic appearance just means so little compared to

health. So spend you money on a fabulous vacation instead. God

bless.

Hugs

Kathy

--- In , " homemadesoaper " <skaggs@c...>

wrote:

>

> Hi everyone, my name is Kenda and I am new to your list. I had an

> initial

> consultation with a plastic surgeon regarding breast implants. I

am

> 44 years old and

> have wanted them for years. I am thin, 5'4 " , 100 pounds, and have

> what I call 1/2

> breasts. After two pregnancies and breastfeeding, the upper outer

> part of my

> breasts are sunken. I went to three different plastic surgeons for

> consults and all

> were surprised that at my size I had as much breast tissue as I did

> -- a perfect

> candidate for implants! Excitedly I booked my surgery for 4/22. I

> was happy about

> my decision for less than a day and have been researching implants

> for hours on end ever since.

>

> The reason I am here is that I want your opinions regarding saline

> implant safety.

> All of the doctors tell me there is NO risk and that the material

> used is inert and the

> fluid inside is saline water and will simply be absorbed by my body

> if one should

> rupture. After seeing your photos, I can't say that I'd want my

body

> to absorb that

> fluid! I spoke with my ND and he said that if I ever had a

positive

> ANA test, I

> should not have the surgery because I would be at a higher risk for

> autoimmune

> diseases. My current ANA is negative but two tests 12 and 10 years

> ago I believe were

> positive and speckled -- I'll have to have my ND interpret the

tests for me when I

> see him tomorrow. My health is not something I am willing to

gamble for cosmetic

> gain. I had fibromyalgia about 10 years ago and was very sick for

about 5 years. I

> beat it 5 years ago and don't ever want to feel that way again.

Has anyone here

> ever had their ANA tested either prior to

> implantation or following?

>

> At this point in my life I am either going to go for it or put the

> idea away

> permanently. I am definitely leaning toward not having the surgery

> but need the kick

> in the butt from you who have already been there. I believe the

doctors are lying to

> me but also wonder if I am being paranoid.

>

> Thank you so much for your help.

>

> Kenda

Report post · March 30, 2005

Kathy,

Thank you so much for telling me about yourself. All of your stories have made my decision so much easier. I actually was happy today as I told my family and friends that the surgery was off — for good! I will call the plastic surgeon’s office tomorrow to cancel with him as well.

It’s terrible how a lot of us feel that we would be more attractive or more womanly if we had larger breasts. I read a website that listed 48 reasons not to get breast implants. One of the reasons was would we (as women) look at a man with a penile implant as being more attractive. I had to laugh because it seemed so ridiculous, of course a man wouldn’t be more attractive with a penile implant. So what is it that made me think I would be more attractive with larger breasts.

I was in my late 20’s when I was first diagnosed with fibro as well, much younger than the typical patient. My symptoms weren’t bad in the beginning, similar to the way you explain yours. In time, they were debilitating. Any time I would overdo something, like clean house too long or attempt to exercise, I would spend two weeks in bed. I now exercise at the gym three days a week with a trainer and take yoga lessons twice a week. I also cycle from time to time. All things I couldn’t do with fibro. I even went skiing for the first time in over 20 years last week.

Fibro is difficult to kick but in time I believe each of you can and will. You all have so much determination and strength to get your health back. I admire each of you.