Fwd: POST: Share horrors of silicone implants- Sally Kirkland

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Title: Share horrors of silicone implants

Source: USA Today; 04/15/2005

Accession Number: J0E343396677405

Database: Academic Search Premier

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Share horrors of silicone implants

Section: News, Pg. 20a

I was surprised and saddened that a newspaper of USA TODAY's caliber would run Sally Satel's biased commentary at a critical moment for women's health ("Data do not support ban on silicone breast implants," The Forum, Monday).

This week, a Food and Drug Administration panel considered whether to lift restrictions on the sale of silicone gel breast implants. I pray that another generation of women can be spared what I have suffered. I received silicone breast implants in 1986. Within three years, my health began to fail and got progressively worse. I was in crippling pain. Over the years, I was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, borderline multiple sclerosis and various other debilitating illnesses. When the silicone implants were removed in 1995, there was silicone all over my body -- in my blood, joints and organs. I then had three failed saline implant surgeries, which disfigured me. I got everything out in 1998.

Satel's commentary provided an overly sanitized view of the science on this issue. In fact, only a few studies have looked at women who've had implants for more than seven years or have broken, leaking implants. Such studies, several of which were conducted by independent government scientists, found increases in a variety of troubling health problems, such as fibromyalgia and rare cancers. I went from being a young yoga master and aerobics instructor to a very ill woman.

Since being explanted in 1998, my health has miraculously improved. I am teaching yoga again and living a healthy life. I sincerely hope other women will not have to endure what I have survived.

Sally Kirkland, actress

Golden Globe winner, nominee

Malibu, Calif.

© USA TODAY, 2005