Removal of silicone implants

[Guest guest]

Hello!

My name is Sharon Estes, and I am new to your group (although I've already heard from some of you-thanks!). I have had my silicone implants since mastectomy surgeries in 1999. Actually, I had saline ones from 1/00 to 1/02, then silicone because the first result was horrible cosmetically. I'm not sure I'm having any problems YET, just aches and pains (I had arthritis prior to the breast cancer), joint stiffness, fatigue (chronic insomnia)-that sort of thing. I've just started investigating a possible link between these symptoms and the implants. I guess my biggest concern is, should I have them removed, I will be totally flat and am not a candidate for the other types of reconstruction. What will this do to my self esteem and my marriage (which is shaky right now anyhow)? Also, after reading some of the web sites, the explantation with removal of the capsules and scar tissue is scary.

Anyhow, I'm really torn about what to do, but have contacted Dr. Rotatori's office in Winter Park, Florida, about a possible consult to answer some of my questions.

I would love to hear from any mastectomy patients, especially, to hear what you did in this situation and how you're doing now.

Thanks so much to everyone who has responded.

Sharon

SHARON Estes

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