Re: I need some elp, I'm a little over whelmed

[Guest guest]

Allyson,

First let me welcome you to the group . . . It's

obvious you are cramming for your explant.

First . . . Be sure to contact Deb Pettitt

dpettitt@.... She's beginning a study to

determine why women are getting sick from their

implants. It's free. It may be some months before the

results of your tests are known though. If you intend

to sue, the results of these tests should be

beneficial.

The reason we have a list of recommended doctors is

that most plastic surgeons will not remove implants

correctly (en bloc), and use drains. Often they will

try to get a woman to replace her implants and tell

her she will be deformed without them. . NOT TRUE! The

explanting doctor is usually (but not always) the

worse choice.

The reason you want your implants removed en bloc is

so, if there the fluid in the capsule or implant is

contaminated, it will not spill into your chest

cavity. There are times when it's not possible to

remove the entire capsule without risking further

injury. . . This is where you need a doctor in whom

you have complete confidence! It takes more time and

expertise to remove implants properly . . . Most

surgeons don't want to take the time.

Normally, your capsules and implants are sent to a

pathologist after they are removed . . . This is part

of your explant fee.

If you chose to do so, you can send your capsules and

implants to Dr. Blais who will do more through

testing, doing cultures, and examine your implant for

flaws that lead to your problems. You would send you

implants to him if there's a possiblity that you would

sue, or if you are sick and want to know what

pathogens you are dealing with. This can help your

doctor treat you. Dr. Blais fee varies, depending on

what is being tested and reported . . .estimated cost

$350-$500.

I don't know about the credentials your naturopath has

.. . . I'd suggest making the rounds of reputable

health food stores and asking who they recommend.

Finding a really good naturopath is like finding gold!

I would look for recommendations from other patients

too. Naturopathic doctors are not covered under health

insurance, nor are the supplements.

You would likely benefit from beginning detoxing now.

It's going to take months to years, even after you're

explanted. Ladies here who began detoxing early

usually bounce back quickly after explant. Expecting

to regain your health by just detoxing would be a

stretch.

There's a possiblity your explant may be covered by

your health insurance. They will usually say no

initially. But there are conditions where insurance

does pay. The doctors we recommend know the codes

necessary to get approval. Nevertheless, you will

probably have to put up cash and wait for your

insurance company to reimburse you.

I hope this helps . . . I'm sure the other ladies here

will have suggestions to get you started too . . . I

know it's overwhelming, especially when you feel sick.

But the good news is that, with explant and detox, you

can get your life back!

Hugs and prayers,

Rogene

[Guest guest]

Allyson

Welcome to our group. You have asked alot of good questions. Alot

of times your doctor that did the implants is not the first choice

for the explant. They almost always deny that your implants are

causing any problems and often are negative about the explant. They

also don't tend to see the need for removing the implants en bloc.

That is why we recommend the docs we do---they believe that implants

can cause autoimmune illness and that removing them properly is

important to your outcome. If they should leave the capsule inside,

your chances of recovery are lessened as the capsules can contain

debri from the implants. So it is important to make sure that your

doctor will actually remove the capsule. I would pay to have Dr.

Blais look at the implants. It can give you more info on what is

going on inside your body. I didn't do it and wish now that I had.

You can begin to detox before explant, but most people wont see much

improvement until they are explanted. Certainly you can begin

changing your diet, drinking lots of water, taking probiotics, etc.

We have alot of good information in our files and archives about all

types of cleansing and detoxification. Most women who get well

explant and detox both.

Feel free to ask any other questions you might have.

Hugs kathy

> Hello,

> Several weeks ago I found your support group and have since then

been

> reading all the infor mation. I had mentioned my situation which

is

> like most of the women who use this support group. I had saline

> implant 3 years ago and am now developing autoimmune contions such

as

> graves disease/hyperthyroidism. No one can say for 100% that my

> implants are the cause for this, but I believe it is very likely.

I

> plan to meet with my plastic Surgeon who implanted me 3 years ago

to

> discuss having them removed and the costs. Okay Now this is where

I

> need some help. After reading many of the postings, I am feeling

> overwhelmed. You postings have recommended specific Doc's and it

> said to as if they are familiar with the en bloc removing. Also,

the

> pathology letter is a bit. There is alot of reference to

attorneys.

> I do not have an attorney. Also, will I have to pay for this

> Pathology report or do all pathologist do this. Aslo there is

> mention to have then maild to that one Dr.B_--- (I can't remember

how

> to spell his name). Do I do both> Does it cost alot of mony to

have

> Dr. B do his report. How much money do these pathology rport

cost.

> Also, I'm confused about the removal of the capsil. It mention to

> have the lineing attached. Is this for saline also. Other

questions

> that I have are about the herbal care. I plan to see a doctor of

> natural medicine. Care you fill me in on what I should look for in

> degrees with this doctor. She seems to be very well educated. She

> has her ND in Natural Medicaine, her CNHP certification as

anatural

> health professioanl, she has completed the Toudh for Health series

> and has taken 3 courses n professioanl Kinesiology ( through and

> accredited interntional collage) she completed her dotor of

applied

> homeopathy, recieved her national ceritfication by the board of

the

> american Naturopathis Medical association and she is licensed to

> practice in Ashington D.c. Virginia where I live she says does not

> license traditional naturopaths. I know these are alot of

question,

> please forgive me, but should I wait to start the detox and

herbals

> until after the explantation? I'm not sure how soon I will be

able

> to get it done. I'm hoping within the next 6 months, but it will

> depend on the expense. And my last question was about the prior

> mention about the pathologist report. Is the examination of the

> implants needed for treatment in my recovery or is more to address

> issue in law suits. I called my insurance and they do not cover

any

> of these cost of course and I did not think they would but I

wanted

> to just make sure. Patty or anyone else who could give me some

help

> here it would be great. I can also be reached at 757-715-2796.

I'm

> grateful for the support here on this site.

>

> Thanks again,

> Allyson

[Guest guest]

allyson

Ok- that was a lot to answer but I will sure try... Certain docs are recommended here as some are much better than others at the proper removal. That is very important to your recovery - if you go to a doc that does not remove them intact with the capsules you could run into issues. also - if you go to a doc that doesn't believe in implant illness you run into issues there as well as them being truthful with you about the surgery and what they did, etc. It completely depends on which surgeon you use as to how much it costs... that is hard to answer. I would never go back to my original surgeon as I didn't trust him as I felt he lied to me about the illness, etc. Dr. Blais in Canada is the one I used to analyze my implants. There are several different reports to choose from - mine was around $350 or so and it was the highest. That was two years ago though. I used him mainly to appeal my insurance as my implants proved to be leaking and full of mold. My insurance said they would not cover the surgery unless I had severe capsular contracture or they were leaking. As far as legal options go... not sure what you mean there. If you only got yours 3 years ago you more than likely signed the informed consent which may cause issues there. I pursued the legal thing very hard for quite some time with no luck. In my state the statute of limitations was up at 4 years after implant and I was at 7.... My atty was going to go after Mentor as both implants were leaking from their faulty valves but gave it up due to the limitations thing. You may want to research that right away in your state to see what the year limits are. If it is the doc your are considering suing then I would definitely look for another to explant you... that might prove to be an issue. Most will try to tell you crap like "you can't get your implants back as I have to send them back to the factory to be analyzed, etc., and so on". they are full of it - they are your and you paid for them so do not dare leave the hospital without them. If they are not handled properly that may also mess up a lawsuit so you have to be careful. Dr. Blais can tell you what to do. If he finds enough evidence in your implants that they are causing your illnesses, which I am pretty sure he will, then you can appeal you insurance possibly or have a lawsuit. Laws are different in every state so check them out before it is too late.... I wish I had as I would have had an awesome case against my doc and Mentor but they were protected by the limitations.

Getting your implants removed properly and getting a good detox program is your best bet judging on all the women I have talk to incuding myself. There is a lot of good info on the site about different doctors and programs. Borrow or take out a loan if you have to... removal is key to getting better.

I hope I have answered some of your questions at least... please feel free to contact me anytime for more info.

good luck!!!

shari

www.BreastImplantAwareness.org/shari.htm

[Guest guest]

> Allyson,

>

> First let me welcome you to the group . . . It's

> obvious you are cramming for your explant.

>

> First . . . Be sure to contact Deb Pettitt

> dpettitt@y... She's beginning a study to

> determine why women are getting sick from their

> implants. It's free. It may be some months before the

> results of your tests are known though. If you intend

> to sue, the results of these tests should be

> beneficial.

>

> The reason we have a list of recommended doctors is

> that most plastic surgeons will not remove implants

> correctly (en bloc), and use drains. Often they will

> try to get a woman to replace her implants and tell

> her she will be deformed without them. . NOT TRUE! The

> explanting doctor is usually (but not always) the

> worse choice.

>

> The reason you want your implants removed en bloc is

> so, if there the fluid in the capsule or implant is

> contaminated, it will not spill into your chest

> cavity. There are times when it's not possible to

> remove the entire capsule without risking further

> injury. . . This is where you need a doctor in whom

> you have complete confidence! It takes more time and

> expertise to remove implants properly . . . Most

> surgeons don't want to take the time.

>

> Normally, your capsules and implants are sent to a

> pathologist after they are removed . . . This is part

> of your explant fee.

>

> If you chose to do so, you can send your capsules and

> implants to Dr. Blais who will do more through

> testing, doing cultures, and examine your implant for

> flaws that lead to your problems. You would send you

> implants to him if there's a possiblity that you would

> sue, or if you are sick and want to know what

> pathogens you are dealing with. This can help your

> doctor treat you. Dr. Blais fee varies, depending on

> what is being tested and reported . . .estimated cost

> $350-$500.

>

> I don't know about the credentials your naturopath has

> . . . I'd suggest making the rounds of reputable

> health food stores and asking who they recommend.

> Finding a really good naturopath is like finding gold!

> I would look for recommendations from other patients

> too. Naturopathic doctors are not covered under health

> insurance, nor are the supplements.

>

> You would likely benefit from beginning detoxing now.

> It's going to take months to years, even after you're

> explanted. Ladies here who began detoxing early

> usually bounce back quickly after explant. Expecting

> to regain your health by just detoxing would be a

> stretch.

>

> There's a possiblity your explant may be covered by

> your health insurance. They will usually say no

> initially. But there are conditions where insurance

> does pay. The doctors we recommend know the codes

> necessary to get approval. Nevertheless, you will

> probably have to put up cash and wait for your

> insurance company to reimburse you.

>

> I hope this helps . . . I'm sure the other ladies here

> will have suggestions to get you started too . . . I

> know it's overwhelming, especially when you feel sick.

> But the good news is that, with explant and detox, you

> can get your life back!

>

> Hugs and prayers,

>

> Rogene

Kathy, Rogene and ladies,

Thanks for getting back to me. I guess the first thing is for me to

talk to the Doctor who did my implants and ask him if he will do the

en bloc explant and if he has ever done it. Now please explain to me

what this capsule if. Is this the skin that was surrounding the

implant? Also, do you know of any doctors that have been recommended

in Virgina. Of the list of Doctors that have been provided by the

group, who has been able to get the insurance company to pay.

The ND was recommended by a friend of a freind who had been going to

her. And this ND trained under andther ND in the area who was also

recommended to me by several people. I'm going to meet with her on

Monday. Should I discuss anything specifically with her what about

the detox? I guess I could print out the things that you all have on

this support group and see if she could help me with this. When

should I contact DR. Blais? What grounds to I have to sue really? I

really am upset about this but it was my risk right? Aren't the PS

covered by the fine printed documents that I signed before the

implant? also, specifically how would having Dr. B examine them help

my treatment. Would they see if there were certain molds and then

test my allergies for that or something and then treat me if I were

allergic? Also, what type of codes do these doctors use has anyone

here have any info on this?

Thanks again,

Allyson

[Guest guest]

Allyson,

The capsule is the tissue that forms around your

implant as your body attempts to wall off self from

non-self. . . It's not true scar tissue since it has a

blood supply. This blood supply allows material from

the capsule to be distributed throughout your body.

It's very important that it be removed entire - if at

all possible. There are cases when it's not, but those

should be few and far between.

Insurance will not pay if they exempt " complications

from cosmetic surgery " . However, other companies pay

for severe capsular contraction, or if the implants

were found to be contaminated (that may be much later

- after Dr. Blais checks them), or if you are having

severe health issues that may be caused by your

implants. Under the right conditions, all plastic

surgeons should be able to get coverage. The codes

used are common among all insurance companies. The

codes describe the condition and type of surgery to be

done. What you need to sell your insurance company on

is the fact that getting your implants out so you can

regain your health is a lot cheaper than paying the

bills you will accumulate if you stay sick.

Where you may have a law suit is if your implants are

found to have a particular valve that Mentor produced.

I was used in other brands as well. The valve was

defective. The continued using that valve after

knowing it was defective. There may be some other

issues, but I'm not sure about them. I don't think the

attorney's want them discussed online. Also, you may

find an attorney through private emails. We do not

want to publish the names of attorneys taking cases

because this may jeaprodize their work.

Contact Dr. Blais before having your implants removed.

He will give you the procedure for shipping your

implants from the doctor to you. DO NOT take personal

possession of your implants if there's a chance you

will sue. This will likely destroy your chances.

The plastic surgeons are covered, but if the

manufacturer knowingly produced a faulty device, the

papers you signed may be nullified.

Dr. Blais will check for pathogens . . . organisms

that contaminate your implants, that shouldn't be

there, that may be making your ill. He will grow

cultures of these organisms to see what they are. In

Shari's case, he found a huge number of organisms -

including debris from her surgeon's dropped ceiling.

The report he wrote convinced Shari's insurance

company to cover removal. Dr. Blais will also be able

to tell if your implants were defective when they were

manufactured.

Dr. Blais will not be testing for allergies. However,

many of us have developed Multiple chemical sensitivy

MCS . . . this will gradually fade away as you detox.

It's not a true allergy, but an overload of chemicals

in your system that goes into alarm mode as additional

chemicals are encountered.

I hope this helps! . . . I get the feeling that you're

one smart lady! Don't beat yourself up for getting

implants. We've been dupped by the best con artists in

the world!

Hugs and prayers,

Rogene

[Guest guest]

Hi Allyson,

The capsule is what your body forms around the implant to protect

itself from this foreign object. Everyone who gets implants gets

capsules. But everyone's capsules are different. Some women get

really thick ones right away, others only develop tissue paper thin

capsules. Capsules, when they begin to contract around the implant

in an effort to push it out of the body (think of a sliver and how

it gets pushed out of the body over time), can cause the terrible

hardening of the implants that many women experience. It is

appropriately called " Capsular contracture " .

Capsular contracture is one of the reasons that insurance companies

will pay for explant. My doctor, Dr. Karl Hiatt of Mesa, AZ, got my

insurance to pay for explant based upon a Baker IV grade of capsular

contracture. He wrote the letter, got approval and was great about

the whole explant surgery. I can only hope that he is still that

way.

By the way, he was not my implanting surgeon. My implanting surgeon

was not experienced in en bloc removal, which Hiatt did, and he was

actually just being a jerk about the whole illness association. That

is generally why we don't recommend going back to the implanting

doctor. As a rule, they are not willing to admit illness or be as

compassionate about our concerns as they need to be, and do not take

the explant process seriously. What I mean is, a proper explant can

mean the differnce between healing or not sometimes, and so we need

our explanting doctor to be one who treats us, and this procedure

with the utmost respect! Sometimes the implanting doctor gets

offended when we ask him to remove the implants he put in, and takes

a nasty attitude. You don't need that. But, sometimes they are

good about it and it all works out okay. You need to be the judge

of that.

I didn't see any Virginia doctors on our list, so you'll have to

check the list yourself to see where the closest doctor might be.

Dr. Kolb in Atlanta, Georgia is very, very knowledgeable about

implant issues, so you might want to check with her.

An ND is a great doctor to work with. They should understand all

about detoxing, so let us know what questions you have once you

consult with her. We can let you know what has worked for us. As a

general rule, I want to caution you about putting out alot of

money. You really shouldn't have to, as there are many detoxing

measures you can do at home that are cheap and effective. Such as

epsom salt baths, eating raw garlic, enemas, and the like. You

shouldn't have to dish out tons of money for supplements (there are

a few we recommend, but you shouldn't have to go out and spend lots

and lots of money on them.) Beware of falling for everything they

throw at you.

Dr. Blais offers valuable information for two reasons: 1) If you

want to pursue legal action, you will need an expert analysis of

your properly handled implants, which he can do and

2)For healing, it is helpful to know what your implants are

contaminated with, so you know what you are fighting. However, his

reports are not for everyone...sometimes the money is better spent

on healing if you know for sure you are not going to pursue legal

options, and you have limited funds. Since we know that healing

requires detoxing, no matter what " bugs " or infections you are

dealing with, paying for that report can be a luxury for some.

But do call him....he is a wonderful man, and can answer many

questions about implant dangers. His phone number in Canada:

613.728.8688

Suing is generally unsuccessful because the manufacturers have

learned their way around in court. They know what needs to be said

to win. Doubt has been in their corner for years because of the

skewed and flawed studies they've funded. It's a game they've

played to their advantage and they really sugar coat it in the press

to make them look like victims of hysterical women. Their cover up

has gone well for them, but we can only pray that God will intervene

and let the real truth about the real victims of their greed be

revealed someday.

Patty

> Kathy, Rogene and ladies,

> Thanks for getting back to me. I guess the first thing is for me

to

> talk to the Doctor who did my implants and ask him if he will do

the

> en bloc explant and if he has ever done it. Now please explain to

me

> what this capsule if. Is this the skin that was surrounding the

> implant? Also, do you know of any doctors that have been

recommended

> in Virgina. Of the list of Doctors that have been provided by the

> group, who has been able to get the insurance company to pay.

> The ND was recommended by a friend of a freind who had been going

to

> her. And this ND trained under andther ND in the area who was also

> recommended to me by several people. I'm going to meet with her on

> Monday. Should I discuss anything specifically with her what

about

> the detox? I guess I could print out the things that you all have

on

> this support group and see if she could help me with this. When

> should I contact DR. Blais? What grounds to I have to sue really?

I

> really am upset about this but it was my risk right? Aren't the

PS

> covered by the fine printed documents that I signed before the

> implant? also, specifically how would having Dr. B examine them

help

> my treatment. Would they see if there were certain molds and then

> test my allergies for that or something and then treat me if I

were

> allergic? Also, what type of codes do these doctors use has anyone

> here have any info on this?

>

> Thanks again,

> Allyson

[Guest guest]

Hi Allyson,

Welcome to the group!

Just want to let you know you are not alone and we all understand how

overwhelming this can be. This is a wonderful group of women with

lots of great information.... I found it helpful to take one step at

a time as not to be too overwhelmed when I first found out what I had

to do...

Hang in there!

HUGS.. Rosie =)

> Allyson,

>

> The capsule is the tissue that forms around your

> implant as your body attempts to wall off self from

> non-self. . . It's not true scar tissue since it has a

> blood supply. This blood supply allows material from

> the capsule to be distributed throughout your body.

> It's very important that it be removed entire - if at

> all possible. There are cases when it's not, but those

> should be few and far between.

>

> Insurance will not pay if they exempt " complications

> from cosmetic surgery " . However, other companies pay

> for severe capsular contraction, or if the implants

> were found to be contaminated (that may be much later

> - after Dr. Blais checks them), or if you are having

> severe health issues that may be caused by your

> implants. Under the right conditions, all plastic

> surgeons should be able to get coverage. The codes

> used are common among all insurance companies. The

> codes describe the condition and type of surgery to be

> done. What you need to sell your insurance company on

> is the fact that getting your implants out so you can

> regain your health is a lot cheaper than paying the

> bills you will accumulate if you stay sick.

>

> Where you may have a law suit is if your implants are

> found to have a particular valve that Mentor produced.

> I was used in other brands as well. The valve was

> defective. The continued using that valve after

> knowing it was defective. There may be some other

> issues, but I'm not sure about them. I don't think the

> attorney's want them discussed online. Also, you may

> find an attorney through private emails. We do not

> want to publish the names of attorneys taking cases

> because this may jeaprodize their work.

>

> Contact Dr. Blais before having your implants removed.

> He will give you the procedure for shipping your

> implants from the doctor to you. DO NOT take personal

> possession of your implants if there's a chance you

> will sue. This will likely destroy your chances.

>

> The plastic surgeons are covered, but if the

> manufacturer knowingly produced a faulty device, the

> papers you signed may be nullified.

>

> Dr. Blais will check for pathogens . . . organisms

> that contaminate your implants, that shouldn't be

> there, that may be making your ill. He will grow

> cultures of these organisms to see what they are. In

> Shari's case, he found a huge number of organisms -

> including debris from her surgeon's dropped ceiling.

> The report he wrote convinced Shari's insurance

> company to cover removal. Dr. Blais will also be able

> to tell if your implants were defective when they were

> manufactured.

>

> Dr. Blais will not be testing for allergies. However,

> many of us have developed Multiple chemical sensitivy

> MCS . . . this will gradually fade away as you detox.

> It's not a true allergy, but an overload of chemicals

> in your system that goes into alarm mode as additional

> chemicals are encountered.

>

> I hope this helps! . . . I get the feeling that you're

> one smart lady! Don't beat yourself up for getting

> implants. We've been dupped by the best con artists in

> the world!

>

> Hugs and prayers,

>

> Rogene