Human Adjuvant Disease Corp!

[Guest guest]

Thank God for these efforts to educate!

http://www.orgsites.com/fl/adjuvantdisease/_pgg1.php3

The Human Adjuvant Disease Corp. receives several inquiries about

silicone and saline implants. These are the most frequently asked

questions.

Q: Which types of silicone implants are associated with illnesses?

A:All silicone implants can cause illnesses.This includes

cerebrospinal fluid shunt tubing, slow release hormone implants,

cardiac valves, intraocular lens implants, testicular prostheses,

penile implants, digital joint arthroplasty prostheses, breast

implants, pectoral implants, buttock implants, calf implants, malar

implants,jaw implants, chin implants, and of course saline implants.

Q: How do implants affect a patient's career, personal life, and

mental abilities?

A:Silicone-related diseases can affect every aspect of a patient's

life. Some patients may be unable to work because of the

debilitating symptoms that they have.Interpersonal relationships may

be affected too. Many patients also have cognitive dysfunction and

some develop psychological problems; both may occur in patients with

silicone induced immune dysfunction syndrome.

Some patients with silicone-related diseases only develop a few

symptoms and have a normal life,but others are completely disabled.

Q:I have been diagnosed with a silicone-related disease.When will I

begin to feel better after my implants are removed?

A:Most patients notice an improvement in their health immediately

following surgery.Others improve but do not completely recover. Some

remain disabled after explantation.Improvement depends on the age of

the patient, health before implantation, the duration of the

illness,and other factors. Significant laboratory and clinical

improvement should occur within the first two years after

explantation.

Q: Where can I report an illness or complication that is caused by

my implants?

A: Medwatch is the Food and Drug Administration's program for

reporting serious reactions and problems with medical products, such

as drugs and medical devices.

Q:Where can I find current information on breast implants?

A:The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) Breast

Implant Listserv provides current information on breast implants.

The CDRH distributes a monthly newsletter via email to their

subscribers.

Q:What are the complications associated with chin implants?

A:Complications associated with chin implants include the following:

bone erosion,nerve damage,hematoma,seroma, infection, implant

displacement,asymmetry,mobility, bleeding, swelling,bruising, and

silicone-related diseases.

Q:What are the complications associated with cheek implants?

A:Complications include resorption of the bone under the

implant,nerve damage,blood clot

formation,bruising,swelling,bleeding,infection,and silicone-related

diseases.

Q: What illnesses are associated with silicone implants?

A:Illnesses associated with breast implants include the following:

Fungal infections-Some patients with immune dysfunction induced by

silicone implants have fungal infections (i.e. systemic candidiasis)

associated with depressed natural killer T cell levels.

Bacterial infections-Some patients with implants become ill as a

result of bacteria such as Enterococcus and Staphylococcus aureus

which can be cultured out of breast capsules.

Diseases resembling Sjogren's disease, mixed connective tissue

disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, polymyositis,

dermatomyositis, and scleroderma.

Fibromyalgia

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Neurological disorders (e.g. MNDS)

Carcinomas including but not limited to the lung, brain, and vulva

Multiple chemical sensitivity

Q: What are the symptoms of a silicone-related disease?

A:According to W. , M.D. , Medical Director of the

Center for Immune, Environmental, and Toxic Disorders,these are the

most common symptoms experienced by patients with silicone

prosthetic devices:

breast pain or tenderness

fatigue, usually made worse by exercise

cognitive function problems, such as attention deficit disorder,

calculation difficulties, memory disturbance, spatial

disorientation, frequently saying the wrong word

psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, personality

changes, mood swings

sleep disturbance and non-restorative sleep

headaches of a greater intensity than before implantation

changes in vision

seizures

loss of balance

numbness and tingling

lightheadedness

paralysis

joint and muscle aches and pains

shortness of breath

lymph node enlargement

weight gain

low grade fevers

abnormal heart rhythm

hair loss

dry eyes and mouth

frequent canker sores in the mouth

low back pain

skin changes and/or rashes

severe muscular weakness

intolerance of bright lights

intolerance of alcohol

decreased libido

ringing in ears

decreased libido

muscle tremors

recurrent flu-like illnesses

severe allergies

irritable bowel syndrome

night sweats

uncomfortable urination

chest pain

cough

Raynaud's phenomenon

enlarged thyroid.

Q: What should I know about implants before I have surgery?

A:First,you should consider the reason(s) why you want to have

implants. You should have plastic surgery because you want to

enhance your appearance or because you need to have it for

reconstructive purposes.Do not have plastic surgery because someone

else (e.g. your spouse) wants you to do it. Also, there is a

condition called " body dysmorphic disorder " that affects some

patients who have plastic surgery. Patients with body dysmorphic

disorder or B.D.D. have an altered perception of their appearance

(ie.they may have an obsession with a minor physical imperfection

which may be imagined)that can affect their ability to have a normal

life.You shouldn't have surgery if you think that you may have B.D.D.

Next, you need to find a plastic surgeon who has experience with the

procedure that you want. Ask your physician how many of his/her

patients have had the same procedure. Ask to see photos of other

patients who have had the same procedure performed by that

doctor.Ask to speak to other patients who were satisfied with the

outcome of their surgeries.

Finally,you need to understand the complications that may occur with

the procedure that you are having. Ask your plastic surgeon to

discuss complications and silicone-related diseases with you before

you have surgery.

Q: I have a silicone-related disease and I feel like my family and

friends do not understand what I am going through.I feel " alone " .

A: Joining a support network can help you to cope with the medical

and personal problems that you are experiencing.Several support

groups are located on the Internet. There are also chat forums on

the Internet now where patients can interact with each for advice

and compassion. You're not alone.

You need to explain to your family and friends what is happening to

you. Maybe they do not comprehend how serious your condition is.

Provide information to them about your disease. Show them websites

and articles regarding silicone-related diseases.

These illnesses not only have an impact on the patient's life, but

also can affect others who are close to them. Perhaps you should

encourage your family and friends to join a support network with you.

Q: Can children exposed to silicone develop illnesses?

A: Research has demonstrated that children with ventriculoperitoneal

shunts and other types of silicone implants may experience

complications.

Second-generation effects are also possible, which may be due to one

of the following:

silicone leaching from the elastomer shell of a breast implant

the rupture of a silicone gel-filled breast implant

a gel bleed

Breast feeding a child may result in the development of an illness.

An unborn child may also be affected via the placenta.

Copyright 2004-2005,Human Adjuvant Disease Corp.

The information on this website is presented for educational

purposes.