Mary's Story I wish things were different! In 1984, I was 34, a mother of two, happily married for 14 years when I decided to get breast implants. There were no problems, if you had the money, you could get them. I had always wanted to have larger breasts, just to feel more feminine. I remember being 10 years old and stuffing my bra. I thought I knew how it felt to have a mastectomy as I never had any breast myself. I felt these ladies were the only people who could possibly know how I felt. So, I went to work part-time and saved my money, after all I thought I was through having children and I deserved to do something for myself. I wanted this more then anything. The surgery took place on November 15, 1984. It was very painful and to this day, I still describe the whole surgery experience, "to feeling like a truck running over my chest". I never looked forward to any such surgery again, but I was basically happy with the results. The only exception was about 2 months after implantation; my right implant had become hard and encapsulated. My plastic surgeon, without warning, literally put all his weight on my right breast and popped the scar tissue. I saw stars! I never complained again, and luckily I didn't need to. Not many people knew I had the surgery and I wasn't one to wear clothing that revealed my breast. I just felt normal, feminine and just prettier. I registered with both the MDL and Dow settlements during the time of the big controversy, but any doctor I went to, told me not to worry, so I didn't! If something isn't broke, don't fix it! I registered just to be safe. Now I am almost 52, and have been happily married almost 32 years. But the happiness I once felt, by having breast implants is now over. I had them removed But the happiness I once felt, by having breast implants is now over. I had them removed "enbloc" on January 14, 2002, by recommended Dr.Hiatt in Mesa, Arizona. I did not get them replaced. Up until November 2001, I thought I would have my implants forever, as they had become a part of me. I could not really remember being a 34A. I did think that maybe one day I would get them replaced, when the perfect implant was available. I heard many times that saline was not as natural feeling, so I was waiting. I waited too long! I developed health problems; I feel my health problems are related to the leaking of my silicone breast implants. I was afraid to get a replacement, as the capsules are still made of silicone, and my immune system might reject the silicone capsule. I do not worry about my breast size anymore, as my time is taken up by trying to find ways to feel better, and to regain my health. I had my Surgitek silicone breast implants made by Bristol-Myers, a total of 17 years. This is not the way I thought things would turn out, as I had always been told the whole silicone issue was pretty much nothing to worry about. "En bloc" on January 14, 2002, by recommended Dr.Hiatt in Mesa, Arizona. I did not get them replaced. Up until November 2001, I thought I would have my implants forever, as they had become a part of me. I could not really remember being a 34A. I did think that maybe one day I would get them replaced, when the perfect implant was available. I heard many times that saline was not as natural feeling, so I was waiting. I waited too long! I developed health problems; I feel my health problems are related to the leaking of my silicone breast implants. I was afraid to get a replacement, as the capsules are still made of silicone, and my immune system might reject the silicone capsule. I do not worry about my breast size anymore, as my time is taken up by trying to find ways to feel better, and to regain my health. I had my Surgitek silicone breast implants made by Bristol-Myers, a total of 17 years. This is not the way I thought things would turn out, as I had always been told the whole silicone issue was pretty much nothing to worry about. So what happened? I never have had any serious health problems, other than being diagnosed hypothyroid in 1995, when I was 45. But, a couple of years ago, I started to suffer with chronic pain in my left hip, which gradually led to more left sided pain and weakness; pain in my left shoulder and back, and also vision and cognitive problems. Oral medication, cortisone injections, nor physical therapy seemed to help this chronic constant pain I was having on my left side. The pain would even be worse during my sleeping hours as I could no longer sleep on my left side. Over numerous visits to my doctor, I had been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and CFS. I had no idea at the time that my health problems could possible be related to my breast implants. Then, In September of 2001, I was doing research on Fibromyalgia. I found the following articles that were linking "leaking silicone breast implants" to Fibromyalgia. These 2 articles can be read by clicking them: JREUM ABSTRACT Washington Post Article What if my implants were ruptured? Maybe my pain was being caused from silicone leaking outside of the capsule. Could the mammogram of March 2000, nearly 1 1/2 - 2 years ago have caused a rupture? The date's correlated with my onset of problems. I remember the technician was extremely rough compared to all the others I have had over the years and they did find the implant was herniated. I told by regular doctor that I had read this report and asked him if I should get an MRI? He agreed that perhaps I needed to find out if my problems were related to my implants. He sent me to my gynecologist-my gynecologist, did not examine me, but listened to me voice my concerns. He would not send me for an MRI as it said it was a personal issue I need to resolve, and that I need to go back to my regular doctor and ask to be referred to a Plastic Surgeon. He said the Plastic Surgeon is the one that can determine if I need an MRI or not. I cried when I returned to my car. I went back to by regular doctor, who has always listened with concern, and told him what had happened. He then gave me a referral me to see Dr. Hiatt. Once I saw the Plastic Surgeon, my breast explantation was scheduled for January 14, 2002. I did not have an MRI. My surgery revealed that both implants were ruptured and there was silicone outside the outer membrane of the capsules as well. I have a copy of the operative report, and it sounds worse then one could imagine. The condition of the ruptured implants is documented on the operative and pathology reports. I also have pictures that were taken during my explantation surgery. I also had the implants returned to me. So who is responsible for not knowing my aging implants could cause health problems, is it my gynecologist? He has been told that silicone breast implants are safe! - Isn't my gynecologist really the only one that could have helped me? -He is the only one that examines me. He examines breasts everyday-does he take time to read any new medical findings relative to women's breasts? Oh that's right, there are no problems, so he thinks! He knew I had older breast implants… I told him my breasts burned-but that was normal, he said. I called him after my mammogram in March 2000, and told his office that my implant(s) were thought to be ruptured and they did a sonogram. However, the sonogram revealed that one of the implants was only herniated. I asked his office what I should do. They did not have a definitive answer, nor did they ask me to come in and see the doctor about the findings. I assumed the nurse told the doctor, and he had nothing to say. Shouldn't I have been sent for an MRI then? Did he even receive a report from the breast center of the possible rupture, or at least a report that one of my implants was herniated? Even if he did, I do not believe that the doctor feels that silicone breast implants cause problems. He had told me more then once that this is how he felt about the whole silicone breast implant issue. Therefore, I went on with my life, assuming I did not have a problem. Once again the message conveyed to me was if something isn't broke, don't fix it! Then on my January 2001 gynecological visit, I informed him I had hip pain, I am depressed for no reason, and have cognitive problems, along with my breast burning and my breast seemed softer. In my discussion I told him once again about the previous years finding of my breast being herniated. He gave me the impression it was not anything to worry about. His only advice was to ask my primary care doctor about the hip pain, and make sure I go for my annual mammogram. I took his advice! I started seeing my regular doctor for my hip pain and I had a mammogram in May 2001. Shortly after this mammogram I began having pain in my shoulder too. So what is the responsibility of the mammography center? Isn't it their job to identify breast problems, not create them? I believe my aging implants were ruptured by them. My implants seemed softer, and the right side smaller. Since 1993, I have gone faithfully each year for my annual doctor and gynecological visits and I have had a special mammogram every year, with extra views because of the implants. I have done everything right! My special annual mammograms were all normal until March 2000. In May of 2001, I had my latest mammogram, and nothing was mentioned of the problems found in the March 2000 mammogram. They did not do a sonogram to confirm the previous years finding, and I was given a normal report once again. With all that I have been through, I feel very strongly that women with implants that are 10 years old or older should not be having mammograms. They should be told to have them explanted or even replaced to preserve their health. How many women with aging implants are getting mammograms and their implants are being ruptured? Doctors and mammography centers should be informed, so they can inform women (their patients) of the consequences of silicone leaking into their body! All the research that has been done that proves that silicone is safe, was done on silicone implant patients that have had their implants less then 10 years old. My implants were 17 years old! I had no health problems the first 10 years! It is illegal to have silicone injected into your breasts, so why is it okay to have silicone leaking into your breasts from aging implants. Anyone that has had a mammogram knows what kind of pressure is put on the breasts. Just to think that they were "squeezing the silicone into my breasts" makes me sick. It is now November 2002 and it has been nearly 10 months since I have had my silicone breast implants removed and a mastopexy. It has taken me all this time to compile my thoughts and organize my photos. I wanted to share them with others and perhaps even help anyone who might need my support. The whole ordeal has been very stressful, but I have improved somewhat since explantation. I still have my hip and shoulder pain but the pain to easier to bear now. At one time I could not sleep on my side at all, but I am able to somewhat now. I use to itch all the time on my arms, back, chest, and legs. The itching on my arms felt like someone was pulling on the hair follicles beneath my skin. I had become allergic to many things over the years. Since I had the implants removed my itching has completely gone. I am still allergic to certain chemicals, such as the chemicals they use at certain nail salons. Everyday I still deal with my hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, dry eyes, allergies, cognitive problems and loss on my once excellent vision. There are many days I do nothing but sleep. If I do have an eventful or busy day, I am completely wiped out the next. However, I am determined to get better and have recently joined the YMCA to start an exercise program. I will regain my body, soul, min, and spirit. I wish things were different, but they are not. There is one thing for sure; my daughters will not get implants. They have seen what I have gone through and continue to go through. I still might need some surgery to get the asymmetry I desire; only time will tell. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE MARY R's PHOTOS If I can help anyone in any way, you may email me at: Mary R.