Shattered Trust Surgeon’s Statements Just Didn’t Ring True
Emotionally and mentally when I was 13 years old, I physically appeared to be in my 20s. My breasts were large and pendulous and aside from the frightening, inappropriate comments looks and leers, my back hurt and my bra straps created grooves in my shoulders. I learned to feel uncomfortable about my body at an early age. There seemed to be nothing I could do.
When I was 24, I met with the area’s best plastic surgeon (as I was told) to discuss the possibility of breast reduction. I remember his very words: “You’ll require implants in order to not have ‘sausages’ hanging from your chest.” I listened and trusted. He also said: “They (the implants) will be beautiful and will last forever.” I was ecstatic. This doctor told me to bring in pictures of the size I would like to be which I eagerly did.
I had surgery in the doctor’s office. The first words I heard when I awoke were, “I decided you were too tall to go that small; we went one size bigger. I think you’ll like it.” What!
Within a week I was back in the doctor’s office with an infected mass in my left breast; more surgery was necessary. The left breast was then smaller than the other. Six months later my breasts had hardened and I was told to come in to have the implant “popped.” Trusting once again, I went to the doctor’s office and endured the most painful procedure in my entire life. “Popping” consisted of having the doctor’s hands cupped around one breast at a time, simulating a vice. His feet firmly planted, he proceeded to smash each breast. I nearly passed out. Unfortunately I would have to experience this one more time within the next year. After that, my breasts went hard and I left them that way!
Seven years later I began having seizures and other health problems. To this date I have been diagnosed with lupus, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, polyarthritis, pleurisy, and I am plagued by unexplained cysts in my groin and open sores on my breasts. Sometimes, my breasts ache so much that I cannot wear a bra. My implants have shifted at times and caused indentations in the skin. Not a pretty sight. I wonder where the FDA was when they classified breast implants in the same category as tonguedepressors (calling them both noninvasive). I do know that none of the health conditions runs in my family. If I had had the opportunity to make an informed consent regarding implantation, if I had known about the dangers and problems associated with silicone implants would I have been so damn eager? I have also learned that it is not necessary to implant after a reduction. You won’t have “sausages” hanging on your chest.
I am not positive that my illnesses were caused or exacerbated by silicone implants, but from all the information I’ve read, I certainly think it is possible. One thing I do know is that it is not worth the risk. These implants do not last forever, nor are they always beautiful. I look at myself everyday and know this.
xxxx Silicone breast implants have been controversial for years. Since 1992, the Food and Drug Administration has limited women’s access because of reported health risks. And recently FDA Commissioner David Kessler said not enough data exist to reassure women of the safety of implants. But last June a study of the health effects of silicone breast implants failed to find any connection between the implants and immune system diseases. The study outraged members of a support group of Inland Northwest women who have experienced adverse reations to their implants. The group’s name is OASIS Organized Against Silicone in Spokane. The group was further outraged by a Chris Peck column in which he applauded the study because it will “calm fears and slow the lawsuits.” Three OASIS members wrote articles in response. Today, we add their voices to the continuing debate on the safety of silicone breast implants.
One of three personal stories about the effects of breast implants.