Rachael
I've had saline implants since 3/98, and started developing symptoms within 3 months of implantation. In the beginning I didn't realize the connection, but I slowly became suspicious. The first problem I experienced was sudden onset, severe, world rocking headaches. Over the next 8 months I developed dry, red eyes so pronounced that I can no longer wear contact lenses, chronic fatigue so severe I could barely get out of bed,numbness and tingling with shooting pain up both my arms so horrible I could barely hold a coffee cup or sleep at night, global joint pain, and severe neck pain. Since then I have been referred to an ENT, a neurologist, a rheumatologist, a neurosurgeon, and a pain clinic - with very little change regardless of treatment. Every physician I have seen claims ignorance when asked point blank if my implants are causing the problem - although the implant is filled with saline, the prosthesis is medical grade silicone (I called McGann Medical, the manufacturer). However, research available on the internet will give you all the information you need to decide for your self if you know where to look for it. Prior to my breast augmentation I was a healthy wife, mother and full time RN. Now I have autoimmune problems, arthritis and have been unable to work due to severe fatigue and excrutiating pain. I am scheduled in Jan to have explantation - and thank God that my HMO is going to pick up the cost! I have met ridicule with almost every physician I have consulted with for assistance - the plastic surgeon who who did the original surgery told me, "your insane... prove it!" when I asked him if the implants could be causing my health issues - apparently he was afraid of a lawsuit. In the past 2 years I have told my story to every woman I have met that has been serious enough to consider it - I was not able to sway a single person not to do it. I couldn't be convinced either when I decided to do it, but then again every woman I met had no issues as a result. I didn't want to loose my implants and I still don't - I know what I'll look like, but I have discovered through all this that I am more much more than what I am on the outside. A hard lesson to learn indeed, and an expensive one too (I put it on a credit card, and it's not even paid off yet!) Will I feel better after the implants are out? I don't know, and every doctor has had their own opinion. I pray that I will, but if there is even a slim, remote chance I will not suffer all these symptoms any more and regain my health again, than that is a gamble I am willing to take. Good luck to everyone else who is in a similiar situation - I will pray for us all.