home insemination kits with syringes
It was a brisk October day, and once again, I found myself feeling unwell, just as I had for the last six months. I awoke with stiff, painful, and swollen joints in my fingers and toes. My eyes felt parched despite using top-quality prescription moisturizing drops. Even after a full night’s sleep, I shuffled through my day, running on autopilot while helping my kids with remote learning, preparing meals, and tackling various tasks. I took my daily blood thinner, a necessity after a blood clot scare during an emergency room visit a few months earlier. My family could see that I often struggled to finish my thoughts mid-sentence. Though I feared I might be facing breast cancer again, a check-up reassured me that was not the case.
Something had to change. I was doing everything right—eating healthily, exercising daily, and getting sufficient rest—but I felt like a walking zombie. I had exhausted every avenue to feel better, spending thousands on physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, consultations with a registered dietitian, my general practitioner, and numerous tests. What was going on with me? The one option I hadn’t yet explored was the removal of my breast implants. I had seen many celebrities take this step, but was it the right choice for me?
Three years earlier, I had been diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a painful lump. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy, which included immediate reconstruction with implants. I went under anesthesia with my natural breasts and woke up with perfectly symmetrical D-cup “foobs”—a term used affectionately in the breast cancer community.
While my implants looked great, they were never entirely comfortable. My right shoulder constantly ached, and despite two rounds of physical therapy, the pain persisted. I often carried a muscle-relief roll-on, hoping for some comfort. Though I joked about being the most glamorous grandma in the nursing home one day, the pain was becoming increasingly concerning. Eventually, when I started experiencing strange and debilitating symptoms, I knew I had to dig deeper. After just a few days in a breast implant illness support group on social media, it became clear to me: if I wanted true relief, I needed to remove the implants and embrace a flat-chested life.
I scheduled my complete capsulectomy and implant removal, commonly referred to as explant surgery, and continued my research. I read countless accounts from women who had similar experiences, many of whom felt they were at death’s door before opting for explantation. Their before-and-after photos were compelling, and it was evident they had no ulterior motives in sharing their journeys. I trusted their experiences.
I learned that I wasn’t alone in this journey. Dr. Alex Hartman, a board-certified plastic surgeon and the head of a prominent clinic, has helped numerous patients, including celebrities, with explant surgeries. He made the pivotal decision to shift his focus solely to explant procedures after observing a genuine need for this type of care. His patients report significant health improvements post-op, with about 85-90% experiencing relief from their symptoms.
While Breast Implant Illness (BII) is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis, countless women assert that their symptoms are linked to their implants. The evidence often lies in the experiences shared by women who felt better after surgery. Dr. Hartman revealed that not all women choose explantation due to BII; some simply want to reduce the size of their augmented breasts. Many women experience various symptoms, including back pain and headaches, due to their implants. There are alternatives available, such as breast lifts and fat transfer procedures for those looking to enhance their natural breasts after explanting.
If someone decides to have their implants removed, choosing the right surgeon is crucial. Dr. Hartman emphasizes the importance of researching potential surgeons and reading reviews from previous patients. It’s vital for the surgeon to validate the concerns of women who report feeling unwell due to their implants, even if BII isn’t officially recognized. Surgeons like Dr. Hartman are becoming crucial allies for women seeking help, as they provide both medical support and understanding.
Now, almost six weeks post-explant, I’ve noticed a significant transformation. My inflammation has drastically decreased. I shared a side-by-side photo on social media that highlights the visible difference in my appearance since the surgery. My chronic rib and shoulder pain have vanished, and perhaps most importantly, my energy levels have soared. I no longer wake up feeling exhausted; I can actively engage with my four children and perform my job effectively without relying on excessive caffeine.
I am incredibly grateful for the doctor who listened to my concerns and supported my decision to remove my implants. I am also inspired by the many courageous women sharing their stories online, encouraging others to consider their own truths. I’m reclaiming my life, rediscovering my identity, and doing so with newfound freedom.
If you’re considering your options, check out this insightful post on home insemination and explore resources like March of Dimes for further information on fertility treatments and planning.
Search Queries:
- Benefits of explant surgery
- Breast implant illness symptoms
- Choosing a surgeon for explantation
- Recovery after explant surgery
- Alternatives to breast implants
Summary:
This article discusses the author’s journey through health challenges attributed to breast implants, leading to the decision to undergo explant surgery. After the procedure, the author experienced significant relief from various symptoms, a boost in energy, and a return to an active lifestyle. The article emphasizes the importance of supportive medical professionals, highlights the experiences of other women, and encourages readers to consider their health choices.