“Do not stop if one doctor shoots you down. I saw 8 doctors before someone finally listened to me.”

Erin began experiencing breast implant illness symptoms within three months of getting her breast implants. Dealing with chronic migraines, skin rashes, anxiety and depression, a few people in Erin’s life urged her to research breast implant illness. As soon as she began her research, Erin identified 45 BII symptoms that she was experiencing and immediately reached out to her doctor for a plastic surgeon referral.

Tell us about your explant journey.

In 2017, I had a breast augmentation done with 200cc under the muscle silicone implants. Within 3 months, I started to have a reaction but was unaware that it was caused by the implants. A year later I started experiencing daily chronic migraines and started to try and figure out what was going on with my body. Still unaware of BII, I saw every specialist available to me and was diagnosed with a migraine disorder. 

I know my body and I knew this was not correct, so I continued to search for answers. In December 2019, my chiropractor and another friend told me about BII and urged me to research it. 

A light bulb went off- I had 45/50 symptoms. I immediately saw my family physician to ask for a referral to a PS for an explant. She was convinced I had lupus as gave me the referral but asked me to see a rheumatologist first. 

In April 2020, I saw the rheumatologist who confirmed I was suffering from silicone toxicity, not lupus, not a migraine disorder. 

I quickly jumped into action and found a PS who specializes in explant surgeries and got a consultation. The day of my consultation, I put down my deposit and booked my date: September 16, 2020. 

Fast forward, I am 2 weeks post op from my explant surgery and I am happy to report, migraine free! 

What type of implants did you have?

Silicone 

What surgeon did you explant with?

Dr. Leonard Harris

When did you begin to experience symptoms?

3 months 

What symptoms did you have?

Chronic daily migraines

Inflammatory response

Autoimmune disorder illnesses

Skin rashes

Dark circles around the eyes

Gastrointestinal issues

Anxiety

Depression

Mood swings

Sleep disturbances

Joint pain

Night sweats, etc. 

How did breast implants impact your life?

I felt as though I was dying from the inside out. 

What was surgery like for you?

Surgery was much easier with the explant than with the implant. 

How are you doing now, after explant?

I am symptom-free most days and have only had one flare-up so far. 

What would you like women who are considering explant to know?

Listen to your gut, literally! If you think your implants are the cause of your mystery illnesses; they most likely are. Do not stop if one doctor shoots you down. I saw 8 doctors before someone finally listened to me.