Karen Leigh A.'s Story

Karen Leigh A.'s Story

By Akemi Fisher

Karen Leigh A.'s Story

“That part of my life with a dreadful, I missed a lot because I was so tired and angry and depressed. There were vacations that I couldn’t participate in even though I went, it was just a daily struggle to maintain any composure, relationship etc.”


Karen Leigh struggled for many years with breast implant illness symptoms that we always dismissed as being in her head, but after coming across some Facebook posts about BII and The Doctors tv show about BII, she knew that this is exactly what could be making her so sick.


Tell us about your explant journey.

I have struggled for years with people telling me that I was crazy and there was nothing wrong with me, so I was extremely excited when I realized that it wasn’t me and it wasn’t in my mind it was BII. I remember reading some Facebook posts and seeing the Doctors TV show with some playboy bunnies and Eden Sassoon; that was my first taste of this could be me and I could be healed. I discussed it with my husband and we started searching for a surgeon that truly believed in BII and in me. I had seen a lot of surgeons who didn’t believe in either, and said they would do the surgery but it’s not necessary, I just need to replace my implants. We shopped around a lot, until I came to my surgeon, who is actually almost 50 miles away but I knew I had to go with him because he had a great bedside manner, a great and wonderful loving staff and he believed in BII and he believed in me! I didn’t wait very long for the surgery, I took the first slot he had open; we gathered our thoughts, our funds, and my hope for a better tomorrow. I believed in him and trusted him and his staff and it was the best experience of my life! I think him for giving me the opportunity to have my health back.


What type of implants did you have?

Saline mentor 


What surgeon did you explant with?

Dr. Tal Roudner


When did you begin to experience symptoms?

I would say about 4 to 5 years in.


What symptoms did you have?

Well that’s a long laundry list! And a long time, hopefully you have time! LOL. Where to begin:

Headaches

Toothaches

Receding gums

Anxiety

Depression

Freezing

Profuse sweating

IBS

Diarrhea

Constipation

Hashimoto’s

Hypothyroid

Rashes

Joint pain

EBV

Neuropathy

Capsular contracture

Uneven nipples

Uneven breasts

Low energy

Extremely low libido

No testosterone

High ANA

Low vitamin D & vitamin B levels

Heart palpitations

Headaches

Vertigo

Weight gain & weight loss

Hyperpigmentation

Skin cancer

Dry brittle & breaking hair and nails

Nausea

Brain fog & trouble concentrating

Forgetfulness

Anger

A range of emotions actually


I think that pretty much covers it. 



How did breast implants impact your life?

That part of my life with a dreadful, I missed a lot because I was so tired and angry and depressed. There were vacations that I couldn’t participate in even though I went, it was just a daily struggle to maintain any composure, relationship etc. My children were little and I feel I robbed them of a lot, being as sick as I was.


What was surgery like for you?

I don’t remember too much of the after. My husband was with me the whole Journey, and was wonderful even afterwards. I do remember leaving the hospital that I was very nauseous and my chest hurts, and then I got home and my sister had traveled from New York to be with me and help me so that my husband could go back to work. My family was there for me that night and onward.


How are you doing now, after explant?

1 million times better. I wish I knew then what I know now, but at least I am here to tell women the dangers and help them through this process. I would have to say in the almost 2 years since my explant I have never felt better and I believe all of my symptoms have subsided.


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

It is not as hard as implanting. It is also a huge step and taking your life back, controlling your situation and making it your own. You have to be your own advocate and this is something you need to do before you get worse.


Is there anything else you would like us to know?

This journey has brought me full circle; it’s giving me my life back, and I have been a better person in my life has been better since. I help other women on their journey to health and wellness as well. I work for a doctor and I give advice and answer questions and just be there for them. I’m very happy with this whole process.