“I urge women to be their own advocate. If your body is challenging you, keep seeking your truths. You may get the eye rolls, the shame, the pushback, but you are strong. It’s okay if some people don't empathize or validate your experiences or pain. You know where you stand, and that is the only validation you need.”

What type of implants did you have?

Allergan

What surgeon did you explant with?

Dr Strawn

When did you begin to experience symptoms?

Almost immediately after surgery I started to notice some complications. I subsided them & downplayed to how good I felt I looked externally. I had already struggled from PTSD from an accident I was in. I created an internal dialogue that each new symptom was my body just “catching up.” The first eight months following my surgery were the hardest. My hands were starting to numb and swell quite frequently, I was having anxiety attacks & my blood pressure was dropping so low I would faint. Upon blood-work/comprehensive labs I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, & Sjögrens. These are all autoimmune diseases, as in, the body is attacking itself for some reason. I would also get blanket diagnosis here or there.. “It’s probably anxiety and depression causing you IBS.” “Sounds like chronic fatigue!” More diagnosis would continue for the next two years until I reached a whopping seven autoimmune diseases. Most doctors were quick with a prescription, but I needed to know why. I started to search high and low for answers.

What symptoms did you have?

Autoimmune diseases as listed above

How did breast implants impact your life?

I looked good but felt awful. 

What was surgery like for you?

Honestly, getting them in was much easier than getting them out. 

How are you doing now, after explant?

I feel amazing.

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

It has been three months since my explant surgery. I can say without a seed of doubt, that listening to my body and demanding answers was the right decision. A lot of my symptoms have disappeared and we will draw new blood work soon to compare pre & post explant labs. Yes, some days I do double takes in the mirror. The mechanics of my body have changed. But I would do it all over again. With this, I urge women to be their own advocate. If your body is challenging you, keep seeking your truths. You may get the eye rolls, the shame, the pushback, but you are strong. It’s okay if some people don't empathize or validate your experiences or pain. You know where you stand, and that is the only validation you need.