Hi,
I hope this newsletter finds you well as we transition into the new season. This September, I want to share something personal with you—my own health journey and a significant step I’ve recently taken towards my well-being.
Just nine days ago, I began my recovery after having my breast implants removed. My journey with implants began unexpectedly. After breastfeeding my two children for almost five years between them, someone casually asked if I had ever considered getting implants. Before that moment, it had never crossed my mind—I was actually quite happy with my body. But the seed was planted, and for the first time, I became more aware of my appearance. This awareness eventually led me to undergo surgery.
Since having my implants, I experienced a range of debilitating health issues, including chronic fatigue, poor thyroid function, adrenal gland dysfunction, severe headaches, confusion, and exacerbated hormonal imbalances. These symptoms were impacting my daily life, and after thorough research and reflection, I realised I had Breast Implant Illness (BII).
The decision to have them removed was easy, although I did get worried about having surgery but I knew it was necessary for my health. Despite the severity of my symptoms, other health professionals have noted that my expertise in nutrition and holistic health kept me from becoming bedridden. My knowledge allowed me to manage these challenges and maintain a level of well-being that might not have been possible otherwise.
Now, only a few days into recovery, I feel a sense of relief and a renewed connection with my body and more energy already. However, my journey isn’t over. I now need to continue a detoxification regimen to help my body eliminate the toxins accumulated from the implants.
(BII) can affect the body in many ways due to the presence of various chemicals and heavy metals in the implants. These toxins can disrupt endocrine function, impair immune response, and create a burden on the liver and other detoxification pathways, leading to the severe symptoms I experienced.
This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of listening to our bodies and taking proactive steps to support our health. I share this with you not only to keep you updated but also to emphasise that our health journeys are deeply personal and sometimes involve making tough decisions. Whether it’s through nutritional therapy, lifestyle changes, or even surgery, the path to wellness is unique for each of us.
Thank you for being part of this community. I’m grateful for your support and look forward to continuing this journey towards better health together.
Warm regards,
P.S. If you’re curious about my recovery process, my detox regimen, or want to chat about your own health concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here for you.
Breast Implant Illness (BII) can manifest with a variety of symptoms that affect different systems of the body. Here’s a list of common symptoms:
Chronic fatigue
Muscle and joint pain
Frequent headaches, including migraines
Hair loss
Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpits
Skin rashes and dry skin
Night sweats and cold intolerance
Chest pain and shortness of breath
Heart palpitations
Breast pain and capsular contracture
Vision changes
Thyroid dysfunction
Adrenal fatigue
Menstrual irregularities
Sensitivity to light and sound
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Sinus issues
Weight fluctuations
Brain fog
Anxiety and depression
Mood swings
Insomnia
Memory loss
Frequent infections
Autoimmune symptoms
Allergies and food sensitivities
Digestive issues
Nausea and vomiting
Leaky gut syndrome
References:
Clemens, M. W., Miranda, R. N., & Butler, C. E. (2019). Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma. The New England Journal of Medicine, 381(25), 2542-2551. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1606182
American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2020. Breast Implant Illness (BII). Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patientsafety/breast-implant-safety/breast-implant-illness [Accessed 31 Aug. 2024].
Magnusson, M. R., Cooter, R. D., Rakhorst, H., McGuire, P. A., Adams, W. P., & Deva, A. K. (2019). Breast implant illness: A way forward. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 143(3S), 74S-81S. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000005567
