Unveiling the Unseen: Breast Implant Illness (BII) Unknowing Impact

Unveiling the Unseen: Breast Implant Illness (BII) Unknowing Impact

Breast augmentation has long been regarded as a popular cosmetic procedure, allowing individuals to alter their physical appearance in hopes of boosting self-confidence. However, behind the allure of surgical results lies a lesser-known reality: Breast Implant Illness (BII). Unbeknownst to many, BII can silently creep into the lives of those who opt for breast implants, affecting their overall well-being in unexpected ways.

Like many (too many), I was intrigued by the idea of closer mirroring my ideal image with the assistance of a breast augmentation. With hopeful expectations, I underwent the procedure. And though I was aware of some potential health risks, I was completely oblivious to others that lay ahead. As time progressed, a series of unexplained symptoms began to emerge that for years I chalked up as being entirely unrelated.

What Are Breast Implant Illness Symptoms?

Breast implant illness can have wide-ranging effects on the body, as it presents itself differently in each individual. With over 50 reported symptoms, it closely resembles autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. These symptoms can impact various aspects of one's well-being, affecting mental cognition, musculoskeletal health, and overall bodily function. They may manifest immediately or gradually over time, making it challenging to identify and attribute them solely to breast implants. Some commonly experienced symptoms include:

Joint and muscle pain
Muscle weakness
Chronic fatigue
Chronic pain
Memory problems
Trouble concentrating
Breathing problems
Anxiety
Depression
Headaches
Rashes
Hair loss
Dry mouth
Dry eyes

Unexplained Symptoms and Frustrating Uncertainty

Fatigue became my constant companion, draining my energy levels and preventing me from fully engaging in activities I once enjoyed. Minor chronic pain permeated my everyday life, resulting in a physical and emotional toll that I struggled to comprehend. Additionally, brain fog, wow, when they describe it as a clouding of your thoughts, accurate yes, however in intense cases it's a far cry from accurately describing the state of being. This also tied to experiencing a sense of disconnect from myself and the world around me, a numbness, both mentally and physically.. great for getting a tattoo or powering through a workout, however not at the expense of every other area it touched. The list of symptoms goes on and on.

Discovering Breast Implant Illness

Amidst my relentless search for answers of one ailment or another, I stumbled upon a term that would change everything: Breast Implant Illness. It was actually while binge listening to Danica Patrick's Pretty Intense podcast and hearing her personal experience, simultaneously I checked off box after box that she listed. And so I dropped everything I was doing and delved into extensive research and reaching out to women I know who had chose to remove their breast implants, connecting all these dots to my symptoms.

Empowering the Journey to Recovery

With newfound knowledge, I made the nauseating (nauseating due to my borderline irrational fear and anxiety of both going under as well as being cut open) decision to embark on a journey towards recovery prioritizing my health. While consulting with medical professionals, something happened that I had never experienced before with and doctor, surgeon or otherwise; I was drawn to this one. A complete state of peace; they just felt right, comforting, easing my anxious mind. Never have I ever had this response to a doctor, surgeon or otherwise in my entire life, and this was even prior to meeting Dr. Ennis in person a couple days after. The prospect of regaining my well-being far outweighed the apprehensions, and now, miraculously, comforted to make the decision effortlessly.

Every passing moment feels like a step closer to liberation, and closer to my truer self. The wait of my upcoming breast implant removal surgery fills me with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. After years of contemplating the decision, now with a solid scale-tipping reason, the date has finally been set.

Your pure-hearted dysfunctional trash-panda, Kristine Anne Hoffarth

(The follow up blog post: https://anneamorme.blogspot.com/2023/07/breast-implant-illness-bii-surgery-day.html)