Please Stop Gaslighting Women with Breast Implant Illness

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Updated: Sep. 20, 2021

Originally Published: Sep. 20, 2021

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I recently shared my journey with breast implant illness (BII), and I genuinely empathize with women who have breast implants. Too often, we’ve been misled into getting and retaining them, despite the alarming number of women who have undergone explant surgery due to severe health issues linked to their implants. Unfortunately, some comments I received from women who still have implants were filled with gaslighting.

I understand that confronting the reality of breast implant illness is challenging. Before I opted for breast implants following my cancer diagnosis, a friend advised me to conduct thorough research. I didn’t heed her warning, and I ended up suffering for three and a half years due to the debilitating symptoms of BII. I share my experiences not to shame others, but to enlighten them. Yet, I continue to encounter gaslighting from both women and the medical community.

Those of us who reveal our painful experiences with BII are driven by one goal: to protect others from enduring the same harrowing, costly fate. Discussing the risks of breast implants is not glamorous. Most people prefer to admire perfect breasts on social media rather than confront the realities of breast cancer, implant complications, and explant procedures.

The topics I address might make some uncomfortable. I can almost hear someone say, “Ew,” whenever I publish my experiences of feeling like a rapidly aging zombie, sick from the silicone devices implanted in my chest. But let’s be real – dealing with the repercussions of having toxic materials in your body is far worse than warning women about the potential dangers of implants.

I find it disheartening when fellow women dismiss the stories of those sharing their experiences. Our narratives are valid, and we speak out because we believe in the importance of women’s health and the right to lead fulfilling, healthy lives. When your firsthand experience shows that implants do not provide the benefits they promise, it compels you to speak up.

Facing skepticism is disheartening, especially after years of being dismissed by the medical community. Many of us who consider or have undergone explant surgery have experienced doubt, shame, and victim-blaming from doctors. When we report symptoms like sudden food intolerances, rapid heartbeats, insomnia, rashes, and many others, we often undergo extensive testing – CT scans, ultrasounds, blood work – only to find no definitive answers.

Why is that? Breast implant illness is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis. There’s no specific test for it; it’s a collection of symptoms that often mimic other conditions. How can one be diagnosed with something that doesn’t exist? We end up needing to self-diagnose.

Due to the lack of recognition for BII, we must advocate fiercely for ourselves during medical appointments. Many doctors are unfamiliar with BII, and even when we explain our situation, some dismiss it as psychological. It’s crucial to note that breast implants, while FDA-approved, come with a black box warning.

This fact is significant. Some women wish to keep their explanted implants, but doctors often refuse, labeling them as “medical hazardous waste.” If these implants are too toxic to be kept, how can they be considered safe for implantation?

When I share my story, some women respond that they have implants and feel “perfectly fine.” I respect their experience, but I’ve also heard them express vague symptoms that remain unexplained – heartburn, rashes, joint swelling, headaches, and infertility, among others. When I suggest their implants might be contributing factors, they often shut down.

I understand the complexities surrounding breasts. Many of us hesitate to part with our implants, even if they weren’t truly ours to begin with. I’ll admit, I enjoyed how my implants enhanced my appearance. For the first time, my breasts were symmetrical. I felt confident in swimsuits and trendy outfits.

But the reality is, I was unwell. My symptoms compounded, and I felt like an elderly person trapped in a younger body. Everyday tasks became monumental challenges. I never knew if I’d have a good day or a bad one, where fatigue and symptoms would overwhelm me.

When another woman dismisses my experience, it’s infuriating. I share my story to protect others who are contemplating implants, those who have them but feel unwell, or those considering explantation who seek validation. There’s no financial reward or recognition for being flat-chested; I do this out of genuine care.

I believe that in the future, breast implant illness will be recognized as a legitimate medical condition, and women like me will be believed and understood. While we wait for that acknowledgment, I won’t stop sharing my story, even if it makes others uncomfortable.

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Summary:

The article discusses the often-overlooked issue of breast implant illness (BII) and the challenges women face in sharing their experiences. The author emphasizes the need for honesty about the risks associated with breast implants, despite societal pressures to maintain a perfect appearance. She shares her personal journey through BII, highlighting the skepticism received from both the medical community and peers. The narrative aims to encourage women to consider the potential dangers of implants and advocate for their health.

Keyphrase: breast implant illness awareness

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