Jennifer's Testimony

Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 11:47:58 EST

Hello

I thought I would take the time to send this in to you. Hope it will be useful in some way. Have a great day.

Jen

Hello

I was reading about silicone breast implants on the internet and came across an article mentioning your name and your situation. Going from silicone to saline implants. I feel that is a personal decision and I hope nothing but the best for you.

This is the first time I have ever made a concerted effort to write someone regarding breast implants, particularly my own situation.I have for the last two years been aware of the support group done by Ilena Rosenthal on the internet and subscribe to that.

At the risk of boring you I would like to tell you my story. Hopefully maybe you can use my situation in addition to the other data you collect regarding breast implant patients for some meaningful statistical data.I really wonder how many women have not spoken out yet due to the severity of their illness. This has been the case in my situation.

In 1982 at the age of 23 I had a breast augmentation with silicone implants.

I was told as were many others that these would, "last a lifetime." I was also told they would help as far as mammograms go, but being only 23 at the time, I never really thought to ask just how this would help. I believed in my doctor 100%.

I was initially really pleased with the outcome. I had implants due to low self esteem and the fact that I have fibroid lumps in both breasts that proved to be painful. I was told if these were taken out, then my pain would go away and I would have the added improvement to my figure.

Well I guess the old adage, if it is too good to be true, then it really is.

After completing College, at the age of 28, I started to become ill. Actually I was ill before that but was not aware of what was transpiring with my body. I had occasional rashes that came with no explanation. Finally in 1989 I went to a dermatologist regarding one of these rashes. The diagnosis at the time was etiology unknown. That was it.

Subsequently, I found myself being extremely low on energy where always before I had been a very high energy person. Things progressed from bad to worse. Finally in 1994 I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythamtosis, Sjogrens, and Polyarthritis! I was flabbergasted. With no history of this in my family, there was no doubt at that point in time that my implants were the source of my pain.

To be on the safe side so to speak, I thought it would be prudent to have a 2nd opinion which I obtained through an indigent clinic in my hometown. I was basically diagnosed again with the exact same thing as before. Finally I went to a specialist who was not associated with attorneys, and the third diagnosis turned out to be a replica of the first 2 diagnoses.

Since that time, too date, I have had 2 grand mal seizures, a blood clot, internal bleeding, pain in my chest, and a host of other mitigating aches and pains. My most recent blood work, as of 2001, shows my lupus and my sjogrens to be extremely active. This even though I was explanted in 1996, with no replacement.

Anyway, enough said. I just thought I would take the time to write you. I hope I am not boring you as I am sure you deal with this topic a lot. Now, having just turned 42, I am 100% disabled since 1995. There is no doubt in my mind at this point in time as to the cause of my medical problems. I like so many others, am living the nightmare of this situation. And that is what my life has denigrated to, a living nightmare.

In closing I would like to thank you for the time you have dedicated to this issue. I wish that I could have had saline implants because I hate the thought of having basically no breast what so ever. But with the health issues I already had at this point in time, I knew this wasn't then, or ever would be a viable option for me. I am forced to go through life with absolutely no self esteem at this point in time. Don't get me wrong, I count my blessings to be alive, but after having gone through the situation yourself, I am sure you can relate to me.

As a matter of interest, I would like to add here that one of my older sisters, was a former Miss America. I have had people ask me on occasion if I had my implants because of having a Miss America in the family. The Answer of course is no, I did not do this with that in mind. That was the last thing on my mind actually. I just had really low self esteem, plus pain from the fibroid cysts in my breasts and thought this would solve my problem once and for all. Boy, I never dreamed just how far from reality this was. On the contrare, it was just the beginning of my problems only I didn't know it.

Now, I do know it. I am truly saddened to see young girls everywhere have augmentation. I wish I could personally talk to each and every one of them but I know this is not possible. I also know that some people have to experience things for themselves. I will never forget my dad telling me not to do it. But, with the doctors advise that the implants lasted a lifetime, plus the fact that the manufacturer backed these type of statements, nothing could change my mind. Well, I am paying a price. But what a heavy heavy price.

Thanks for reading this email. Take care.

Jennifer