Breast Implant Removal

I am raising money to help with the Medical Expenses of having my Breast Implants Explanted. My Surgery is scheduled for MARCH 16, 2011. This removal procedure is going to cost $6,400.00

12 years ago, March 1999 I received my first set of Breast Implants. The cost was $5,000.00

Within months, my body began rejecting these implants. I developed what is called a \"Capsular Contracture\". 9 months after having my implants I became pregnant, 3 times, and nursed successfully all 3 babies for about 9 months each. After my daughter breastfeed I finally began losing the baby weight I accumulated with carrying 3 children. My breast were left looking mutilated and full of pain. 

This choice I made, with not asking one question before hand, had lead to the most immense shame, guilt and body deformity. \"I paid for this Hell\" ran through my mind often. 

After finding out what was going on with my implants it was clear I had to have them removed. The cost of the surgery was going to be $7,000.00

That was 2004. It took me one year to pull together the money I so desperately needed. I was only 24, a stay at home mom and the funds were seriously hard to come by, I raised money silently, in shame, guilt and pain.

I finally had my second surgery in August 2005. The doctor removed the over the muscle implant, and put in a textured under the muscle implant. The textured implants are made so that the body has less chance of attaching to the implant, creating a Capsular Contracture. Scar tissue is formed, and deformation set in. Textured implants are harder to the touch and take longer to \"set\" or \"fall\" after the surgery. 

We did not do any removal of the skin, as to minimize scaring. This meant the implant would be even bigger then the small D I was carrying. 

I made an agreement with God, myself and my doctor that if there were further complications with the Implants, I would have them removed for 6 moths to a year to allow my body to heal. 

So for the last 6 years I have lived with the burning, itching pain caused by the foreign objects in my body. With clothes on, observers are blind to whats under my shirt. One does not see the Half dollar sized knot, lump in my right breast or the saggy skin, or the ripples. There is a constant reminder every time I move my arms, or attempt to shave my armpits or HUG! Even hugging is a reminder of the tension. 

In July of 2010, I began feeling the inner urge to have my Implants removed. My ego jumped in and fear began, \"What will I look like\" \"what will people think\" all of the typical fears I suppose. I began praying and journaling and listening. On Thanksgiving, 2010 I announced my choice to have my Implants completely removed. This was shocking to my friends and family, as the pain of these implants is something I have been silent about. 

I began a photo journal a while ago, documenting the changes in my breast, as I was undergoing physical cleansings. I notice through the pictures the extent of the mutilation I am living with now. I had not even shown photos of my first implants to my boyfriend of 2 years. I myself could not even view the photos of my own body, without becoming emotional and filled with sadness and tears. 

I showed Tommy, my children, and a few women in my life the photos. Every time, the person I showed grabbed their chest and felt my pain. 

Showing these photos has helped give me courage this time around. 

Before, I was not strong enough to speak about my reality with these implants.  The time is now for me to have the Removal. After I decided to have the surgery, I began looking for a doctor. I have an amazing circle of women, healers friends, sisters here in Arkansas. I really desired to stay local, so I could easily come home to my bed for healing. 

I also knew that I desired to video this process and make a documentary of this experience . My goal of sharing this Information to help women, Teenage Girls, would be more meaningful, personal, if they could come along with me on this process. 

I called a local plastic surgeon who I heard positive reviews about. He declined the offer to be video d. Liability he said. I did not give up. Even if I have to travel I am sure capturing this via video is my path. 

I put the word out on Facebook I was seeking a Compassionate Doctor that would be open to video. I received the name of a local surgeon and called right away. His secretary took down the notes, as I tearfully shared a bit of my story with her. She called back and said he agreed! 

I made my appointment for February 7, and made my way through through a snow storm, to get to my appointment. My friend Julie came along with me armed with the Flip Video Camera and a slide show of my Breast Implant Journey. It was love at first site when I saw my soon to be surgeon. He was patient, kind, caring and oozed sensitivity. Everything I had envisioned. He took his time going over my photos, explaining to me the options, reviewing and questioning my mental well being, After 2 hours we all knew the choice to have the Implants removed at this time is necessary to my health. My right implant that has the weak spot is at high risk for rupturing. Which would have lead to an Emergency room Removal and Emergency Room Bill! Neither do I desire. 

It is common for women to have Implant and implant and never make the choice to have them explanted for any amount of time. I am not saying I will or will not have further surgeries. I would like to think I am going to be well with the results, only time and experience will tell. My breast will look more like those women that have had their breast removed as a treatment for Cancer. 

I am here to share my story, and share with you what the results were of not asking enough questions, and not being Informed. I was only 19 and set on the Implants. I had been since I was 9 years old when I  witnessed my Mother have her breast augmented. !0 years later, same month I went to the same doctor she had. A Cosmetic Surgeon. Who happened to be performing a \"new through the belly button procedure\". A procedure that I know have learned I was not a true candidate for. This doctor, a licensed OBGYN, had taken a weekend course on how to put implants in through the belly button, over the muscle. I was not aware of the difference in a \"Cosmetic Surgeon\" and a \"Plastic Surgeon\" if I had only taken the time to ask a few key questions there is a chance I would not be sitting here today, asking you for money, to help me end this pain. 

That being said, I know everything happens for a reason. There is a purpose I have experienced this. The pain is not in vain. 

If by sharing my story, I help ONE woman avoid, bypass not experience this, my purpose will be served. 

This March will be 12 years since my first surgery. I have completed my course with this and the time is now. 

I am putting this out to the Universe. I am offering my story and a conversation. 

Raising $6,400.00 in ONe month is not impossible. I know this is where God has lead me and I know God will provide the way for me to transcend this experience of perceived pain. 

Thank you for reading my story. If you have made it this far, I would like to share gratitude and hopefully a hug in the future. 

If you are moved to pass my story along, please do. Spreading this message is my highest goal. If you are moved to donate dollars, Know your money will be blessed 100 times over with love. What we put out we get back. 

I am putting together my photo journal and creating my documentary. Any support in this would also be Abundantly helpful. If you, or someone you know can help me arrange my content,with my MAC please email me. Also if you have any questions, I am open for an honest, loving, discussion regarding the Implants and my experiences in this process.

Peace, Love, Light & Laughter. 

Namaste

This story is not one many talk about, but is a story suffered in silence by many women.