My name is Robyn Shelbourne, and I am fundraising for Medical Expenses due to Breast Explantation.  

Here is my story and info about Breast Implant Illness:

At age 22, I never anticipated what the future had in store for my health.  Rarely are health concerns ever on the mind of a 22 year old.  You seem and feel invincible, but that’s only a mirage.  Little did I know then that I was about to make a decision that would change my life significantly.

In 2005 I made the decision to have Breast Augmentation.  At the time I chose saline implants because they were “healthier” than silicone.  I was given information that they might need to be replaced more than once over my lifetime, that they might ripple if I were to gain and lose weight, and there was a risk for capsular contraction.  Those were the only concerns and red flags I was warned about, but those red flags didn’t seem too bad for a 22 year old.

So, I proceeded with surgery, and I was pleased with the results.  As the years passed weird things started happening to my body, but I just chalked it up to “bad genes” from my dad’s side of the family.

However, my health over the last decade has been unbearable and unexplainable at times.  People close to me have watched me struggle.  I’m only 37, and the health issues I’ve experienced brought enough concern and attention to people, (a friend and my sister).  They suggested I look into Breast Implant Illness (BII - For Short).

I researched for days, which turned into months, and now has turned into a couple years.  I found a family, support, and encouragement in a couple of Facebook Groups for Breast Implant Illness.  My mind was blown to find so many women out there struggling with the same symptoms I’ve experienced and conditions I have.  One thing we have in common... Breast Implants.

I would like to take a minute to shed some information about BII, if you aren’t knowledgeable in that area.

So, what exactly is Breast Implant Illness?

It can cause hardening of the breast (capsular contracture), severe pain, skin disorders, autoimmune disorders, granulomas in the lungs, joint and muscle pain, chronic fatigue, memory and concentration problems, breathing problems, sleep disturbance, rashes and skin problems, dry mouth and dry eyes, anxiety, depression, headaches, hair loss, gastrointestinal problems, unexplained allergies and sensitivities, ALCL (a type of lymphoma cancer of the immune system), connective tissue disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma, and many other branches of autoimmune diseases/disorders.  Some diseases, if left untreated, can cause irreversible damage to your nerves.

With that being said...  here are the ever increasing health concerns I’ve dealt with up until this point:

Extreme Chemical Sensitivity (I was a hair stylist for 17 years and got to the point I could no longer be around the chemicals)

Environmental, Food, Drug, and Latex Allergies

-the list of allergies is growing bigger as the years go on.

Pain in my breast (I have to wear a sports bra even when I sleep because they get these air pockets in them and hurt)

They are extremely rippled

I have developed unexplained auto immune disorders

I have Vasovagal Syncope (which means if I get sick and vomit I will pass out) - This has happened 3 times over the last few years.  One time was so bad I fell and gave myself a concussion.

Doctors found 3 lung nodules.  I had lung surgery 3 years ago.  They removed one of the nodules and found it to be a granuloma.

I developed Dysautonomia, which deals with the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).  The average ANS regulates temperatures, stimulation, foreign invaders, and so much more.  My ANS sees normally healthy things as a threat and attacks it.  It’s an imbalance of the Nervous System.  So, essentially my body is always in Fight or Flight.

I have POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).  This means when I go from either lying or sitting to standing too fast, I can pass out.  I have low blood volume, and it keeps me in a very tired and nauseated state often.

I am unable to do many things I have always been able to do due to Dysautonomia.  It’s been a burden on not only myself but my family as well.

I had to have a hysterectomy and gallbladder surgery this year alone.

I have appointments with my General Practitioner, cardiologists, neurologists, general surgeons, test after test after test with no real progress.

That was until I met other women with the same issues I have been dealing with.  Many of them, after explantation, regain normal healthy lives again.  Some have had irreversible damage but still feel better.  Some have found out that they developed a rare form of Breast Cancer due to their implants.

It is my hope that with explantation I am able to regain some sort of normalcy in health.  If anything, I pray that no more damage is done.  I’m only 37, and the way my kids have seen their mom their whole lives isn’t what I want for them. It has to be scary, and I know they don’t understand.  I can’t keep adding illnesses, surgeries, and further deterioration of my health.  They need their mom back.  My husband needs his wife back.  I need my LIFE back! 


So, here I am doing something I never dreamed about doing.  I’m asking for help.  Help from friends, family, people I don’t know, anyone honestly.  At one point in my life I was vain and made a decision to have implants.  Now, I’m here before you saying it was one of the greatest regrets of my life.  I don’t care about the scars.  I don’t care what my breasts will look like.  I care about living a long, healthy life for myself and my family.  I truly believe explantation will help me regain my health! 

I’m scared to death to have another surgery this year.  But, if I don’t get to the root of the problem, there may be irreversible damage or even worse.  

Here is some further info about BII, the procedure, and why I need your help. 


#1. BII is not recognized and accepted as a medical disease/disorder by the majority of healthcare providers.

#2. Insurance will NOT pay to have them removed unless there is cancer present, no matter how many of the BII symptoms you present or how sick you are.

#3. BreastCancer.org and Harvard University, along with many other corporations recognize the illness, but state that we are years from finding a direct correlation between BII and Implants.

#4. Some plastic surgeons have decided to stop performing implants all together because of the amount of women coming forward is alarming.  But, this isn’t across the board. These surgeons are few and far between.

#5. The surgery requires an en bloc (full capsular removal).  Explant surgeries are generally more expensive than implant surgeries.  But, without the capsule removed all those bad cells that have formed will remain in your body causing further damage.


The only thing standing in my way to get these toxic implants out of my chest is funding.

I humbly ask you to consider donating anything you can.  If you can’t donate, I ask you to share this post in hopes it reaches the people it’s meant to reach.

Thank you for following my health journey this far.  Your support and encouragement has meant so much to me.  I hope to regain full health so I can be an advocate to other women that are struggling with the same issues as myself.  

I love you all!

✌️

Robyn Shelbourne