"Scared"!!! Ripples or Rupture?

[StarryEyed]

Hi everyone. I am having some "issues" with my breast implant(s) and am hoping someone can give me some advice.
I had Dow Corning, Double Lumen (Silicone/Saline) Implants placed in the areola back in 1991. I went from a 32AA to a 32D. I realize I have had my implants a long time, but have not had a replacement because of all the hype that once surrounded Dow Corning Implants and complications that "may" occur with the removal and replacement of these implants. Plus, until now I have had no problems with my implants. I have developed Lupus/Fibromyalgia symptoms over the 17 years I have had these implants, but I am not saying that the silicone implants caused this, I am only stating this is the primary reason why I have not had surgery because of my health status or lack thereof.

Over the past few years I have noticed a few ripples here and there on one breast. I contacted my PS and was told this was normal, but that these implants are suppose to be one of the strongest ever made and that rupture was extremely rare with these. I was also told that because I have thin skin and am a thin person that ripples could be more visible on me then others. I am at the same weight now that I was when these implants were placed in, back in 1991, so I do not believe that to be the case entirely. However, within the past 2 weeks my left breast has gone from one annoying ripple to ripples all around the implant. My breast also feels lumpy and strange to the touch, but the lumps are not visible. When I wear a bra, I experience discomfort in my breast. I have not had any chronic pain, only a sharp occasional pain that feels as though I pinched a nerve. Sometimes I feel a tingling as well. But most of all, I can "feel" my implant and it is a strange annoying feeling.

I know I could just deal with the above based upon what I have read on the internet regarding ripples in implants. However, I am afraid this implant could have ruptured! Is that possible?
The right implant is completely fine.
I am afraid to get these redone due to my health status. Also, the PS who placed these implants in is now retired. I am in the state of Oklahoma, so if anyone knows of a good PS in my area, it would be greatly appreciated.

I would like to think this situation would resolve itself, but it has gotten this bad in one week that I am afraid how bad it will be by the end of the month. I'm just not sure if this is an aesthetic issue or more of a rupture issue.

Any advice would be more then appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

[Slinky]

I think you first need to find out if you have a rupture, or not. As far as I know, the only way to check for silicone rupture is with an MRI, not cheap, but maybe the only way to find out for sure, other than opening you up. If you DO have a rupture and decide on surgery, I'd think your surgeon would want to know beforehand if he/she will be dealing with a rupture. You definitely need to find a PS and go in for a visit. It seems wrong to have so much rippling happen so quickly. Plus the pains you've been feeling. Once you have a PS and know what's going on, then you can make a decision on what to do next. Good luck! I hope it all works out for you.

Slinky

[Angelblue]

I'm not entirely sure, so please give me the rundown if this is wrong, but aren't the double lumen silicone saline a silicone implant encased in a saline implant? If it were a rupture I would have thought the saline would rupture first?? and you would have a noticeable decrease in size? or maybe only the saline ruptured causing the ripples? I do think you need to have the mri to be sure the silicone hasn't ruptured but I would think there must be reputable ps out there that are still dealing with the problems of early implants.

[Angelblue]

OK, i just googled the "what is a dow corning double lumen implant" and i would definitely get the mri and see a ps. When i suggested that maybe only the saline ruptured causing the ripples, I was uninformed and freely admit it. Although I had the gist of the implant correct, I did not know what usually caused the problem was the internal silicone implant rupturing and the gel degrading the outer implant causing it to leak gradually over a period of time or a fast rupture. Although most were fast ruptures it is possible to have a slow rupture.

[StarryEyed]

Could you please provide the link to where you found that out about the Double Lumen implants?

I too did not know about the internal silicone rupture that could cause the external implant of saline to rupture. I have noticed a decrease in size, but not a dramatic decrease, less then a cup size. This has all occurred within such a short period of time (approx. 2 weeks).

I have been doing some research on here and have thus far realized I have the "bottoming out" problem and am also not sure the implant didn't flip. All I know is that I can feel my left breast. I also can manually feel lumpiness and a deflated balloon or package. (Sorry, only way I know how to describe it). I have had an unexplainable severe muscle spasm on the left side of my neck and back (side of the affected breast) and this was treated with pain pills and muscle relaxers by my PCP 2 weeks ago. I have since had off and on issues where I have lost my voice. My Dr. says this is all Lupus related. (Diagnosed with this in 99.)

I will admit that I should have had these implants removed when the lawsuits occurred, but to my defense I was very young, very uninformed and did not have any health problems or problems with my implants. I have had a ripple (just a single ripple) in the top portion of the affected breast since 2003. When I called the PS's office to see if I could have these looked at, I was told these were the strongest implants ever made and could not break or leak. I was denied an appointment and told that I probably had just lost some weight and that is what caused it. I am within a 5 pound range or less then what I weighed at the time these were put in.

I do not want to say anything negative about my PS or the implants (as I read the rules on here when I joined), but I will say that I feel extremely uninformed and frightened. I was told these implants last forever. It isn't until now that I am actually researching all this info on the internet, which is only causing more fear.
I live in Oklahoma City. This is not a real area of PS activity, especially breast augmentation, so I have had some difficulty trying to get a PS to talk with me or get any answers. I did research the MRI before joining this site based on some info I read online and I can't get a Doctor to give me a referral to get one....yet.
I have called imaging centers and hospitals to just schedule one and pay out of pocket and I HAVE to have a referral from a doctor. I have an appointment with my Gyno next week and am hoping he gives me one, because thus far my PCP will not give me one.
I apologize if I sound negative. I am just confused and uneducated on what to do.

I appreciate the responses to my post!
If you could give me the link to the info on the Dow Corning Double Lumen rupture, that would be great. Thank you!

[Angelblue]

Can i post this here? http://implants.clic.net/tony/Blais/011.html , if not sorry. Your can get the info just google dow corning double lumen implants and you should see DOW CORNING: HISTORY AND BREAST IMPLANT PRODUCT LINE OVERVIEW: very informative regarding all of Dow's implants over the years.

Whether this info is completely accurate or the best spot for info, i do not know. I am in no way giving this as fact. Just a tidbit of info i read on the internet. I took to heart Nikkis libel warning and am now scared to give any info. lol

[StarryEyed]

Thank you for providing the link. I had previously just typed in "Dow Corning Double Lumen" into Yahoo and did not find anything really pertinent to my situation, just old law suit info. So again, thank you for the link. I am going to check it out.

[Angelblue]

Hope it helps. I would definitely have the mri, I know it's expensive but you have had your implants for a long time. and they did not usually last that long.

[StarryEyed]

Hi. I just wanted to give those interested an update on my situation. The implant in question is no worse, yet no better. I was finally able to get an MRI scheduled. It is scheduled for next week and I will post the results. I have had a lot of difficulty getting this MRI approved/scheduled and difficulty getting my augmentation surgical history from my PS, so I apologize for not posting sooner as I had a few private messages from really sweet women interested and concerned for me, and I appreciate your kind words!!!

I have found out from the MRI center that because I have implants my insurance will NOT cover the cost. I have BCBS PPO. It is $2000 on spot. Although there is a slight family history of breast cancer, they won't file with my insurance. So, I'm trying to keep my spirits high and positive. I have requested to pay this out, hopefully they will let me. If I had thousands of dollars to simply dish out, I would just get the implants replaced entirely without the MRI.

I also requested the surgical info from the PS who did my Augmentation in 1991. I was shocked, to say the least, when I read that these are supposedly McGhan implants and not Dow Corning. I have info that states otherwise. Also, the procedure information said that he had discussed at length with me prior to surgery the risks of silicone implants, how they may cause auto-immune/connective tissue disorders and that I understood this. Again, I will comply with the rules of not bashing the PS. However, this NEVER happened. To my knowledge....the implant scare occurred around 93 or 94. I do not recall this being an issue in January 1991, at least not here in the mid-west. Plus, I was barely 18 when this happend. If my PS would have discussed this, I would have went running for the hills scared. Also, of major importance, I went through ALL my documents (sometimes it pays to be a packrat) and I found 5 pages of the surgical procedure and along with it was information on how my implants were in fact DOW CORNING!
I'm not saying that the surgeon or his office gave me a false report, but something is not right. All the other info on that procedure they gave me (name, date, procedure itself) is correct. So, I don't know what the deal is. Once again, I am trying to stay positive and keep my spirits high.

So, I will let all those know after I receive my MRI.
I really do NOT want to have to get these redone. I say this because I do have Lupus and I don't really want to deal with a surgery, however I now realize these will need to be removed sooner then later IF it isn't broken. I would just like to research the various implants on the market, surgeons, etc..

Thanks for reading.

[StarryEyed]

Those who had read my post had sent me private messages. I figured out how to do it once, but cannot again. I looked for info on this site for sending messages, but can't find it.
(Major Blonde Moment)

How do I respond back to the women who have left me messages. If I hit quick reply it just replies on my own page.

[TammieS]

I'm not sure about the PM question - I've only sent one and don't really remember how I did the whole thing. You can respond in their public profile just by clicking on their user name and choosing "go to public profile."

Just wanted to say that I've read your story and I imagine what you're going through is frustrating - even though you are certainly keeping a good spirit.

I'm thinking about you and sending good thought/prayers your way....

[Angelblue]

I'm glad that you got the mri scheduled. I hope that you hear good news!!! Please let us know how you are doing.

[chickie32]

Originally Posted by StarryEyed

Hi. I just wanted to give those interested an update on my situation. The implant in question is no worse, yet no better. I was finally able to get an MRI scheduled. It is scheduled for next week and I will post the results. I have had a lot of difficulty getting this MRI approved/scheduled and difficulty getting my augmentation surgical history from my PS, so I apologize for not posting sooner as I had a few private messages from really sweet women interested and concerned for me, and I appreciate your kind words!!!

I have found out from the MRI center that because I have implants my insurance will NOT cover the cost. I have BCBS PPO. It is $2000 on spot. Although there is a slight family history of breast cancer, they won't file with my insurance. So, I'm trying to keep my spirits high and positive. I have requested to pay this out, hopefully they will let me. If I had thousands of dollars to simply dish out, I would just get the implants replaced entirely without the MRI.

I also requested the surgical info from the PS who did my Augmentation in 1991. I was shocked, to say the least, when I read that these are supposedly McGhan implants and not Dow Corning. I have info that states otherwise. Also, the procedure information said that he had discussed at length with me prior to surgery the risks of silicone implants, how they may cause auto-immune/connective tissue disorders and that I understood this. Again, I will comply with the rules of not bashing the PS. However, this NEVER happened. To my knowledge....the implant scare occurred around 93 or 94. I do not recall this being an issue in January 1991, at least not here in the mid-west. Plus, I was barely 18 when this happend. If my PS would have discussed this, I would have went running for the hills scared. Also, of major importance, I went through ALL my documents (sometimes it pays to be a packrat) and I found 5 pages of the surgical procedure and along with it was information on how my implants were in fact DOW CORNING!
I'm not saying that the surgeon or his office gave me a false report, but something is not right. All the other info on that procedure they gave me (name, date, procedure itself) is correct. So, I don't know what the deal is. Once again, I am trying to stay positive and keep my spirits high.

So, I will let all those know after I receive my MRI.
I really do NOT want to have to get these redone. I say this because I do have Lupus and I don't really want to deal with a surgery, however I now realize these will need to be removed sooner then later IF it isn't broken. I would just like to research the various implants on the market, surgeons, etc..

Thanks for reading.

hi

so these documents were in fact from where you had your BA surgery done, yes? (just wanting to reiterate to make sure ) i too forgot when exactly the whole 'silicone scare' was, but i'm so sorry to hear all this. this may be a very long shot - but is there anyway you could try and have your PS work w/the insurance co. about the cancer history in your family? insurance co's are nortoriously horrible. but at least you *can* check out to see what's implants are available today or even go for a consult (nikki has TONS of info on her website ).

thanks so much for this update. hope the MRI goes well for you

[StarryEyed]

In response to the above post.... Yes, I got the information directly (in person) from the PS office where I had my augmentation in 1991.
Also, the nurse at the PS office told me that Double Lumen implants were the strongest ever made. That the ONLY way they would rupture is if (and I quote) "were in a massive car wreck or received a gunshot to the breast".

Well, neither of those happened. (Thank God) However, yes the MRI showed that the breast implant in question is in fact ruptured. The good news is that I do not have cancer. Although, now this is making it even more difficult for my insurance to agree to pay for the necessity of the MRI to begin with. I'm still going to try to see if they will pay a portion of it.

In the meantime, I just feel.....weird. It's a weird feeling knowing you have a ruptured silicone implant in your body. One of the documents given to me by my PS says they are McGhan, but the paperwork that I received in 1991 that I have kept all these years say they are Dow Corning!

All this he said, she said business is a bit nerve racking, to say the least. I've considered contacting a lawyer (although with medical documents these days, I am not sure there would be much I could do). Or, contacting one of the local television stations to tell my story. There has to be other women out there with Double Lumen implants who did NOT injure themselves and had a rupture.
Also, I read on the internet that silicone implants (I am assuming the new ones) last 30+ years!

I'm confused.

Anyways, I go to my PCP next week to discuss how serious the rupture is. I was also told by his nurse that a PS would probably be a better judge of this sort of thing. It was the MRI facility that told me of the rupture, they haven't sent the MRI results to my PCP yet. I just talked to his nurse over the phone about it.
So, in the meantime the nurse at the PCP clinic told me that I should take it easy, not do anything strenuous, no working out and maybe not driving.

Let me add, I am a Registered Nurse. While breast implants are not my specialty... I am worried about financing this and being able to be off work as long as I will.
I have friends (non medical) that go back to work the same week. When I originally got these, I was in PAIN. I bruised clear up to my neck and they are subglandular.
Needless to say, I am obviously putting the cart before the horse by worrying about a surgery that isn't even sche