Episode 51: From Implants to Insight: A Comprehensive Look at Breast Implant Illness with Casey Araujo

In recent years, the prevalence of health issues associated with breast implant surgery has gained significant attention within the medical community and among patients. This heightened awareness has shed light on a condition known as Breast Implant Illness (BII), which is characterized by various symptoms ranging from inflammation and chronic fatigue to autoimmune responses. Casey Araujo joins me in today’s episode to offer her valuable insight into the aspects of breast implant illness, particularly related to breast implant surgery, removal, and post-recovery. This is to raise awareness about breast implant illness and advocate for a holistic approach to surgical care, emphasizing the importance of mindset, lifestyle modifications, and social support systems in achieving optimal outcomes. Breast Implant Surgery and its Effects on a Person's Body In 2016, Casey made the decision to get implants at the young age of 23, without much prior research. She didn’t fully understand its potential consequences. She shared that she always felt a desire to have larger breasts as she was growing up because of external influences. Initially, she didn't find her implants too large, but eventually, they became the main focus of her appearance, causing discomfort. Within six months of the surgery, she faced inflammation and rapid weight gain. She thought it was just part of the recovery process, but the inflammation persisted, along with rashes and chronic fatigue. As time passed, her symptoms worsened, but she dismissed them as typical signs of aging and hormonal changes. However, with no improvement in sight, she began to suspect a more serious underlying issue. The inflammation was severe and noticeable, affecting her face, midsection, and arms. She also started experiencing other symptoms like hormonal issues, dry skin, and swollen lymph nodes. Despite consulting various specialists, including GI doctors who recommended dietary changes, the root cause remained elusive. The discomfort from the implants intensified over time. Despite opting for saline implants under the muscle, they never felt comfortable. She couldn't lie on her stomach or sides without experiencing sharp pains and burning sensations, especially around the left breast where the incisions were made. Over time, her health got worse to the point that she started feeling depressed and anxious. Although she seemed happy on social media, she was actually going through a tough time. It wasn't until about six or seven years after getting the implants that she stumbled upon information about breast implant illness during extensive research into her deteriorating health. Chronic Illness and Breast Implant Removal She didn't associate the autoimmune disease she was diagnosed with in high school with her breast implants. However, as she researched further into breast implant illness, she realized that there might be a connection. Exploring various avenues of functional medicine and nutrition, and undergoing therapies and treatments, she found no relief from her symptoms. It wasn't until she stumbled upon stories of other women's experiences with breast implant illness that she began to consider the possibility. Even then, she was in denial, unable to believe that her implants could be the cause of her suffering. A pivotal moment came during a trip to Spain when one of her saline implants ruptured on day three, leaving her left breast flat. This rupture became a clear sign that something needed to change. Despite her initial panic, she ultimately opted for a replacement surgery, only to find that her health deteriorated further afterward. This experience served as a wake-up call, signaling to her that it was time to remove the implants. She saw the rupture as her body's way of telling her that these implants were not compatible with her health and needed to be removed for good. Post-surgical Recovery and Inflammation After undergoing a replacement surgery following the rupture, her recovery was much worse than expected. She experienced severe muscle pain, nerve damage, numbness in her arms, and increased inflammation which were unusual. Her recovery issues raised concerns about potential complications. Post-replacement, she noticed significant differences in her implants as they felt harder, caused more chest pain and discomfort, and even affected her breathing. The rupture served as a turning point, prompting her decision to have her implants removed and so, she had a consultation with me. My usual approach is empowering individuals to make informed decisions rather than dictating a course of action. However, after extensive research and introspection, she realized that her implants were likely the root cause of her health issues. Meditation and breathwork helped her tune into her body, reinforcing her decision that implant removal was necessary for her well-being. With plans to start a family, she opted against procedures like lifts or fat transfers, prioritizing the removal above all else. Mindset Preparation for Breast Implant Removal Surgery Truthfully, there is a need for caution and boundaries when seeking support online. Make sure to always surround yourself with positive support, particularly from loved ones, in navigating such journeys. That is why I associate Casey’s smooth recovery with her preparedness and positive mindset before, during, and after surgery. Casey diligently prepared herself mentally, physically, and emotionally for the surgery. She explored various holistic practices like meditation, breathwork, energy therapy, and more. Her proactive approach, coupled with a strong support system, facilitated her transformative recovery experience. Casey's experience highlighted the importance of additional support resources, such as health coaching and patient advocates, in navigating the complexities of explant surgery and breast implant illness, especially considering the negative impact of social media on mindset and decision-making. The addition of health coaching aims to offer holistic support beyond medical intervention whereas patient advocates, who were former patients themselves, provide invaluable insight and empathy. Links and Resources Dr. Robert Whitfield’s Website Follow Dr. Rob on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drrobertwhitfield/ For more information on Virtual and In Person Consultations, we always answer our messenger personally: https://www.drrobertwhitfield.com/contact/ Let’s Connect... Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/breast-implant-illness/id1678143554 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1SPDripbluZKYsC0rwrBdb?si=23ea2cd9f6734667 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drrobertwhitfield?_t=8oQyjO25X5i&_r=1 IG: https://www.instagram.com/breastimplantillnessexpert/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertWhitfield Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robert-whitfield-md-50775b10/ X: https://x.com/rob_whitfieldmd Read this article - https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types/implant-reconstruction/illness/breast-implant-illness Shop: https://drrobssolutions.com SHARP: https://www.harp.health NVISN Labs - https://nvisnlabs.com/ Get access to Dr. Rob's Favorite Products below: Danger Coffee - Use our link for mold free coffee - https://dangercoffee.com/pages/mold-free-coffee?ref=ztvhyjg JASPR Air Purifier - Use code DRROB for the Jaspr Air Purifier - https://jaspr.co/ Echo Water - Get high quality water with our code DRROB10 - https://echowater.com/ BallancerPro - Use code DRROBVIP for the world's leader in lymphatic drainage technology - https://ballancerpro.com Ultrahuman - Use code WHITFIELD10 for the most accurate wearable - https://www.ultrahuman.com/ring/buy/us/?affiliateCode=drwhitfield