Louise's Story

Hi Sandra,

I am only able to type with a pencil in my right hand. My left hand sits propped up on the left side of the keyboard, to make caps. Let me tell you in brief....Please excuse the spelling as well as the typing.

Louise.......

___________________________________________________________________

June 1979.......Fibroid cysts disease...first husband had both breasts removed while I was in surgery. Bilateral mastectomy.I found out 5 days after the surgery.Saline implants were put in at that time.Within 6 months I had capsular contractor, in both breasts. The DR tried to release them and ruptured both IP.From Jan 1980 until July of 1990 I had 9 implants removed on my left side and 7 on my right side. Mostly from ruptures and my body rejecting them. July 1990..had the Silicone removed and Saline implanted. My body rejected those also. At this time not even going to mention all the medical problems I have had over the years, due to the Silicone leakage. October 1994.........Implants removed and TRAM FLAP.......Neither my husband nor I were told of the complications I could have. Trust me I have had them all. The breasts that were made from the lower abdominal muscle never even looked like breasts. We were never told I would not be able to lie down normally...have been in an electric bed since. Six months after the TF...I was operated for a very large abdominal hernia.

The inserted a layer of mesh in my abdomen. After that it has looked as though I am pregnant...a year or so after that hernia the mesh ruptured and once again they operated. This time they patched me up with 2 more layers of mesh. At the present time I have my small intestine attached to the abdominal wall. The wall is very thin there and so far, in the past 3 months I have been told by 3 DR's. Surgery is NOT an option. The wall is to thin. I have had a Hiida scan, Ultra sound, Cat scan and many other tests these past few months....all show the same thing. So now I have to wear an abdominal binder at all times. Can't lift anything, bend, drive, stretch, reach. I have been told by all three DR's recently.....to get in bed and stay there. If the wall ruptures I will have to live with a bag.....just one more thing to accept. So we have to date...Many operations where Silicone had been removed for different parts of my body. Silicone poisoning, which is, I AM TOLD the reassigns for the decaying, flaking of both my corneas, use eye meds at night and both eyes are covered. Borderline Lupus, rashes on both legs and arms. 4 skin cancers...never out in the sun. Arthritis......bad. Fibromyalgia. Colitis. Muscle damage. Loss the use of my left arm. This is really difficult to write..........Also have had two heart attacks...I am 57 years old ...feel like 95. Many more Medical problems but just can't think of them right now. Put it this way.....I was involved in the MDL case here in the USA..I was in the top...most serious category. Yes, I was awarded a settlement but that all went to pay medical bills. You see after #1 husband and I split up.. I had NO MEDICAL insurance that would cover anything that had to do with the removal of my breasts, implants, TF ......and so on. No pre existing conditions. I was Lucky that both heart attacks were after I got the new insurance.

Sorry to go on and on....but if I can help one person not to go through what I have been through.. then I could say .There was a reason for the way I live now. I have a fantastic husband, who married me 11 1/2 years ago. Yes, he knew my situation and has been great through all of this. We never go anywhere and I am home bound. I guess if there was a good reason I would go out ...but I am ashamed at the way I look.....Ever see a 57 year old LADY who appears to be pregnant? That is how I look.

Again.....I know I left out a great deal....but that is most of it.....

Sincerely,

Louise.......

EVEYDAY...Better then all the antidepressants that I could get from any DR.