Something I Got Back After My Explant That I Didn’t Realize I Lost

Today is Thursday October 18, 2018 and I’m 11 weeks post-explant.

As each week passes me by I’m realizing more and more just how ill I was.

Since 2014, when all Hell broke lose, I’ve been miserable.

Over the last four years I’ve unknowingly just got used to feeling like crap on a daily basis.

From the debilitating fatigue, brain fog, anxiety and depression bouts and hip pain, to the clumps of hair loss, rapidly declining vision and non-existent libido, I learned to live this way.

Now that I can look back, gosh. I was not living life to the fullest.

I lost my personalty and I didn’t even realize it. 

When I had my breast implants I was so boring, lazy, tired, unmotivated, grumpy and low vibe.

And that’s how some of my closest friends referred to me, too. That stung.

Now, 77 days after my explant, I’m anything but those things.

I wake up excited for my day, not foggy and irritable.

I can’t stand laying around on the couch anymore watching life pass me by, endlessly scrolling social media, vicariously living through everyone else’s life.

My mental and physical energy is through the roof and even-keeled.

I’m now noticeably happier, funnier, wittier, sassier, bubblier, more energetic and confident and a blast to be around. 

Sometimes I even surprise myself with my rediscovered personality!

I honestly feel like a new woman with a new body living a new life.

Looking back at these last four years, I chalked everything up to being unhappy with how things were going in different areas of my life. I blamed my symptoms on competing in fitness competitions, the Epstein Barr Virus, my thyroid and being a busy mom.

I was made to believe that my mental health issues and physical pains were related to stress and my age.

Here I was searching for all the answers and solutions outside of me when all along it was what was inside of me that was causing me angst and misery. 

👸🏻I’m baaaack, bishes. 

That’s how I feel 🙂

I had no idea that I lost myself… but I’m freaking so grateful she’s back.

I’m tearing up just writing this.

If you’re going through your own personal Hell right now, you’re going to be fine.

You’re tougher than you give yourself credit for.

You can handle this.

Everything from your physical symptoms, diagnoses and personality will improve after explant – I can almost guarantee it.

 

Since I’ve explanted I’ve been putting in approxamently 30 hours a week towards educating women about:

  • the possible risks associated with breast implants
  • Breast Implant Illness
  • the explant process
  • pre and post op care
  • how to deepen their self-love, increase their confidence and start loving and embracing their new beautiful body
  • ways to heal on a mind-body-soul level

You won’t find me sitting back in silence, now that I’ve explanted, just watching thousands of women get breast implants without knowing the potential risks.

I’m fully dedicated to this cause and mission and educating the masses.

 

If you’re on Facebook, join my Group: Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education With Christina

If you’re not on Facebook, find me on Instagram!

 

here’s to renewed health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

My Experience With Dr. Dev From Aqua Plastic Surgery

Everything you’re about to read is from my own experience, perspective and in my own opinion. 

 

Before I get into my testimonial, I want to share with you a little back story.

 

I was watching the local news early one evening in mid 2017. They were doing a segment about a few ladies who explanted because they claimed their breast implants made them sick and how much better they started feeling afterwards.

They mentioned Aqua Plastic Surgery in Jupiter, Florida and the word Breast Implant Illness.

 

I was both completely shocked by what I was hearing and also over the moon excited to have finally found my answer.

I knew without a doubt that this was the root of all my issues.

And lucky for me, I had one of the best plastic surgery centers in the United States, Aqua Plastic Surgery, right down the road from me.

That very day my research begun.

The day after the news aired that segment on Breast Implant illness I called Aqua’s explant assistant. I asked them a dozen questions about the symptoms associated with Breast Implant Illness and the explant surgery process.

 

After a week of thinking about it and feeling it all out, I decided “yep, I’m getting these things out!“

Life kinda got in the way and a year passed me by, but in mid June of 2018 it all resurfaced.

I remember it so clearly. I was upstairs doing laundry and a voice said “all of these symptoms you’re experiencing, it’s not normal. You’re too young to be going through what you’re going through. Get the ball rolling and set up your consultation.“

I was experiencing shortness of breath at the time – I’ll never forget it.

So I picked up the phone, called Aqua Plastic Surgery and set up my consultation.

A week later I put down my deposit and locked in my actual date.

“Oh my gosh, I’m really doing this.”

 

My original surgery was going to be on Monday November 26, 2018 (after Thanksgiving) with Dr Rankin, but I did not want to wait four months.

I could feel my anxiety getting worse as I was sitting there waiting. 

Each day I woke up I had a strong pull to just get it done sooner and switch to Dr. Dev, Dr. Rankin’s partner at Aqua Plastic Surgery.

So in good ol’ Christina fashion, I asked the Universe for a sign.

 

On July 26, 2018 I took my dog out for a walk after breakfast and looked up in the sky.

I whispered “If I’m supposed to go with Dr. Dev, show me a deer. I don’t care if it’s in person or on tv, just show me a deer. If I’m supposed to go with Dr. Rankin and just hold off, show me a raccoon. I don’t care if it’s in person or on tv, just show me a raccoon.“

Four days later my son was watching Americas Funniest Home Videos in our bed and there it was… the deer.

The date was Monday July 30, 2018. Four days later.

“Okay, I guess I’m supposed to go with Dr. Dev“, I said. 

I already had my consultation scheduled with him for that Friday August 3, 2018, so I felt relieved.

20 minutes after I saw the deer on tv, I see this in Aqua Plastic Surgery’s Instagram Story – “we have an opening on our surgical schedule this week for Dr. Dev. Patient did not get clearance. If you are ready to go, please call Beatrice.”

I keep the screen shot of it in my phone because nothing like this has ever happened before in my life. I mean, come on Universe!

I got the sign and opportunity for me to take action all within 20 minutes. 

It all happened so fast.

At this point, I still haven’t met Dr. Dev but I knew I was supposed to go with him.

 

I woke John up and said “honey, Dr. Dev has a surgical opening this Thursday. I can get my explant done this week!”

After going back and forth with both John and Beatrice for an hour, I made the decision to go ahead and schedule my explant surgery sooner with Dr. Dev.

I went from being four months out with Dr. Rankin to now four days out with Dr. Dev.

Talk about “holy shit, what do I need to do to prepare?“

That Monday afternoon I drove to Jupiter and had my pre-op done, signed all the necessary paper work, met Dr. Dev for the first time and was now preparing for a major surgery within a few days.

 

Which leads me to my experience with Dr Dev (and the entire team).

 

The day I met Dev I knew he was the right surgeon for me. 

He is warm, personable, takes his time answering questions and has a light-hearted, compassionate spirit about him.

I felt at total ease with my decision and confident in his ability.

Besides his personality and awesome energy, he does exactly the same thing Rankin does – en Bloc, total capsulectomy, Nerve Bloc, the wrap around tissue lift/technique, muscle repair (if needed) and axillary scar release and axillary lymph node internal/external manual palpating and biopsies (if needed).  

When I was going back and forth in my head trying to figure out who I should go with, I kept thinking, “Dr. Dev can do the same thing Dr. Rankin can, so why wait? Get it over with. Get four months of your life back. Rankin wouldn’t have Dev as a partner if he didn’t like his aesthetic work.“

I can’t say enough nice things about the entire process.

Everyone from Dr. Dev, the girls at the front desk, my nurses and anesthesiologist – everyone was amazing!

It’s all about the team, just as much as the surgeon.

I love my results, too!

I anticipated to be flat because I have thin skin and little breast tissue, but I’m not.

Are they small? Yes!

Do I care? NO!

After my surgery I had a couple of minor hiccups and Dr. Dev was always very responsive to my texts.

I definitely give 5 stars!

  • The process (on such a short notice) was executed flawlessly.
  • Dr. Dev has good bedside manners, is warm, qualified and has everything he needs to do a proper, safe explant.
  • The entire staff is friendly.
  • Post-op care and communication is top notch.

If you’re considering Dr. Dev for your explant surgery, I highly recommend him and the Miami location.

He is the best money can buy, in my opinion. 

 

For more information about Dr Dev meet him here.

 

I myself have a Facebook Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education with Christina.

This is a place where I:

  • educate women about Breast Implant Illness and the explanting process
  • bring on guest experts in the natural health and self-love niche and surgeons (Dr Dev did a 75 minute Live with me – it’s incredible!)
  • host monthly giveaways
  • answer your pressing questions and offer guidance both pre and post op

 

If you have any questions for me about my journey or Dr Dev please comment below or ask me in the Facebook Group.

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

 

here’s to renewed health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

 ❤︎ Christina Roulund-Dennis

Health Benefits of Hydrotherapy And How To

WHAT IS HYDROTHERAPY?

Hydrotherapy is a technique that uses the temperature and pressure of water to stimulate circulation & clearance of our main detoxification organs: the skin, kidneys, colon, lymphatic system and liver.

Hot water has relaxing properties, helping to reduce stress.

Cold water helps relieve inflammation and stimulates the removal of toxins from elimination organs like the skin and lymph.

How It Works:

When the body is subjected to cold external temperatures, the flow of circulation is directed inward toward the internal organs. As the outside temperature gets hot, the flow of circulation goes outward toward the skin. Alternating hot and cold makes the circulation move in and out like and accordion.

Health Benefits:

– dramatically increases the elimination of waste, thus assisting detoxification.
– Loosens tense, tight muscles and encourages relaxation.
– Increases the metabolic rate and digestion activity.
– Hydrates the cells, improves skin and muscle tone.
– Boosts the immune system, allowing it to function more efficiently.
– Improves the function of the internal organs by stimulating their blood supply.

How To:

1. Step in the shower and get your entire body wet.
2. Slowly increase the temperature up to the hottest point that you can barely stand it. Quickly expose all the parts of the body, including the top of your head and your face.
3. Now turn the water temperature down to the coldest setting you can tolerate. Quickly expose all the parts of the body, including the top of your head and your face.
4. Repeat the procedure seven times ~ seven times hot, seven times cold. Always BEGIN with HOT and END off with COLD.

That’s it! Are you going to try it? 

here’s to regained health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

❤︎ Christina Dennis

If you’re on Facebook join my Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation And Education With Christina

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

Talking About Explanting With Your Spouse

Does the thought of talking to your spouse about explanting give you sweaty palms? You’re not alone, sister.

Making the decision to remove your breast implants is a tough one. Let alone knowing you’re going to have to sit down and tell your spouse what you’re about to do. You wouldn’t be alone if you wondered…

Will money be an issue?

What if he tries to convince me it’s not my implants making me sick?

Will he be unsupportive and tell me I’m making the wrong decision?

What if he’s supportive at first, but then later on down the road discovers he isn’t attracted to me anymore and leaves?

These are totally normal thoughts for you to have before the big talk.

When I first heard about Breast Implant Illness and started learning all about it, I made sure to show my husband just about everything I was discovering.

For me it was about validation.

 

It was about me showing my hubby that there are thousands of women just like me who have explanted and got better shortly after.

“See, I’m not crazy!”

John and I have been together since 2010, so he has seen firsthand how shitty (to say the least) I’ve been feeling for the last four years.

But at the end of the day, he just wanted me back.

The energetic, funny, fun to be around version of me.

Not the low vibe, never wanting to go anywhere or do anything, anxiety-filled, foggy brained, ‘always complaining about something’ version of me.

And to be clear and blunt…

 

ULTIMATELY, this is your decision – you know what is best for your body and health.

If your spouse knows how sick you’ve been over the years, I hope he’d be supportive of your decision to explant and want what’s best for you.

If he’s not supportive, shame on him. That’s all I’ll say about that — for now (blog post coming soon).

Then again, if you’ve only been with him for a couple of months or years and you’ve been hiding your illness well, he probably has no clue as to how bad you feel, which isn’t his fault.

Communication is everything.

This is an amazing article about clean communication. I highly recommend reading it before you sit down with your husband, if you think he’s not going to take this decision well.

Here’s the thing, chances are your spouse isn’t the one scrolling through the internet trying to figure out what’s wrong with you. Am I right? Let alone feverishly reading through tens of thousands of stories in these Facebook Groups about women who explanted and got their life back. You are.

It’s up to you to bring him into your world and show him what you’ve been discovering.

 

Men need to be educated on Breast Implant Illness and the explanting process, too.

The more they know, the more comfortable they’ll feel about this entire process — and that starts with YOU communicating, and understanding some of the potential thoughts and emotions he might experience in the process of that communication.

Let him know you’re not asking for permission, you’re asking for support.  💗

And remember… it’s not only a big change for you, it’s going to be a big change for him too.

This is a big change, and it will take understanding, patience and communication from both sides. 

 

If you’re on Facebook join my community, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation And Education With Christina

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

here’s to newfound health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

❤︎ Christina Dennis

Normal Fears We All Have

Being heavily involved in the Breast implant Illness community, I hear all sorts of worries and concerns daily. The most common ones are:
What if something happens during surgery?

 

What if I am disfigured afterwards?

 

What if I am completely flat afterwards?

 

What if my husband/partner isn’t attracted to me anymore?

 

What if I don’t get better after surgery?

 

These thoughts are completely normal during this process and we all have them.

 

Just keep in mind that breast implants are huge foreign bodies and cause a “foreign body response” by our immune system. This sets up chronic inflammation that affects all organs and systems.

 

From the very first day our body has been fighting these devices, weakening our immune system and disrupting our hormones.

 

Also keep in mind that these implants with incredibly toxic ingredients are located right next to vital organs such as the heart and lungs.

 

Our bodies will respond negatively, it’s just a question of time.

 

What’s done is done. You can’t take back time.

 

But what you can do, starting right now, is to FORGIVE yourself.

 

Be PATIENT with your body.

 

COMMUNICATE with your loved ones and seek SUPPORT.

 

Let go of the past and get EXCITED for a healthier future.

 

Just because you haven’t been really ill yet doesn’t mean it will stay this way.

 

Know that you are doing the right thing.

 

Focus on all the good ahead… all the memories you’re about to make… all the new places you’re going to visit.

 

You’ve got this, brave WARRIOR!
🖤 written and edited by: Christina Dennis and Kat Lead

8 Ways To Emotionally Prepare For Surgery

Deciding to explant can be a nerve wrecking decision, to say the least. Anxiety, anxiousness and fear get the best of us.

“What if something happens to me during surgery?”

“Will my husband still be attracted to me?”

“What if I’m completely flat or deformed?”

These are all totally normal thoughts and concerns.

 

I’m a believer in the power of the mind, and how it’s one of the most powerful tools you can use to your advantage to turn any circumstance or situation around. 

 

Instead of focusing on what could go wrong or what you don’t want (regarding any area of life), you want to focus on only positive outcomes and what you do want.

“I don’t want to be in pain after surgery. It’s not going to be a slow or difficult surgery.“, is incorrect.

“I’m going to feel amazing after my surgery! It’s going to go by quick and everything will go smooth!”, is correct.

You don’t want to say words like pain, slow and difficult. Instead you want to choose words that you want, like amazing, quick and smooth. 

Make sense?

 

Your body picks up on words.

Words carry a vibration.

That vibration will either empower you or weaken you – quite literally.

 

Here are eight things that’ll help emotionally prepare you for surgery:

 

1. EFT or emotional freedom technique. Brad Yates is one of the most popular EFT leaders and teachers you can learn from. Essentially, emotional freedom technique is a healing technique that can cure physical, emotional and performance problems. When correctly performed, EFT combines the benefits of conventional cognitive therapy with the physical benefits of meridian stimulation. The idea behind EFT is that emotional stress can diminish the body’s natural healing ability. The technique utilizes the Chinese meridian system, which consists of a complicated network of energy circuits running through our bodies. EFT utilizes two simultaneous processes: while we concentrate on the specific emotional, physical or performance issue to be fixed, we tap certain meridian points on our body with our fingertips. Tapping, as it’s also called, is very easy to learn and can be used anytime and anywhere.

2. Visualization and Meditation. In an eight week study, a meditation called “Mindfulness Meditation”, reduced the inflammation response caused by stress. Meditation has also been shown to reduce anxiety, decrease blood pressure and improve sleep. Visualization can go hand in hand with meditation! While you’re sitting in a quiet place, visualize yourself full of energy, strong and happy. Visually take yourself through a fun filled day doing all things that you haven’t been able to do in a while. If you can see it, you can achieve it. You’ll see it when you believe it – not the other way around.

3. Journal. If you’re too fidgety or meditating isn’t your thing, writing in a journal is good way to get your feelings out on paper. Journaling alone is therapeutic, and is a good way to get things out of your head and out in front of you. Journaling about your feelings, symptoms and what you look forward to will be interesting to look back at one day.

4. Communicate as much as possible. Bottling things up inside is not healthy. If you’re feeling nervous, scared or anxious about your surgery or symptoms, speak to someone about it. I have a safe Facebook group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation And Education By Christina, that is full of women just like you. They are on all walks of their journey. Some are waiting to explant, some just discovered Breast Implant Illness and some have explanted and are looking for support with recovery and healing. If you don’t have anyone to talk to, we welcome you. 

5. Don’t get consumed or side tracked by other peoples story’s. Something I did while waiting for my surgery, that I wish I wouldn’t have, was listening to too many peoples story’s about their explant surgery. Some story’s were so horrific! Everything from leaking implants, longer than expected surgeries, to infections afterwards – I was freaking myself out. I know the feeling of being excited and nervous about your explant, but be careful and mindful what you expose yourself to on social media and online.

6. Watch funny movies. Laughing is so good for the body! Did you know that laughing has been shown to boost your T-cell count? T-cells are specialized immune system cells that fight off sickness. Laughing also releases endorphines, eases anxiety and tension and improves your overall well-being. Plus, laughing just feels good. When was the last time you had a good belly laugh?

 

7. Have faith and release what you can’t control. As much as I’m a control freak who likes to know what’s going on at all times, I’m also really good at letting go of what I have no control over. When I hear someone tell me that they’re worried about surgery or about the way they’ll look, I find myself reminding them that no matter what they do or how well they plan for surgery, these two things are ultimately out of their control. No matter what you do, how much you plan or how much you worry, it won’t change or help anything. All you can really control are your emotions, thoughts and actions. 

8. Learn as much as you can about the procedure and your surgical team. Like I mentioned above, peace of mind and knowing how things work is what helps me emotionally. I do not like to be in the dark, especially when it comes to my health and safety. During your consultation ask questions, get to know your surgeon, get familiar with the procedure and what to expect afterwards. 

 

Is there something you do that I didn’t mention? Comment below and tell me.

If you’re on Facebook, join my community Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation and Education With Christina

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram! 

 

here’s to newfound health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

🖤Christina Dennis

 

My 8 Week Post Explant Update

It’s been eight weeks since I removed my 12 year old 420cc silicone breast implants.

I get asked daily “how are you feeling? Any symptoms go away?”

The answer is: “amazing and yes!”

If you haven’t yet heard my entire story with Breast Implant Illness, when my symptoms started, what symptoms I had and how my explant went, go here and read this first. 

Crazy, right?

Today I want to share with you what’s new, gone and still here.

 

Out of all the symptoms I had, only shortness of breath/gasping for air, minor hip joint pain and hair loss are still present.

With that being said, though, these three things are much less frequent and severe than before my explant. Plus, the gasping for air and hip joint pain were two of my newest symptoms, which started last year. So they might be the last to go anyways. Who knows.

For the first five weeks after my explant EVERYTHING was gone.

Not just better. Gone.

 

It seems like I just had a minor flare-up during week six and week seven because my achy stiff hip joint pain was back and I started gasping for air and losing a lot of hair again.

But now, at week eight, these three things are starting to subside again. So that’s good.

 

Honestly, I’m feeling like I’m in a brand new body.

I feel light, energetic, blissed out of my mind, funnier, wittier, smarter, more patient, sexier, more attractive, more confident, with it in my head and I’m actually remembering so much now. 

My body and mind feel like they are on high speed and high definition.

 

I wake up every morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day, motivated and excited to get up and get out of the house. All things I didn’t experience nine weeks ago, and for years.

For the first five weeks going over bumps in the car felt weird, but now that everything’s healed it doesn’t feel weird at all – it’s hard to explain.

 

My fake ones never really jiggled. These do and it feels so weird lol

My scars are slowly fading, but still pink.

 

All in all nothings really changed since my one month check-in.

I’m extremely happy with my experience, results and decision to explant.

 

I will continue to educate you about Breast Implant Illness, the explanting process, detoxification, healing and self-love here and in my Facebook Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation And Education With Christina

If you’re not on Facebook, you can find me on Instagram!

 

Are you planning on explanting?

Do you have a question for me?

Comment below.

 

here’s to newfound health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

❤︎ Christina Dennis

Medical Tests To Order For Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness

Why is it that some women get ill from their breast implants, while others can have them 10+ years and only have one to two symptoms?

In my opinion, I think it has to do with a few things –

  • how healthy you were when you got breast implants
  • how well you took care of your body after afterwards
  • whether or not you’ve been exposed to things like the Epstein Barr Virus, mold, parasites, etc.

 

Having a weakened immune system will definitely have an effect on your overall health.

For me, personally, I was pretty healthy when I got my breast implants at the age of 23 and I took great care of my body afterwards. I didn’t start feeling any Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness until five years after I got them.

Over the years I’ve been working with a naturopathic doctor who is very knowledgable when it comes to autoimmune issues, viruses, parasites, the thyroid and adrenals. I originally went to him because my body was freaking the freak out.

Last December I was experiencing:

  • major anxiety/panic attacks
  • major depression
  • racing heart upon waking/elevated cortisol
  • extreme fatigue
  • light headedness upon standing
  • major brain fog
  • no motivation to do anything
  • lack of appetite
  • feeling that I’m dying

I was off my rocker. 

We did some blood and saliva tests to see what’s up and to get a baseline of what’s going on with my body. From there I was prescribed blends of natural herbs and supplements. Within five to six weeks I was feeling much better.

 

These are some labs that I had done to check on things like my thyroid, adrenals, blood cell count, inflammation markers and important vitamins.

 

1.When looking at your thyroid check your FREE T3, FREE T4, reverse T3, TSH, TPO ab, and TG ab markers. For those that have a hard time losing weight, they’re typically hypo-thyroid. For those that have a hard time putting on weight, they’re typically hyper-thyroid. Not in all cases, though. For instance, I’m working with a lady who is overweight and has hyper-throidism. Every body is different.

2. The thyroid controls your body temperature. If your gland produces too much thyroid hormone, your temperature rises – and vice versa. The Temperature Test is another good one to get checked if you’re experiencing hot flashes or cold extremities.

3. Iodine levels are good to check. Iodine deficiency has been linked to so many ailments, like low thyroid function and abnormal enlargement of the thyroid glands.

4. When looking into your adrenals, check your Cortisol, DHEA-S, Estadiol, Pregnenlone, Progesterone, Testosterone Free and Total, and your Sex Hormone Binding Globuline markers.

5. CRP-C and ESR monitor your inflammation markers. A body with high inflammation markers (chronic inflammation) is prone to experiencing fatigue, rashes, abdominal pain, chest pain and getting sick more. If you’re experiencing IBS, Chrohns Disease, gas, bloating, and food allergies, your gut could be inflamed.

6. If you’re experiencing auto-immune symptoms, check your ANA AntiNuclear Antibodies. Some autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Celiac Disease, Sjogrens Syndrome, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Multiple Sclerosis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Type 1 Diabetes, Aloepecia Areata, Vasculitis and Temporal Arteritis. Quite a few women get diagnosed with one or more of these, or have these symptoms but a negative diagnosis, after getting breast implants.

7. If you catch every virus and bacterial infection that crosses your path, have your doctor make an order to check your NK CELLS. Immunodeficiency disorders prevent your body from fighting off infections and diseases. If you get sick a lot and it takes you awhile to recover, this could be why.

8. Mycoplasma (small typically parasitic bacteria) is another lab to look into if you feel like you have a cold you can’t knock. There are five different strands, so you’ll need to discover which one it is should you test positive.

9. If you’re always tired or have swollen lympnodes, it’s good to rule out things like Epstein Barre Virus, Lyme and Herpes. After I got my implants, my flare ups got more frequent because my immune system got compromised.

10. CBC and Lipids are good labs to check your white and red blood count for anemia and any infections. Last I checked, my total white blood count was low and my monocytes (another type of white blood cells) were extremely elevated.

11. Iron and Ferritine tests can check to see if any iron derangement’s are going on.

12. B12 and Folate levels are good to monitor, especially if your energy is low and you have the MTHFR gene.

13. If you experience depression or have low bone density, checking your Vitamin D level is a good idea. You need adequate vitamin D to absorb calcium and to regulate mood. Simply go out in the sun for 15 minutes a day in shorts and a tank top!

 

Other Tests To Consider:

 

This website has more information on labs and is where I researched and found some of the tests listed above, although most of them I had done already over the last couple years because of all the symptoms I was experiencing.

 

I take a few targeted supplements through my naturopathic doctor, Peter Kan. I also take some herbs and supplements that help my gut, immune system and my lymphatic system, kidneys and liver detox.

 

Next time you see your doctor, talk to him/her about ordering some of these to help you figure out what your body is doing, lacking or producing too much of.

 

Alright, I think this is a good start. I’m sure there are a few other medical labs that would be good to look into, but I do not want to overwhelm you. If you’re experiencing symptoms that aren’t mentioned above, speak to your doctor about looking into those as well.

 

Are you on Facebook? Join Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation And Education With Christina 

Here’s where I educate women about Breast Implant Illness and help them heal pre and post explant.

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

 

here’s to newfound health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

❤︎ Christina Dennis

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on or through this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal or other professional advice. Always work with your health care professional and surgeon when discussing treatments and supplements. This information is not intended to replace the advice or attention of a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

Your Implants Don’t Have To Be Leaking For You To Get Sick

Patient: “I want to remove my breast implants, I think they’re making me ill.“

Surgeon: “You’re implants aren’t ruptured or leaking, you’ve only had them for _ years, you shouldn’t be sick. Just replace them.”

I hear about this every. single. day. day. after. day.

 

 

How did my implants look when I explanted?

I’m so glad you asked.

They looked pristine, perfectly intact, just as pretty and new as the day I put them in 12 years ago.

No leaks. No ruptures. Nothing abnormal.

They made me sick, though.

 

  • *brain fog
  • *hard time concentrating
  • *forgetfulness
  • *moodiness
  • *extreme fatigue
  • anxiety and depression bouts
  • *low libido (my poor husband)
  • swollen lymph node in my armpit
  • *blurry vision
  • *eye floaters
  • *ringing in my ears
  • shortness of breath
  • gasping for air
  • *always freezing, especially my extremities
  • *achy, stiff hip every morning
  • *excessive hair loss
  • *dry skin, hair and eyes
  • viral reoccurrences (EBV)
  • *slightly hyperthyroid
  • *whacked adrenals
  • *whacked hormones (especially cortisol)
  • *whacked endocrine system

*I had these daily for years.

 

Since my explant on August 2, 2018, do you want to know how many symptoms are completely gone?

All of them except for shortness of breath and gasping for air. This one still comes and goes but is less frequent.

As far as the bottom five bullet points, I’m going to need to get followup blood work taken to check on them, but I’m going to bet they’re much better just by the way I’ve been feeling and sleeping.

 

If you’re not familiar with me and my experience with breast implants, here’s a super brief rundown. I promise.

I started feeling rundown in 2011, five years after I had my breast augmentation. I was only 28 at this time and felt like my body was falling apart.

For the last seven years I’ve been getting worse, with more symptoms showing up each year and the symptoms from the previous years getting worse.

Here’s the thing…

Since I was 15 years old I’ve been studying nutrition, fitness and all things health.

When I was 23 I took nutrition and dietetics classes in college.

At the age of 25 I become a certified personal trainer.

In 2011 I began doing online health and fitness coaching for women.

I’m a healthy person. I know what to do to take very good care of my body. Yet, I was starting to fall apart.

It seriously scared the ba’jezus out of me!

In October 2014, when a lymph node in my armpit started to get swollen and tender each month, THIS is when I KNEW something was seriously wrong with my body.

In 2015 I saw doctors, had ultrasounds, blood work taken and a mammogram. Nothing abnormal ever popped up.

It was around this time that I began eating more alkaline foods, doing detoxes of all sorts, reading everything published by Chris Wark (Chris Beat Cancer) and Ty Bollinger (The Truth About Cancer) and started removing everything toxic from my household. I completely switched out all of my hygiene products and cleaning products, threw away anything plastic, bought a new shower curtain, threw out all my fragrance- filled hormone disrupting candles and bought soy ones – I went above and beyond to try and figure it out.

 

Little did I know that it had NOTHING to do with my external environment and EVERYTHING to do with my internal environment.

My breast implants.

It took me six years to discover Breast Implant Illness.

Six years of researching like a mad woman, “living” with uncertainty about the health of my future, feeling like zombie from the moment I woke up and never wanting to do anything, to wondering what the hell was wrong with me and my body.

Not. Any. More.

I’mmmmmmm back to my young, vibrant self!

 

And nothing has changed in my diet over the last eight weeks either. I’m doing the exact same things I was two months ago.

The only thing that changed is my surgeon removed two massive foreign objects, that were perfectly intact, from my body.

They weren’t leaking or ruptured, ladies… but they were slowly poisoning me.

Is it a coincidence that after I removed them I got better? I think not.

 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Breast Implant Illness, and you want your breast implants removed, but a surgeon is telling you to keep them in or to just replace them… run.

I always tell women, “don’t walk in and ask a surgeon what they think you should do or what they think is best for you… tell them that you want your implants out because you think they’re making you sick and you want to explant as soon as possible. And plus, besides the fact, they were never meant to be inside my body in the first place.“

My surgeons office does more explants each week (by far) than they do breast augmentations. This speaks volumes to me.

 

Nobody can look me in the eyes and tell me “if your breast implants aren’t leaking or ruptured, you are fine, healthy and perfectly safe.”

From my own personal experience with Breast Implant Illness, it’s NOT true.

And for the other 100,000+ women who explanted and got better, it’s not true for them either.

🤔it’s not all in your head

😤you’re not just stressed out

👵🏼you’re not just getting older

😩you’re not just a tired new mom

👎🏼these things don’t just run in your family

Breast Implant Illness, as it’s called, is a real thing. And you can get it… even if your implants aren’t ruptured or leaking. 👋🏼 🎤

 

Join my Facebook Group, Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation And Education With Christina

Not on Facebook? You can find me on Instagram!

 

here’s to newfound health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

♥️ Christina Dennis

22 Things To Do The Days Before Your Explant Surgery

I polled my Facebook Group and my surgeons Facebook Group and asked them “what did you do the week and days leading up to your surgery?” Here’s what I got. 

 

What To Do One Week Prior To Surgery:

    1. *Make sure all of your prescriptions are filled and you know how to take them.

 

    1. *Buy Arnica. This helps with bruising and swelling.

 

    1. Oil of Oregano is an amazing antibiotic. Double check with your surgeon to see if they approve you taking this instead of antibiotics.

 

    1. Get off all medications and supplements that your surgeon doesn’t want you on.

 

    1. *Buy pineapple and/or juice (the bromine in it helps with bruising and healing).

 

    1. *Buy aloe juice and/or prune juice. These are natural laxatives.

 

    1. *Cook off as much food as possible (chicken, rice, vegetables, bone broth, etc.) and cut up fruit. That way you don’t have to cook or cut anything for a few days post-surgery.

 

    1. Stay hydrated, drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces.

 

    1. Get lots of rest.

 

    1. Visualize how you want the surgery to go. “Everything’s going to go smooth and fast. It’s going to be an easy surgery for my surgeon and he/she is going to be well rested and fed. When I wake up I’m going to feel great! MY recovery is going to be a breeze.” Call it in!

 

    1. *Have loose fitting clothes put out. Pulling up jeans and trying to twist into tight tops is going to be slightly complicating. I wore pj pants and short or leggings for weeks (and weeks and weeks).

 

    1. *Dry Shampoo. That’s all I have to say about that, in my Forest Gump voice.

 

 

What To Do One To Three Days Before:

    1. Do all laundry, dishes, sweep and mop the floors, clean the kitty litter, take out the garbage and whatever other chores and errands you need ran (groceries, post office, pay bills, etc.). Having a clean house to come home and not much on your to-do list is the b.e.s.t!

 

    1. *Put things like your shampoo and conditioner, body lotion and body wash, face wash/moisturizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, makeup, toilet paper, supplements/medications, cups and plates in the kitchen and other things at waist height. This way you don’t have to bend down or reach for anything.

 

    1. *Set up your bed or couch with lots of pillows to prop up on and blankets.

 

    1. *Make sure you have a ride to and from surgery.

 

    1. If you’re documenting your journey, like me and so many others, take photos and videos.

 

*bring to or do at the hotel, if traveling.

 

If You’re Staying At A Hotel Or Traveling:

    1. Make sure where you’re staying has a fridge to store perishables and a microwave.

 

    1. Load up on lots of water, fresh fruit and snacks (especially if you’re on medication to have something in your belly).

 

    1. Make sure you have an extra sports bra, a size larger than you think you’ll need, so that if you need to wash your compression bra you’ll have something to put the new ladies in 🙂 You’ll want to be sure it’s slightly larger because you don’t want the bra band to touch your incisions.

 

    1. Lyft has an app where you can schedule a driver to come to you – even in the wee hours of the morning (Uber does not). If you need to get picked up for your one day post-op checkup or need a ‘lyft‘ to the airport, schedule your driver to come beforehand.

 

    1. Check all the above with a ( * ) to be sure you don’t forget anything for the hotel or place you’re staying.

 

 

If I missed anything, I apologize. Please tell me if I did so that I can add it to the list for future readers.

 

Did this help? Comment below and tell me!

Join my Facebook Group  – Breast Implant Illness Rejuvenation And Education By Christina

Not on Facebook? Find me on Instagram!

 

here’s to newfound health, rejuvenation and massive self-love,

♥️ Christina Dennis