BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS VS BENZO WITHDRAWAL

Hey BB's.

I previously wrote a post on the topic and wanted to touch base with everyone again on the subject.

I ended my taper the first week in May 2021, and since then things haven't improved.

What has now been brought to my attention is the gruelling subject of breast implant illness (BII).

My friend pointed out the similarity in my symptoms and began to query such issues, and now so am I. What makes this so hard is all of the benzo symptoms match identically, from muscle tremors to chronic disabling fatigue and to confuse a down trodden soul even more so, they all ran alongside each other from beginning to use benzo's and 2 years post surgery. It's impossible to blood test either as well. It's a case of ride out withdrawal, or remove my implants.

The very thought of surgery right now is frightening, however, after some scary lengthy research, it turns out the good old FDA not only approve benzos but they also allow the use of 'textured' implants that are responsible for BIA cancer here in the UK. It turns out from what I can see, if it earns them money, its fine. I want them replaced regardless because of this issue, however if they are causing BII, then they need to come out completely, and I can get my life back. Someone online wrote a fantastic article about how the body can only take so many toxins before its had enough, and I wonder whether, just maybe, the benzo's sort of threw me over the edge for the body to cope alongside having silicone inside my body. 

FOR REFERENCE :

BII appears to be associated with a wide range of potential health effects. Commonly reported physical and mental symptoms, include:

Chronic fatigue and headaches

Persistent joint and muscle pain

Unexplained respiratory difficulties

Hair loss and frequent skin rashes

Chronically dry mouth and eyes

Poor memory and concentration

Depression, anxiety, and insomnia

And other one, from speaking to BII sufferers was 'alcohol intolerance'. Now I have tried to have a glass of wine since my taper and its awful. You guys will know exactly what I mean. Anxiety, and feeling damn ill after any alcohol is one of the worst things. A nice meal out is not the same anymore, and oddly speaking to a BII sufferer she had the same. It went after she took out the implants. It's amazing how we all have to do our own research here, with everything, as docs just have no idea. 

I would love to know everyone's thoughts and experiences on the subject.

AJ xx

All the symptoms you listed for BII and the alcohol intolerance...are all symptoms of benzo recovery as well. Basically if you didn't have implants you have a very high chance of experiencing theses things as well. even with a proper taper there is no guarantee that you will recover quicker than a rapid taper or a CT.

I am not trying to dismiss your concern for BII bc it is a real thing. I just want to help you keep things in perspective.

In addition, the meds they use for surgery can be problematic for some people in benzo recovery. So please be very careful with that in weighing a decision to have surgery.

However, I did read on here  a story of a woman who felt better after taking out her implants. For the life of me I can't remember who it was. - sorry.

Your symptoms may not improve for quite a while bc thats how this recovery goes for  many of us on here. You are very early on in recovery process.

Wish u the best and I hope you find the answer that is right for you!

Thank you Trina, I really am in a catch 22. Time frames are to close to determine as the symptoms are all the same...

I was taking 10mg a day for sometime, and especially at night to sleep.

I wish I knew why I can't tolerate alcohol anymore... I vomit all the following day and its horrendous. Its never after having the actual drink which is weird as well.

I am seeing a breast specialist tuesday for an ultrasound to check for small tears in the implants, but like you say, I think I am searching for answers because I just can't stand being stuck like this.

AJ xxx

You feel the alcohol after it is leaving your system, not necessarily when you drink it. Alcohol affects gaba receptors as did your benzos. Its  very simplistic put that way but its actually more complicated than that.

Like I'm sensitive to some other things and I feel it more as its leaving my system but not necessarily when I actually take it.

Hope that helps you understand the "why" better:)

Howtocope. Silicone or saline implants? 

My vision is blurry, so I thought your avatar was breast implant. And then I would be very worried.  . 

Translator 200 : I have silicone textured implants by Motiva. I know they now are being reported at causing 'BIA' cancer also now as well. It never ends! 

Trina, thanks for that explanation, I no longer feel so crazy. I remember hangovers before benzo's and it was nothing like this. The nausea is worse than anything I have experienced. I used to say I could never stop wine, as I loved it to much, and nowadays I get frightened to go near it.  :'( It spoils all events, because I am not someone who can enjoy a disco without a nice alcoholic drink. Call me odd, but its just not the same!

I have been ruled out for any autoimmune conditions with many docs.

I hope its benzos and not the implants I really do. I wouldn't want to go back to how I was before, it made me incredibly self conscious.

AJ x