PIP Breast Implants Forum

• If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?
• If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been?
• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?
• Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced? If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?
• How do you feel about the treatment you have received? Is there anything you think could or should have been done differently?

[quote Parliament Moderator]• If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?
• If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been?
• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?
• Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced? If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?
• How do you feel about the treatment you have received? Is there anything you think could or should have been done differently?

my private clinic have been totally useless unless rupture is proven at my/nhs expense,
after many months in total distress i am now booked in to have these pips removed and this time replaced at a greater expense that i originally paid.
this whole situation should have been handled like the french have done, its our health you people are playing politics with.i had to beg my gp and the nhs breast clinic for help because of the statement this gov put out about the implants, which in my view have not been tested enough for anyone to know the possible health risks 50,000+ladies are to face in the future................... very dissapointed and let down on all sides.

Quote:

Parliament Moderator
• If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?
• If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been?
• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?
• Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced? If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?
• How do you feel about the treatment you have received? Is there anything you think could or should have been done differently?

I decided not to go go back to the Private company who had put the implants in, because of their complete lack of response at first to the problem in general. They were more concerned with profit than womens' safety.
I paid to go privately at the local NHS hospital to have my PIP implants removed and others put in, after it was found they were ruptured. I also had bad encapsulation, rippling and some burning pains in one breast.
I had R&R in a single operation. They also had to perform a capsulectomy and deal with massive infection in my left breast.
I feel very happy with the private treatment at my local NHS hospital and initial consultation with the surgeon on NHS.
I feel particularly let down and disgusted by HMG's complete lack of care shown to myself once the PIP story became common knowledge. If they had offered me an MRI scan at a location which didn't include a horrendously expensive long journey and stay from where I lived, and had they actually initially responded to their clients with some humanity and understanding, I may have gone back to them rather than local hospital.

Quote:

Parliament Moderator
• If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?
• If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been?
• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?
• Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced? If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?
• How do you feel about the treatment you have received? Is there anything you think could or should have been done differently?

My Implants were provided by a private clinic, who have behaved appallingly, it took weeks for them to respond to any emails, even though I knew I had PIPs and had 4 of the symptoms which they stated on their website. I eventually received details private providers of MRI scans in Surrey, when I live in Bucks and the charges for this. I had been in contact with my original surgeon, who told me that US results would be sufficient. only to be told by HMG that they would not.

I had an U/S and a mammogram in Dec 2011 ( before the news broke) due to breast pain~ all the symptoms which HMG then posted on their website, and another in Jan 2012, both through the NHS. After both I was given a "hands on" examination, and both times I was told that my PIPs were intact. One consultant told me to go home and take painkillers, they other to take Oil of Evening Primrose~but not to quote him.

I knew that these results were incorrect and have now had R&R with a different private provider~ Both my PIPs had gel bleeds, one significantly.I had one procedure for my R&R and am now in debt for the first time in my life.

The treatment I received from HMG was disgraceful, I questioned why we had not been informed of the situation with PIPs back in 2010, when they were instructed to by the MHRA and their reply was " we posted the information on our website" Now that is hardly identifying, contacting and reassuring us as the Medical Device Notice stated. Thinking that we would all go onto a website looking for information when NONE of us knew there was a problem???

My only criticism of the NHS is that my consultants really didnt know what they were looking for, they deal with cancer and lumps etc ~ Ultrasounds are not conclusive, as Earl Howe stated in correspondence with me. It is also widely agreed that mammograms should NOT be carried out on PIP patients because of the abnormally high rupture rate.

What should have been done differently? Instead of allowing us to be abused as vain women who deserved this by the media, we should have been treated the same as other countries who took control of the situation. Our original providers should have been forced to remove and replace at THEIR cost, or have been made to refund all women affected so that we could make informed choices about who to use for R&R.
Whilst I didn't want to burden the NHS with this problem, I do think that the government could have stepped in, allowed our R&R to take place via the NHS and claimed the costs back from clinics like HMG .

My story is pretty much the same as above.
My clinic went bust. There was almost help available through a NHS hospital.... But r@r was snatched away from us.
I have MS and suffer with horrendous symptoms.... All started before pips were fitted. But the stress makes me worse.

The media have us painted as vain and much worse. I didn't even fill a 32 a before my first op. well if crying because I looked like a man makes me vain I guess I must be.

I am in this mess because these so called safe implants had a ce mark. The ones before ( trilucent) were given the same ce mark. We are not the bad guys here we are the Badly treated, and abandoned ladies..... Ladies sat waiting for these potentially toxic tome bombs to do their worst.

I have gone from bottom to the top to get help..... but no. All I keep hearing is " don't worry we have no proof that pips are not safe, but WE have no proof that they are safe.

It wil cost a darn sight more to look after us all if our fears come true.

The NHS have been very nice to me, but nice doesn't fix this frightening mess

Help me...... Please

• If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?
• If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been?
• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?
• Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced? If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?
• How do you feel about the treatment you have received? Is there anything you think could or should have been done differently?


The clinic were very slow to respond. At first they answered the phone and dismissed my concerns saying there is no proof PIP's are unsafe/ no link with cancer . They then stopped answering calls at the clinic and calls diverted to a call centre where they employed useless people who quoted automated responses and could not answer many questions as they had no knowledge of implants whatsoever . The clinic have been appauling they will only help if there is eveidence of a rupture (only proven by MRI scan funded by ourseleves) and only within 6yr of original implantation. They sent out a couple of generalised letters saying they do care and are doing all they can etc but have yet to put their money were their mouth is .

Why should you need to experience a problem to have them removed? Yes I want them removed and replaced but because they contain industrial, non medical grade silicone and have potential to rupture at any point as they have a missing outer shell.

I am booked for a consultation on 12th May to have them removed and replaced . Not with my original clinic but with a reputable one .

EVERYTHING should have been done differently. If NHS are removing and replacing implants for their original patients does this not prove they need removing and replacing routinely? If there is nothing wrong with them then why don't NHS tell their women they are fine to keep them in? Or does it not matter if you paid private cos you don't see us as being as important? . A few reputable clinics are doing free r&r but what about those of us who went to clinics who don't give a damn and put money over patient welfare?

Quote:

Parliament Moderator
• If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?
• If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been?
• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?
• Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced? If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?
• How do you feel about the treatment you have received? Is there anything you think could or should have been done differently?

I had my implants provided by a private clinic in 2001. When I heard about the PIP scandal in January this year I contacted the provider who told me as I had had the implants for over 10 years (10 years and 3 months to be precise!) there was nothing he could do as they should be changed after 10 years. This was news to me as when I had them originally done I was told they would last c.15-20 years plus if I had no problems with them. He then said he would remove and replace for £3,900.

Obviously, I'm sure if you asked anyone with these implants, knowing what is potentially in your body is extremely upsetting and I started to suffer badly from anxiety attacks. It consumed my life. I therefore, starting to looking into who could remove and replace them for a cheaper price (as obviously I hadn't put aside money for something like this!). I was disgusted with my original provider and decided to have the removed and replaced on 17th March with a BMI hospital closer to where I live, costing me £3,100.

During the last few years, maybe longer, I had experienced a horrible burning sensation in my breasts but put it down to nerve damage due to the implants. After the operation, I found out that both of my implants had a gel bleed and since I have had the replacement I do not experience this any more so I know this was down to whatever was leaking from the implants and am just pleased they have been removed - albeit at a cost.

I am absolutely outraged by this whole scenario. Why innocent women are being made to pay again to have these implants removed and replaced for their own safety is disgusting. We all undertook surgery for a personal reason. We were never told of the implications of something like this. This is not our fault and now we are all having to pay for someone elses mistake and for the private clinics greediness at purchasing 'cheap' implants.

Quote:

Parliament Moderator
• If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?
• If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been?
• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?
• Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced? If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?
• How do you feel about the treatment you have received? Is there anything you think could or should have been done differently?

My original private clinic did not want to know. They would not help me at all. I struggled to get my records for a month. They tried to charge me £4K for removal and replacement and they said it was the governments fault and they would not replace for free even though I had a rupture.

I had a rupture so I looked for another clinic that could replace my implants as my original clinic and the NHS could not help me.

I had my PIP implants removed and Nagor implants inserted in one operation.

My replacement clinic were very helpful and I researched them thoroughly having received advice and talking to other women on a Facebook Support Group. They put a special package together to help PIP victims and I am very happy with the clinic I chose and the help they gave me when no one else would. I had to get a loan however to pay for the resplacements.

I think the whole situation has been handled terribly by the government - The Private Clinic who gave me my PIPs should be forced to refund me the money I paid in order for me to get replacement elsewhere. It is scandalous that thousands of women are left stranded with noowhere to go to for help. A support group should have been set up and the government should have listened to the women suffering initially to gather data immediately. The NHS should be nicer to the women that cant get help from their Private clinics and there should be laws to make the clinics provide refunds.

i can not afford my operation although i desperatly need it, my clinic said they will do it at reduced price but why should i pay again!i am simply devastated.

I had my surgery with one of the biggest cosmetic groups, and felt that this was safer. I paid over £5000. I was told that the implants were the safest you could get. that if you cut them they were like a 'jelly baby' that they would not leak. I was never told about any other implants, these were the only type they told me about.

When i found out about PIPS I called and emailed the clinic. I was told that it would take 3 weeks to get my notes, in the end it took 3 months. And it was just the handwritting notes the consultant made in the first meeting. No mention of the word PIPs.

I had a meeting with the surgeon, I was in his office for 4 minutes. He was brash and clearly didnt care. Other ladies had said that he had walked out without seeing ladies before so i was nervous. He even made me take my top and bra off standing next to his desk, not even the respect of behind a curtain with a nurse there.

He felt my breasts and said that there was nothing wrong with the implants that they were safe. He then said to talk to the lady and book for replacement at a cost of £2900.

I didnt book. I was very unhappy with their attitude towards me.
I along with 3 other pip ladies had a meeting with Ann Milton and i am admin on a upport group on facebook. It was down to this that I heard about a clinic that had never used PIP implants and they were prepared to remove and replace for £1895 I had a consultantion with a surgeon and was there for an hour, he explained everything and made me feel very safe and i trusted him.

I had my surgery 8 weeks ago, both of my PIP Impants were badly ruptured and i have silicone in my lymph nodes.

Its been 4 months and i have heard nothing from my original clinic since.

Quote:

Parliament Moderator
• If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?
• If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been?
• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?
• Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced? If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?
• How do you feel about the treatment you have received? Is there anything you think could or should have been done differently?

N/A

I have had Removal and replacement of PIP implants by another firm. This was not done because of any problems but through fear. When my implants were removed I had a severe rupture in one and leaking in the other. I had no symptoms and had been told by GP and 2 surgeons they were intact.

I feel let down, not only by Transform but by my Goverment and GP's. Nobody has supported me with any of this. I have not recieved any support, guidance or advice from Transform, not local GP. If my parents had not stepped in to support me I would still ave ruptured implants inside me as I had no symptoms showing yet. My implants were only 7 years old and was told they would last 15-20 years. Why wouldnt they of been safe?

Everything should of been done differnetly.... Why wasnt we made aware of the dangers when these implants were banned in the UK?
Why wasnt we notified befor the media interest broke?
why wasnt out gp's giving out the correct support?
Why has our goverment failed so many woman in their county?
Why hasnt financial assistance provided?

yes i have i went to a specialist breast surgeon , who was very good very concerned about the fact that i had been treated so awfull by the initial clinic and my gp,, he advised me to have both implants removed , lymph nodes removed , and also a breast lift because the pip implants were to large in the first place . he was also concerned about what effect the silicon of the pip implant would do to the healing process.so he advised me to have two operations , the first to do removal and replacement, lymph node removal , the second to do the breast lift in three months time. t had my operation on the 26th march , he removed both capsuals , implant , replaced implants with smaller , i had pus filled cavities. the capsual was haemorrhagic, and a pulse lavage washout with saline was done to both cavities, clearence of lymph nodes , and palpable nodes under right arm was performed, intraveinous antibiotics were given , then oral antibiotics for aweek , drain in right side . this all cost £5695

The experience is awful, desperate. The private clinic want me to pay up to £4000, which I can't afford. My local hospital want to remove & replace asap as I have ruptures, but the PCT will not fund it!!! I've worked hard all my life, paid my national insurance, & I can't get help in my own, disgusting.

HMG provided my implants in 2006. After I contacted them in Jan 2012, I had to wait for approximately 6 weeks until a letter confirmed I had PIP implants, but I contacted a local clinic on the false pretense that I would rebook with them if they could confirm I had PIPs and found out approximately two weeks before the official letter. They offered me replacement surgery at a cost of £5200 and were pushing selling implants with three protective layers. At ths point, I didnt feel mad at HMG, they happened to supply the most of the pip implants, as they bought in bulk and I dont believe surgeons would intentionally want to cause harm. I blamed myself for being so foolish in having surgery in the first place, now I have a child, it has put my life into perspective! Why cant we be happy with the body god gave us in the first place?

I sought removal/replacement of my implants for peace of mind, I felt in limbo, not knowing what to do for the best. I thought the first step would be to have an ultrasound. I paid for an ultrasound privately at a cost of £300, it showed no ruptures. I never had any major problems with my implants, but to lay on my right side was uncomfortable and they felt hard, but I got used to this. Now I was left with a decision to remove them or leave it as they were only 5 years old. I want another child one day and didnt want to risk putting an unorn child at harm with these potential toxic implants leaking into my body. What if my child now was harmed during my last pregnancy?

I had a consultation with another private clinic, specialising in removing pips at a cost of only £3200. I was worried as this seemed cheap compared to every other option as with the price of the actual implant, antheasist and surgeon, this dosent leave much profit, why was it cheaper, maybe to gain future business as lets face it surgeon like this only leads to more surgery or maybe this surgeon wanted to help? I booked a consultation and then surgery. I was terrified as now I have evetything to live for (my child)! Since this ordeal started I could barely sleep, I had sores all over my tongue and a day didnt pass where it didnt cross my mind. I spoke to my local GP who was very supportive, he agreed to sign me off work once ive had surgery as after all this was surgery I didnt plan! So after a pre op assessment, a week later I had surgery. I woke up in a bit of a panic as it had built up over the ladt 4 months, once calm I felt a slight sting where the incisions were, but felt ok. My old implants were boxed up for me, which at first I was too scared to open, wondering what horrors lay inside. I had a peak, the implants looked ok, so I thought had I made a mistake rushed into uneccessary surgery? Later on my surgeon visited me, he explained I had had silicon bleed from my impkants and they had deflated, especially at the top and folded, now .i looked at the implants again, I could see exactly what he meant! I was discharged and am now recovering. I feel alot better than the first surgery and have had alot less head aches since the pips were removed. I think the new boobs look and feel better than the Pips, they seem more natural. Now I feel angry, I have decided to take a no win, no fee claim against HMG as even though I had no rupture and things appeared ok on the ultrasound, I have had silicon bleed which has leaked into my body, you can see from the implants removed that these pips are inferior products.

If you are reading this and are thinking of getting cosmetic surgery for the first time, dont do it, I wish I could turn back time now! Having a child and not being able to pick him up for 4 weeks is really hard and sad for me, i cant even give him his milk incase he head butts me by accident in the chest! I look forward to revovering and getting back to living life, not being stuck in limbo. well until these implants need replacing anyway! x



I was discharged the same day and am ow at home recovering. Compared to first surgery, feel alot better. I was really impressed with

I had mine removed under local anaesthethic @ Sandon House Clinicin Preston at a cost of £2200 on April13th this year. My experience of having them under local has meant a much faster recovery rate.
Uncomfortable for the first 2 nights after that I would never know I've had surgery.
The above image are the pips that were removed.

The codes of my PIP implants are IMGHC-TC-UH-335
lot 1707 SN: 151
PIP-LA SEYNE SUR MER-FRANCE

IMGHC-TC-UH-335
lot 1707 SN: 128
PIP-LA SEYNE SUR MER-FRANCE

The first code was the left implant, the second code the right implant


Not sure what all these codes mean but will have relevence to the surgeons.
I had a referral via my gp at my local breast clinic & was made to feel very uncomfortable. She said that I should seek help from my private clinic. I told her Surgicare had gone into administration so had nowhere to go. She said I should then seek help from my surgeon. I tried to track him down & managed to at a transform clinic. When I phoned them they said that he'd left there the week before.
She had a quick prod at each of my breasts & said they felt fine to her (the above image proves they were not fine) & what was my plan. She also had a quick feel of my armpits & neck & said she had no concern there also?????
I told her I could not afford to have them replaced to which she said & wrote on my notes "as you have given this a great deal of thought & decided to have removal only I will refer you to a consultation to the plastic surgeon for removal only" She also said, " as this is your decision then you are not entitled to a scan". I was trying to tell her I had not thought long & hard about it at all but she kept talking over me.
I had my friend in the room with me & when she tried to ask a question she shot her down with a look that could have killed & spoke over her too.! My friend was very upset.

It could not have been more obvious to my friend & myself that she thought I was wasting her clinic time.

I decided I had to try to fund the replacement myself & sold my car soon after to help fund it.

I could not have lived with the empty bags that would have been left with just a removal. I'm 51 years old & had no breasts when I had my PIP s implanted 5 years ago.

Forgot to add in my post above that during my surgery to have them replaced under local I asked the surgeon how many pip patients had he removed & replaced. He said up until that day 13th April he had 38 patients. Of the 38 only 3 patients had not ruptured or had a gel bleed!

Thank you to everyone who has posted on this thread so far. The Committee very much appreciates the time and trouble you have taken to contribute your accounts of your experiences at what must be a difficult and distressing time for many.

The Committee is keen to hear about the experiences of as many women affected by the PIP issue as possible. If you know of others affected by the issue, please consider drawing this forum to their attention.

Health Committee moderator



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit was 2012:05:03:16:15:04 by Parliament Moderator.

Quote:

Parliament Moderator
• If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?
• If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been?
• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?
• Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced? If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?
• How do you feel about the treatment you have received? Is there anything you think could or should have been done differently?

I receive very limited response from my clinic. I started contacting them in December 2011. They sent me a letter confirming I had PIPs in March 2012. I emailed and phoned many times. They only got back to me after I left multiple messages on their site on Facebook asking them to get back to me. I tried to see a specialist as I wanted to have them removed on the NHS but despite being referred twice by my GP the breast clinic refused to see me and I have a letter to prove this. I was mentally exhausted and couldn't sleep or concentrate. I cried every day and was on night sedation. I eventually asked my dad to get a loan out for me so I could go privately at my own expense. I am a student nurse and work full time for £300 a month and had no way to fund this or get a loan.

I am shocked and disgusted at the way we have been left to fend for ourselves against the clnics. How can a company sell operations and be allowed to leave faulty products inside people with no way of getting them out?? The govt should have made sure the clnics upheld their duty of care. They should do everything they can to get us sorted or go bankrupt trying.

I am one of the lucky ones. My surgeon works for Spire who have treated me very well and have removed and replaced for free. I know this is not the experience many women are having and I feel very angry on their behalf. Every clinic and surgeon who fitted their patients with pip implants should be forced by the government to provide the same service I have received. We are being told that they don't know if the implants are unsafe, but neither are we being told that they are safe. Too many women are experiencing pain and other symptoms which need to be thoroughly investigated. I also find it hard to believe the rupture rates which are being banded about. The day I was in for my operation, by mistake a nurse left a list of women having pip replacements done same day as me. 4 out of the 5 names on the list, including mine, had RUPTURED noted beside them.

Quote:

Parliament Moderator
• If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?
• If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been?
• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?
• Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced? If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?
• How do you feel about the treatment you have received? Is there anything you think could or should have been done differently?

My original Clinic screened many of my calls when I found out about the PIP implants in December 2011. When they did speak to me they told me I had to go and get an ultrasound. My GP said that Breast Clinic was only for women with lumps. I had to pay privately for an ultrasound. My Clinic then refused to discuss my results with me and took weeks to respond to my emails and calls. They never did allow me to set up a meeting with them.

I sought removal and replacement at another private clinic, as the stress of not knowing what exact silicone was inside me and whether they'd rupture at any given moment caused me great distress. I lost sleep, my personality changed for the worse and I could not concentrate on work or my private life. Every time I saw or read about PIP implants it would upset me. The fact my original clinic were avoiding my calls also added to the stress.

My PIP implants were removed and replaced on 29th February this year. I had to borrow money from my family to fund this. It was in a single operation and I was in hospital for 2 days following surgery.

I feel I have been abandoned by the Government and my original clinic. I am horrified I was not notified of this back in March 2010 when the situation was made known to clinics and MHRA. We should all have been informed immediately of this.
I feel I am treated as if it is of little importance and that because I elected for cosmetic surgery, I 'deserve' things to go wrong. I get this feeling from the responses to the media coverage (when others log into websites and leave comments, or respond to radio or tv discussions labelling women with implants as vain or stupid). I strongly believe that if this were an issue with a joint implant or perhaps laser eye surgery, it would have been treated with the level of seriousness it deserves, but the fact it is breast surgery has caused a negative backlash to us as victims. I cannot believe that the Government has yet to label PIP implants as not fit for purpose. I am also disgusted that the MHRA are sitting on the fence with this.
Guidelines should be that the Clinics HAVE To help us.

Quote:

Parliament Moderator
• If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?
• If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been?
• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?
• Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced? If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?
• How do you feel about the treatment you have received? Is there anything you think could or should have been done differently?

I desperately want my implants replaced, my clinic want £2500 to do this, they say they have to charge because they can't claim back from their insurers until the government declares the implants unsafe. I have lumps in my breasts, I can't afford a scan or the cost of replacement. I think the MHRA should have done more to get information to the public, they were caught on the hop when the French authorities announced PIP implants should be removed in Dec 2011

The original clinic that I had my surgery with would only remove and replace, if a scan showed a rupture, and the scan had to be paid by myself, which I thought was an insult as it should have been the least they could do. After speaking to a surgeon at the breast clinic and also a surgeon at BMI, they both told me that MRI and ultra sound scans can give false readings, and therefore are not 100% accurate. I decided it was pointless paying for a scan incase it gave me a false reading, and at the end of the day I wanted these potentially dangerous implants out of me, so I had removal and replacement with BMI, and I can honestly say that it was a much better experience this time round than the original clinic, who I feel have really let so many of us ladies down.

When I first realised I had PIPs I panicked. I rang my originating clinic and was kept waiting 20 plus minutes for an answer. They just took my details and told me the implants were safe. But I was worried, then the clinic said they would not replace implants etc. By this time I wanted a scan, I immediately went to my GP and he send of a request to my local hospital, this was in January, I heard nothing for weeks, then the original hospital had passed the scan request to another hospital who could not find it. Then my GP sent another request, I contacted the hospital to see about the scan. They quoted no rupture systems so no scan basically and send me a huge set of guidelines, that not having a degree in this sort of stuff it did not make sense to me. This took 3 months.

My original clinic had shifted a bit by then and offered me to be scanned for approximately £500 somewhere far away, no thanks more money from me and to be honest I would not trust the scan.

In the meantime I found a good deal for replacement and took it up. My surgeon seemed to think the pips were ok on examining but suggested I get a scan. I did contact the NHS again wanting a scan, because by this time, my original clinic was offering free replacements for ruptures implants. I thought if they were ruptured I would go back to them. But no luck with the NHS they did not offer me a scan. I went with good deal as there is no way I would pay my original clinic again. I feel let down by the NHS because had they given me a scan and found the rupture my original clinic would have replaced free of charge. Sadly I had to go and pay again for replacement (my life savings, ie the money I had for kids holidays).


I had a super Company do my replacement, but I was lonely and had to travel alone to Birmingham, lie to the kids where I was going, and had drains in. I felt abandoned.

What annoys me now is that I have to try and get my money back from my credit card co for the original implants. Or instruct a lawyer, they are charging up to 10k no win no fee. So the original clinic has to worry about nothing, they certainly shut the door on me.......

i contacted harley and told them my situation and that i was coming up to the 6 year mark, but was still waiting to hear of a scan date from nhs., they told me i would be ok cos i had been in touch with them befor the 6 year mark and she would make a note of it. couple of week later i rang and told me that it was to late to have free r and r with them( even thou another woman told me different) i paid 6,6oo in 2006 and to me they dont have no client care at all and definately dont show compassion,,, since i have booked in for a consultation with a different surgeon to see about having them replaced , but unfortunately dont know when i can have them done as i carnt afford, i wiil just have to consider just explant which i am not happy about cos the main reason for my surgery in 2006 was for uplift. just carnt imagine how i would feel ... all i know is they need to come out as shows in so many groups how many have ruptured or gel bleed and woman having silicone left in there body. dont need this toxic crap in our bodies

• If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?l
None clinic stoped trading , then after 4 years I stumpled over the same clinic name and found out the manager bought the name again and opend again a Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, when I contacted them, I even found out there had the same Surgeon, but I got told it had nothing to do with them

• If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been? N/a

• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?
NHS Removed but did not Re-implanted. Very depressed about this, as I always had problems with my left breast.

• Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced? If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?
2 Operation, Implant removel and second Operation was to remove left Breast capsular.

• How do you feel about the treatment you have received? Is there anything you think could or should have been done different .
Yes, stop debating if to replace breast implants and start thinking about us woman, how we feel. I have not come across one single woman, me included, done this for vanity. Each one of us had a problem, so please treat us like human being and with respect. There is so much lack of respect awards us, it hurts.
Kind Regarts Marion

My right breast always burnt. 6 months after having my breast implants,
a friend noted that I had had nothing but problems since having my BE. I
had painfful kidney infections that anti biotics wouldnt clear, I had
swollen glands in my neck, I ket getting viruses and was generally
unwell. I also had rashes all over my breasts and arms, night sweats and
extreme itching. I didnt really entertain the link. Until oneday I was
leafing through a magazine and a lady in it was saying about her Pips. I
started to research, and found out about the numerous warnings, and
found other women with simular symptoms.



I hadnt even had my implants a year so I contacted the clinic I went
with. All promises from them were not substantiated. I had a scan via
the NHS after I found a lump in the burning breast. The clinic
constantly fobbed me off even booking a scan but cancelling last
business hours the day before~ I since found out they didnt even have
scanning equipment. They continued to fob me off, and doctors palmed me
off. I was asking wether my symptoms were related to my pips. I was told
they were NOT. I was convinced they were and ended up doing a lot of
research and found a tops BAAPS surgeon. The news hadnt yet broke
publicly.



I could not book an appointment until I had my implant codes. Chasing my
ex clinic turned out to be a nightmare. I was ill, scared
and unsure if I was 'imagining' the symptoms~ as thats how the doctors
made me feel that linking them to implants was silly. The clinic tried
to charge me £50 for the codes. I chased every day to get these codes ~
so I could get the implants removed. In the end I threatened them with
reporting them, and recieved the codes to book my op. I had a provisonal
date in November~ which I couldnt have due to the clinic not providing
my info. The date had been and gone.



I had my operation 3rd Jan~ the day after the story publicly broke. I
didnt even need pain killers after my op. As the pain was LESS. The
itching was the only symptom that remained for a month or so. I had one
implant slightly smaller, some scar tissue on my ribs. Even my doctor
knows they let me down now. As these implants should NOT be in human
beings. I feel very lucky but I paid a considerable amount of money to
correct something in a year that I shouldnt have had to. I thought I was
going mad, and it turns out that these implants were VERY faulty. The
clinic I went with claimed admin, and left women stranded. Yet they have
re emerged bigger, bolder and covering Europe~ This has added ilt to injury for me.
None of the accountability but all of the money. During my stay at a
good clinic it highlighted how badly these clinics treat women. Once
they had my money~ I was treated like a slab of meat, shown no patient
care. I find it sad they have emerged leaving thier 'victims' behind.
This system needs tightening up. I have set up groups, campaigned since
my op~ and what I have seen makes me ashamed to be English. The
cosmetic Industry has become a very ugly place...full of business and
vultures.

I've been to my GP because the private clinic no longer exists (I don’t understand how the all went into liquidation in 2010 & reopen under slightly different names, would be helpful if the government could look into this please) My surgeon was under investigation in April 2002 but he still operated on me in March 2003, he took himself off the GMC register rand went back to his own country after my op, I didn't even get a follow up appointment.
My GP revered me for an ultra sound scan which confirmed a rupture in my left breast, I had an MRI scan at my local hospital and I felt like I was treated rudely compared to the other patience there at the time. I'm now waiting to hear from my GP.
I have decided that I do not want any more implants but I need an uplift which the government won't provide.
I could've had an operation on the NHS in 2000 in Lincoln but because of difficult circumstances (domestic violence) I left in 2000 to live in Huntingdon. I had a lot of loose skin after breast feeding three children and I can't face going back to the way I was or worse. I can't afford the £5200 -£7450 I was quoted by all the private cosmetic surgery clinics. The only option I have is to get myself into debt and have my operation abroad.

Quote:

Parliament Moderator
• If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?
• If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been?
• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?
• Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced? If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?
• How do you feel about the treatment you have received? Is there anything you think could or should have been done differently?

My ruptured implants

I had my PIP implants through Transfrom in 2004. 510CC.
I first noticed problems in 2008.
Transfrom no real help as charging £2500 to replace. Free removal yes, but after being insulted by surgeon and getting no real help, decided on explant through NHS.
This was done on 3o th April. MRI had said bleed on left, this was correct.
I had been suffering extreme fatigue and pain in left breast an arms, could feel lumps under my arms. Was told this was silicon in the lymph nodes.
Now 5 days post op. Too early to say how i will feel in future. But i would say i feel robbed. I paid £4000 to have implants. I now am back to have no implants/breasts. And i may as well have thrown the money down the drain. The way this has all been handled is disgraceful. I feel totally alone, apart from the support i have got and given through online support forums.

My private clinic went into voluntary liquidation the year after I had my implants, which I was told were guaranteed for 20 years. When I discovered I had PIPs after reading a newspaper article, which described my symptons in full I was told by my clinic that my guarantee was void as they had gone into liquidation albeit all the same staff were re-employed!

My solictor tells me that the insurers for these companies have put a clause into their papers, which prevents people like me from claiming, which I think is immoral and should be illegal. Especially as David Cameron has been making noises about insurance being put in place to prevent something like this happening again. There would be no need for extra insurance as all these clinics have public liability insurance in place already so either the insurers are acting illegally or they and the private clinics are pulling a fast one at the expense of us women who paid full price for these dangerous implants. It cannot be a coincidence that we all are suffering much the same symptoms. The French women have all been reimbursed so someone should be made to take responsibility for this mess, i.e. the French, as I'm sure if the manufacturers were English, the French would be screaming at us, the clinics, the insurers, MHRA, the list is endless but no-one wants to know. Are we waiting for women to die before someone acts?