<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1" ?>
<rss version="2.0">
  <channel>
    <title>PIP Breast Implants Forum</title>
    <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?list,1</link>
    <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
    <language>EN</language>
    <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 23:41:01 +0100</pubDate>
    <lastBuildDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 23:41:01 +0100</lastBuildDate>
    <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
    <generator>Phorum 5.1.19</generator>
    <ttl>600</ttl>
    <item>
      <title>Re: If you have, or think you may have, PIP implants, have you experienced problems with them?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,119,749#msg-749</link>
      <author>laura</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I got pip breast implants in 2005 at the age of 27 years as i had no breast tissue left after having my two children.I felt like a boy, Had no confidence in my appearance.After I had the implants I started feeling tiered all the time,pains in my muscles,cysts in my ovaries and breast,stomach problems,poor immune system,dark brown discharge from nipple,burning breast, memory loss. 
My Gp is lost with all of my symptoms he has done blood tests after blood tests,I have had x rays taken to check my bones,operations to remove cysts, Was sent to a cancer ward for an ultra sound over lump in breast and the discharge.
All this has been going on for years I am now 34 years old and my body feels like an old woman.Only eight months ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyilga.I feel that my implants have played a big part in all my illness.never been the same since.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,119,749#msg-749</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 23:41:01 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Have you sought to have your PIP implants removed or replaced?  If so, what has your experience been?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,741#msg-741</link>
      <author>laura</author>
      <description><![CDATA[My clinic closed,looked into it and this company has been closing and opening clinics in different names . Have not been able to get any information from them. Tried to get implants removed by an NHS hospital with no look. GP doesn't no what to do as i have had an ultrasound scan that showed up a benign lump,black discharge from nipple,my breast burns and i get pains down my arm. When i got referred by the gp to breast surgeon at the nhs hospital, he told me i need to have them taken out but i would have to pay and go private as he claimed the nhs could not help. My father payed for my breast surgery when i got pip implants. He past away last year and the only choice i have left is to sell off gifts that he left me that mean the world to me,but i have two children that need a fit and healthy mother as we only have each other.
Will be looking to go private as soon as i can, if i can raise the money?. This has put so much of a strain on my family. The government will never truly understand how this affects family's lives. I feel like i have to live with a medical condition that no one cares about.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,741#msg-741</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 23:08:49 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: If you have, or think you may have, PIP implants, have you experienced problems with them?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,119,739#msg-739</link>
      <author>Rachel</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I had breast implants privately in 2004 at a Transform clinic. I was completely unhappy with the result of the operation, but the 'aftercare' (and I use the term very loosely) I received from them was so awful, I could not contemplate ever entrusting my 'care' to them again.
Unfortunately, I did have PIP implants, and I am convinced that one of them has ruptured, as it is terribly mis-shapen and causes constant pain.

I have followed the PIP debacle in the news since last year and, although I am horrified, I am not completely surprised by the stories of women's health being largely ignored by both the medical profession, and the British government.
I have not yet submitted myself to this apalling treatment; I fully expect to be treated kindly by my GP, but then offered three choices:
1. Ask the private company, who I would not trust to perform surgery on my next door neighbour's cat, to replace the faulty implants (and I don't even like my next door neighbour's cat);
2. Pay around £5000 to have the implants removed and replaced by another provider; or
3. Have the health risk removed, but not replaced, for free on the NHS.

Obviously, option 1 is out of the question; if a mechanic made your car less roadworthy than when you took it in for repair, no-one would think you were unreasonable to never entrust your car repairs to them ever again. I see no reason why a woman's choice of medical care should be any less discerning.
Option 2....well, that isn't really an option at all. I am now divorced with two children and living on a part time income, subsidised by tax credits. £5000 may as well be £5,000,000 for the likelihood of acquiring it any time soon.
Option 3 is the current government 'concession' to my health and well-being. I'm sure I don't need to repeat any of the horror stories of other women's substandard treatment by health care 'professionals', but even without taking the prospect of being treated like some kind of state scrounger into account, is it unreasonable to question the validity of this paltry concession? It is certainly arguable that the effect on a woman's mental health of having her breasts effectively removed poses a risk to her health at least as damaging as the risk posed by the implant itself. If a mastectomy is performed for 'medical' reasons, then the NHS will provide reconstructive surgery. The decision has been taken to create a false distinction between 'medical' and 'cosmetic' for these purposes. ANY reconstructive surgery of this nature is 'cosmetic', however its purpose is to care for the mental wellbeing of the patient. Anyone who has even a moderate understanding of mental health would know the distiction is nothing more than an arbitary one based on economics.

For anyone who does not understand mental health, the very idea of keeping a leaking, painful and probably very dangerous breast implant might seem preposterous, but for those of us who were dysmorphic enough to undergo the surgery in the first place, the prospect of having one's breasts removed, with no hope of reconstruction, is far worse. 
Surely someone, somewhere in government, that great institution charged with the care of its citizens can see this. The current government is forever rattling on about people being able to make health care choices. Where are women's choices here?]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,119,739#msg-739</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 22:55:33 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: If you have, or think you may have, PIP implants, have you experienced problems with them?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,119,733#msg-733</link>
      <author>Lisa32DD</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I had started to notice a slight change in the left side with ripppling and lumps forming in cleavage area. That side was also a little tender to the touch. The HMG were not interested in seeing me until I had had my scans and even after the scans still palmed me off with their speech that ruptured patients were priority and I would go on a waiting list to see my original surgeon.  I have not been contacted by the clinic or spoken with my surgeon to discuss any of my symptoms or been able to get an appointment to see him.  After researching and finding a new surgeon and being examined I was advised that due to thin breast tissue (original surgery not done deep enough) and that I WAS NOT UNDER THE MUSCLE (something I had always believed I had had done in my first op) the new surgeon advised that I should not leave it too long to remove the PIPS as it was very easy to feel them through my skin and was probably advisable to have them removed within the next few months.  I booked the op and am now recovering having had replacements done a few days ago!]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,119,733#msg-733</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 16:11:08 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: How did you first learn of the potential issues with PIP implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,731#msg-731</link>
      <author>Lisa32DD</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I found out around Dec/Jan time on the news on morning tv.  I contacted my clinic and asked if I had PIP implants and was told they would let me know. I found my paperwork and discovered I did have them and rang them before they came back to me. They confirmed that I did have PIPs but advised me not to worry!!]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,731#msg-731</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 15:56:41 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Have you sought to have your PIP implants removed or replaced?  If so, what has your experience been?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,729#msg-729</link>
      <author>Lisa32DD</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I contacted my private clinic HMG when I discovered through the media that I had PIPs and was told to get an ultrasound/MRI done through my GP. They were not interested in seeing me until I had evidence of how my implants were after ultrasound/MRI.  I contacted them after luckily having both scans done at my local breast clinic, referred by my GP, to be told I was not a priority as they had not ruptured. I was put on a waiting list to see my surgeon of which I was No 10 on the list and he only visits the clinic once a month and will see ruptured patients first! I have since had surgery to remove the PIPs at a cost to myself and with no help/support from my original clinic. I am extremely upset/disappointed and angry at the disgusting way in which I have been treated and that I have had to find thousands of pounds to pay for another op, through no fault of my own!]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,729#msg-729</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 15:50:56 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: If you have, or think you may have, PIP implants, have you experienced problems with them?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,119,727#msg-727</link>
      <author>LouiseA</author>
      <description><![CDATA[HELP!!!  I have recently found out I have PIP implants as I was experiencing horrendous pain in my chest, arms, neck and head.  I contacted Harley Medical who carried out the procedure for me in 2009, but they were no help what so ever. I was told I have to pay £900 for an MRI scan which I dont have. I am now on the NHS waiting list for my scan which at the earliest will be in July - almost 2 months after I started experiencing the pain.  I am in agony taking codeine prescribed from my doctor. 

In desperation, I attended my local A &amp; E who were sympathetic but as the procedure was carried out privately could not remove them for me.  I was informed that I would have to make an appointment via my G.P to see a plastic surgeon on the NHS.

My health, family and working life are suffering greatly and I can't seem to get any support from anyone. I feel so badly let down by Harley Medical and I feel they should be doing more to help women in my position, they did not inform me I had PIP implants I had to wait until my health started to suffer and inquire myself. I have been told unless they have ruptured they will not be getting removed and replaced even though they are causing me such bad pain and anguish and are now majorly misshaped not to mention the impact it's having on my health.  Who can I turn to?? I am terrified that I have to wait until July before I can have an MRI scan and then the results will be passed on to Harley to decide what to do.  I have absolutely no faith in this company after the way they have treated me so heaven knows what they will do for me in the future.

Does anybody have any advice for me??]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,119,727#msg-727</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 15:34:08 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Have you sought to have your PIP implants removed or replaced?  If so, what has your experience been?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,725#msg-725</link>
      <author>faithless32</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[b]Removed &amp; replaced?[/b]...[i]HOW?[/i] I

I wasnt expecting to need this procedure so soon after having them done so it hasnt been budgeted for! 
Untill you lot at the top get serious with the private clinics, I'm stuck with em! 
I once believed that the people at the top cared about things like justice, and that they felt a genuine duty of care. 
Ive now lost all faith in those people.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,725#msg-725</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 11:25:39 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: What advice did you receive before or at the time you received your implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,121,723#msg-723</link>
      <author>lubo</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The only information i was given was that they were the best on the market and i couldnt get a better implant!!!

No information really about this particular implant,it was the only one offered to me at the time.

Was given limited information re problems and potential re op's. Aftercare was 3yrs and i was told implant are that good it would be 15 years before needing replaced.

I used private clinic TRANSFORM.

No promotional info ever used to tell me about the implant/surgical procedure.

Medical info was concentrated more on the risk of a general anesthetic.I was told the chance of rupture was minimal,it would take a high impact car crash for example to cause them to rupture. They kinda glossed over this area to be honest.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,121,723#msg-723</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 11:17:06 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: How did you first learn of the potential issues with PIP implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,719#msg-719</link>
      <author>lubo</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I only heard about the PIP implant problems as it was on the news just before christmas 2011 even though the government and clinics knew there was a problem since approx march 2010.
The clinic I used was TRANSFORM who made ZERO effort to contact me.I do believe if I had not rang them I would still be waiting for them to inform me of this problem.I was lucky though as I kept all paperwork from my surgery and knew instantly I had PIP's.

The response I got from the clinic that put this crap into my body was shocking.They were just not that bothered and kept trying to blame the government.
I had to fight to get an ultra sound scan from them after i discovered I was pregnant.I went on to lose the pregnancy,now I'm not saying thats the fault of the clinic or pip's but I dont think the undue stress I was put under at the time helped.These people need to realise the stress they have/are causing to lots of people..FIVE  months down the line and I have had no contact from the clinic I used.They have never contacted me to offer any support what so ever.

As for the government saying the NHS and your G.P will offer support,thats a load of rubbish.
I went to see my G.P for advice/help and was told &quot;oh no thats not something the NHS would be willing to do&quot; So I had no other option than to back to the private sector for help and pay again..]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,719#msg-719</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 10:51:09 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: What advice did you receive before or at the time you received your implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,121,717#msg-717</link>
      <author>laura</author>
      <description><![CDATA[my surgeon told me it was a silicon implant he let me hold it and told me it was a very good implant,also that they may need to be changed in the next 15 years but only if the need was their such as hardening of the capsule but that was very rare.i was made to feel very comfortable about the safety of the operation and i was getting the best.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,121,717#msg-717</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 10:47:44 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: How did you first learn of the potential issues with PIP implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,713#msg-713</link>
      <author>lauray</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[quote Parliament Moderator]• When did you first discover that concerns had been raised about these implants?
• Did you receive any contact from the NHS or your clinic informing you of concerns about PIP implants?
• If you raised concerns with the NHS or your clinic about these implants, what response did you receive?
• How do you feel about the contact you have had with the NHS or with your clinic about issues with PIP implants?[/quote]

I first heard from my husband in January who had seen it on the news!! Only months later and after having lodged my details, did my private clinic send me confirmation I had PIP's. The clinic I went with told me &quot;not to worry&quot; (yeah right) and the NHS have been passing me from pillar to post telling me recently they will not help me. I feel the contact with both the clinic and the NHS has been shocking, leading to problems sleeping and knots in my stomach. I Just want help please.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,713#msg-713</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 10:26:02 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: How did you first learn of the potential issues with PIP implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,709#msg-709</link>
      <author>laura</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Sitting with my children watching the news.
my clinic closed down.
looked up the surgeon he offered no help told me it was the governments fault and the pip company's,As he did not allow them in the uk and he did not make them i was told not to bother him go to the nhs.very nasty man
i have been past from pillar to post for 6 months!
still have pips in!]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,709#msg-709</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 10:21:28 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Have you sought to have your PIP implants removed or replaced?  If so, what has your experience been?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,707#msg-707</link>
      <author>lauray</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[quote Parliament Moderator]
• [b]If your implants were provided by a private clinic, what response did you receive?[/b]
I received a letter confirming I had indeed been given the PIP implants, months after the news broke! (fortunately I had kept all of my paper work relating to the surgery!) Their &quot;helpline&quot; has not been much help with promises of return calls not being returned! Appaling :o(

• [b]If your implants were provided by the NHS, what has your experience of NHS treatment for removal been[/b]? 
N/A

[b]• Have you sought removal and/or replacement because you have experienced problems with your implants?[/b]
I have had numbness and tingling in my thumb for years, also pains across my chest and am still currently seeking help to remove, not replace!

• [b]Have you had PIP implants both removed and replaced?  If so, was it in a single operation or two operations?[/b] 
N/A (Still waiting!)

• [b]How do you feel about the treatment you have received?  Is there anything you think could or should have been done differently[/b]?[/quote]
I feel the treatment myself and so many other women have received has been absolutely disgusting! So many times I have been made to feel like this is not really a worrying health issue and been told &quot;not to worry&quot;. I have been passed from pillar to post for almost 6 months now! My GP has been very supportive in the process but my local NHS hospital has not!! They send me the same letters requesting the same information! My GP has referred me twice now and still I find myself no further forward! I cannot sleep and I am sick of the knots in my stomach over this!! It has had such a massive psychological impact on myself and my family. I JUST WANT THEM OUT!!!! The private company I went with refuse to help and now the NHS are adding salt to the wound. You said you would help us!!!! We have paid into the system....now is the time we need your help and where are you?!?!?!?!?! I have been made to feel like a burdon, when I never asked for this. I did not get these implants to look like Katie Price! My friends dont even know I've had them done! I just wanted to look and feel &quot;normal&quot;, and now I feel like a ticking time bomb who will be going back (at some point), to feeling so depressed about my image as I'm too scared now to go for a replacement!!! Please, please help us.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,707#msg-707</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 10:20:08 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: What advice did you receive before or at the time you received your implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,121,703#msg-703</link>
      <author>clafairy00</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[quote Parliament Moderator]• What information were you given about the type of implant you were receiving?
• Were you told about any risks with your implants in general or about the particular implant type you were receiving?
• What information were you given about aftercare? Were you made aware of the general risks of implants reaching the end of their life span?
• If your care provider was a private clinic:
 - what promotional information and marketing was used to tell you about the surgical procedure and the implants you would receive?
 - what medical information did you receive about the  surgical procedure, the risks  of rupture of breast implants and the need for eventual replacement of your implants?[/quote]

I was told about the normal risks associated with implants - I was not told,'of course there is always the chance we are buying in industrial silicon and selling it to you as the real deal...we hope thats ok, and should this occur - please dont come to our doorstep' Everyone says 'well you knew the risks...' like we deserve it!? Well - this is not your average risk of surgery is it. And no medical device should be in use UNTESTED - they do medical trials for things like that!!! And I wasnt told I was part of a medical trial either, I wouldnt have joined in! 
I was told they had an average lifespan of 16.4 years (quite specific!) now we know they were rupturing within 2-3yrs! I was told they were the best quality and that implants were perfectly safe these days - not, 'oh yeah, they were manufactured by the guy who had his Saline implants banned already' Go figure. Why the hell would you buy them in - somethings fishy considering all this and the price they got them at - and that other surgeons claim THEY knew not to use them. 
I was not given any promotional deal or marketing gimmicks. (apart from to try them under some clothes to see the look, which obviously will sway a girls opinion!)  
I have the PIP information leaflet for both surgeon and patient. I have all the associated risks with normal implant surgery, I was told rupture was rare and that these particular implants were strong and almost impossible to rupture which was why they were a good brand and that replacement, although on average is 16.4 years, is not necessary if you have no problems and they are still relatively soft, I beleive the woman that was on reception had had hers for 20yrs and not replaced if my memory serves me correctly, but I dont know which brand she had...]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,121,703#msg-703</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 10:08:01 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Have you sought to have your PIP implants removed or replaced?  If so, what has your experience been?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,701#msg-701</link>
      <author>clafairy00</author>
      <description><![CDATA[My clinic only offered to 'fix' ruptured patients - for me, non ruptured they offered a reduced price - but I was concerned that it would be in their interest to lie to me about the state of what they found during the op if there was a lot of leaked silicon, so I paid only £200 more to have the op with a good and unbias surgeon locally to me. My clinic were only interested in telling me over and over how it wasnt their fault and the surgeon the same, so I knew they were only interested in covering themself. I was told by two other renowned BAAPS surgeons that the recommendation was to remove prior to a rupture as firstly, they leaked without rupture and secondly, ruptures in PIP patients were often messy and difficult to clean up making the op far more invasive and often leaving silicon in places it could not be removed from. So the info I got from my clinic telling me I had no need to worry and to go home was far different from the unbias views I was being given - how can you go on living 'without worry' after hearing that from the top? Also - they both smirked when I suggested I would have only removal, saying it would look awful an I am too young. I was also told that to do the op in two parts is not advisable - firstly because its two GAs and secondly because when you remove and the skin is loose, it 'puckers' and if you then decided to replace later - the puckering cannot be removed - better to fill the void immediately where possible, because it reduces the risk of infection as well. I have had mine removed and replaced on the back of this same advice from two highly skilled surgeons and because they weer unbias, honest and genuinely helping the patients not looking out for themselves - neither of these surgeons had ever used PIPs - both had refused, and lost work because of it in the beginning - and so I do not beleive that the surgeons elsewhere did not know they were substandard - the PIP implants I had removed are even of different firmness to each other - If they were all made to the same standard this would not occur surely?? and if I can tell..........]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,701#msg-701</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 09:57:35 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Have you sought to have your PIP implants removed or replaced?  If so, what has your experience been?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,699#msg-699</link>
      <author>cordelia2512</author>
      <description><![CDATA[My implants were provided by a private clinic and I was informed at the time that the implants used were registered for use by the Governmetn and were the best available at the time.

I received advice from the breast cancer screening service that they needed to be replaced and that I also had silicone leakage and a possible breast lump which also needed removal ( this turned out to be benign) I was informed that I could not have the implants replaced on the NHS despite it being a regulation failure that had caused the problem.  I felt that without replacement I would be left disfigured and mutilated.

I had a single operation to remove and replace the implants- it is not a simple operation and is more complicated than just installing implants as the inside of the breast needs to be scarified to remove tissue that has formed around the implant.

I am happy with the care and treatment I received from the private clinic but feel let down by the Governments response to the problem ie to blame the patients and by the available advice from the NHS- not my GP who has tried to support me.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,699#msg-699</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 09:48:29 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: How did you first learn of the potential issues with PIP implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,697#msg-697</link>
      <author>clafairy00</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I found out through the media in 2011, December. I had had NO contact from either the NHS OR my clinic, when I called the clinic for my Batch numbers they were slow with the paperwork and they wanted to charge me for getting it - however the hospital records were much easier to obtain from the hospital directly and so I did it that way. My clinic since gave a consultation (which basically was about the telling me it wasnt their fault, rather than how I should move forward) and a scan. But since my PIPs were not appearing to be ruptured and I had not had problems previously particularly I was low priority and they offered a 'reduced price' for my removal and replacement - If they had been ruptured they would have helped me, but because the implants were 'OK' they wouldnt - The point is, they didnt know what they put in there, and I was advised by BAAPS surgeons elsewhere that BAAPS were saying they should be removed anyway, as PIPs were making horrendous ruptures like they hadnt seen before and the surgery was far more invasive post rupture, plus this unknown substance is then getting in places it cannot now be removed from!? And the govmt thinks it ok for us to live with that info???? They should have sold quality goods to begin with.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,697#msg-697</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 09:47:23 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: How did you first learn of the potential issues with PIP implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,695#msg-695</link>
      <author>cordelia2512</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I had problems with my implants before the issue was raised in the media.  I understood at the time that the industry and the Government was aware of problems with the implants but these were not raised until it became an issue in France when belatedly the Government as regulatory authority made the problems public.

I had no contact from the NHS or advice, the clinic that had supplied the implnts was no longer trading.

The Governments response seemed designed to save money and avoid any costs falling on it despite regulating the industry and the implants. It should be a reasonable assumption that devices that receive Government approval can be relied upon, After all it is not as if women who had implants are resonsible for their condition compared with peopel who smoke, drink too much or are obese.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,695#msg-695</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 09:38:40 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Have you sought to have your PIP implants removed or replaced?  If so, what has your experience been?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,693#msg-693</link>
      <author>Anxious Lady UK</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Months after hearding about the PIP Scandal, I went to see my GP as my implants were done on the [b]NHS.
[/b]
I was firstly very aggrieved and upset that the hospital where my implants were done, had not bothered to contact me and notify me that I had PIP's.  

My GP was very good with me and immediately made a referral for me to see the team who had originally carried out my implant surgery.  At the same time I decided to phone the Helpline number for the hospital to ask why they had not contacted me, of which I was advised that they don't keep NHS records of who has implants in as their records do not go back further than 7 years!!  I was horrified to hear this, so had I not contacted anyone, nobody would have contacted me.

A few weeks later I received an appointment to see  a consultant and my experience of that meeting was horrible.  I found him to be very blase and dismissive about the whole implant scare.  He told me that the media is sensationalising the implants and there are no health concerns even with PIP implants in.  He asked me when I had the implants done, of which he should have known.  He had no records on me or even what type of implants I had in me.  It is only myself that knew they were PIP's as I happened to have a photocopy of the labels from the implants on a letter I had asked for from the hospital years ago, when I requested some information.  
The consultant didn't seem to want to hear anything about any symptoms I had been experiencing (e.g tingling in fingers, achey painful hand joints) when I asked if they could be connected with the implants.  He also made me feel that I was lucky to have had them done on NHS.  He asked me what I would like him to do, and I asked for an MRI scan, but was told that the NHS will do an Ultrasound for me (as MRI's are too expensive).  He made an appointment for me to see him again in a couple of months after the scan.

I had an ultrasound some weeks later at a local hospital.  The radiologist at the time commented that there appeared to be some problem with silicone/Lymph Nodes, and said my surgeon would discuss this with me at the next consultation.

I went back to see the same surgeon and he said the good news is my implants are intact and now it is up to me to choose if I want them removed or not.  There was no mention of lymph nodes or any issues.  
I said what the radiologist had told me, and he looked quite red faced and said oh yes, then read out the report, which was medical speak.  I asked him to explain in easy terms what it meant, and he said there is silicone in two of my lymph nodes.  I cannot believe he wasn't even going to tell me that!!

I asked him what the affects of this is, and he again was very blase and dismissive and implied nothing.  He said diabetics inject themselves everyday with silicone and gave another example talking about cups of tea and dog poo, which were completely meaningless!  He made me feel like a number, and that I was wasting his time, and didn't seem to really take on board my worries, anxiety and fears for my long term health.

He agreed that they would remove and replace the implants at the London Hospital where he practices.  He said it was down to me if I wanted my Lymph Nodes removed, but the worst case scenario is I could be left with swollen arm and numbness in my arm! and I didn't need to decided until day of operation.  I also asked if I could keep the implants they take out and he said No, they keep them for research?!

I am now on the waiting list for this operation, which could be weeks or months away, but I feel extremely sad, confused, anxious, upset, and don't know what to do.  I have been back to my GP to share my worries.

I feel i have been treated appalingly by the surgeon, who I would like to point out is a senior surgeon who has been around for many years, and I am in fear of what may happen.  I think I should have been contacted by the hospital directly, that they should have notes past 7 years, and the surgeon should listen and allay your fears and at least make you feel like a valued human being.

Any help would be gratefully received]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,693#msg-693</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 09:09:52 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: How did you first learn of the potential issues with PIP implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,691#msg-691</link>
      <author>SadieRothschild</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I knew nothing about the problems with PIP until it hit the news at the begining of 2012 approx 6 years after I had had them fitted.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,691#msg-691</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 21:19:25 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Have you sought to have your PIP implants removed or replaced?  If so, what has your experience been?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,689#msg-689</link>
      <author>SadieRothschild</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I have contacted the private clinic who did my surgery but they are not really that interested, I was told to contact my GP &amp; get the NHS to provide me with an ultrasound scan to see if there had been any rupture to the implant as they have no facility to do this. I have visited my GP twice now &amp; so far I am still waiting for an appointment. My implants have reduced in size slightly &amp; only get the same fullness with a very padded bra now.
I used Surgicare as my cometic provider, they have been taken over several times now &amp; my original surgeon no longer has any involvement with them &amp; I am unable to trace who he now works with.
The only information Surgicare will offer me is that they will do a reduced rate removal &amp; replacement for £2995, one operation. When I had my implants fitted I was not given any choice of product &amp; was told they would last me a lifetime, I was only 43 at the time so they either had no idea about the product or were telling me I was only going to have a short life....either way I was led to believe I would not be needing to worry about the cost of replacement. I am currently unable to have a new surgery as have not been able to save the required amount of money needed to have this due to reduced working hours with the credit crunch, this saves my employer making us all redundant but amounts to the same as a loss of earnings for myself.
I feel I am currently between a rock &amp; a hard place as I am unhappy with my current medical situation but am unable financially to solve my health problems myself. I feel the government should be taking action with all private providers to force them to correct the work they carried out as they were more than happy to take our money but not in the slightest interested in standing up to their responsibilites as medical care professionals.
I accept it was my choice to have the surgery but with my emotional problems prior to the surgery this was my only answer, I believe the government should have tighter controls over all private medical companies &amp; this should never have been allowed to happen in the first place.
I only hope the goverment will stand by women when we are developing more serious illness as a result of them standing by &amp; doing nothing at this time to resolve our health problems at this current time.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,689#msg-689</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 21:17:51 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: What advice did you receive before or at the time you received your implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,121,683#msg-683</link>
      <author>Paula13</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I was not given a choice of implant at my meeting with the clinic nurse. She took out what must have been a PIP implant and put it in my hand. I was told that they were very safe and that they would not migrate around the body if they ruptured. I was told that they would not rupture unless I was in a serious road crash. There was information given to me regarding the risks of surgery etc but I did feel that all of this was very rushed to get a signature, payment and get the next lady in. They said that I would be a patient for life. They said they would give after care. This was all lies - the last entry on my medical notes was in July / August 2008 and I never had another communication from them until after the PIP scandal broke. Too little too late. I even had to fight until I was crying and shaking to get an appointment with a surgeon after I found out I had PIP's. The 'nurse' was a saleswoman in nurses outfit. No care, no after care. All lies to get your money and then you are out of sight and out of mind.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,121,683#msg-683</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 20:45:09 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: How did you first learn of the potential issues with PIP implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,681#msg-681</link>
      <author>Paula13</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I heard the PIP implant scandal on the TV over christmas 2011 / 2012. I checked my paper work in Jan 2012 and discovered I had the PIP's. I had my implants in June 2008 and after a sethered artery I had another emergency op the following day to stop the bleeding - blood transfusions etc saved me. I had nerve damage and blood supply loss and was seen at the clinic a few times during July 2008. That was the last I heard from them. The lastentry in my notes from them stated to see them in 6 months. But as my surgeon was reomed there was nothing from them. I am so angry that I, as a past patient who had problems with their original surgery was not told about this in March 2010 when the information was released. I may not have had a rupture at that stage and I might not be sitting here with matress silicone in my lymph nodes. Angry is a mild term to use.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,681#msg-681</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 20:37:47 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Have you sought to have your PIP implants removed or replaced?  If so, what has your experience been?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,679#msg-679</link>
      <author>Paula13</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I sought to have my implants replaced in January 2012 after discovering the shocking news on the TV. When I rang my clinic and told them I wanted to see my surgeon as I had a lump and was worried about the previous problems I had with my original surgery (sethered artery due to poor drain placement!) and how the PIPs would affect this - they said leave your details on the e-mail they provided. No-one called back. I called again twicwe more and was distraght. I could not sleep or think straight. The clinic nurse said to not believe everything I hear on GMTV and that her friends were not all rushing to remove them. I was in tears and totally angry and shaking by the time she decided to allow me to have an appointment with a surgeon (not my original surgeon as she was struck off the GMC for bringing the GMC into disrepute). I don't think I slept for weeks and lost lots of weight. Thank god I saw a surgeon - he straight away decided that I had a possible rupture and needed replacement. I had to fight for and arrange a ultrasound scan and MRI scan. At the MRI scan I had to face comments about my choice of silicone implants and made to feel that I was taking up valuable scanning time for 'real' patients - I did not choose to have this mattress silicone placed inside me and I did not know that I was walking around with a rupture (how long for is anyones guess). MRI showed left rupture and lymph node involvement. The surgeon and the hospital were great with me and I have nothing but praise. The clinic however - well saleswomen dressed in nurses clothing comes to mind. I shudder at the thought of walking through those clinic doors. They have not one ounce of patient care in their minds at all. I cannot begin to explain the emotional trauma, stress, sleepless nights and the way this took over my life. The experience is not one that I would wish on my worst enemy - and I cannot believe that some women are still goingthrough this torment. Its wrong and against human rights.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,679#msg-679</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 20:31:05 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: How did you first learn of the potential issues with PIP implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,675#msg-675</link>
      <author>reeme1</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I heard of the PIP situation when it was all over the news

i contacted the company who did my implants and i was told i would have to wait for a letter to be sent out to me with a copy of my notes ,
when i recieved the letter telling me that i definately had PIP ones i rang back and was told i needed to have a scan done.
They sent me out a letter with places i could have a private scan and the prices were £350+ which i could not afford, they said to speak to my doctors first and see if they would put me forward to have a scan . I was told that if the scan showed any ruptures or problems then they will replace the implants for me , but before i have had time to get to my doctors i have found out that i am pregnant.

Since finding out i am pregnant i have spoken to my doctor who has agreed after i have given birth i will have a scan on nhs, but im very worried that if there is a problem with them now , whilst i am pregnant and my breasts change that a bigger problem may occur and i can have nothing done about it until afterwards. 

I do not think that the private companies should be allowed to say that you have to get a scan on nhs or pay yourself when you could be at risk of an eruption, they should pay for everyone to get checked out , for their clients piece of minds.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,123,675#msg-675</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 19:56:18 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: What advice did you receive before or at the time you received your implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,121,673#msg-673</link>
      <author>Elaine29</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I went to my clinic asking for Saline implants but they talked me into silicone as they said they were SAFER!
I was not given a choice of implant, I've since discovered that my clinic got a better deal with PIPS so never even mentioned any other brand. I was not aware that they were PIP until i received my paperwork after the op.
They told me that the implants would last a good 15 years or more and that i would have unlimited aftercare but would not help me unless I paid them a further 3,000.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,121,673#msg-673</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 19:20:21 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: What advice did you receive before or at the time you received your implants?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,121,671#msg-671</link>
      <author>lemoncupcake</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I was told that my new implants (PIP) were completely safe, would not leak, &amp; that they would last me a lifetime. As I had already had implants for eleven years &amp; had had no problems with them, I had no reason to doubt what I was being told. At no time was the brand of implant discussed, &amp; I realise now with hindsight that this was so naive of me. I would not buy an appliance for my home without understanding what brand I was buying. 
I was also given a demonstration of an implant being cut in half so that I could see the silicone gel remained inside the outer shell. I was told that the implants would remain intact even in a bad car crash. The female consultant appeared so genuine &amp; I trusted her completely.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,121,671#msg-671</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 19:06:59 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: If you have, or think you may have, PIP implants, have you experienced problems with them?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,119,667#msg-667</link>
      <author>lemoncupcake</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Shortly after my PIP implants were inserted in October 2007, I began to experience a pain like a &quot;stitch&quot; in my upper abdomen on my right side. I did not associate this with my implants at all. The pain was intermittent in the early days, but over a four year period it became constant. I went to see my GP about the pain in summer 2008 &amp; I was informed I had a slight kidney infection. The kidney infection was diagnosed without a urine test. A course of antibiotics was prescribed, but the pain was still present. Several months later I returned to my GP with the pain, &amp; this time I underwent tests for liver &amp; kidney function, but nothing amiss was found. In 2009 I returned to my GP with the pain, which was still present &amp; more persistent. I was sent for an ultrasound scan which revealed &quot;grit&quot; in my gallbladder, &amp; so in March 2010 my gallbladder was removed. After recovery from the operation, the pain was still present. I just learned to live with it.
After my implants were removed in February 2012, the pain in my upper right side has now gone. This seems too coincidental so I think that it may have been cuased by the PIP implants.
Apart from the pain in my upper right side, I have had no other health problems associated with the PIP implants.
All I will say about the implants is then when I had them in, they were always very uncomfortable &amp; very heavy. They were my second implants &amp; I had no trouble at all with the first implants, which I had in place for eleven years. I had them removed due to their age.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,119,667#msg-667</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 18:51:03 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Have you sought to have your PIP implants removed or replaced?  If so, what has your experience been?</title>
      <link>http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,657#msg-657</link>
      <author>leigh-holly26</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I received my implants on the NHS when I was 20.  When the PIP scandal hit the head lines I found it hard to get any information from the NHS in regards to the type of implants I had, and was told on a number of occasions that I would be contacted in due course.  I received a letter through the post that told me I had PIP implants and if I wanted a scan or to have them removed I could see a consultant.  

Upon that visit I found out that I actually only had 1 PIP and the other was a different 'brand'.  The consultant I saw was lovely and kind, however informed me that he would only be able to replace the 1 PIP.  This has caused me nothing but sleepless nights and anxiety.  I had my initial implants due to being 'imbalanced' and this for me is not an option to go through again. 

When I raised my concerns with my consultant he told me that there is no need to remove them if I feel that way, that the media hype should be ignored and &quot;should the PIP rupture we shall remove it&quot; 

So I am left to face the decision of keeping this non medical grade implant, or having surgery on just the one side.   

I feel let down by the NHS, I feel let down that these implants ever got into the NHS in the first place, and how anybody should be left to face a decsion like this I think is very sad.]]></description>
      <category>PIP Breast Implants Forum</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://forums.parliament.uk/pip-implants/index.php?read,1,117,657#msg-657</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 14:22:14 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>
