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Breast implants and PMR
Hello,
I have been following discussions on PMR trying to see similar issues as my own. My doctor still is not 100% sure PMR is my diagnosis but is treating me with Prednisone. It has been 3 months since the onset of debilitating pain. I have had a bi lateral biopsy for GCA, that was negative. A MRI of both femurs looking for Myositis, negative results.
At present we are dosing down and I have been pain free at 20mg.
Here is my question
I have breast implants since 1989 that have not been a problem since a week ago. I started feeling pain in one and had a 3 d Mammogram with ultra sound immediately. It has been determined there is a rupture.
My doctor says there is not enough conclusive research to link implants to PMR, but there are women like me who believe otherwise.
Early on I saw an infectious disease doctor who I asked randomly (before my mammogram) if my implants could be related. He also said there is not enough research.
Is anyone out there with breast implants who feels the connection I do?
Please respond
Best to you all!
Debbie
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Hello, Debbie. I, too, have implants from about the same time. I haven't had any pain but have wondered how long they can last without causing problems. I will bring this up with my doctor. Of course, this still doesn't explain what caused PMR in others without PMR. Does anyone have any insight about that? Thanks for sharing your story. Let me know if you learn more.
Christine
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1 ReactionOops - meant to say what caused PMR in others without implants...
Hi @debraabascal and @christi48, glad you two connected here. You may also be interested in this related discussion:
- Surgery to Remove Silicone Gel Inplants: What was your experience? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/silicone-gel-inplants-and-removal/
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2 ReactionsI too have breast implants that were put in 1999. They are saline and I have never had any problems with them. I was diagnosed with PMR in January 2022. I am now tapering the prednisone and I am down to 4mg per day. My GP doctor says I should just leave the implants as is since they don't cause any problems. I don't agree and I am going to ask the rheumatologist about this next time I see him.
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2 ReactionsI also have saline implants since 1995 and haven't had any issues. Since I started with PMR and GCA I've often wondered if the implants could be a link to these illnesses.
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1 ReactionHello again, I am back with more information on the link with my implants and PMR.
All you ladies with implants should get a 3-D Mammogram !!
My mammogram was prescheduled before the pain that was thought to be PMR. It showed a possible rupture and a MRI was suggested. The MRI confirmed a rupture I was not aware of.
My Rheumatologist who shared my chart with others at UCLA believes that my implants are causing the symptoms that mimic PMR. (BII=breast implant illness).
I am now joining a study at UCLA and have scheduled surgery to remove them.
Hope this is helpful
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9 ReactionsHi I am battling PMR and have breast implants. Have you had your explant
Operation?
Hopping this helped and would like to know more.
Welcome @tammystamper, While you wait for other members to share their experience, I thought you and others might be interested in the following articles on the topic that may provide more information.
"Can saline breast implants cause rheumatoid arthritis?
BII symptoms can appear any time after implant surgery — some people start to develop breast implant illness symptoms immediately, while some develop them years later. A lot of the symptoms of BII are associated with autoimmune and connective tissue disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma."
-- What Is Breast Implant Illness?
https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types/implant-reconstruction/illness/breast-implant-illness
-- Resolution of Systemic Rheumatologic Symptoms following Breast Implant Removal:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7605866/
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4 ReactionsHas anyone experienced PRM with BII (Breast Implant Illness) after implants post-mastectomy?
Welcome @tanglewood, I moved your question about PMR and breast implants to this existing discussion:
- Breast implants and PMR
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/breast-implants-and-pmr/
I did this so you can read the previous messages and connect with fellow members like @debraabascal @christi48 @shonnie @gracie2020 and @tammystamper
Tanglewood, have you been diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica? Did you have the implants removed?
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