Episode #55: Breast Implant Illness- Penny’s Journey Home

Penny suffered for over 20 years with Breast Implant Illness (BII). Her symptoms of fatigue and Raynaud’s syndrome developed within months of her breast augmentation. By the time Penny came to see me, she had depilating joint and muscle pain, a diagnosis of connective tissue disease that included Sjogren’s syndrome, brain fog, and cognitive decline– so severe that she couldn’t remember how she drove to our appointment.

Nearly 300,000 breast augmentations are performed annually in the United States, and 25% of these women will go on to develop Breast Implant Illness. My next guest is Penny Treese, an extraordinary woman, mom, wife, artist, and workshop facilitator. Penny spent two decades suffering from breast implant illness. During today’s episode of THLZ, she shares her unimaginable story.

Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a syndrome that includes a constellation of symptoms driven by a systemic inflammatory immune response occurring in women who have had breast augmentation.

Common Breast Implant Illness Symptoms that can manifest within weeks, months, or years after receiving breast implants: Joint & Muscle Pain • Fatigue • Brain Fog • Rashes & Skin Issues • Anxiety • Depression • Mood Swings • Food Sensitivity • Allergies • Autoimmune Disorders • Cancer

Dr Lillian Schapiro, gynecologist and dear colleague, referred Penny to my clinical practice. It took her nearly 6 months to finally contact me. That one phone call changed her life forever, as well as mine. Every aspect of Penny’s health was in rapid decline, and in her own words, “Meg, I would have died in a few months if I didn’t make that call and start working with you.” During our first session, I referred her to Dr David Brothers, an amazing explant surgeon located here in Atlanta.

Penny suffered for over 20 years with Breast Implant Illness (BII). Her symptoms of fatigue and Raynaud’s syndrome developed within months of her breast augmentation. By the time Penny came to see me, she had depilating joint and muscle pain, a diagnosis of connective tissue disease that included Sjogren’s syndrome, brain fog, and cognitive decline– so severe that she couldn’t remember how she drove to our appointment.

I am honored to have Penny share her BII journey. She displays tremendous honesty, and vulnerability coupled with immense grace and courage as she tells her story. This journey also includes our 9 months of working together and peeling back the onion that has helped her recover and reclaim her life.

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