A Personal Journey Through Breast Implant Illness
Andi Lew, a well-known TV host and wellness expert, made the decision to get breast implants in her early forties. This choice was deeply personal, driven by a desire to regain confidence after a divorce and to heal from past trauma. However, what she didn’t anticipate was the life-altering health issues that would follow.
A few years after the procedure, Andi began experiencing a range of concerning symptoms. These included rapid hair loss, dry eyes, an inability to sweat, sudden food intolerances, loss of libido, digestive problems, heart palpitations, and widespread inflammation. Additionally, she felt persistent pain in her left breast, where her silicone implant had ruptured without her knowledge.
“I was dying to be well,” she recalls. “I had anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide at the time.”
Understanding Breast Implant Illness
Breast implant illness (BII) can present differently in each woman, but for Andi, it was a complex array of physical and mental health challenges. She described the symptoms as a “laundry list” of about 100 different issues. The experience was overwhelming, and she struggled to find support and answers from medical professionals.
Despite multiple visits with specialists and surgeons, Andi’s concerns were often dismissed. “Everyone was like, ‘No, no, it’s fine. There’s nothing really there, and you’ll be OK.’” she says.
Trusting her instincts, she continued to push for answers until she found a surgeon who took her concerns seriously. During the consultation, the surgeon discovered the undetected rupture and feared the possibility of rare implant-associated cancers in the scar tissue capsule. Fortunately, this wasn’t the case for Andi.
The Importance of Proper Explant Surgery
Andi emphasizes that proper explant surgery involves more than just removing the implant. “The proper surgery is to take out surrounding scar tissue too,” she explains. “If they go to the public hospital system, they just take the bags out.”
Even after the successful removal of her implants, Andi’s journey was far from over. The physical recovery was challenging, and the emotional impact was equally heavy. “You really are never the same,” she admits. The deep shame she felt about her decision to get implants was difficult to confront.
As a wellness expert, admitting that she had chosen a “toxic foreign object” for her body was a tough truth. However, she eventually learned to forgive herself and embrace self-compassion.
A Mission to Educate and Support
Now, Andi is on a mission to educate women about the potential risks of breast implants and to ensure those suffering can make informed decisions. She highlights the importance of accessing superannuation funds for life-threatening illness operations, explaining that a doctor’s letter can allow individuals to cover the costs of explant surgery.
She also helps women reclaim their health, trust their intuition, and embrace self-acceptance. “I want people to learn to love themselves exactly the way they are,” she adds.
Resources and Further Information
Andi’s book, Treasured Chest, is available now in bookstores or at andilew.com. You can also follow her on Instagram or listen to her podcast, Well To Do.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.
