Introduction
A brief explanation of implant experience and struggle to find a surgeon for removal.
Statement about the belief of undergoing imaging without full consent
II. Detailed Experience with Implants
Description of the implantation process
Explanation of complications experienced as a result of implants
Discussion on the lack of documentation surrounding these implant complications
III. Informed Consent and Medical Gaslighting
Presentation of instances where informed consent was allegedly bypassed
Explanation of medical gaslighting experienced and its implications
IV. The Wasted Resources
Breakdown of the costs attributed to countless imaging procedures
Comparison to the cost of explanting and the savings that could have been realized
V. Impacts and Consequences
Personal effects, including health, time, and finances
Broader societal impact, including wasted tax dollars
VI. Conclusion
Reiteration of the importance of transparency in medical procedures
Conclusion on the systemic change needed to prevent such experiences
Essay:
I. INTRODUCTION
My journey as a patient with breast implants has been fraught with difficulties and struggles. A key issue in this journey has been my inability to find a surgeon to support my desire for explantation. Of further concern is my belief that I have been subjected to a series of complex imaging examinations, many of which I suspect have been conducted without proper informed consent.
II. DETAILED EXPERIENCE WITH IMPLANTS
My journey began when I opted for breast implantation. In retrospect, I was ill-prepared for the cascade of complications that would follow. From susceptibility to infections to constant discomfort—my life was besieged by issues that I was repeatedly assured were unrelated to my implants. This is deeply troubling as none of these complications were documented in my medical record, despite the significant impact they have had on my life and well-being.
III. INFORMED CONSENT AND MEDICAL GASLIGHTING
The principle of informed consent is a critical cornerstone of ethical medical practice. In my case, I believe my rights were repeatedly violated. I was subject to gaslighting by my healthcare providers, who consistently dismissed my complications and concerns. Duplicitously, I was made to understand that a series of imaging examinations were implemented to confirm the integrity of my implants. Yet, the protocol to authorize a radiologist to verify the soundness of my implants was never followed.
IV. THE WASTED RESOURCES
The consequences of this extensive series of imaging were not simply physical and psychological. The financial implications are staggering too. The cost associated with the numerous imaging procedures far exceeded the cost of explanting. Had I undergone explantation earlier, I could have saved time, money, and – most importantly – spared myself a significant amount of physical distress and mental anguish.
V. IMPACTS AND CONSEQUENCES
The personal impact of this journey has been far-reaching. I have spent years of my life, significant amounts of money, and a toll on my health, battling a surgery and its aftermath, that should have been handled much more efficiently. Beyond this individual perspective, an examination of the broader societal effects reveals that copious amounts of tax dollars have been wasted on unnecessary imaging, dollars that could have been better utilized in other aspects of the healthcare system.
VI. CONCLUSION
My personal experience with breast implants highlights a systemic issue in patient care. At the core of this issue is the lack of transparency and honesty in the process of medical procedures, particularly surgeries involving implants. A reassessment of the system is essential to mitigate such scenarios in the future. Patients deserve full disclosure, informed consent, respect, and a healthcare system that genuinely addresses their concerns rather than dismissing or downplaying them.
