MY JOURNEY WITH BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS
“A MAJOR FACTOR IN MY HEALING JOURNEY WAS THE USE OF INFRARED SAUNAS. THIS IS THE REASON THAT I DECIDED TO OPEN A PURE SWEAT + FLOAT STUDIO FRANCHISE IN MY COMMUNITY.”—LAUREL JUDD
Every year, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This cause is near and dear to my heart, as I have had close family members and friends diagnosed with this harrowing disease, and sadly, not all have survived. While I am thankful to not have experienced breast cancer myself, my breasts did come with a price, as I suffered from a disease known as Breast Implant Illness (BII).
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The Ugly Truth About BII
Thousands of women suffer from BII and have no idea they are carrying a disease. Some symptoms I personally experienced included: insomnia, shoulder and neck pain, red + dry eyes, hair loss, GI issues, vertigo, and many more. The scariest part of this disease I found is most doctors are simply not aware of it, thus women are staying sick.
The majority of women suffering from BII are mastectomy patients, whose bodies already have a weakened immune system. These strong women continue to experience symptoms once the cancer has been removed, and yet many doctors are unaware or do not note the breast implants could be making them sick. Unfortunately, I cannot help but wonder if some breast cancer patients passed away from their breast implants following their reconstructive surgery, and my heart aches for them.
Knowledge is Power
Some say symptoms of BII are similar to those of connective tissue + autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Even then, a small percentage of people with BII are actually diagnosed with either. BII is not commonly recognized as a medical condition, while some experts believe it is possibly an autoimmune implant reaction. This is why full-spectrum infrared saunas help to relieve and eliminate BII symptoms and assist the body with a necessary system detox. Through infrared sauna use, the three infrared wavelengths benefit BII by:
reducing inflammation throughout the body, as well as alleviating aches + pains (i.e. joint pain, headaches, pressure, etc.)
speeding up the healing process for external bruising and wounding + relieving rashes on the skin
promoting better sleep to lessen periods of insomnia
detoxing the body of metals, mold, and chemicals from implants
My personal mission is to help get the word out about BII and share these resources so more women gain the knowledge and power before making the decision to get breast implants. There is an invaluable Facebook page called Breast Implant Illness and Healing by Nicole with a community of 150,000+ women suffering from this catastrophic disease.
Participants in this wonderful FB group recommended detoxing through infrared sauna, and after just 3 sessions at PS+FS, I felt a noticeable difference in my mental and physical health.
My Recovery
It took me ages, many doctor visits, trips to specialists, and research to discover why I was so ill. Following the removal of my breast implants in November 2019, I very slowly began healing. A major factor in my healing journey was the use of Infrared Saunas and the number one reason why I decided to open my own Pure Sweat + Float Studio franchise in Clarksville, TN. I found relief and support.
I am happy to report today nearly 90% of my symptoms are gone. There is light at the end of this tunnel with proper guidance, community and knowledge on BII. More than anything, I look forward to helping people recover in my community through the use of Infrared Saunas + Float Therapy.
- Laurel Judd
A Word on BII From Dr. Michael Burgdorf of Music City Plastic Surgery
“Breast Implant Illness is a difficult phenomenon because there are so many varied symptoms. Often patients are left feeling brushed-off, frustrated, confused, and overwhelmed. I take a different approach. I want to listen and understand your symptoms, and together, determine the best path to treatment, which may involve removal of the breast implant and surrounding scar tissue capsule,” shares Dr. Michael Burgdorf of Music City Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Burgdorf is an award-winning, board certified plastic surgeon treating patients suffering with Breast Implant Illness with kindness, compassion, empathy, and expertise. While often a confusing and frustrating condition, he can help guide you through an honest conversation about BII and treatment options available. To get the conversation started and help determine if you might be suffering from BII, and if so, how to take the next steps to receive treatment, take his BII Quiz.
A SPACE FOR HEALING
Pure Sweat + Float Studio is an exclusive wellness destination for state-of-the-art, full spectrum infrared sauna and float therapy. In this healing and wellness space, we take pride in providing a pristine environment where you can relax, reset and recharge. Just leave your worries at the door, and we’ll take care of the rest. You deserve to find whole body health.
Begin your journey to better health with a visit to our infrared sauna + float studios.