FDA recommending breast MRIs every 3 yr if you have implants

Hi there! I just saw my PS this morning as I am dealing with capsular contraction and have the textured SALINE implants and considering replacing the ones I have. They are 10 years old now. She did not indicate what your PS did....she said MRI are recommended for silicon only, and every 2-3 years. She stated that saline implants deflate rather quickly and obviously if they rupture. You would know right away. That is NOT the case with silicone, thus the need for intermittent MRI's.

We had a rather thorough conversation, viewing the different implants and doing the pros and cons of the 3 implant choices I have. She is reputable and I have no worries about her experience

I would reconfirm with your PS. Perhaps even check the FDA site, although I am sorry, I don't have the link.

Good luck to you!

I didn't know about the mri recommendation for silicone implants. I'm 3 years out. Bs and ps just feel them to determine all is ok.

I am so angry and feel so helpless. I am so frustrated by the insurance companies running our health care system. I had a bilateral mastectomy and silicone implants three years ago. My original PS said I should get an MRI after 3 years and every 2 years after that. I recently moved to a new state and my new doctors don't follow those recommendations unless there is a problem.

Well, guess what? There is a problem and they still won't order it. I flew for the first time in May 2021 and that is around the time I started having pain in my shoulder – on the side where they took more lymph nodes. I saw my GP. He sent me to a regular PT. It didn't help. I saw my new oncologist. I told him about the shoulder pain and how I can feel inflamed lymph nodes in my arm pit. He ordered an x-ray, but he said he couldn't order an MRI because insurance wouldn't pay for it coming from him. (So what good is the oncologist then? Separate post.) He said I should ask my new PS.

When I got home from the appointment with my oncologist, I noticed one arm was a lot bigger than the other. How did no one else notice this? I put on the lymphediva sleeve I got from my original doctor that I had never worn. It immediately made the shoulder pain feel better. I do not remember anyone telling me to make sure I wear a sleeve when I fly. I surely would have - especially since there is no cure for lymphedema!

I saw my new PS and he says despite what the FDA says, they don't order MRIs for women with implants because it would not be a good use of resources. He said the incidence of problems they find is too low and they would be doing MRIs all day on all these women with implants if they followed the recommendations. He said he would not order an MRI for me unless there was a problem. I point to my shoulder. He says not that kind of problem. I said I would pay for it myself. He said he would not order it. He said no one at that hospital would order it.

I still have yet to see a new surgical oncologist. Today I tried to get an appointment with one at a different hospital. It turns out I cannot see her or go to any other hospital because no one else takes my insurance. I feel like I am stuck with these people and they do not care. I really miss my original surgical oncologist. He was the best, most caring person. I know he would have already ordered an MRI and an US.

I really hate having to be a bitch to these people. Every time I call to make an appointment, I end up crying and depressed the rest of the day. I honestly do not feel Cared for at all by these new doctors. Part of me says I should just be glad to be alive. But the other part of me is pissed off about all the errors, the giant cancer money making machine, the chronic pain and lymphedema I am stuck with, having to fight for what I want and looking like the worst ungrateful patient.

I cannot stop thinking that I should have the MRI like the FDA recommends, even if it is just for my peace of mind. Has anyone else had to deal with this?

mercats11,

This thread has been inactive for almost two years but it’s certainly a worthy subject! I am sorry that you’ve faced so many obstacles to getting care and moving doesn’t make things easier. I have had my implants for 10 years and have never had an MRI. I saw my mo in August and asked about it. She said not to worry unless I notice any changes. I am fine with that but I am pretty laid back in generalplus, after living with stage IV for ten years, I have no desire for any medical procedures unless necessary.

You are dealing with a lot. Be kind to yourself and consider therapy or an in person support group (if those have started again). Take care

Thank you LillyIsHere, exburnexgrl, and MinusTwo for your suggestions and words of support. I doubt my PCP would order anything like this. He usually puts everything onto the "experts." I did realize I can go outside of network if I also go outside of my county, so my search for adequate care continues. You tell me I have to fight. I can do that. I fought the cancer and now I will fight for what I think is right in my continuing treatment. I do have a lymphedema PT and I also saw a specialist NP in lymphedema. She was great. She stained my lymph with a green dye and was able to look at it with a special light. I did not qualify for any of the newest surgeries, but it is good to know they have them - not that they are anything close to a cure. Wow, exburnxgrl. That is a lot. I can understand why you would not want to dig deeper unless there was an outstanding issue. I did just start therapy. Thank you so much MinusTwo for the link to the other website. I did not even know about compression bras!

P.S. I didn't realize it was an old thread. Thank you so much for responding. This site is such a fabulous lifeline.