Introduce yourself.
My name is Maz and my pronouns are she/her. I’ve been a student here at Sky Sirens for a year and a half. I started lyra here, and in more recent months, I have been doing a bit of sling. I was in my pole prime years ago – instructing and aiming to compete.
I wanted to be like the people who taught me, but my health is holding me back.
My goal is to compete and perform in the future.
Tell us about your condition.
I have Breast Implant Illness, which causes a lot of autoimmune symptoms. It’s very difficult to be diagnosed because there is no proper diagnostic process. Symptoms include fatigue, neuropathic pain, muscle weakness – but my worst symptom is migraines. I spend 15/30 days bedridden from migraines. I even have to go to the emergency department for nerve blocks. I discovered Breast Implant Illness by researching my symptoms by coming across groups, and other stories and identifying with it. I knew that it was the same. I spoke to my doctor, but no one knew how to help me.
I take medication – some are more effective than others. I was taking preventative medication for migraines, but it wasn’t working, so now I take medication to stop an attack while I am having it. I also consult with a neurologist to receive botox to alleviate my migraines.
I went to see a surgeon recently who advocates for people who experience these symptoms, but he told me it was all in my head. He used to be very vocal on the issue, but now he realises it is costing him money. I hope that removing the implants will alleviate the symptoms, but there hasn’t been a lot of research on it. There have been few studies, and issues obtaining evidence - there aren’t enough people with implants who remained in the studies long enough to develop symptoms. Breast implants are also a relatively new technology – so people are only just starting to feel the effects.
How does this impact you in class?
Coming here once a week for class is wonderful if I can make it. I have all sorts of different triggers like light and scent (perfume and deodorant). I can pace myself and make sure I don’t go in a high hoop on a bad day.
What do you wish people knew about it?
I wish that people knew about it. Period. I want them to know it’s an ongoing barrier. There are always elements of illness I am battling with.
Maz has recently written an article for our Siren Secrets blog discussing her experience with BII. Click here to read A Silent Killer.
