Post by twilightsrose on Jan 12, 2006 5:48:43 GMT -5
Hi guys... I thought I would share my story as a sort of "public service announcement". I don't know if some of the more veteran members of this board remember me off-hand (lots of members to remember). I was on this board attempting BE in 2003/2004 (my last post was early 2004).
I experienced a detrimental affect which I know was influenced by my use of BE, which I feel I need to share. Please know though, I don't wish to scare anyone, and actually, I am reattempting BE but am trying a completely different route from my less educated early attempt.
I started BE with the idea, the more herbs you use the faster you will probably grow (yeah right). I first started using Le Femme, but after discovering Greenbush site and this board, I started using individual herbs. It got to the point where I was using large amounts a day plus the externals with message. I suddenly started to grow, but only on one side mostly. The other side grew with water weight (I discovered and lost compeltely later), but no matter what I did I could not get the other side to balance the other. I went from less than an A cup to a C cup. Finally, I quit BE, and concerned (I tried seeing if it would shrink after quitting the herbs for a while...nope), finally went to a doctor (actually, it was for my regular gynecological check-up, which I procrastinated since I was both a bit scared and embarrassed about my suddenly giant boob). I get my check-up at the local birth control clinic, and after checking my boobs, he sent me to my doctor who sent me for a mammagram, which led my to having a Ultrasound, biopsy, a MRI and the diagnois of a Giant Fibroadenoma - something which is actually quite rare in N. America. It was apparently the size of a squashed orange, yet perfectly placed, just like an implant... (I still joke about my "naturally grown implant") therefore, unlike some, I did not have much noticeable disfigurement - just size. The tissue of the lump feels just like more solid natural breast tissue. I went sent in for surgery within just a couple weeks and had it removed (my scar is...ironically, like an implant as well... only on the crease due to a new way of removing these and thanks to my surgeon and some excellent research on his part). However, I have been left with a "dent" in my breast. The spot where the lump was had breast tissue removed, so that area no longer has the normal fullness the other side has. It becomes quite noticeable when my breasts are pushed-up in a bra. Don't know how else to describe, except that the breast folds inwards (causing a crevice) rather than bulging out more to create cleavage at the top of the bra. I have been doing research on the solid cohesive-gel implants known as the gummybear implants (the ones which cannot leak) since I've healed from the surgery (I live in Canada, where they are easily accessible), and even spend time on a BA forum for research, but they are currently unafforadable for me. Besides, who wouldn't prefer to grow their own breasts rather than spend money on surgery which could require a redo. But, I would like to help the dent disappear. Thus, I am re-attempting BE.
Now why was the cause attributed to BE? It is currently believed that fibroadenomas, especially the giant forms, are caused by a sensitivity to increased prolactin levels. Some women get these during pregnancy, as do some women on recieving treatment with cyclosporin A, which has also been known to increase prolactin levels in the body. I have discovered over the years that I have sensitivities to some female hormones, and had trouble with taking birth control pills because of it (I've now used an IUD for the last 3 years...loving it). I know the herbs I took definately increased my prolactin levels high... I was having pms symptoms not just when i was supposed to have them - constantly. I was taking alot of fenugreek. I've never had lumps before and I have none since (knock-on wood).
I hope that everyone can learn through what I went through and know (as it has been said before) to be careful and please start slow. Your body could reject the herbs just like any other medication, and if you are sensitive to birth control or female hormones, be even more careful. I suppose I should add that at the time, I didn't really know about taking breaks... never really did to begin with... and I have naturally higher androgen/testosterone levels than the average female.
Thanks!!
Twilightsrose
I experienced a detrimental affect which I know was influenced by my use of BE, which I feel I need to share. Please know though, I don't wish to scare anyone, and actually, I am reattempting BE but am trying a completely different route from my less educated early attempt.
I started BE with the idea, the more herbs you use the faster you will probably grow (yeah right). I first started using Le Femme, but after discovering Greenbush site and this board, I started using individual herbs. It got to the point where I was using large amounts a day plus the externals with message. I suddenly started to grow, but only on one side mostly. The other side grew with water weight (I discovered and lost compeltely later), but no matter what I did I could not get the other side to balance the other. I went from less than an A cup to a C cup. Finally, I quit BE, and concerned (I tried seeing if it would shrink after quitting the herbs for a while...nope), finally went to a doctor (actually, it was for my regular gynecological check-up, which I procrastinated since I was both a bit scared and embarrassed about my suddenly giant boob). I get my check-up at the local birth control clinic, and after checking my boobs, he sent me to my doctor who sent me for a mammagram, which led my to having a Ultrasound, biopsy, a MRI and the diagnois of a Giant Fibroadenoma - something which is actually quite rare in N. America. It was apparently the size of a squashed orange, yet perfectly placed, just like an implant... (I still joke about my "naturally grown implant") therefore, unlike some, I did not have much noticeable disfigurement - just size. The tissue of the lump feels just like more solid natural breast tissue. I went sent in for surgery within just a couple weeks and had it removed (my scar is...ironically, like an implant as well... only on the crease due to a new way of removing these and thanks to my surgeon and some excellent research on his part). However, I have been left with a "dent" in my breast. The spot where the lump was had breast tissue removed, so that area no longer has the normal fullness the other side has. It becomes quite noticeable when my breasts are pushed-up in a bra. Don't know how else to describe, except that the breast folds inwards (causing a crevice) rather than bulging out more to create cleavage at the top of the bra. I have been doing research on the solid cohesive-gel implants known as the gummybear implants (the ones which cannot leak) since I've healed from the surgery (I live in Canada, where they are easily accessible), and even spend time on a BA forum for research, but they are currently unafforadable for me. Besides, who wouldn't prefer to grow their own breasts rather than spend money on surgery which could require a redo. But, I would like to help the dent disappear. Thus, I am re-attempting BE.
Now why was the cause attributed to BE? It is currently believed that fibroadenomas, especially the giant forms, are caused by a sensitivity to increased prolactin levels. Some women get these during pregnancy, as do some women on recieving treatment with cyclosporin A, which has also been known to increase prolactin levels in the body. I have discovered over the years that I have sensitivities to some female hormones, and had trouble with taking birth control pills because of it (I've now used an IUD for the last 3 years...loving it). I know the herbs I took definately increased my prolactin levels high... I was having pms symptoms not just when i was supposed to have them - constantly. I was taking alot of fenugreek. I've never had lumps before and I have none since (knock-on wood).
I hope that everyone can learn through what I went through and know (as it has been said before) to be careful and please start slow. Your body could reject the herbs just like any other medication, and if you are sensitive to birth control or female hormones, be even more careful. I suppose I should add that at the time, I didn't really know about taking breaks... never really did to begin with... and I have naturally higher androgen/testosterone levels than the average female.
Thanks!!
Twilightsrose
and bought a copy of Flat2Fab since it is so darn inexpensive. Besides, Lucy and I chatted a couple times ...her results were part of my inspiration.
. Glad to hear you're ok now. Please do take it easy. 