Guardian News
Joanna Van Rooyen, of Shorthorn Close, Middlewich, had her PIP implants done at Surgicare in Manchester
9:44am Thursday 2nd February 2012
A MOTHER-OF-TWO says she is devastated after being told that her breast implants have ruptured.
Joanna Van Rooyen, of Shorthorn Close, Middlewich, had her PIP implants done at Surgicare in Manchester in December 2007.
The 28-year-old had been suffering from swelling, shooting pains and discomfort for several months before she heard about the PIP scare.
Following a scan at Leighton Hospital on Friday, Joanna has now been told that her implants have ruptured and are leaking.
“I was in tears that day,” she said.
“I’m absolutely devastated. I’m constantly worried about what will happen. I can’t sleep at night.”
Jean-Claude Mas, the founder of French firm Poly Implant Prothese (PIP), was arrested on Thursday after it was revealed that agricultural and industrial silicone was used in the implants.
Surgicare has agreed to remove the implants for free but Joanna has been told it will cost at least £2,500 to replace them.
She told the Guardian she is angry as she feels Surgicare has an obligation to her and there can be a risk of infection if they are just removed.
Luckily, Joanna’s mum Helina has agreed to foot the bill and an appointment has been set for February 9 for replacement implants.
Joanna, who joined in protests in Manchester in January, added: “I started thinking about my health as I’ve got two children.
“I don’t want to go under the knife again but I feel like a walking timebomb.
“My mum just said my health’s the most important thing. I’ve got help but there’s thousands of women who don’t have that.”
Joanna paid £5,080 for breast implants when she was 24 to help build her confidence and self esteem after having her children Mark, 11, and Elle, five.
