Could it BII?

It's been a hot minute! Sorry about the wait between episodes lately, but I am back with Sheri's Story. Sheri joins me from Tampa, Florida 5 weeks after her explant with Dr David Rankin. It's amazing t hear how great she is feeling already! You can follow Sheri on Instagram @sheri_in_the_air If you want to see a picture of the foreign object found in her capsule, go check out @davidrankinmd on Instagram If you would like to share your story or just get in touch, reach out to me on social media, or via email: coulditbiipodcast@gmail.com

Happy new year 2024! I created this episode in the hope that it will reach women who are considering breast implants before they go through with the surgery, so they can make an informed decision, as we know this information is not covered in detail when we are seeing surgeons. Here are the links to the topics covered today: USA Black Box Warning on breast implants: https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj.n2639#:~:text=Risks%20and%20complications&text=The%20boxed%20warning%20now%20tells,which%20may%20require%20more%20surgery.%E2%80%9D Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): ​​https://www.tga.gov.au/products/medical-devices/breast-implant-hub/breast-implant-associated-cancer-consumer-information Breast implant related squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC): https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/update-reports-squamous-cell-carcinoma-scc-capsule-around-breast-implants-fda-safety-communication Breast seroma: https://implanthealth.co.uk/understanding-seroma-fluid-a-common-concern-around-breast-implants/ Breast implant infection: https://implanthealth.co.uk/breast-implant-infection/ Capsular contracture: https://implanthealth.co.uk/capsular-contracture/ Breast implant malposition: https://implanthealth.co.uk/breast-implant-malposition/  Breast implant ruptures: https://implanthealth.co.uk/breast-implant-rupture/ Breast implants are not lifetime devices and ABDR data: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/implants/Pages/breast-implants.aspx#:~:text=breast%20implants%20are%20not%20intended,common%20complications%20that%20can%20occur  Heavy metals in breast implants: https://lauramilesmd.com/breast-implant-illness-heavy-metals/ Silicone implant ban in the US: https://slate.com/technology/2022/06/breast-implant-illness-what-is-it-cause-treatment-science.html I would like to thank the amazing women who responded to my call out on the “what we wish we knew” section of this episode. Your thoughts and experience will reach women across the world and no doubt change lives.

This episode is available as a Vodcast episode on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/WEL-WW3yZX4  Joining me from Canberra in Australia this week is Charlotte. When I was looking for podcasts about BII in the lead up to my surgery, I came across an episode of What's Doing Podcast that Charlotte featured on, where she discussed her BII and explant experience. She was one of the women who gave me hope that my surgery would be what my body needed to heal. Charlotte has recently joined a panel which discussed the Australian National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards which have been updated in Australia, you can check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFqtWS2D3P0 You can also find her interview with The Project here: https://fb.watch/p3BXlbWPxr/ If you would like to reach out to Charlotte or share your story on her Instagram page, feel free to reach out to her on Instagram @letsgetit_offourchest

Welcome to my first solo episode in a little while! I thought now that I had been through my own explant surgery and have also spoken with many women who have shared what helped them with explanting that I would wrap all of the information up in to one episode. I hope this is helpful for anyone planning to explant soon. This episode covers: - Getting the referral to a specialist from your GP - Selecting a specialist - Preparing for your surgery including what to buy - What to pack in your hospital bag - What to do on the day of the surgery This episode also lines up with the release of some free resources that I have made. I have saved these resources in an open Google Drive folder. There is also a Visitor's Book in the folder so please say hello! The folder can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sPJ6bB0axpgvuSdyPJmTFOkeNnaICbWO?usp=drive_link I also mention Professor Deva's study on safer breast implants. If you are explanting in Australia, please sign up: https://saferbreastimplants.org/breast-implant-removal/ And if you are explanting in Australia, make sure your surgeon logs your surgery with the Australian Breast Device Registry: https://abdr.org.au/ Don't forget to leave a review if you have liked this episode.

This episode is available as a Vodcast episode on my YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/7JYQQ4njpDs Joining me on the podcast this week is Jenny, the founder of Goforth Wellness! Jenny celebrates her 1 year explant anniversary today! And she shares her journey through multiple tests, to finding out about BII and explanting with little children. To celebrate her 1 year explant anniversary, Jenny has released an Explant Revive programme which provides holistic support to women before and after explant. Link: https://goforthwellness.fitbudd.com/packs/caqC7fQTKbSHHJiU5sV6 You can find Jenny on Instagram: @goforthwellness Website: https://www.goforthwellness.com/

This episode is available as a video episode on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/k5EWImuF5Hw Joining me on the podcast this week is the stunning Maëva.  Maë is explanting on the Central Coast of NSW 27 October and reached out to join me for a few episodes to share her BII story and her progress after explanting. I can't wait to hear how she is going in Part 2. She has only had implants for a short period of time (around 18 months!) and has been dealing with issues with her pectoral muscles as well as a list of BII symptoms. This is another important story to share as BII symptoms can appear at any stage, it doesn't have to be 10 or so years before they hit. You can find Maë on Instagram @maevacaroff And TikTok @maevacaroff

This episode is available as a Vodcast episode on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/FFX6wQJFhiQ Joining me from Quebec, Canada is the lovely Julie. Julie tells her story of getting a single polyurethane breast implant at the tender age of 17 and the debilitating list of symptoms that plagued her for 30 years. Julie is a wealth of knowledge and is happy for women to reach out to her on her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/christiejulie Julie has also provided the following list of surgeons with an interest in Breast Implant Illness: Dr Lu-Jean Feng, Ohio. Expert and pioneer of explant by en-bloc or total capsulectomy - https://www.fengclinic.com/plastic-surgery-health-office-cleveland/medical-specialists/plastic-reconstructive-surgeon/ Dr H Chun, California. Expert of explant by en-bloc or total capsulectomy, even the very thin capsule. Dr Shaher Khan, Michigan. Expert of explant by en-bloc or total capsulectomy. Dr Jan Williem Cohen Tervaert, rheumatologist, Alberta. He diagnosed the ASIA illness (autoimmune (auto-inflammatory) syndrome induced by adjuvants) - https://apps.ualberta.ca/directory/person/cohenter Dr Henry Dijkman ,Netherlands. Expert in research on silicone. Dr Pierre Blais, analyst of breast implant failure. Ottawa, now retired - https://sites.google.com/site/siliconebreastimplantsorg/home/Science/researchers/dr-pierre-blais She has also provided the following useful links: https://www.gpacunited.org https://www.facebook.com/GPACUnited https://www.breastimplanthealthsummit.com https://www.facebook.com/BIHS2022 Julie has also kindly provided photos of her capsule. If you are interested in seeing it, i have saved it in the following Google Drive Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sPJ6bB0axpgvuSdyPJmTFOkeNnaICbWO?usp=drive_link

This episode is available as a Vodcast episode on my YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/2PnlxVVlc1o Another week, another episode with a fellow podcaster, Brandi from Be Real Babe Podcast! I jumped on to Be Real Babe a couple of weeks ago to share a lil life update. I have previously joined Brandi to share my BII story (Episode 25) and Brandi joined me to tell her story about not getting breast implants (Episode 26). Give Be Real Babe a follow if you haven't yet, they have also shared other BII stories on their podcast.

This episode is available as a Vodcast episode on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/d2yH_vnt-vE Joining me from the UK this week is the amazing Deb! You may know her from The Heal is Real Podcast, which is another BII podcast, sharing the stories of women who have also experienced BII. Deb's story is an important one, as it highlights the fact that you don't need implants for many years before they can impact you. Deb only had her implants for 6 MONTHS and had a terrible time with them. You can find her podcast on Instagram @thehealisrealpodcast Links to Deb and Abbie's podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-heal-is-real-a-breast-implant-illness-podcast/id1651386794?uo=4

This episode is available as a Vodcast episode on my YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/RtGYuMGmfwY Joining me this week is the amazing Amanda! If you are on instagram, you may know Amanda as The Holistic Beauty Coach (@theholisticbeautycoach). Amanda shares her story from working in the plastic surgery industry, getting breast implants to correct tuberous breasts (just like me!) and her 2 lightbulb moments when finding out about BII.

I have a bonus episode for you this week! I was super fortunate to be contacted by Deb and Abbie from The Heal is Real Podcast to join them for an episode to talk about my BII story. Emily also joins us to talk about her experience with breast implants. If you haven't listened to The Heal is Real before, jump over and give them a listen. Deb and Abbie have also experienced BII and they have guests on the show sharing their stories as well. You can find The Heal is Real on Instagram @thehealisrealpodcast And the very lovely Emily @toxicfreelivingco

This episode is available as a vodcast on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Ib556A8RDrU Joining me all the way from Utah is Cheyenne! Cheyenne previously ran the Explant Secrets Instagram and has been helping women all over the world through explanting. Unfortunately her Explant Secrets Instagram was hacked and she has lost contact with so many women due to this. You can follow her on her new instagram @iamcheyenneb Cheyenne is also holding the Explant Secrets Summer Summit on 17 August 2023, I have included the information video at the end of the episode. If you would like to attend the summit, follow this link: https://explantsecrets-summersummit2023.heysummit.com/ You can get in touch with Cheyenne in the following places: Instagram: @iamcheyenneb  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explantsecretswithcheyenne  Website: https://www.explantsecrets.com/explant-survival-guide-download1  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@explantsecrets/featured Recording of phone consult with surgeon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KQj8v88l5k  Email: info@explantsecrets.com 

This episode is available as a vodcast on my YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/StpET81wsHo  Joining me on the podcast this week is the beautiful Carrie Santiago! Carrie shares her breast implant illness story, talks about meeting the inspiring women in the BII community and experiencing mold toxicity. You can follow Carrie on insta @_carriesantiago I have an email address! So if you would like to get in touch or would like to jump on to the podcast to share your story, you can reach me at coulditbiipodcast@gmail.com

This episode is available as a video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2ex85fxOCmg Joining me on the podcast this week is the very lovely Stephanie, all the way from Long Island, New York. Stephanie shares a different story, which highlights the importance of have the capsule removed AND sending it off for the appropriate testing. You can follow Stephanie's story on instagram at @breast_implant_illness_info

This episode is available as a video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jWwoMWH9HfY This week I am joined by the beautiful Syndi Carrick-Ryan. Syndi has shared part 1 of her story in Episode 20, you can find this episode here: https://youtu.be/_S-EGqakNBo Syndi explanted 6 February this year and joins me for her first episode post-explant. She walks us through the physical and emotional changes she has experienced since her surgery. You can find Syndi on instagram: @breast_implant_illness_aus and @me.myhealth.i Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Me.MyHealth.I Syndi's website: https://syndicarrick-ryan.com.au/home Syndi and I both featured in an article "Your Body is Not a Trend" in the June 2023 Marie Claire magazine in Australia! Syndi was also featured in an article with The House of Wellness: https://www.houseofwellness.com.au/health/conditions/breast-implant-illness Just a reminder, if you have or are explanting in Australia, you can join Professor Anand Deva's study here (both Syndi and I are participants in the study: https://saferbreastimplants.org/breast-implant-removal/?fbclid=IwAR0KnpPF7DskqrUhGdHCEe86BQFZabqUhHJuKYiCQpB5uzqw4uZwNSblr_4

This episode is available as a video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/55lfts_b_E4 Hello! Well it's been a few months since I have provided an update on how I am going, and to be completely honest with you, I haven't been feeling 100%. Never fear though, because I'm super stubborn and keep looking for different ways to feel at my peak. I've been super fortunate to come across an amazing naturopath who knows about BII and is working with me to fix the issues my implants have caused for me. I share my test results and treatment plan which I will be working through in the next couple of months. Just a reminder, i am not a medical professional, just sharing my experience so this does not replace any professional treatment.

This episode is available as a video episode via my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/b5DQ6NhdcHk In this week's episode I am joined by the gorgeous Brandi from Be Real Babe Podcast in Canada. In my previous episode, I shared a recording that I did with Brandi on her podcast and she joins me in Episode 26 to talk about not getting breast implants. Brandi has shared 5 episodes now on Breast Implant Illness, as well as many other super interesting topics.

This episode is also available as a video episode via my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/bbWTCJW6cYc  Late last year I was in touch with Brandi from Be Real Babe podcast in Canada. Brandi has shared multiple stories on BII on her podcast and I was fortunate enough to join her to share my story. Be Real babe Podcast cover all kinds of interesting topics, so if you haven't checked them out before, give them a listen/subscribe :) This episode covers my whole story up to December 2022, so if you're new to the podcast, this one would be a good starting episode. A big thank you to Brandi for having me, and for allowing to publish our episode here.

This episode is available as a video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jP880HvGsxk  I'm back from South by Southwest 2023 in Austin, Texas! We travelled over there as my partner's band was accepted to play at the festival and I joined them for backing vocals. Go and check out his band Dean Forever :) This was an amazing experience and I feel that it would have been a completely different trip if i hadn't found out about BII and explanted. I share the things that I noticed from improved memory when learning 15+ songs, no joint pain after the flight and a tonne of walking (apparently we walked at lease 52km while we were there!) I was also lucky enough to meet Darnah from  @empoweredexplant   podcast while I was there. Go and check her episodes out if you haven't yet.

This episode is available as a video episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puPNqsYIMCU Joining me from Western Australia is the amazing Lauren this week. At the time of recording our episode, Lauren was a week and a half out from her explant surgery, I'm looking forward to sharing many more episodes with Lauren as she heals post-explant. Lauren is another example of a ridiculously strong woman. Not only is she dealing with Breast Implant Illness, but every day, Lauren endures a myriad of other illnesses, yet continues to advocate for people who live with disabilities. You can follow Lauren's progress on Instagram at @laurenmayy__ Links mentioned in the show: Dr Mary Ling's website, recalled implants: https://www.drmaryling.com.au/list-of-cancelled-breast-implants-in-australia TGA recalled implants list: Current status of breast implant products in Australia | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Breast implant removal and Medicare: https://www.drsamuelyang.com.au/is-breast-implant-removal-covered-by-medicare-in-australia/

This episode is also available as a video episode, here's the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/WziXD5vZgWE Joining me this week is the amazing Keri, all the way from California! Keri is a huge BII advocate and gave her testimony in the FDA hearings, you can find her video here:  https://youtu.be/V6qz41322pg Here are the links to the Facebook groups that Keri mentions in our episode. Keri's Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/589777154882928/?ref=share_group_link The group that Keri helps to moderate: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breastimplantillness/?ref=share_group_link   Keri is very raw and real in sharing her experience with her mental health in this episode, if this brings up anything for you, please know that support is available. Australia Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 United States https://mhanational.org/get-involved/contact-us

This episode is available as a video episode here: https://youtu.be/Qt0t9MBytoM Joining me from the UK is the gorgeous Zoe  @herspiritualplace who shares her BII story. Zoe has created an explant healing practice, you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK17pu6dfe4  In the intro to Zoe's episode i talk about a BII study being completed in the UK. If you are also based in the UK and would like to help contribute to research on the impacts of BII and explanting, please reach out to Tina: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/staff/tina-kent/ Zoe discusses reishi mushroom supplements, here is some info on them in case you are interested: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reishi-mushroom-benefits You can follow Zoe's progress on her YouTube Channel and on Instagram @herspiritualplace

Some episodes will now be available on YouTube as video episodes! You can find Syndi's story here: https://youtu.be/_S-EGqakNBo  In this week's episode I am joined by the lovely Syndi, from the Yarra Valley in Victoria, Australia. Syndi is currently almost a week away from her explant (6 February 2023) and we talk about Syndi's reason for getting implants, right through to working through her mindset in the lead up to her explant. Syndi and I also discuss a study being completed in Australia by Professor Anand Deva on the impacts of breast implants. If you are in Australia and interested in participating in the study, you can find the online form here: https://saferbreastimplants.org/breast-implant-removal/ You can find Syndi on instagram at breast_implant_illness_aus and my.myhealth.i I'm looking forward to recording more episodes with Syndi throughout her heeling. If you would also like to share your story as Syndi has, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or Facebook, just search for Could it BII? Podcast.

Welcome to Episode 19! And can you believe it, we've already passed my 6 month explant anniversary!!! If you are joining today's episode because you have been searching for podcasts on the Mirena or other IUDs, feel free to skip to 21:28.  My dogs joining in a couple of times throughout the episode, see if you can pick when Harper and Tillie interrupt. The links that I mention throughout the episode are: Professor Deva's study: https://saferbreastimplants.org/breast-implant-removal/ TGA Adverse Event Report: https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/resource/forms/report-medical-device-adverse-event-medical-device-user#:~:text=Complete%20the%20online%20form%20to,or%20phone%201800%20809%20361.  ACCC phone number 1300 302 502 and link: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/problem-with-a-product-or-service-you-bought Be Real Babe Podcast are on Rumble, Apple, Spotify etc if you would like to check out my episode with them. Mirena IUD: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mirena/about/pac-20391354#:~:text=Mirena%20is%20a%20hormonal%20intrauterine,type%20of%20the%20hormone%20progestin. You can find me on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/coulditbiipodcast/

Welcome to our first episode of 2023. I am joined by the lovely Kara (Instagram: @elevatedworthco) who shares her explant story. Kara is another example of an amazing, strong woman who has been through so much, yet works so hard to empower people to see their own worth. I had no idea that Kara had been through so much in her life. She does touch briefly on miscarriage and thoughts of suicide so please be gentle with yourself when listening to Kara's story. Know that help is always available to you.

Joining me all the way from Arizona in the US is the amazing Heidi Brown.  In this episode Heidi shares the lengths she went to in order to find answers to her list of mystery symptoms, to planning her own funeral and the moment she first hears about Breast Implant Illness (BII). Heidi is part of the Global Patient Advocacy Coalition, you can find them at https://www.gpacunited.org/ and @gpacunited on Instagram. Heidi can be found on Instagram as well @heidibrownbiiadvocate I hope you are all staying well this holiday season. Feel free to reach out to me if you would also like to share your story on the podcast.

I'm joined by the lovely Kate from Washington area in this week's episode. Kate shares her story of getting implants, to the never-ending search for answers for her BII symptoms. She's 2 years post-explant now and talks about the symptoms that have resolved as well as a new auto-immune disease diagnosis she has found out about recently. You can follow Kate's story on her instagram @starlitmakeupchick

Happy Halloween! Today's episode just gives an update on the recent tests I have undergone to see if there is anything else at play that is causing my joint pain and hair loss to flare up again. I talk about endometriosis in this episode, if you want to read more about endo, here's the website I was referring to: https://www.endometriosisaustralia.org/ I have found out since my 3 month update episode that my implants were recalled due to the risk of a type of lymphoma BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated - Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma), you can read more about BIA-ALCL here: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety/breast-implant-safety/bia-alcl-summary I have reported the capsular contracture of my implants, and BII associated symptoms to the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) here in Australia, the online form to do that if located here: https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/report-problem-or-side-effect/report-adverse-event-or-problem-consumers

In this week's episode I am joined by my first co-host Yaglin, she joins me all the way from Miami, Florida and shares her BII story. You can find Yaglin and follow along with her story at @yaglin_medina on Instagram, she shares everything from scar care post-surgery to the healthy eating plan that she follows to allow her body to detox naturally from breast implants.

Wow, it has already been 3 months since I explanted!  In this episode, I provide an update on all of the symptoms I've previously listed, including the ones that I realised after my surgery. I talk about the Australian Breast Device Registry (https://www.abdr.org.au/) which commenced in 2015. The are collecting information about breast devices and your surgeon may get in touch with them if you have explanted. They collect information on the type of breast implants that women have had inserted after their commencement date in 2015. The previous register, the Breast Implant Registry, can still be contacted for any surgeries completed before 2015 and can be contacted on (02) 9432 9200 (Australian patients only).

On the podcast this week I am joined by my younger sister Jenna (@renovatingwithrugrats). We have a chat about what she remembers from me getting implants alllll those years ago, through to our first discussions about my BII symptoms and her own thoughts about getting implants. Enjoy the episode :)

I have a special guest in this week's episode! My partner joins me to share his perspective and experience with my explant surgery, and we talk about the support he provided me through it all. We thought this episode might help the partners of women having explant surgery, so feel free to give your partner a nudge to listen to it.

Just sharing a few things that have happened in weeks 5 and 6 since my explant. I'm still seeing progress and experiencing the occasional detox wave but overall feeling really good. Also, in this week's episode I shared a news story about a trial that is happening in Brisbane here in Australia, here is the link to the article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-04/world-first-breast-implant-reconstruction-trial-in-brisbane/101267356

The last 4 weeks have gone by so fast, and I am still seeing more progress every day. In this episode I talk about the positive changes I have seen in weeks 3 and 4 post-op, detox waves and making progress with my walking distance. This is honestly the best decision I could make for my health. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out on the @coulditbiipodcast Instagram.

Another short one this week as I'm just giving an update on my progress post surgery :) I'm really happy with how I am feeling so far, the positive changes I have seen are better and sooner than I expected. There are a few things I will be trying over the next few weeks to help with my body's detoxing process (hello first detox wave headache!) including dry brushing, here's a link to an article on the benefits of it and how to dry brush: https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-brushing I will probably post these podcasts fortnightly for the next little while as I am not able to increase what I am doing until i see my surgeon August 2, but you can keep up to date via my Instagram at @coulditbiipodcast if you like. Happy listening :)

I finally made it! My explant surgery was exactly a week ago and I am already seeing some improvement in my symptoms. This week's episode covers how my hospital stay went and a day by day account on the things I was able to do on my own. Remember, you can always reach out on the @coulditbiipodcast instagram. Happy listening :)

It's my final episode before my explant surgery!  Tomorrow will be my 12th procedure in hospital, so in this week's episode, I share the entire list of procedures I have been through, many relating to women's health.  I am looking forward to updating you on all things BII healing from next week. Until then, take care :)

I'm now a week away from my breast explant surgery! In this week's episode, I talk through a few things I have purchased and done in the lead up to my surgery. I'll be sharing some photos this week on the @coulditbiipodcast Instagram. Feel free to reach out on my Instagram page if you have any other suggestions! Happy listening :)

In this week's episode I talk about all of the things I have tried to manage my symptoms before I learnt that they could be linked to Breast Implant Illness. This episode is not sponsored, I am sharing products that I have tried that have worked for me. Later this week I will be sharing these products on the @coulditbiipodcast Instagram. Just a reminder, I am not a health professional. I am just sharing my experience after seeing other women discussing Breast Implant Illness (BII).

Just a quick one today! I've been to see my GP for a referral to 2 specialists and have seen the first one available, who was also my original surgeon.  Just a reminder, I am not a health professional. I am just sharing my experience after seeing other women discussing Breast Implant Illness (BII).

In today's episode I talk through the symptoms I have been experiencing over the last few years. So many of them could have been attributed to something else which is why I never thought it was anything serious.  You can find me on Instagram if you want to get in touch at @coulditbiipodcast Just a reminder, I am not a health professional. I am just sharing my experience after seeing other women discussing Breast Implant Illness (BII). Thanks for listening :)

In my very first episode I talk about why I had breast implants at the age of 20, the process and how the surgeries went.