17 yr. old implants w/ one ruptured since 2/3/10

Dear Dr.
I am a 42 yr. old woman that has had breast implants, that I've never liked, for 17 yrs. and in the beginning of Feb. my left implant ruptured. And, I haven't been feeling well since! I also get a severe burning pain in the one that ruptured that feels like I have a ball of fire in there and no one seems to know why?!  I'm very scared that it's affecting my health being that they have been in so long, and that the saline had grown some bacteria or mold, etc. in it.  I don't have the money to get the old & ruptured ones taken out and new ones put back in. When I did have the money to do it years ago I didn't because I was horrified from what I went thru the 1st time i had it done! Not only do I feel that this problem is affecting my health, but it's also made me become VERY depressed and self-concious. I have always taken pride in the way I look and have worked very hard to stay in good shape. And now with summer here, it makes it 10 times as hard. Not being able to wear summer clothes or bathing suits, etc. I would be forever greatful if you would help me with fixing this problem, once and for all!  Also, all my savings have been spent over the past 7 yrs. due to health issues that had finally started getting better after moving to Sedona 2 yrs. ago. Just when I felt ready to finally get back out there and join the work force and be a productive citizen, this happened to me! I was SO ready to get back in to modeling, my 1st love.   I'm going to see if I can somehow get my state insurance to pay for some of it, being that it's a real health problem.
So, "please", if you, or anyone you may know could find it in your hearts to help me, as I said,  I would be forever greatful!            

                                                                                 Thank you so much for taking time to read this!
                                                                                                        Denise

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Your State health insurance may pay for implant removal with the symptoms you are experiencing.  It is not likely they will pay for replacement.  You would need to obtain a report from a local plastic surgeon for pre-authorization.