Question for @sueinmn re: metallosis / cobalt level

To be honest it was over 10 years ago and I don't remember. And those records have aged off from my online patient account.
What I do know is that in addition to the high numbers of chromium and cobalt I was losing my hair, losing weight, had fatigue, groin pain, elevated thyroid- I was sick. And the cure was to get the metal out.

Thank you so much… that’s very helpful.

I was over 6 on both cobalt and titanium. Low grade fever. No energy. Just feel lousy 24/7. Then finally my groin started hurting.

Excuse me chromium

6…. Okay…thank you for this information….& am I clear, that would be 6 micrograms found per liter of blood?

I had both hips replaced in 2009 with m on m hip replacements. The Orthopedist, that I had at the time, did not ever tell me of the problems with cobalt leaching into blood nor that I needed to have blood tests done. I found out about it in 2025, 16 years after my surgery! My cobalt level was 9.8 at the time and should be less than 1 percent. I have had to have knee replacement, with a NEW Orthopedic Surgeon who is monitoring my Cobalt level. I had a blood draw earlier in week and Cobalt level is 12.9. I'm concerned it keeps going up....when does it get dangerously high and the need for hips to be replaced?

Had my hips done in 2009 and 2010. Only found out there was problem with MoM in December 2015. I am 86 and too old to get replacements. My level was 6.5 when tested but I understand the testing I had was not very accurate. I have been told Cobalt can affect multiple organs but not cause death. I have skin eruptions all over my arms and head. Not sure what they are from. Also double vision. I have been unable to find anyone with any information about Cobalt Poisoning. Even the Poison Control Center here in Georgia could not tell me much of anything. Does anyone know where to get valid information on Cobalt poisoning?

@gigi86 I think I would start with a physician specializing in environmental medicine and toxicology. If you are near a University affiliated teaching hospital, they might be able to help. Emory University for sure has a department.

You can also check the American Association of Environmental Medicine for a doctor near you:
https://www.aaemonline.org/

Here is some material:
https://today.uconn.edu/2023/11/researchers-heal-heavy-metal-poisoning-from-implants/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8286745/
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2783243

@dkg0727 Cobalt levels above 7 are considered reason for concern. A cobalt level that is rising is cause for diagnostic imaging to determine whether any tissue damage is occurring around the implant, and a full health screening to determine if you have other evidence of cobalt or chromium toxicity.

I don't think any of us was told, back when the implants were done, about the need to monitor chromium and cobalt levels. It was only around 2010-2011 that concerns began to arise as some people became symptomatic.

In addition to hip or groin pain, tissue destruction around the implant, and potential loosening, high cobalt levels can affect multiple organ systems including heart, thyroid, liver, and nervous system. Symptoms vary depending on exposure level and duration and may involve fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, tremors, hearing or vision, hair loss, hypo- or hyper-thyroid function, tremors and more.

Chelation therapy (to bind and remove cobalt and chromium) is just a bandaid unless the source is removed.

Please don't wait any longer - ask the Orthopedist to screen you now.