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Seeking orthopedist experienced with metallosis

Posted by Hurkey @hurkey, Aug 6, 2024

I have a rising level of cobalt in my blood from right hip total replacement in 2010. I have some time but know that I may need a full revision of the hip and treatment for metallosis one day. Does anyone have knowledge of an ortho in California that has experience in such surgeries involving metallosis? I may end up at AZ Mayo location, which isn’t terribly far. Thank you on advance.

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robert3428 | @robert3428 | Sep 20, 2024

Yes I have both hips replaced. And I’m going to have a revision surgery on the right . Due to high levels of cobalt and chromium . My cobalt is 13.6 and my chromium is 6.7 . My surgery is scheduled for the end of October.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 21, 2024
In reply to @robert3428 "Yes I have both hips replaced. And I’m going to have a revision surgery on the..." + (show)
@robert3428

Yes I have both hips replaced. And I’m going to have a revision surgery on the right . Due to high levels of cobalt and chromium . My cobalt is 13.6 and my chromium is 6.7 . My surgery is scheduled for the end of October.

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Very good luck to you! My revisions were a dozen years ago now, and they're still behaving well - I wish the rest of my joints felt as good.

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Hurkey | @hurkey | Sep 23, 2024
In reply to @robert3428 "Yes I have both hips replaced. And I’m going to have a revision surgery on the..." + (show)
@robert3428

Yes I have both hips replaced. And I’m going to have a revision surgery on the right . Due to high levels of cobalt and chromium . My cobalt is 13.6 and my chromium is 6.7 . My surgery is scheduled for the end of October.

Jump to this post

I know you will be so much better following; may I ask what hospital / physician will do the surgery?

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Hurkey | @hurkey | Feb 18 12:26pm
In reply to @minajo "What is your cobalt level? I have gone from 6-13 over 5 years, surgeon not concerned..." + (show)
@minajo

What is your cobalt level? I have gone from 6-13 over 5 years, surgeon not concerned at that level but mire my pain etx.. which is somewhat uncomfortable
Done in 2009, diagnosed during shutdown so no operating rooms open and i just did biking, walking etc till I've gotten used to it
Had cardiac, opthalmologist, skin testing etc to make sure it's not damaging me!
Im in Roseville CA tho and many surgeons available to do revision in and around Sacramento! Sadly i need knee replacement too now!

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@minajo thank you for your post. Actually not very high; cobalt was once at 2.4. It is currently 1.4. That was another question I have; my levels are going up and down. I’m wondering if my body is dealing with the metal; I don’t know what to make of it. I appreciate hearing there are surgeons in Sacramento area; but not sure they have dealt with removing and replacing metallosis affected joints? I have no intention of having surgery until my cobalt readings are very high, which I thought they were going to be. But as it turns out, they keep going back down, so I’m absolutely in no hurry. My chromium level is perfect, so I have that going for me also. I do pray that you stay well and I’m glad that you keep a close eye on all your health as well as the cobalt readings. Thank you for your input!

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