Metallosis patients / heavy metal poisoning specialist

Posted by Hurkey @hurkey, Jul 17, 2024

To those of you who have experienced metallosis, did you seek out a heavy metal poisoning specialist to help you through? Or did your ortho know the procedure to follow?

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Hi, think I'm off topic but while considering revision for 16 yr old MoM with cobalt 13, chromium, 5,recent 6 mo increase as I was trail walking 2.5 miles daily ( im 77 yr old senior) the Ortho PA thought possibly from that but needing both TKR and revision I have symptoms, fatigue, hair loss, vision changes etc I am trying to find out what kind of machine, test needed to determine if a pseudo tumor there, necrosis as it's possible surgery might not be simpler replacement of two parts but femur could be fractured, rod needing to be removed, pins etc placed and can't do weight bearing for 12 weeks!!! I was told they can't determine damage before I'm on table.. makes me not want to do it knowing poor outcome
I know metalossis not good, eyes, heart, internal organ damage etc but I have a severely disabled adult daughter to consider, no machine can see damage? Thank you..
And knee unstable, both right, so how will rehab go??

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No and will ask at my next visit. I had a metalosis from the hip implanted that was recalled, but I didn't know it was recalled. Fortunately, another incident happened, and I discovered I was a victim. Read “no more tears"

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Profile picture for ida2 @ida2

No and will ask at my next visit. I had a metalosis from the hip implanted that was recalled, but I didn't know it was recalled. Fortunately, another incident happened, and I discovered I was a victim. Read “no more tears"

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Sorry? " No more tears".?

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Profile picture for minajo @minajo

Hi, think I'm off topic but while considering revision for 16 yr old MoM with cobalt 13, chromium, 5,recent 6 mo increase as I was trail walking 2.5 miles daily ( im 77 yr old senior) the Ortho PA thought possibly from that but needing both TKR and revision I have symptoms, fatigue, hair loss, vision changes etc I am trying to find out what kind of machine, test needed to determine if a pseudo tumor there, necrosis as it's possible surgery might not be simpler replacement of two parts but femur could be fractured, rod needing to be removed, pins etc placed and can't do weight bearing for 12 weeks!!! I was told they can't determine damage before I'm on table.. makes me not want to do it knowing poor outcome
I know metalossis not good, eyes, heart, internal organ damage etc but I have a severely disabled adult daughter to consider, no machine can see damage? Thank you..
And knee unstable, both right, so how will rehab go??

Jump to this post

With a CT the surgeon can tell if there is necrosis or a pseudotumor but msy not be able to see all of the soft tissue damage. Your symptoms sound similar to those I experienced with elevated chromium and cobalt. The only cure is revision.

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

With a CT the surgeon can tell if there is necrosis or a pseudotumor but msy not be able to see all of the soft tissue damage. Your symptoms sound similar to those I experienced with elevated chromium and cobalt. The only cure is revision.

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My CO is 10.8 CRO 4.6. I'm searching for a board certified fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon with revisions under his/her belt in the Greater Seattle area. So far two consults, one denied one who strongly is aligned ( same group) with original surgeon who is retiring. The MOM hip is failing, no question so I want it OUT. I'm 76, live alone. Original surgeon not interested in the fact I have no family and friends are either same age or older or scattered. He said "that's what planes are for" inferring friends should hop on a plane to come to provide post surgical care! 🙄 Nevertheless, I think it's imperative I have the surgery due to metalosis. This is just my intuition and feedback. I can understand your reticence.

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Profile picture for minajo @minajo

Hi, think I'm off topic but while considering revision for 16 yr old MoM with cobalt 13, chromium, 5,recent 6 mo increase as I was trail walking 2.5 miles daily ( im 77 yr old senior) the Ortho PA thought possibly from that but needing both TKR and revision I have symptoms, fatigue, hair loss, vision changes etc I am trying to find out what kind of machine, test needed to determine if a pseudo tumor there, necrosis as it's possible surgery might not be simpler replacement of two parts but femur could be fractured, rod needing to be removed, pins etc placed and can't do weight bearing for 12 weeks!!! I was told they can't determine damage before I'm on table.. makes me not want to do it knowing poor outcome
I know metalossis not good, eyes, heart, internal organ damage etc but I have a severely disabled adult daughter to consider, no machine can see damage? Thank you..
And knee unstable, both right, so how will rehab go??

Jump to this post

My surgeon ordered a MARS MRI.

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Profile picture for ida2 @ida2

No and will ask at my next visit. I had a metalosis from the hip implanted that was recalled, but I didn't know it was recalled. Fortunately, another incident happened, and I discovered I was a victim. Read “no more tears"

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I was never notified either, nor followed up with metals testing! Need a revision now. Grrr....

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

My revision surgeon is in Minnesota. But I know you have some fabulous orthos in Seattle. My nephew was sent there because there is even a doc who specializes in replacing hips in people with avascular necrosis (bone death). Find a local listing of the "top orthopedic surgeons in the Seattle area." Then use it to track down a listing of their bios with education and skill sets listed.

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I think I finally found the right surgeon to do the hip revision. He wants to cut my SI tendon, but I am not agreeing to that! He's the 3rd surgeon I've seen, the first two, no way. Also, even though I had 6 surgeries on my left ankle (same side as hip) resulting in a total ankle replacement which messed up my balance (fell displaced 3 ribs this January left side) and my left knee is giving me a bit of trouble, I am 76 live alone no family and friends are my age or older or live too far away, none of these surgeons are on board, should it be indicated once they get into my hip, to keep me in the hospital for 3 days then into a SNF or rehab. I know this is insurance driven. It will cost me $45/hr for help post surgery. They all say I will only need assistance for 3 days, I've looked into revisions and this is not what I'm reading. Disappointed to say the least, but this implant is leaching cobalt and chromium into my body and my hip/ankle are very sore. I am in PT, it's not easy, but I'll do it.

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Profile picture for tom1536 @tom1536

As I mentioned on a previous post, my implant shattered. Most of the pieces were removed; however a couple are too close to critical nerves for my surgeon to risk taking them out, also, my humerus had to be cut 7.5 inches and pryed open to remove the stem from my prior revision. Any time bones are broken, there's a risk of toxins being released. I won't know the full extent of my metalosis until my blood and stool tests come back.

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Hi, did you find out what your metal levels are? You were waiting for the blood and stool tests to come back.

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I have an appointment this coming Monday. I'll post after that appointment.

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