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What is the amount of Chromium and Cobalt needing emergency attention?
I had my right knee replaced in 2012. Just found out last week it was recalled in 2016. Had been dealing with severe anemia and dizziness the last 6 months. Had doctor do blood work and my Chromium is 3.1mcg/L and my cobalt is 5.9mcg/L. My doctor is unsure what to do from here. Im concerned that these levels are high enough to need immediate treatment before damage is done. I have a referral into a orthopedic doctor but we know how long that takes. And I don't know who I even see about getting help or treatment. Would it be a hematologist or neurologist? We don't have any toxicology doctors here. I believe the metals to have already done some damage with symptoms like the severe anemia, loss of vision, constant nausea, headaches and more including blood clots from that leg that almost killed me in 2020. My doctor has no clue and doesn't know where to send me. And I don't know if its a emergency situation or not. Any help would be appreciated.
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I have 2 metal hips and a partial knee. My first test for metals showed my Chromium at 2.0 and Cobalt at 2.4. I read a scientific review that showed a supplement called NAC can reduce these levels so I tried it for a couple of months snd had my levels checked again. My Chromium went from 2.0 to 1.7 and Cobalt from 2.4 to 1.5. I also had dizziness but no anemia. I believe my dizziness comes from playing so many sports and a few concussions over the years plus I had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome surgery and still have some moderate cervical issues.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352344120300601
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2 ReactionsWhile high, these results are not immediately life-threatening, but in the context of metal-on-metal implants, they may indicate "significant prosthesis wear" and need to be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon to check for a condition called metallosis (tissue destruction from metal debris).
I know that Dr. Chow is known as an extraordinary revisionist surgeon. He no longer takes any insurance, but if possible I think that he is worth finding the money. I am saving up. 🙂
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1 Reaction@uniapeg As @kathleen1314 said, your levels are not immediately concerning but should be watched. Maybe you would like to join this ongoing discussion on the topic:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/question-for-sueinmn-re-metallosis-cobalt-level/
If you cannot see a orthopedic doctor soon, a hematologist would be an excellent choice. They are accustomed to managing blood concerns, and usually have a consulting agreement with toxicology.
In the meantime, you could look up your specific implant and see if you can identify a doctor who has handled revisions and issues for it.
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2 Reactions@sueinmn
Great information for all of us, especially to look for a doctor familiar with your implant for revision. Thank you!
uniapeg ... a suggestion
you might use copilot to help you search for a revisionist; it will take awhile because you have to get exactly the correct question, but copilot basically helped me to look at every knee surgeon in the USA and find the ones that fit my parameters.
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1 Reaction@closer0043 I would seek an orthopedic surgeon and consult! Your levels are not toxic but are elevated beyond a “ normal” level which I believe is < 0.51 Cobalt and Chromium less than 1.4 mpl..
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1 ReactionAccording to my test results from Quest Quanum, the normal level for Chromium is below < 1.3 mcg/L and I am at 1.7. The normal for Cobalt is < 1.9 mcg/L. I am at 1.5 which is in the normal range. Every lab has their own measurements and ranges.
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2 Reactions@closer0043 because of having both hips replaced 3x each and having toxic levels of Cobalt, Chroumin and Staph infection
I am seeing an orthopaedic surgeon Friday to discuss my joint and the Cobalt reading. My GP is not very clued up on metal deposits in the blood and what reading is significant. I am hoping the appointment on Friday will provide more information on my Cobalt reading, the side effects and a view on the most likely joint leaking the Cobalt.
I have had confirmed the problem is not with the 2 hip joints replaced nor the right knee because the material used in the replacement device was Titanium and no Cobalt. This leaves my left knee and the right ankle as possible culprits and I am looking for the decision on which is causing the high reading, these two being the oldest replacements. I would then be in a position to consider revision surgery.
All very speculative to date and will copy the conclusion from the Friday meeting.
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1 ReactionAs far as I know, any levels are unacceptable. I researched this for a friend 5 years ago. She has had revision surgery (removing the recalled joint replacement) . Look on You Tube and put Chromium and Cobalt revision surgery. There are several cases of this problem.
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2 Reactions@rogersmith
You might input the name of the prothesis used, when it was implanted and your known metal levels plus other pertinent information into copilot and let it search. Copilot can give you some good ideas about what to ask your doctor based on all the research available and standard practices.
I have never know copilot to need to be reminded but you can always say to limit its findings to research, standard practices or whatever you wish.