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Need TKR and had positive allergy testing / Bone Cement and Metals
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Jun 7, 2023 | Replies (157)Comment receiving replies
Wow! That seems like a strange attitude. When I was tested, I was referred to a allergy doc. He put a couple of dozen "spots" on my back which were 'read' a week-10 days later. I know things change, but I wonder if blood work will provide a definitive answer to whether you are allergic to the prothesis and cement, etc used during a TKR? It's been a while and my memory is not great but they may have also drawn blood (probably did). My problem is having such limited options! The part of the cement I am allergic to seems to be a part of all approved glues. I guess wrapping it with duct tape is out? 😉
re Your insurance - at the time I had BC/BS and Medicare - I didn't even have to pay a co-pay!
Good luck and stay strong!
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I will learn more when I see the ortho next month because as much as I have read about the validity of blood versus patch testing for allergies I still don't understand why my results are so different between these tests. The blood test ordered for knee replacements I had was specific to all ingredients used, like the cement, titanium, aluminum, nickle and other. It seems you were patch tested for your allergies, did you also have a blood test?
My allergist has always billed Medicare for my patch testing and since I have have the Plan F supplement I pay nothing. Simple for me. It does seem odd that this huge orthopedic hospital doesn't provide or bill directly for blood testing. I can't help but be paranoid and think they don't want to make patients aware of allergic reactions to implants.
I met a young woman (45) who is going though her 5th TKR because of rejection or failure. I couldn't face a future like that.