Need TKR and had positive allergy testing / Bone Cement and Metals

Hi @ladytlla and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am terribly sorry to hear about your failed total knee replacements. You will see that I moved your post to a discussion that is ongoing about being allergic to the metals used for this surgery. I wanted to connect you with members who are having the same issue like @lturn9, @johnbishop, @allergyone, @kact and @ardis3

What did your doctor say about a 3rd attempt? Are you taking anything for the swelling and pain?

Getting a knee replacement revision. Said it was highly unlikely I was allergic. Trying to get my primary doctor to get me set up with an allergy test.

I sent him a email today. I've lost weight and trying to work with it. I take two Advil and Tylenol in the morning and night, during the day if needed.

I didn't know I was allergic to nickel. I wish they would give everyone an allergy test before TKR.

Agreed

I had allergy testing at National Jewish in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Karin Pacheco. She tested for various metals and bone cement allergies.
Definitely worthwhile.

My wife had revision surg with the Smith-Nephew "alloy" four years ago (strongly allergic to titanium). Vast improvement over the basic TKR joint but has deteriorated over time. Apparently the titanium ions are present. Her surgeon has suggested a possible third replacement, she can't tolerate Oxy any further so that's out of the question. Anyone else having problems with Smith-Nephew joints?

Allergy Testing- My orthopedist also said it was highly unlikely to be allergic to TKR components and I if I still wanted the test I had to pay out of pocket $600.00 up front for the blood testing for metals and bone cement used in TKR. I appealed to Medicare showing my history of allergies to many elements and these patch tests costing about $1,500 each time were paid for by Medicare. Still Medicare denied coverage of testing for TKR. The best thing I ever did for myself was pay personally for this testing before my scheduled surgery. I was allergic to 5 metals, ironically not the bone cement. I was not allergic to titanium, but it was explained to me that even titanium has many other trace metals in it which I was allergic to. I have allergies to several adhesives which are rubber or acrylic based, but not bone cement. I canceled surgery.
Even the ceramic coated implants fail to protect over time because of wear of the coating and if one has a bone cement allergy there is no benefit from a coated implant.

Side note, I know this is like playing with fire but I got the Zilretta, a time released, pelletized steroid injection in both knees 2 months ago.
Unbelieve. I still have zero pain walking up and down stairs, also if on the ground I still feel the need to roll to the front and press up with my arms for strength and balance, yet my knees aren't making me scream in pain, they feel normal, like a kid again. Medicare pays for this injection. Evidently it will do this 4 times a year. Steroids all come with side effects in the end so will put this off and perhaps treat myself to it once a year.

Thank you. Good to know.

To Okieshan1- I have many metal allergies like you, except not the titanium or iron, but I am also allergic to aluminum. I also had the $600 blood test. Some of mine are at the moderate level.
I just posted about the amazing results from the Zilretta injection. I am an active outdoor person, passionate about gardening and because of this injection I am free of pain while kneeling or going up or downstairs.
I had the rooster or chicken comb injections on and off for over 10 year and received no benefit lately and in the past got only 10- 20%, just maybe. The Zilretta is reported to only last 3 months, yet it's been 2 months now and still 100% free of pain.
Medicare cover this $600 injection which can be given every 3 months if needed. I assume other insurance will cover it also.
Still steroids are not meant for long term use and I plan to only treat myself to this injection once a year.