I had 2 different hip replacements, one done in 2007 and the other 2009 using metal on metal THR. Both types have had major lawsuits against the manufacturer due to early failure and issues with metal ions. . I have and continue to have elevated cobalt and chromium levels. 1 hip already revised in 2014 due to failure but the other still in which no doubt contributes to continued abnormal cobalt and chromium blood levels. . What can be done other than have another major surgery to replace the other metal on metal hip? Does anyone have information on the damage cobalt and chromium ions will cause to the body?

My orthopedic surgeon orders a blood test for cobalt and chromium in my blood every year due to the 1 defective hip device still in my body. The cobalt and chromium levels have remained relatively stable the past few years BUT I still have abnormal levels due to the metal and metal hip. The THR device must be still rubbing together causing the metal ions to go into my blood. The question is: how carcinogenic and harmful are these metal ions to my entire body.? Having a revision hip replacement just to get rid of the metal on metal hip joint device could be worse than having these metal ions.?? On the other hand, getting cancer from a hip replacement or suffering serious systemic side effects from a defective metal hip device is not a good option either. I wish there was some way to decrease or get of the metal ions short of having another hip replacement surgery. Any one with information please respond. FYI, the company Depuy Johnson and Johnson, who made the hip replacement device was originally paying for the cobalt and chromium level tests to be done on people who had their device. They no longer pay for the tests