Heavy metals blood test results for Metal on Metal hip joint

I havent been tested after the post op…bc, every so often, I get what I call “a dump”. I become completely “out of it” it’s like being poisoned…for lack of a better word. I can hardly walk, I can’t function..(mentally) I quite literally lose it..the last one was a few weeks ago, (I think)….it’s complete Brain Drain!
That’s what, the trigger that got me to the Orthopedist for rev. I felt so normal & good for awhile after that. Then…I guess I go downhill…but it’s so gradual, nobody notices? Then it hits HARD! The last was the worst! I really thought my body was givin out. But I have so many issues, I just go to the Dr. that I know I’ve been putting off…such as GI., these “dumps” always manifest in my gut. And brain…but I don’t know who to see regarding that, so I end up at A GI…because, when it happens, my gut gets so extended, it’s REALLY unbearable…plus, I’ve been diagnosed with long tortuous colon. I just hope & pray that whatever causes these episodes will subside…I’ve been told, “the problem has been removed, so all should be well”. I don’t think anybody thinks about having the foreign object in me for 16 years, realizes or will admit that my body is still purging the poison, which doesn’t exist in the 1st place.
(I you know what I mean)

Even right now, I feel like a whiny baby! I gotta stop…it’s so depressing. My kids, my sisters, my Mom, my husband, they all are at a loss, as am I…I mean really! What are my options? I just wanna be normal! I’ve lost my 1st son when he was 18 (or 19)…how bad is it when you can’t remember when your 1st born left? To me, it doesn’t matter. What matters is WHY he left. Because he couldn’t watch anymore. I’m not sure if I could stand by & watch my Mom “change” like that either.

I had my hip replaced approximately 17 years ago. I fell recently in my back yard and was experiencing some pain. They did a blood test and my colbalt reading is 85 and my chromium reading is 19. I am meeting with my doctor next week to discuss replacement. Two years ago i needed to remove my gallbladder and was passing gallstones. Any relationship due to this?

I had a hip replacement that was recalled due to possible leaching of chromium and cobalt. The surgeon had those metals tested with a blood test every year after that. The levels went up very slowly for a few years. Then year 6 after surgery they doubled. They still were not at dangerous levels, but normal levels in blood are almost zero, so I had my hip redone. Those levels returned to almost zero the next time tested. The second surgery did not have to cut into the femur so it was not as extensive. Good luck.

Does anyone here know of very good surgeons that are open to joint replacement revision in Colorado or is it better to go out of state to the Mayo clinic or elsewhere?

Welcome to Mayo Connect, I am hoping someone near you can respond to your question with local specifics.
When I needed a revision, and chose not to return to my original surgeon (severe personality differences - no question of his competence) I asked a trusted PT who was the best. The recommendation I got was stellar - he was able to explain why he recommended the new doc, and after one meeting, I heartily agreed. Twelve years later, I am still his patient, not only for hip rechecks, but for annual evaluation of my knees, shoulders and elbows. When I needed hand surgery, I trusted his recommendation and he was spot-on! Although he doesn't "do" elbows & shoulders, he is monitoring mine - watchful for the day they will need surgery, and judiciously injecting cortisone as needed to augment my PT and exercise regimen.

So, if you need revision, I suggest you ask a PT, then go online and read everything you can about the suggested doc(s). Also, if you belong to a gym or fitness club, ask around - you will soon learn who is good and who to avoid.

Unless you are in an underserved area, I am not sure it is necessary to travel for a hip revision, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Can you explain why you need a revision? Metal on metal, infection, or just worn out?
Sue

Thank you for writing. Since I have had the surgery I have not felt well at all. When i look through the symptoms for the metals I see it is from that and when I read through some of the postings on here I have the same symptoms. I wish I had found this site sooner. When I read through I saw some comments about good surgeons in Colorado so I thought maybe someone had names. I haven't found names asking the PT people.

Hi, I was wondering if yiou had any good surgeon names for Colorado that will do revision. Thanks

Years ago, before the internet, I used to go to the Castle Connolly guide to best doctors. I just checked and there are over 100 orthopedic surgeons in the Colorado Springs area among other places in Colorado. Get a notebook. Look up the doctors that are close to you. What are their reviews. Where did they go to school. Since I have lived in major metro areas I can just look up the best hospitals that have the best orthopedic department and then I choose the best doctor based on their experience, reviews, education. It’s a tedious process but it’s well worth the time and effort to get the right doctor.

I also forgot to mention that you have to find a good doctor who takes your insurance. Healthcare in MA is excellent. Medicare covered almost 100 percent. When I looked into hospitals in NYC I noticed that I might not have had as many options.