Heavy metals blood test results for Metal on Metal hip joint

I had hip replacements in 2001 and 2003. I've never thought to have heavy metal blood tests. I'm thinking I should. Are there physical symptoms of toxicity?

Hello, I would just like to say that not everyone with a metal-on-metal hip implant has symptoms or problems. I believe it is still something of a medical mystery why some had problems, and others did not. If you can contact the original surgeon or hospital, they will have a record of the hip implant used. Each part that goes in has a serial number and is registered. The problematic ones were mostly from Stryker, De Puy and Johnson & Johnson, and had no polymer or ceramic components.

Here are some symptoms of metallosis: Anxiety or irritability, Groin or thigh pain, Headaches, Hearing loss or tinnitus, Heart irregularities, Poor memory and mental fogginess, Shortness of breath, Skin rashes, Vertigo, Hypo- or Hyper- thyroid, Hip instability. Keep in mind that theses symptoms can also have many other causes...

With metallosis, an x-ray of the hips would show evidence of tissue degradation around the implant or along the thigh.

If your implants are over 20 years old, it is time for an x-ray to evaluate the condition anyways. Maybe you can make an appointment and ask if a test for chromium and cobalt would be advisable. Is that an option for you?
Sue

Colorado recommendation:

Dr. Jason Michael Jennings at Colorado Joint Replacement in Denver
https://www.centura.org/location/colorado-joint-replacement
He did a revision of the eighteen year old metal-on-metal hip in February of this year and replaced the metal components with non-metal.

A novel and effective patient medical vetting system at Centura caught a problem that delayed the surgery till that problem was better diagnosed and a mitigation plan put in place.

After surgery heavy metal levels have dropped. Both Chromium and Cobalt are markedly reduced five months post surgery.

We also was recently tested for Metal Allergy from Orthopedic Analysis lab in Chicago. Results of the Orthopedic Panel 2 measured all values in the Non Reactive range.
http://www.orthopedicanalysis.com

Recovery has been good, much easier than original surgery.

We have nothing but praise for Dr. Jennings and Centura hospital.

I'll ask my orthopedist or my primary about the test. About seven years ago my hips were x-rayed. I was told it showed little wear. Perhaps it's time to look again. Thanks for the response.

Glad to see you got this taken care of, and that it was uneventful. The drop in your metal levels is typical for most of us.
Sue

I had no symptoms except for increasing Cobalt and Chromium in a blood test that was specifically for that. But I had a replacement that was a DePuy and had been recalled. I had that replaced with a revision just short of 7 years.

@murphy7100 Welcome to Mayo Connect - You asked "I have Cobalt and Chromium toxicity of 8.9 from DePuy mom hip implants from 2005. Who can I talk to to discuss this long term systemic damage to my heart, vision and neurological issues?"
You can talk to me...and about 50 other people who have been in the same situation. I am answering you from within the discussion started by people like us.

Once the metal parts are removed from the body, it begins to repair itself by excreting the remaining metal ions. Gradually, over a year or so, many of the symptoms lessen or disappear. Then you can work on dealing with what remains. If the implants are not removed, you will never get better, and the risks of more damage continue to increase.

May I ask whether the implants have been replaced? If not, is there a plan to do so?
Sue

I have had 1 implant removed and the other will be scheduled later this fall.

Wonderful. Can you tell me what led to the discovery that you have metallosis?
Did they replace the joint it with a newer implant? Was there apparent joint or tissue damage from the metal? How is your recovery going?
Ooh - that's a lot of questions...
Sue

Sue
I had a knee implant done 2 years ago. Long story short I had it revised after 6 months as glue did not bond to bone. Since revision pain even worse into my foot. I have seen over 10 orthopedic dr, neurologists, foot and ankle, and back Drs. Finally one suggested doing metal test which showed I was allergic to nickel that was in my implant but no Dr would acknowledge it was issue. The one who found the results had me see his senior partner and they do not believe removing it will make me feel better or there may not be enough bone in there to put it in and I could lose my leg. On this forum I asked if anyone knew anyone who understood metal Allergies in the US. And two people told me about Dr in Texas who specializes in this. I did a zoom call with her from home in IN and flew to Dallas to meet her and her team and we did more allergy testing finds out I am allergic to 11 of the 15 components of my replacement. Bottom line I am doing shots to like a kids would do for allergies so the goal is my body will stop rejecting the implant. I am doing supplements to help me along with chelation to get the metals out of my body and eating a clean lifestyle and lots of other things I would be happy to share with anyone. Its been a long 2 years and road ahead I pray is better but I feel it will be. Finally finding someone who can help! People from around the world where there when I went. From what I understand this is one of 2 in the US that does this.
The Dr info
Environmental Health Center of Dallas
Elizabeth Seumour 399 Melrose Dr Richardson TX
214 368 4132

Good Luck Everyone!