Heavy metals blood test results for Metal on Metal hip joint

Posted by tim11 @tim11, Nov 4, 2022

Results Received today:
Chromium 31.0 ng/mL
Cobalt 25.0 ng/mL
How do these values compare to the experience of others?

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Zimmer had a tibial component recall noted by Health Canada on December 12, 2022 and there were similar recalls in other countries.

Health Canada has the information posted online; i'm a new member so i can't post links yet. A Google search will return the URL though.

FWIW, i had a Zimmer NexGen CR Flex implanted in September of 2020. Cobalt levels (cobalt plasma) were 4.2 nmol/L in March and 29.5 nmol/L in late July. Still trying to figure out where to go from there, waiting to hear back from surgeon and i'm in to see family doctor to get a series of cobalt and chromium blood work requests to see if there is an ongoing trend.

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@daveem

Zimmer had a tibial component recall noted by Health Canada on December 12, 2022 and there were similar recalls in other countries.

Health Canada has the information posted online; i'm a new member so i can't post links yet. A Google search will return the URL though.

FWIW, i had a Zimmer NexGen CR Flex implanted in September of 2020. Cobalt levels (cobalt plasma) were 4.2 nmol/L in March and 29.5 nmol/L in late July. Still trying to figure out where to go from there, waiting to hear back from surgeon and i'm in to see family doctor to get a series of cobalt and chromium blood work requests to see if there is an ongoing trend.

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@daveem, I noticed that you wished to post a URL to an article with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. Please allow me to post it for you.

- Nexgen Complete Knee Solution Stemmed Non-Augment Tibial Comp (Cr/Ps) Option
https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/nexgen-complete-knee-solution-stemmed-non-augment-tibial-comp-crps-option

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@JustinMcClanahan

@daveem, I noticed that you wished to post a URL to an article with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. Please allow me to post it for you.

- Nexgen Complete Knee Solution Stemmed Non-Augment Tibial Comp (Cr/Ps) Option
https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/nexgen-complete-knee-solution-stemmed-non-augment-tibial-comp-crps-option

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Thank-you Justin.

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@sueinmn

Well, your symptoms are not necessarily consistent with a typical metal allergy, but sensitivities can present in many ways.
I will suggest though, that the stiffness and pain are in the range that most docs and PTs would consider normal for 4 months post-surgery. In other words, recovery is harder than you thought it would be, and more hard work on your part to regain full use than you ever thought possible.
The other symptoms could be a manifestation of another problem, such as an indication of low hemoglobin or a thyroid issue. OR...your body may be one of those which really hates surgery and anesthesia...and this is a normal recovery for you. Also when we hurt, and our life is feeling off-track, sometimes we become highly attuned to every sign and symptom that things are not right.
Have you had a complete physical with bloodwork by your primary since your surgery? This could uncover the source of the fatigue, nausea, etc.
If you want to pursue the testing, you can contact an allergist or immunologist. I am not sure if insurance covers this without specific symptoms.

Good luck - I hope your symptoms lessen as your body adjusts to its new parts.
Sue

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If allergic the symptoms worsen with exposure, the histamines armies become more reactive and aggressive thus raising the inflamation. The body never adjusts.

I will never regret paying $600 out of pocket because Medicare would not pay for blood testing for implant components. I even filed a protest sending Medicare copies of other allergy testing for my dozen or so other contact allergies tested by the 5 Day Extended Test to prove what an allergic person I was. Based on my history the surgeon told me the blood test was the most accurate. Medicare denied my documented appeal to pay for metal testing in the blood before surgery. After getting my results which showed allergies to 5 metals. I did not test positive to titanium but the surgeon told me there is no such thing as pure titanium. It will contain traces of other metals. I canceled my scheduled surgery for TKR replacement. I'll be better off living with limitations then living with an implant poisoning me 24/7. I feared the pain but also facing the necessity of implant removal with no substitute leaving me with what? A leg with what type of bone fusing?
Has anyone had experience with TKR removal without replacement? Is the femur fused with bone from the below the removed knee joint?

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@lee55

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?

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If you're still looking for a surgeon in Colorado, Craig Loucks, MD, was AMAZING when he did my revision.

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@katietinco

If you're still looking for a surgeon in Colorado, Craig Loucks, MD, was AMAZING when he did my revision.

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does he understand and acknowledge metal allergies can affect a patient with TKR?

I have had first one done 2 years ago 6 month later had to have redone. The glue had not bonded to bone on one side and it was loose.
I have been in worse pain. Then before. Long story short I am allergic to 11 of the 15 metals in my knee No Dr will take it out afraid I will have too much bone loss and nothing to attach it to.
But no Dr will say the pain it from the metal

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@moprea

does he understand and acknowledge metal allergies can affect a patient with TKR?

I have had first one done 2 years ago 6 month later had to have redone. The glue had not bonded to bone on one side and it was loose.
I have been in worse pain. Then before. Long story short I am allergic to 11 of the 15 metals in my knee No Dr will take it out afraid I will have too much bone loss and nothing to attach it to.
But no Dr will say the pain it from the metal

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He completely understood what was going on with my MOM hip implant and helped me with the paperwork required for a lawsuit. He also testified against a doctor involved in MOM hips at one point so he's not your typical doctor that's afraid to speak out against others. I've had 5 hip surgeries, consulted with 10 - 12 surgeons throughout the process. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my hips or knees.

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