Is there a hospital or Dr in US who understand metal allergies in TKR?

Posted by moprea @moprea, May 9, 2023

I have posted before long story short I have had two TKR on my right knee 2 years ago. Revision 6 month later glue did not bond. 24/7 pain whole leg/ knee down to foot never get relief just some days worse than others if I have been on it for long periods. I have found I am allergic to nickel and chromium both in my implant. No Dr understand and will not take out. I need to find someone. I prayed Mayo would be my answer but still waiting to hear if they will see me. My husband asked if I had to loose my leg would I. Some days I do not know if I can go on. I was an active 55 year who loved to bike and walk miles and very optimistic person. I can not even think about biking I will walk but not far.
Any recommendations or help anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated.

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iusdcm1 | @iusdcm1 | Sep 6, 2023

In reply to @iusdcm1 "Thanks I hope you feel something soon!" + (show)

Did you find a functional doctor in Illinois?

moprea | @moprea | Sep 6, 2023

In reply to @iusdcm1 "Thanks I hope you feel something soon!" + (show)

Thank you

moprea | @moprea | Sep 7, 2023

In reply to @iusdcm1 "Hi I saw you were going to Dallas for treatment. I also have issue with metal..." + (show)

Hello YES Dr Seymour was amazing she felt like my only hope! I am in my 3rd month of shots to help my body to stop rejecting the implant. She says it can take 6-9 months for it to kick in. Fingers crossed. I am also doing chelation to help rid my body of the high levels of metal in my body.
I can not have my implant taken out Dr too afraid I would have to much bone loss and may have no where to attach a 3rd revision. Which could mean I am sure you can guess.

moprea | @moprea | Sep 7, 2023

In reply to @iusdcm1 "Did you find a functional doctor in Illinois?" + (show)

Yes in Bolingbook IL who does chelation which is what my Dr in Dallas wanted me to do.

iusdcm1 | @iusdcm1 | Sep 8, 2023

In reply to @moprea "Hello YES Dr Seymour was amazing she felt like my only hope! I am in my..." + (show)

Yes I have the same issue. Nickel allergy. I had my implant changed to titanium alloy but I am still having the allergy symptoms starting a year after the revision.

iusdcm1 | @iusdcm1 | Sep 8, 2023

In reply to @moprea "Yes in Bolingbook IL who does chelation which is what my Dr in Dallas wanted me..." + (show)

Did your blood levels show high amount of metals? Funny thing mine do not. But for some reason I am sensitive to the metals. I don't test positive on patch tests but I do test positive on the Blood LTT metal sensitivity testing.

When you were in Dallas did they do patch testing or test the metal sensitivity in your blood?

moprea | @moprea | Sep 8, 2023

In reply to @iusdcm1 "Did your blood levels show high amount of metals? Funny thing mine do not. But for..." + (show)

My blood level were high with metals. I have mercury fillings from my childhood. Funny or not so funny thing when I was a kid I had lots of cavities and I remember getting cavities filled and I would get very bad headaches and lay on floor crying no Dr could figure it out. I now wonder. I had blood test done in Illinois with Rush lab than I had patch test done with allergist but down in Dallas they do shots into your skin and look for results, far superior test than anything. My results for Rush showed I was allergic to Nickel. Down in Texas they were able to test all the elements that my implant has and 11/15 I was allergic to.
My second TKR revision the implant is a much longer and Dr's are concerned if they were to take out there would be too much bone loss and nothing to attach new implant to so my options are limited.
I am praying that this shot therapy along with chelation will help my body stop rejecting the implant and allow my metal levels to lower.
I have lots to share with anyone needing help! Its been a rough 2 years. I was 54 when I did the implant thinking if I did earlier in life it would be easier unfortunately that is not the case. I am determined to find a way to easy my pain and not using Pain med drugs!

iusdcm1 | @iusdcm1 | Sep 8, 2023

In reply to @moprea "My blood level were high with metals. I have mercury fillings from my childhood. Funny or..." + (show)

Yes I am in the same boat. 62 and the last 2 years have been tough. I am also very active person so this puts a damper on life. I have a long hip stem now so a revision would be too risky. All the scans show my implant to be fine and there are no muscular issues on MRI. It is like an invisible issue to the doctors.

sasluxfla | @sasluxfla | Aug 28 10:55am

I have a metal allergy and my TKR was particularly replaced with a non nickel metal and I am reacting to this one 5 months post op. I am interested in your journey.

ezas123 | @ezas123 | Aug 29 2:31pm

Can I ask what were the symptoms you were having …., I think I am experiencing some alergic reaction but like you said my dr like looks good inside and out …. But my tkr revision I still struggle with I recently lost some flexion because bi could not exercise as much due to my other knee having issues…, I am just looking for answers as always thank you all