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Help with elevated Titanium in TKR. Any others?
Hello everyone. I had TKR's- one with titanium alloys, the other with cobalt/ chronium / nickel etc(mid 2000's). I was known to be allergic to metals, yet 2nd surgeon( had relocated) ignored this and I was not pre-tested. Have had inflammation, giving out, swollen hot knees + hair loss after 2nd surgery- from outset. Once infection was ruled out, and then I reacted to cortisone shots, I was left to my own defences. In 2017 things to a turn for the worse; was falling, had a rash on both knees and started with a patch of dyspigmentation on one foot. This progressed to now in 2023, having full body dyspigmentaiton, and a host of horrible, serious symptoms associated with heavy metals. Melisa test substantiated Nickel allergy, and the other metals are quite elevated in labs I have been ignored by surgeons and specialists since labs done in 2020 because of the elevated titanium. Some felt this was all normal, others stated that nothing can be done, because hardware... stems, posts etc are made from titanium even if the cobalt knee could be revised. Must I contine to suffer with very devastating dysfunctions? Recent MRI confirms + now metal artifacts are in both areas so ligaments etc cannot be reported on, as distorted. Has anyone experienced sensitivity to titanium? I would be grateful for any help / suggestions. Thank you, and massive blessings everyone.
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How high is your serum Titanium? I have had 15 revisions since my initial hip replacement, due to metalosis (cobalt, chromium), implant loosenings, multiple infections/wash outs etc. I now have elevated titanium! Taking my implants out is not an option because there are not any other implants in the US for them to use.
We live in Maryland and I have been looking for a doctor who can filter the metal out of my blood, to no avail. I am now 67 and had my initial THR at 40. I have many titanium metalosis symptoms. What can you tell me about the place the deals with these issues in Texas? I have family and hour from Dallas and wonder if those doctors could help me. I read they are looking into making implants from carbon fiber in the UK. Thankyou for reading my story,
Marji
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1 ReactionHow high is your titanium? You can read about my story below...I have been unable to figure out why my hair is falling out and why I have portions of skin with no pigment...is that from titanium, too?
When I first went to see my surgeon (after suspecting I had metalosis and learning I did), my shock trauma surgeon in Baltimore said there was no way it could be from my implants! He fractured my femur trying to remove the femoral component so all but a few inches of my femur is now a titanium rod!
It is very frustrating, but somehow I feel better knowing I am not the only one!
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1 Reaction@imwavemagnet Thanks for your question. I have not had tests recently for metals in my blood. I only know that while I had titanium plates after an ankle fracture that 6 months later, I got hives that wouldn't quit, I felt like I was being kicked in the ankle all the time and getting some pigment developing on the skin. After I had the plates removed, it all resolved.
The practice in Dallas was started by Dr. Rea who developed the field of environmental medicine. He was the one who the others looked up to and he authored several volumes of his research that were published as references for other doctors. I think what they do is address any allergy you have and treat them with allergy shots, recommend diet changes if that is something that affects you. I haven't had any treatment there, but my environmental medicine doctor spoke very highly of that practice. There is information about what they do on their website. https://www.ehcd.com/
Thank you for your "HUG."
It can often be a lonely and difficult road,when a patient's outcome is
different than most. Though armed with lab results and now 2 LTT test
results, I remain without appropriate care, still being gaslit and
discounted, even with clear evidence of metallosis and with a host of
medical issues known to be related to metallosis. I will continue to seek
help.
I am hoping that someone from this community who has visited the EHC in
Texas will post on outcomes... positive or negative.
How are you now doing? Are you getting the medical support and
interventions necessary?
I wish you all the very best.
Abundant blessings.