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Previous cobalt, chromium abnormal results, now decreased
Had a MoM right thr 2009,years later in 2021 after several exams, X-rays etc found metals increased, also had left done in 2015,but no metal parts in it..
Now 2026 cobalt has gone from 13.2 to present 7.9 this is a decrease!!
Also same for chromium
Lab error tho my tests have always gone to same place?
Surgeon always says don't go by numbers, pain more important
So now after 3 mike walk I have some pain, not bad but sitting for extended periods on firm surface does cause right upper hip, some discomfort, affects nerve to foot..
I'm 78 and surgery is big deal tho I'm told just a matter of switching metal parts but if more issues found at surgery time then extensive surgery.. with little pain I'm very hesitant but this metal lab results puzzling, Same with chromium 5.1 down to 4 now, why?
So numbers mean nothing?
I get echos, retinal checks, no real metal issues like in metallosis but fatigue tho I'm 78..
Have original knees,get cortisone once a year ..also torn rotator cuff but not much of a problem
Surgery is still big thing to consider,rehab etc..
Suggestions?? Thanks
Any suggestions?
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I also have MOM right hip . Have had cobalt go from 36 to 50 . Now has dropped some for no reason. Not on any meds to bring it down. No real symptoms. chromium elevated also.
@rejmsw3021 & @minajo Doctors do not seem to have any answers as to why the chromium and cobalt levels fluctuate in some people.
My revision surgeon has three theories - whether you are well or poorly hydrated in the day(s) before the the blood is drawn, differences in the lab tests/equipment used for testing, and the possibility that the wear itself ebbs and flows over time, allowing your body to excrete some of the poison.
PLEASE watch the levels closely, and read about the symptoms of cobalt poisoning. If you have any of them, and revision surgery is a reasonable option for you, please consider it. I have permanent tremors and a rapid heart rate from delaying surgery too long.
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1 ReactionWhat symptoms should I be looking for???
@rejmsw3021 New pain or tenderness in hip, groin or along the upper thigh can indicate tissue damage. Hair loss, fatigue, increased or decreased heart rate, tremors, memory loss or "brain fog", and thyroid issues can indictate cobalt toxicity.
Once cobalt levels are abnormally high, they should be monitored through blood tests at least once a year.
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1 ReactionWhat are alternative treatments for severe OA of knees with little cartilage besides cortisone?
I have Kaiser in CA and some treatments not covered, like plasma replacement etc?
I try to space cortisone at least every 10 months but worry about damage, trying to keep original knees as I'm caregiving for disabled daughter so rehab really not possible
Thank you all!!
@minajo You might want to connect with people in a different group to ask this question since it seems joint replacement surgery is not an option for you:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/arthritis-and-joint-conditions-268850/
@sueinmn you described all the symptoms that my wife had! It took 11 years and 6 hip surgeries to get her Cobalt / Chroumin levels down to a “ normal” level. It all started with a Stryker implant and ended with same implant only with ceramic coating. One revision she had zero symptoms but blood work indicated elevated levels of Cobalt / Chroumin and then two added staph infection. Brain fog and hair loss were / are very visually presently. There is / was a class action lawsuit against Stryker for their failed implants; that does nothing for the person experiencing these symptoms and who know the long term implications from these elevated levels? One Needs To Be A Strong Self Advocate! If You sense an issue do not stop until you get an answer
@dannyandebbie what were her levels of cobalt/chromium??
Cobalt was 17.9, the orthopedic surgeon and disease control expressed this to be toxic levels and Chroumin was 9.7