Metallosis

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I had a metal on metal hip replacement done in 2006 . For years I have been having increasing pain and weakness in my leg I also have been having issues such as headaches, double vision, memory loss, HTN, palpitations, edema, weight gain and peripheral neuropathy. After going to multiple orthopedic surgeons i was finally diagnosis with metallosis . I have two pseudo tumors effecting my muscle and soft tissue. I need major reconstructive surgery and have been sent to a specialist. Unfortunately there is not a doctor in my insurance network who can do the surgery. Four month later and I am still waiting on approval. I feel like my health worsens everyday but no one seems concerned. Has anyone else experienced heavy metal toxicity and metallosis?

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9 Replies

  • Edited

    Hi, so sorry to hear your metallosis is causing so much trouble for you. I had metallosis in 2016 and an emergency hip replacement. The levels in my blood were off the charts and the highest seen in the UK. Despite this, I didn't have and symptoms except lots of pain in my hip. I had just had a baby in Feb 2016 and diagnosed with metallosis in August 2016 so probably was pregnant with raging metallosis! My son is perfect, thankfully.

    When the Surgeon operated, he did find black muscle close to the MoM implant and my femur fractured when he replaced the new implant but apart from that, I was OK. The levels of colbalt and chromium took almost a year to disappear from my blood.

    I feel very sad for you that you can't just see the surgeon that you need. I wish you luck in the future for your operation.

    • Posted

      I am so glad to hear that things resolved eventually. Congratulations on your son. Im sure he is keeping you on your toesI also have daughter who is perfect in every way

  • Edited

    Sorry to hear you have had to have a revision. i had THR L hip 28 nov 2008 with cobalt chromium ball and metAl cup with liner. Hip no probkems at all and functions perfectly with no pain. Tinnitus, skin sensitivity, aching fingers sent me to GP a d he did s cobalt chromium blood test. These came back very high so surgeon arranged synovial joint fluid for cobslt and chromium debris. levels snr back very high and also for titanium. am going fir full full revision in couple wks. putting in cersmic ball with liner. sorry fir typos. using my phone to type. i also get palpitations and have numb toes. i saw a soecislist revision surgron lastvwerk andcsays it us urgent to get it done.

    • Edited

      Congratulations on your surgery! I wish you luck and a quick recovery. Keep us updated on how it goes.

  • Edited

    I'm so sorry you're having trouble with this issue. I have metalosis also, it took a longtime for them to figure out what was wrong. I have had 3 surgeries to try and correct it, I hope you don't have to go thru what i have for them to fix it. Hang in there I wish you the best. Big hugs from Indianapolis!!

    • Posted

      Wow three surgeries! Did you have a lot if muscle involvement? How are you feeling now?

  • Edited

    Hi RNTonya really sorry to hear about your problems . I had horrible problems with mixed metals used in my THR . Mine was conalt chronium head Titanium stem and poly cup . Unfortunately because of delay in diagnosing the problem I have lost all my abductor muscles. Where do you live? Are you in the UK? I eventually found a brilliant surgeon in London who stopped the continuing formation of psuedotumour. Ive done a huge amount of research into the problem so if I can help at all , please get back to me. Good luck, its very difficult to sort out medical problems with the Covid19 epidemic. Sendy best wishes Patsy

    • Posted

      Hi thanks for the input, I live in Indianapolis Indiana. I also have mixed metals cobalt stem, ceramic parts too. I'm scheduled for a MRI in the morning hoping they can find what's going on.

  • Edited

    Hi RNTonya really sorry to hear about your problems . I had horrible problems with mixed metals used in my THR . Mine was conalt chronium head Titanium stem and poly cup . Unfortunately because of delay in diagnosing the problem I have lost all my abductor muscles. Where do you live? Are you in the UK? I eventually found a brilliant surgeon in London who stopped the continuing formation of psuedotumour. Ive done a huge amount of research into the problem so if I can help at all , please get back to me. Good luck, its very difficult to sort out medical problems with the Covid19 epidemic. Sendy best wishes Patsy

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