We are fortunate, in some ways, in Minnesota to have highly integrated large clinical networks where specialists can communicate easily if they choose to do so. I have been happy with my replacements for over 11 years now. I was one of those – both my hips had to be revised at 5 years, and one needed 2 operations. Up to 40% or more of those with MoM implants eventually have issues. I was beyond fortunate to have a team who This is an on-going issue, and the metal-on-metal implants that cause the problems are no longer as popular as they were a few years ago. He did my aftercare, 2 more surgeries & referred me to the best rehab PT group I ever had, who also coordinated with my primary.Īll of these docs were on the same, compatible clinical network, so moving docs back & forth was easily done – no carrying records back & forth. They were all part of my clinical network, and my primary coordinated my care.įired the surgeon & switched to a new, recommended one (outside my network) who also coordinated with my primary. The hospitalist, a member of our network, recognized an impending "thyroid storm" started treatment (don't know the meds) and referred me to the others. While in the hospital the night of surgery, I became very ill, high fever, high heart rate. He still thought surgery would fix it all. Fast forward 4 months – I was losing hair and weight rapidly, had fatigue & a really bad tremor, rapid heartbeat. When I was diagnosed with metallosis, the Ortho told me it was OK to wait 5 more months for surgery, and I foolishly believed him. ![]() I don't know if this would be helpful, as many of these people are no longer here, but… How long have you been having issues? Have you had recent x-rays or other images to examine the hip and surrounding area? How long have you been having issues? Have you had recent x-rays or other images to examine the hip and surrounding This is an on-going issue, and the metal-on-metal implants that cause the problems are no longer as popular as they were a few years ago. If your original surgeon is not experienced in doing revisions of metal-on-metal hips, you might want to seek out one who is. If you are having pain in your hip or groin, tissue deterioration around your hip or thigh, or any of the symptoms listed in the link above, it is time for a serious conversation with an orthopedic surgeon. ![]() Some doctors may recommend chelation therapy to remove the metal, but that is a stop-gap if the implant is shedding ions – it will keep wearing & adding more metal. Cobalt poisoning can lead to very serious health issues over time, and can also cause the implant to fail, leaving enough damage to bone, muscle & tendons to make revision difficult. Here is a partial list of the symptoms you may experience with elevated Cobalt levels:Ī measure of 5.6 is considered "borderline" by some docs, but it becomes and issue if you are having symptoms. Here is what Quest Diagnostic Labs has to say about acceptable Cobalt levels: This is an on-going issue, and the metal-on-metal implants that cause the problems are no longer as popular as they were a few years ago.
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