THR what is wrong with my progress?

[Goody2Shoes3]

I am wondering why surgeons don't routinely test for an allergy to whatever implant they are using. It can't be that expensive can it? Are there home tests that people can use? It seems like such a small price to pay considering the effects of a possible reaction.

 

[Ruby Red]

You'd think it would be part of the routine pre-op workup wouldn't you?? It's a huge risk to take and find out later there's an allergy or sensitivity.

 

[Poppet]

"I am going to get my metal ions in my blood tested next. I want some peace of mind."

Do let us know how you go.. You are having a tough time

 

[thanson1964]

I agree with all of these concerns, why don't they at least give the surgery candidate the information and they can make an informed decision on whether or not to test for metal allergies before their surgery.

Good news, I begged the surgeon #3 to do the revision surgery as my employer has now decided that if I am not back to work by September 9th, I no longer have a job. He, the surgeon, has agreed to move up my revision surgery. YAY!! Now I just need to pray for a speedy recovery.

 

[Poppet]

Do you have a date thanson1964 ?

 

[thanson1964]

No, I am waiting to hear back from them today, the doc told me that they would get in touch with me today with a date. I know I am flirting with disaster here as far as recovering and being back at work go, but I would rather get this thing out of my body and not have any long term health effects from my allergic reaction than wait another 2 months and hope that I can keep my job. What if I end up with no health insurance and this prosthesis that I am allergic to stuck in my body? That is a huge fear. I'm not too sure what I'm doing here, just hoping for things to go exactly as they need to.

 

[Josephine]

but they * did find any infection in the hip itself

Just to clarify - should that * be a 'not'?

it would seem that they will have to replace my metal on metal prosthesis. I now have a doctor that still wants to do another hip aspiration and some cortisone shots before he does revision surgery, why????

I've no idea why and I want to ask you if the chap you are seeing now is an experienced revision surgeon? There is also a small and slowly growing group of surgeons who are specialising in the MoM issues which would seem to be the kind of chap you need right now.

I take it you have read all the stuff we have about the MoM issue? I'm no expect (obviously) but from what I've heard (conferences and the like) metal allergies and metallosis can very easily be confused and the allergy tests giving false positive results. You should read the articles we have
Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants: FDA Safety Communication
Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements: Solving The Uncertainties Dec 2011
Metal on Metal ion levels: safe upper limits for MoM hip resurfacings set by scientists
Metal-on-Metal issues and DePuy recall: regulation of joint prostheses in Australia
Metal on Metal warning (old but ongoing news) (thread in hip pre-op forum)
Metallosis: what is it?

From what you are describing, my (albeit not expert) impression is that you have a case of galloping metallosis.

why don't they at least give the surgery candidate the information and they can make an informed decision on whether or not to test for metal allergies before their surgery.

Well, considering the numbers of hip replacements that are done on a global basis, the financial impact could be substantial for a condition that is actually quite uncommon at around 0.5-1% incidence. "informed" decision is a bit of a misnomer as this topic is so complex and lacking in actual facts, even the surgeons can't really claim to be informed about it!

 

[BarbieJ]

thanson1964, I keep looking for word from you and worry about you. I just want you to know that we are still out hear thinking about you and going to your post for news. Take care, my friend,
I still have not sent my blood to test. Did you do both allergy and ions at the same time?
What has been your next step?