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Reply With Quoteand you may well do the same for me... thanks for spreading the word.
This is a discussion on To Our Newer Members: Warning about metal allergies within the New Member Introductions forums, part of the Spine Patient Society Lobby category; We have a lot of new members and many good threads have been buried. One of them involved metal allergies ...
To Our Newer Members: Warning about metal allergies We have a lot of new members and many good threads have been buried. One of them involved metal allergies to the hardware normally used. I just wanted to remind everyone about the possibilities of having allergies, and the long term implications.
Because someone on this forum cared enough to recommend a metal allergy test for me just over a year ago, I was saved from very severe post-op complications.
I had mentioned here that I reacted badly to almost all jewelery, plus had developed some significant intolerances to medications and food. After taking the advice and sending off blood samples to Rush University in Chicago, I learned that I was highly reactive to Cobalt, Chromium and Aluminum among others, and especially Nickel. It turns out that the Titanium that is used in surgery is not pure but an alloy which includes about four percent Aluminum. Stainless steel was out as well because of its make-up.
Suddenly I was faced with trying to find a surgeon who could only use ceramic or silicone/plastic appliances. And any screws had to be made of carbon fiber, not the normal ones. Thankfully, again through this forum, I connected with one of the top surgeons in the world, who was able to accommodate my limitations on three levels.
Another patient before me wasn't so lucky, I believe one from the UK. She had the same problem and received the 'normal' implants. After six months of becoming progressively sicker, the problem was finally discovered and she had successful revision surgery.
Who would have thought that needing expensive tastes in jewelery would have lead to such an adventure!
I hope no one else has such extreme complications, but just in case, wanted to give you all a heads up about a seemingly tiny issue.
Severe compression of spinal cord, flaval ligament, etc. at C4/5 & 5/6.
Herniation and compression, at L3/4 to L5/S1 plus spondylosis at the latter level. Severe allergy to most metals.
Three level surgery in Brazil with Dr. Luiz Pimenta on March 17/2010 using non-metal appliances. L5/S1-PEEK cage, ALIF; L4/5-PEEK cage, XLIF; C5/6-NuVasive NeoDisc. Three separate approaches, two minimally invasive. Currently minor residual back pain, from SI ligament and still overdoing things. Therapy and chiropractic treatments helping immensely. Gone from being almost bedridden to near normal activities including gardening. Life is gooooood!
Re: To Our Newer Members: Warning about metal allergies and you may well do the same for me... thanks for spreading the word.
non-surgeon MD in the US - but laid up no longer!!!
Initial injury - 2006 fall from horse - initial dx SIJD w/ nl MRI
L5/S1 discogenic pain from posterior annular tear
Biacuplasty successful but disc re-injured in MVA
M6-L implanted Oct 19th, 2011 by Dr Clavel in Barcelona
The content herein represents my professional thought and opinions in a general sense only; they do not constitute professional advice or services. if you need medical advice, please consult a licensed physician.
Re: To Our Newer Members: Warning about metal allergies This is really interesting because I had my first spinal fusion in 2000 (cervical) and had odd reactions to metals after the fusion that I didn't have prior to it. I'm greatful for this information and this forum! THANKS, Linda
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