Hip Replacements

[maggiebee]

I had two hip replacements about 6 years ago. I was called back about 3 months ago to have a blood test. Apparently because I have metal ball and socket joints there is a chance that small particles of chromium can be released into my bloodstream. This test was inconclusive. Had a further blood test three weeks ago and have now been called in to see my consultant. Not quite sure what to make of this. Has anyone on here had a similar experience? Don't relish having to go through the whole procedure again, especially as I am delighted with my new hips and have been given a new lease of life.

[askyourgran]

maggiebee I have one hip replacement done 3 years ago, it's Ok just a twinge now and again, occasionally I have to consciously move my leg if I stand too long but my last check up x-ray was OK, next one is in 2014. A friend of ours had a hip replacement almost a year before me, he has had a letter from the hip manufacturer (Du Puays?) to tell him to contact his GP. He had to have a new hip replacement because the old one was one of the faulty ones, (metal peices shearing off) although he said he hadn't had any pains.

[boxtops]

maggie, this was in the news quite some time ago, that some artificial hips were faulty - I hope you're not one of them. Don't want to alarm you but this is the story (two years ago) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1323242/Johnson--Johnson-faces-350m-10-000-faulty-hip-operations.html

[petal54]

are you feeling well ,apart from the odd twinge?hopefully nothing re bloods, hope all goes well

[Old_Geezer]

My sister has that problem. They used some kind of new joint design that proved not to be a good idea, it seems. She feels let down by the health service, and with good reason. These joints don't last forever anyway. If you live long enough you may well need a replacement eventually. Sis had had it done at least twice.

[Sqad]

maggie...the problem has been found with metal on metal prosthesis, that is a metal ball and metal socket as you have described.......simply put....toxins absorbed into the blood stream from the rubbing of the two metal interfaces.

This is an extremely uncommon event according to modern research and the symptoms are pain and swelling around the operated hip backed up by blood tests showing high levels of toxins.

If you are "delighted" with the result of your operation and have no pain or swelling, then you have nothing to worry about and do not need any further surgical intervention and may never need such a procedure.

Don't worry.

Yes i have had two hip replacements (Charnley Prosthesis) not metal on metal and they have lasted 30 years and still trouble free.

[maggiebee]

Thanks for your responses. Never have so much as a twinge. Can walk for miles and work almost full time. Ah well probably no use speculating, I'll just wait to see what Mr Alipour has to say on Wednesday then report back to you good folks.