Your Stories - Nickel

Nickel Allergies and My Knee Replacement - Dawn, UK

In September 2006, I had a total knee replacement and had problems right from the start.

I could never get my knee to flex past 78 degrees nor could I completely straighten it even 19 months after surgery and many months of physical therapy.

I did learn many months later from other doctors that the implant was too big for me and it was not aligned correctly.

After searching for seven months, I finally found another orthopedic surgeon who not only had the experience to do the full knee revision but was also willing to do it.  Most doctors who have the experience in my town (I only found two who have enough experience with revision surgery) were not willing to take me on as a patient because my case was"very difficult" and they were afraid they could make things worse.

It wasn't until I had the knee revision surgery on May 27, 2008 that my surgeon informed me that the previous surgeon had used an older implant that contained nickel which of course I am highly allergic too.  The surgery took an hour longer than expected because the surgeon had to remove all traces of nickel which he believes he did.

The problem is, the old implant was in my body for 19 months and I believe is the cause of many of my problems during this time.  I believe the nickel caused severe scarring inside my knee, caused me to lose so much hair I thought I would end up bald and itching all over my body to name just a few things I experienced.

I wondered if you know of any medical studies that might be related to my experience of having knee or hip implants that contain nickel and what the effects were for others.

I have a long road of recovery and will never be 100% but I am hopeful of at least getting enough mobility back to get up from a seated position, get in and out of a car without having to push the seat all the way back and twisting and turning to get my leg, that wouldn't bend, in the car, etc.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give me and hopefully pointing me in the right direction.

After having done more research, I find that patients who are allergic to nickel can have severe reactions to artificial knee joints that contain nickel.  I suffered for 19 months until I finally found a surgeon who was willing to help me and had the experience to do so.

If my story can save one person from going through what I have been through and will continue to go through, then at least some good will have come out of my personal tragedy.

I hope that everyone who is considering have hip or knee replacement will make sure their surgeon knows they are allergic to nickel and make sure that the implant that will be used will have no nickel in it.

My itching throughout my entire body has finally stopped (within two weeks of surgery to remove and replace the nickel containing implant) but the nickel had already eaten away at the ends of both the tibia and formal bones. (July 2008) Contact Dawn

Nickel on jeans and belts - Jane, Watford, UK

Hi, this is more of a question! I have a nickel allergy resulting in bad reaction to jeans studs and belts. I can change the jean buttons quite easily, but I am finding it impossible to be able to get a belt with no nickel in the buckle. I wondered if you possibly knew of any manufacturers? Thanks - Jane. (October 2005)

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