Anyone had experience of Cobalt Allergy discovered after hip replacement surgery causing eczema?

I had a hip replacement 18 months ago which involved a large cobalt headed prosthesis. I had small areas of eczema break out on the operated leg which were put down to trauma after the op. I had the other hip replaced 9 months ago with the same type prosthesis and 4 months ago had eczema break out in patches on all parts of my body. in places blisters appeared and there was quite a lot of 'weeping'. It has taken a stong steroid cream to keep the eczema under control. I had a Patch test and Cobalt allergy was diagnosed. The Dermatologists say that the eczema will probably get worse over time and the cobalt in the prosthesis should be removed. My orthopaedic Surgeon tells me that he would not consider revision surgery as the only large heads available contain cobalt. Has anyone had experience of this or have any ideas as to where I can go from here, please?

I am allergic to nickel and was told to avoid cobalt as there is a high likelihood of cross reactivity.

The surgeon you are dealing with is an idiot. Many specialists/surgeons refuse to acknowledge allergies. I would definitely find yourself another specialist who is more familiar with allergies and implant materials.

I have had similar experiences with moronic doctors who refuse to believe in allergies to medications and/or materials used. You have to become your own specialist and advocate for yourself.

Apparently there are now ceramic implants as opposed to the traditional metal implants. There are no long-term stats on this material yet but it may be an option.

Leaving the cobalt in your body is not good. Your immune system will weaken as it is constantly fighting the cobalt in your system. Right now only your skin is affected but eventually you could develop other allergy symptoms from the constant exposure.

hi, i haven't had hip replacement surgery however i am allergic to nickel and cobalt. just a suggestion (i dont know much about hip replacement so perhaps im already giving you hints youve already had.. if so sorry) have you looked into surgical steel? perhaps you could find a specialist who would be willing to help you research that. I'm extremely sensitive to cobalt and nickel but surgical steel is fine for me... just a thought.

good luck! And dont believe your surgeon, nickel and cobalt are such common allergies there's GOT to be another option.

I've had hip replacements (both hips) of cobalt-chromium - no allergiic reactions.

For more on the subject, see these links:
http://totaljoints.info/orthopaedic_meta...
http://totaljoints.info/metal_allergy_de...

As you plan how to deal with this problem, don't forget that your current ortho surgeon isn't the only surgeon in the world.