Multiple Symptoms

[KChand3]

Hi, all.

I will try to keep this short. A little over a year ago, I broke out in hives everywhere! The following morning, the right side of my face was swollen like the stay puff marshmallow man. Went to the ER -pumped me full of prednisone - sent me home!

These symptoms kept reoccuring - no rhyme or reason. Only that they were progressing and coming on more frequently - I started feeling like I was swelling from the inside out. (Only on the right side, which coincidentally, is the hip I had replaced.) I had all kinds of tests run from allergies to arthritis, even some cancers-no luck! To back up a bit, I had to have a total hip replacement 4/06 - (I have severe Legg Calve Perthes with vasculitis.) I found out about a metal test (metal allergies) - turned out that I was EXTREMELY allergic to nickel, moderately to colbalt. Had to have another surgery (this one was 5/07.)

After the 2nd surgery, I was great for 6 weeks! I broke out in full body hives once, but had no swelling. Then nothing for 7 months - woohoo!

About a month ago, I have hives everyday, (not the welty kind, but just little red pin heads) - no biggie - except that I itch constantly, I am getting very lightheaded and dizzy, nausea, numbness in my legs (specifically on the right side.) I am very depressed (who wouldn't be after wondering what the heck is going on for a year +,) tired and crabby all the time, heart palpitations, panic attacks - scary ones - I felt like I was having a heart attack - and last but not least, the right side of my body is constantly swollen. Not much- it is very subtle - but I know it is there. The doctors don't know what is wrong. I went to a neurologist - she is sending me for a spinal tap, b/c she thinks I have MS -I don't know. I would love to avoid the spinal if possible.

Sorry for the length, but I need help - and don't know where to turn. Thanks in advance!

[KChand3]

Thanks for the suggestion LKS95, I would like to think that is all it is, but I no longer have any nickel or cobalt in me. My new implant consists of polyethylene, titanium (alloyed with vanadium,) and ceramic. It is a press/fit application, so no silicones or cements were used. I do have 3 screws screwed into my pelvis, those too are titanium. My husband and I hoped that is was just residuals in my blood, but I have had my blood tested for levels of metal, and they are ok. I think maybe it is autoimmune - maybe the trauma of having 2 major surgeries within 1 year has done some damage on my immunities. When I went for my pre-op before the 2nd surgery - they said that my immune system was probably in shambles.

[LKS95]

To me it sounds like all of your problems with the rash, etc. started when the hip was replaced.....chronic allergic reaction?