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Australia, Emphysema, England, Hip Replacement, Johnson, NephewSmith, Smith, Smith & Nephew, surgery
I am 63, yrs of age. In 2003, (at age 52), I underwent hip replacement surgery on my right hip, using a Smith & Nephew Birmingham metal/metal resurfacing system.
I started having problems with my hip in 2008, and after suffering excruciating lower back pain (for which my then GP suggested that I needed back surgery, for a crushed vertebrae(?), fortunately, I didn’t have surgery). In 2010, I was finally diagnosed by a Bendigo Ortho. Surgeon. He told me that my hip had “failed”, and that I would need revision surgery. As at the time I didn’t have top medical cover, I had to wait 12 months before this could be undertaken. From 2008 until revision surgery in 2011, I had many,many doctors visits, every pain relief remedy available, including spinal injections, all to no avail.
I had blood tests for cobalt/chromium levels, and had extremely high toxicity levels.
My health has deteriorated very badly, and I have recently been diagnosed with Emphysema (passive). I have been married for 46 yrs, and neither my husband or myself have ever smoked, the only other way to contract this lung disease, (so, I believe), is through exposure to Asbestos, Lead or other forms (cobalt?) of toxicity/poisoning.
I have a very special, knowledgeable Pharmacist, who I regularly talk this through with, and he tells me that “Cobalt” poisoning is in the same category as Arsenic/Lead. Having had the metal/metal hip in my body for 8 years, I wonder what other medical nightmares I may face in the future?
I had a successful business which I was forced to sell 3 years ago, as I no longer had the ability to run it. I am now on an Invalid Pension.
Up until April of this year, I had a firm of Sydney Solicitors and a Barrister handling a Medical Negligence claim for me (along with other Smith & Nephew recipients), but it proved to be too difficult, and they could no longer represent me, or the others.
There are currently no Lawyer/Solicitor firms in Australia handling lawsuits for the Smith & Nephew recipients, although class action lawsuits are starting in both England and America at this time.
I would like to hear from any other Smith & Nephew recipients, so that we can compare notes, I am sure that there are many here in Australia.
I feel that I/we have been left to fend for ourselves, unlike the Johnson & Johnson recipients who I believe, have had revision surgery under supervision.
From all that I have read on the internet ( and I have spent hundreds of hours doing so), I believe that we too should be having some form of post-op care/supervision. I might add that it took over 12 months for my Emphysema to be diagnosed, having had many different tests and X-Rays etc.
Thank you for the opportunity to talk about this..it is a big burden to carry.
Di Harvey
I’m sorry to hear this has happened to you Di, but not surprised with Smith and Nephew’s MoM hip. You are in a big “club” with many of us so we really do sympathize with you. There is NOT a class action going on in the US against Smith and Nephew. They have themselves protected with a “pre-market approval” so no lawyers will go anywhere near them (the class action you have heard about is against Johnson and Johnson). I know, it’s hard to believe because they have changed/ruined many, many lives all over the world. I am not sure about England – S & N’s home country. I have heard of a law firm just starting to look into it. I don’t believe any doctor is putting these dangerous devices in people anymore. There is lots of information here on Earl’s Blog that you can research. So sorry about your health from this awful device, Di. I feel grateful for being able to walk after having the very same device removed. Stay connected!
Hi, Connie, are you in Australia or America? I have some news for you regarding lawsuits in America. I received an email this morning from: Alex C. Davis..Jones Ward PLC..Marion E. Taylor Building, 312 South Fourth St, 6th. Flr, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202..Ph (502) 882-6000..Fax (502) 587 2007..Web: http://www.jonesward.com
Alex told me that they are representing many S&N hip cases. Also, I have been in touch with Parker/Waichman in New York (you can details from the web). I have spent hundreds of hours on the computer trying to find answers..not much happening here in Australia, but in England & America, they are in the process of handling these cases. I am pursuing this with any means I can,. I am currently in touch with a TV station, who, maybe will air my story. I will post any information I find out on thwe f/b site. Take care…………Di Harvey
Hi Di,
The Smith and Nephew cases that the firm is probably taking is the failed liner of one of their devices. No firm will take the BHR resurfaced (MoM) hip because they would first have to go up against the supreme court (here in the US) to reverse the “pre-market approval”. There are millions of other failed hips that law firms can easily take (the low hanging fruit). I know, it’s not right. So many people are suffering because of the MoM device you would think our FDA would care too but they are just riddled with red tape – you can’t even get someone to respond from that government organization. Smith and Nephew are just sitting pretty as fat happy cats – they outsmarted the system and to hell with their victims.
I did get in contact with a firm out of England (it’s on Earls Blog here somewhere!) about some kind of class action but they got back to me and told me that they were just starting to look into it.
Putting this on t.v. is a great start! Another reason I like Earl’s Blog is just to inform anyone who has this dangerous device to get it out of their bodies ASAP!! It’s also a great way to share any new news.
Connie Marotta
Di, I am so sorry to hear of all this medical negligence you are going through, sadly it’s a frequent occurrance … If you are on Facebook may I suggest you join a group called total hip support group…. it’s a world wide group and many there have gone through what you are dealing with right now, there could be some one, that might be able to put you in touch with a legal company. And also give you heaps of support.
I had a MOM hip removed last year.
Mary
Hi. Mary, thanks for your reply, hope everything is going well for you after your hip revision. I have been onto the f/b sight, it has taken me over 12 months to finally get onto a site where other Australian S&N “victims” are!! I have met with dead ends every time I get onto the web, and only seem to get sites from America. I will post any information I obtain. Are you in Australia? I am currently in touch with a TV station, who may put me” on air” to tell my story. It will be for all S&N recipients, I have nothing to lose, and will tell it as it is…no holds barred!! Please keep in touch, and take care.
Regards….Di Harvey
Hi Di, yes I am in Australia, northern NSW..and I am doing very well after my revision, I haven’t had a single UTI since no more kidney stones, no more. Metal taste in my mouth. no more palpitations, and my blood levels are near normal.my revision was 15 months ago…the only issue I have, is that I can’t lift that leg to get into the car or put pants on, but it’s only a minor hassle.
Let me know if I can help further,
Mary
Mary, would be very interested to speak to you. You can contact me by email and I will give you other contact details. I am in talks with ACA and need to hear from other S&N sufferers willing to tell their stories……regards…..Di H
O Di . . . I’ve found that all I can do is say yes yes yes to each day and each moment. We’ve all been betrayed. I’ve gone all possible ways (MDL . . . got kicked out because I had a resurfacing), and The Law this and The Law that. PATHETIC! The Thing either works or it fails. If it fails, then PAY UP, SMITH & NEPHEW . . . WORLDWIDE! If my doctor didn’t think revision was medically necessary, why would he remove a well-operating chunk of metal? And then one has the lawyer of the MDL say O yes you have such a strong case. Especially since you’ve had 4 operations since 2007. Then he sits on it for 6 mos. I track him down, and he says O we put you in a pool and you weren’t chosen. We don’t do resurfacings. Farewell! So then my statute of limitations goes kaput on Dec. 1, 2013, and to this day, I am a chronic invalid: this after a lifelong career as a professional dancer. This pre-emption excuse is pathetic . . . it says that the resurfacings were given more thorough examination by the FDA . . . if they say it’s ok, who are WE, the broken thousands of lives? How can this feeble state vs fed law do anything but disable any true inquiry into this criminal organization (S&N)? But maybe that’s the point. S&N is one POWERFUL organization with a CEO who does not know the difference between right and wrong . . . . the first thing you teach your child.
We have to let it go let it go let it go, like mist. It is so hard, I know . . . yet, we must also speak TRUE SUFFERING to power. The acknowledgment of suffering is the Buddha’s First Noble Truth . . . a long and wonderful path to Enlightenment.
peace, do pranayama daily, meditate daily, listen,
m
Mickypamo, sorry to hear about your health problems, One way or another we are all in the same boat. Am happy to chat to you by email, to compare notes. Regards…Di Harvey
Micky, are you in Australia, if so, I would like you to contact me by email, and I will give you other contact details. I have some information that may interest you……regards…Di H
Very interested and sorry to hear your story Di. Sounds similar to me but I am yet to know the damage caused!
I also had a Birmingham MOM in 2003 and am due to have a revision July 22nd. After having a bad session of pain for 8 weeks early this year when I could hardly walk I was advised to have the chromium cobalt blood test. This showed extremely high levels over 1000! Now waiting results.
Alison, so sorry about your health problems, am trying to contact as many “sufferers” as I can…many people make more noise, I think this is what needs to happen, somebody might listen if there are enough of us. Will chat soon. Regards….Di Harvey
Alison, am talking to ACA again tomorrow, need to get other S&N sufferers to tell their stories. You can email me, and I will give you more information, and contact details. Regards….Di. H
Hi Di,
I totally relate. If you have been reading Earl’s wonderful blog you may know a bit about my experience with BHR in Australia but in a nutshell….
I am female and due to severe osteoarthritis.had a BHR in 2006 at age 49.IN
2011 I had my first revision…cobalt and chromium levels were extreme and my pelvis and surrounding muscle were rotting away.. Next revision was November 2013 as I could hardly walk due to severe pain and an aspiration of the hip showed possible infection of the area. This revision is OK so far but……………
My right hip is now in need replacement and is scheduled for next Tuesday.
I am so over it all and would love to walk without pain. Hopefully this will be my last visit to the medics for a long time.
I have always been concerned about the effects of the high cobalt levels in my body and have contacted quite a few of the lawyers in Australia regarding some kind of class action against the perpetrators of these MOM devices but to no avail.
I am more than happy to provide you with any other info if you are able to get numbers to get something going.
Feel free to contact me through my email address if I can assist in any way.
Cheers…….
Karen
Hi, Karen, another S&N “victim”..so glad that I happened on Earls’ Blog site. I will email you to talk further…Di Harvey
Hi Di
My name is Andy and I have also posted my accounts on this site. I relate to your story too. I am in Melbourne and awaiting a revision for a left BHR which I had at 42 years of age – 10 years ago. I have very high chromium 1361 and cobalt levels 809, the sole reason for my revision. I have also undergone a right THR ceramic and a psoas release in the last two years. I was due to have my left hip done in May, but a serious pelvic infection landed me in hospital for eight days on IV antibiotics and my surgery was cancelled. I start the surgeon cycle again next week. I have had other health issues, such as a heart arrythmia which landed me in emergency five times, seemingly unrelated, at least that is what I am told, I have also undergone a cardiac ablation for that. Roller coaster! What do we do? I don’t know, but would love to talk further as we are relatively local, at least in Victoria. There are a couple of others I have been in touch with. Happy to provide contact details.
Best regards to you and sorry about your plight.
Andy
Andy, so sorry about your plight too. I have been trying for 12 months to get in touch with other mom hip recipients, and just happened Dr. Earls’ blog site last night. Happy to keep in touch with you. Regards…..Di Harvey
It can be hard to find others, I have found this the best site. I can be contacted on 0439550767.
Andy, Thanks for your reply. Can you let me know your email address, I have notes down your phone no also. Regards…………Di Harvey
Hi Di
I have put my story on Earls Blog also. What a wonderful forum you have created, Earl.
We all need help and there is no one to turn to as S&N seem to have stitched us up!! Let’s hope justice will prevail, somehow.
My major concern is the effects of Chromium/cobalt poisoning as there seems to be very little dependable information on what the lifetime effects will be. When I review my health from shortly after having the implant until it was removed, I was having an operation for one thing after another every year with the final one being the removal of my Thyroid showing cancer cells. Even now after the revision which included pseudo tumours and damaged bone including a broken pelvis I constantly have irritable itchy skin and rashes and these commenced shortly after the S&N hip replacement in 2002. Prior to this op, I was a very healthy 56 year old with no health concerns except worn hips. My levels are now within the so called’normal’ range but the levels fluctuate within that range.
Does this history also ring true for anyone else? The S&N implant is one story but the Cobalt/Chronium poisoning could be quite another.
Kay, you too seem to be another S&N victim, until last night when after 12 mths and hundreds of hours on the internet I finally stumbled across Dr. Earls’ blog page..what a miracle! I was one of the first Australian recipients of the “Rolls Royce” of hips the horrendous S&N BHR. . I had this op whilst living in NSW, and I now live in NW Victoria. My hip revision was done in Victoria, and I was the first mom recipient that my surgeon had seen. The Ortho Surgeons in this area would “not touch the mom hips with a ten foot pole”, so I was told. They did not believe enough research had been done, so continued with the old-fashioned hip replacements on their “lucky” patients.. I have really been on my own over this, as nothing was known about Cobalt/Chromium toxicity other than what I was able to tell them (after searching on the net for info) . My S&N was in my body for 8 yrs, and my C/C levels were very high. These levels dropped to near normal after revision surgery, but any damage had already been done. Just look on the net for Cobalt/Chromium poisoning and see what this toxicity can do. As I said in my story, I have recently been diagnosed with Emphysema, and in April last year needed total knee replacement of my left knee (my hip replacement was on my right hip). Coincidence(?)…I don’t think so..walking around on a “failed” hip for 8 yrs would have to have an adverse effect on the rest of your body! Anyway, I will not sit and do nothing, and I will keep posting on here and the Total Hip Replacement News f/b page. Take care. Regards….Di H
Kay, would like you to contact me, by email, and I will give you other contact details. I have important news……………Regards…….Di H
I have heard lymphoma’s are caused by metal toxicity. We know our own bodies so we can use our common sense. Doctors have admitted to damage to our muscles (psydo-tumors) are caused by these dangerous metals. I also had my eyes checked and there was damage to the nerve endings (it stopped when I got the device out). It’s sad that orthos are not telling their patients the dangers (they don’t know I guess!). It’s obvious to me that heart palpitations are caused by this too – we know the real answer of just how dangerous cobalt/chromium toxicity really is.
Connie, are you in Australia, if so, would like to talk to you. You can contact me by email, and I will give you more contact details. I have some info you might be interested in. regards………….Di H
Attack the validity of Smith & Nephews PMA requirements. If Smith & Nephew did not meet the PMA requirements, then the PMA protection is not valid. The attorneys need to focus on proving that Smith & Nephews failed to meet the PMA requirements. Feel free to forward this information on to your attorney’s office and emails.
Here is a link to some PMA requirements on the FDA site for Medical Devices.
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/HowtoMarketYourDevice/PremarketSubmissions/PremarketApprovalPMA/ucm050422.htm
thanks for this, Collin. Interesting.
Hi everyone, there just seems to be too many of us with adverse affects for this all to be coincidence. We really must band together. I recently reported my case to the TGA, but to no avail. Though I was provided with a report, it was if am an anomaly in the overall BHR picture, but with so many here crying out, we all know I am not.
Though I felt quite defeated by the process in that the TGA feel like they have looked at the BHR sufficiently already, I felt that, for my own sake, I had to try and raise the alarm again. The investigator was sympathetic and respectful, but nothing new emerged, though I did encourage them to look separately at the female cohort with smaller (less than 42mm head size), which have been documented as having an unacceptably high failure rate.
In saying that, don’t be put off, report, report, report…cases that arrive via TGA adverse reporting forms system have to be investigated. It is a way to keep bringing attention to the issue in Australia. The TGA and other authorities need to know that we are out there and do encourage and provide a formal pathway to raise the alarm for adverse effects relating to medical devices. The more reports…the louder our voices.
Have a great day everyone. Cold here in Melbourne…brrr..
Best Andy
Andy, have just been reading posts from June 2014, and saw one of yours. where you mentioned the firm Irwin Mitchell in the UK. Do you any other details? Trying to get together as much info as I can. Di H
Hi, everyone, hope you are all as well as you can be, I know how difficult some days can be. We all have a burden to carry, a lot of you much worse than myself. I just wanted to let you know that I have just posted Dr. Earls’ blog on “My Story” on my f/b page, and asked that friends “share” this post with all their friends. I am an avid Sir Cliff Richard fan, and receive hundreds of postings everyday to my f/b page from all around the world. I thought that this may a good way to get in contact with more S&N victims. Please stay in touch, and I will keep you updated on any news/information I receive. Take care…….kindest regards……………..Di Harvey
Hi Di, on the Facebook group called totally hip support, there are 1200 members with many having had MOM issues and also some going through legal action. It’s a worldwide group. Also be careful what you post about your issues, as if you take them to court it could be an issue, a friend of mine is suing at the moment for 2 failed MOM hips and 2 infections requiring spacers to both, she was told not to talk about her troubles openly, .. Hope that helps.
Mary, are you in Australia? If, so, would you please contact me by email and I will give you other contact details. I have some information that may be of interest to you…..regards…Di H
Hi. everyone. I need to contact as many of you as I can ASAP. I have been in contact again today with A Current Affair. They are going ahead with my story. I was able to tell them about Dr, Earls View site and f/b -THR News site. They have been doing a lot of research into this, and now would like as many of us as possible to be involved. They are phoning me again tomorrow. They also told me that they will do all the ‘fighting’ from now on, and that a Class Action, could also be started. I know a lot of ‘guts’ is required to go ahead with this, and yes, I am ‘scared ‘stiff’, but I WILL fight this !! So, please, let me know ASAP your thoughts and let anyone else know. I can be contacted by email or phone: 03-54912181/0418436448. Look forward to your replies….regards…..Di H
Dianne,
Count me in on any S&N Resurfacing class action lawsuit. I live in Cincinnati, OH and have had 4 hip ops, the first 2 were the above faulty devices.
peace,
mickey morgan
After 5 years with the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing MoM implant, I had revision surgery Nov. 2013 to oxynium the same hip.THR. Metallosis caused high cobalt & chromium levels (92/75), squeaking, minor discomfort. Psuedo tumor was found on the joint during MARS mri and was subsequently removed during revision. After several consults with an attorney who specializes in medical device litigation, I was told that Smith & Nephew had obtained FDA pre-market appproval in 2006, and therefore could not be sued in the US. I have read that courts in the UK have recently begun investigating the BHR device. I contacted the FDA and did lots of research….it looks bleak. So far the revision is doing really well, 8 months post, but the BHR was great at first, as well. We will see. I am now an active 61 year old, hoping to avoid further surgeries on either hip. Very disappointing and frustrating to have a second surgery on the same hip. Rehab was WAY more difficult than with the BHR.
Nancy Himel Brisco, Tucson AZ USA
Hi, Nancy…another S&N victim, this time from America. Have you looked into all avenues to pursue this? I was under the impression that, after contacting 2 Law firms in America, that were in fact taking on the BHR recipients. I had contact with Parker/Waichman in New York and Jones Ward PLC, in Louisville, Kentucky. It is rather complicated. We need worldwide, to really take a stand. Has there been much media coverage in the USA in regard to the S&N MOM hip? Here in Oz the only coverage has been in regard to the J&J DePuy system. I am in contact with the media at the moment, and hoping to get other S&N recipients to contact me, with a hope that their stories and mine, will in fact get to air. Take care…..Di H
Dianne and Nancy . . . count on me to be back on board with media splashing in the U.S. . . I’m building a huge dancer audience because of being the executor of about 5000 photos, 2000 of which are NYC Broadway folk , like Liza Minelli (4 knee surgeries). Every dancer has had surgeries as par for the course of dance performance. Anyway, our 90-yr-old jazz dance teacher Luigi just died, and New York City is abuzz with all the old dancers grieving my teacher at 18. So I’ve been building a huge post for him (see http://OleagaPhotoGallery.wordpress.com if you’re interested) and haven’t kept up with sharing Earl’s and Dianne’s posts. My thinking still is to out the CEO . . . get a name for S&N, then draft a heavy duty petition and spray it to at least the 18 countries around the world who saw the dance photos.
Hi Di, another S&N victim going through hell. I dont know how to get in contact with you as I would love to talk with you, please help
Kind Regards
Robyn
Robyn, I’m sure Di will get to you. I know she is always swamped. Please tell the victim to Like the facebook page Total Hip Replacement, and to Follow the blog Earl’s View for all the latest research, and to view the ongoing collective efforts to set right these miserable injustices around the world. Dianne and Earl are the Trailblazers. If you would like to write to me at mickeypamo at g mail dot com, I could forward your message to her . . . but she will probably find you soon . . . hang in there. You are not alone in the darkness of this suffering and betrayal . .. there are many small flames of light in these people, and that is enough to lighten up the situation! So, your vic is now a fellow Hippy!
Hi and thank you for your prompt reply and kind encouragement. I think I will just hang in there until Di gets back to me as I dont want to swamp her even further.
Thank you again for your reply
Kind regards
Robyn
Hi Robyn, happy to chat to you – my email address:
Touchdown! . . . peace and gentleness to you all
Thanks mickeypamo – have responded as you know to Robyn, have another lady in contact – she found me through an newspaper ad one of my best friends put in the regional paper where I had my original BHR surgery done. Phoned her, then contacted me with her phone no.- she is now another THR member and has also done a lot of research over the past 10 yrs. So word is getting around. Love and peace to you all…Di xx
To everyone on this blog, that have commented, I am sorry that I have not been posting here, as, many of you already know, I am “out there” on the THR News f/b site – also founded by “my hero” Earl Stevens – would be great if you all, also joined this site – there were 187 (or 178) members when I joined, less than 12 months ago, and now 760+, and everyone wordwide – 95% “failed” MoM device “victims” post articles/journals and share all the information we find. I recently (Easter Sunday) finally, got some news about Smith & Nephew “out there” – here in Australia. There was a two page spread in The Age newspaper, with a 7 minute talk – by me – to go with the article. It has gone, as they on the internet “viral”. Parker/Waichman LLP – one of the US’ largest Law Firms, have “edited” the article, and are using it on their website. It is also on the website of the University of Newcastle (UK). I now get notified when someone posts here – so will try and keep in touch once again. I spend hours a day, on the internet, emailing our Senators, Health Minister, TGA (same as US” FDA), every day. Please take care, and know that in many, many ,ways – we are in the “same boat”….Di xx