Adverse reactions to ear implants

[Guest guest]

Hello -

I am following up seeking information from when I posted this past

January regarding possible titanium reactions. My son had Ctoma and a

titanium prosthesis put in, in Nov. 2007. Since the surgery, he has had

an itchy rash that progresses to

open sores in random areas all over his body that gets staph infection

in. No

medication or treatment has been able to resolve this rash for over a

year. We have had nickel and titanium allergy patch testing that was

inconclusive with a world renown allergist. We have seen 9

dermatologists, allergist, otologist and

infectious disease doctors trying to treat this and no one is able to

identify it. He has had

blood tests, a nickel patch test, a skin biopsy, and a lymphocyte

transformation test to metals. The skin biopsy is suggestive of chemical

contact dermatitis and a lymphocyte transformation test showed slight

reactivity to titanium. We have called the House Ear Institute for

consultation and even tried to call India for help. The doctors and

surgeon are unsure if the titanium implant or the bone cement could be

the cause of the skin rash, but can not rule it out. Two

otologist/neurologists suggested we remove the implant and the surgeon

is willing. Since there doesn't seem to be any other options, n

is scheduled to have his implant removed in May unless we can come up

with another explanation (which will result in a severe hearing loss).

Has anyone had any adverse reactions to their implants?? n is

very hypersensitive to other things in the environment and I wonder if

his body is reacting to having a foreign object in it?

Thanks -