The Heavily Metalled Podcast

Christian hails from Michigan and is a young Italian man, working as an engineer, who has a passion for soccer, being Italian and heavy metal music.. He describes himself as a formerly “happy-go-lucky” guy until spine surgery and metal allergies turned his life upside down. After the sudden onset of back trouble and searing pain, Christian worked through the traditional medical routes, until it was decided that he would need a spinal fusion. After surgery, Christian knew immediately that something wasn’t right, waking with searing, intractable pain and a litany of symptoms: rashes, insomnia, an ulcerated tongue, vision, cardiac issues and more. After numerous consults and research,, he came to the hypothesis that he could be allergic to his spinal fusion hardware. Christian obtained blood metal lymphocyte transformation testing from Orthopedic Analysis, where testing determined he was severely allergic to the titanium alloy. Christian was able to gain the confidence of a surgeon and was able to have this fusion revised with stainless steel hardware, which contained components he did not test allergic to. All of his symptoms went away immediately with revision, then returned within months, almost as bad as the first go. Christian re-tested with Orthopedic Analysis and the new test came back showing him reactive to the new hardware. After fusion occurred the supporting hardware was removed and like the prior time, Christian experienced a large resolution of his symptoms….until slowly they returned. Christian discovered that the surgeons had utilized a large number of titanium surgical clips in the revision surgery. He is still fighting a battle to have them removed to this day. In this episode you will learn: Systemic reactions to titanium exist & can cause havoc throughout the body. Hypersensitivities to a given metal don’t always present until an exposure occurs. Why self-advocacy is important - surgeons can still make mistakes. Grace is needed for cutting-edge providers trying to offer assistance. ~Links and Resources~ ~ Too see the images that accompany this episode, click HERE: http://tinyurl.com/4k889cha ~ ~To learn more visit ⁠HeavilyMetalled.com⁠. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: ⁠https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources⁠ ~ Sign up for the FREE newsletter and email list on HeavilyMetalled.com & get a FREE symptoms list & next steps bundle! ~ Sign the petition asking medical providers and facilities to pre-screen for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/2458ea8 ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled⁠ ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/⁠ ~ Subscribe to Heavily Metalled on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HeavilyMetalled⁠ ~ Check out our sponsor ⁠https://melisa.org⁠ ***Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!***

Metal allergies are an often overlooked but serious health issue. In some cases, metal allergies can even cause paralysis. This was the case for my guest today Dana Jeske, a mechanical engineer from Washington State. At age 49, Dana woke up one morning and found he was paralyzed. He lost feeling from the bottom of his feet, to his hips and from his fingertips to his arms. He also lost feeling in his core and even his head. He was unable to feel anything, including heat or pain. Due to a fortunate medical coincidence, Dana had the metal removed and made a remarkable partial recovery. He was subsequently tested for a metal allergy, which confirmed the diagnosis. At this point he had additional metal removed and FULLY recovered, never to experience another paralytic episode. Dana's story is an example of just how serious metal allergies can be. Metal allergies can cause paralysis, as well as other serious health issues. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of metal allergies and to seek medical attention if you experience any of them. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: --How medical professionals often overlook a metal allergy. --Why you shouldn’t just accept your diagnosis blindly. --How there is nickel even in stainless steel. --The important role of testing for metal allergies. --How removing metal hardware can heal you. ~Links and Resources~ To see images that accompany this episode click HERE: https://tinyurl.com/5svh8xcy ~ To learn more visit https://www.heavilymetalled.com/ ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/pat... ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Check out https://melisa.org/ ~ Get a free symptom list and next steps bundle when you sign up for the free email list and newsletter at HeavilyMetalled.com ~ Sign the petition to urge medical facilities and providers to implement metal hypersensitvity screening here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Metal allergies can be serious. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms And to discuss ANY prior metal sensitivities with healthcare providers prior to any medical procedure. In this episode of the Heavily Metalled Podcast, I’m joined by Lacee Johnsen, a Facebook friend who discovered an allergy to surgical clips, left behind without her knowledge during a routine surgery. Many have found out after the fact that leaving these clips and staples is common practice during routine surgeries such as cholecystectomies, appendectomies, colonoscopies, tubal ligations, biopsies and more. Lacee shares her inspiring story of gallbladder clip removal, overcoming metal allergies and giving back to the metal-allergic community. We also discuss the importance of sharing stories like these to reach more people and help others going through similar struggles. In this episode, you will learn: --The importance of seeking a second opinion. --Why you should trust your instincts when it comes to your own health. --Advocating for yourself and for medical changes especially when it comes to metal allergies. ~Links and Resources~ To see Lacee’s amazing images that accompany this episode click HERE: https://tinyurl.com/5n8hf2tm ~ To learn more visit https://www.heavilymetalled.com/ ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/pat... ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Please sign the petition urging healthcare providers and facilities to screen patients for metal hypersensitvity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Sponsor page: https://melisa.org/ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Frances Scott, a mother of three and a former network news anchor in Raleigh, North Carolina, at a very young age experienced nagging hip pain and after consulting with twelve different doctors in multiple states, decided to have both hips replaced in one surgery with the now off-market Johnson & Johnson-DePuy Metal-on-Metal Hips. Frances then experienced total & complete disability, along with loss of her journalism career & upper middle-class social standing due to pain & metal toxicity from both an undiagnosed allergy to nickel, contained in the implants, and also poisoning from the cobalt-chrome alloy as the well-documented grinding of the metal-on-metal hip implants released toxic metal ions into her bloodstream and circulated them throughout her body. Once the toxicity & allergy was confirmed, Frances located a surgeon willing to perform the revisions and underwent a second bi-lateral total hip replacement, which replaced the metal balls and sockets with ceramic balls and plastic liners. Frances experienced much by way of recovery but the damage had been done. Her decades-long career remained forfeit, they were forced to leave their upscale lifestyle and move into a run-down foreclosure and the hip replacements continued to prove life-altering. She, among others, would come to realize that medical devices often do not undergo rigorous, or sometimes any testing at all prior to being implanted inside a patient. Frances went on to do loads of patient advocacy work, even attending the bellwether device safety trials and speaking out before the FDA on medical device safety in 2019 at the Immunology Devices Panel discussion regarding Immunological Responses to Metal-Containing Medical Devices. Frances’ story is a lesson in trusting your gut instinct. As she experienced, doctors are not always right and it is important to listen to your body. It is also important to consult with multiple doctors if you experience any symptoms. The most important thing is to trust your own intuition and not be afraid to take control of your own health. Even if it means going against the advice of your doctor, it is important to remember that you know your body best. Metal allergy can be a dangerous and life-altering condition. It can cause severe pain and disrupt an individual's life. Spreading awareness regarding this most important issue is of the utmost importance. In this episode, you will learn: --Why surgery is not always the answer. --How big pharma manipulates the release of information to reap billions. --How doctors may be misled by flawed studies. --The importance of trusting your gut and of self-advocacy. ~Links and Resources~ To see images that accompany this episode click HERE: https://tinyurl.com/5n7k8f4u. ~ To see Frances testify before the FDA click HERE: https://youtu.be/o86QfyBjDdk?si=nuMWlz3rb-uulBWj ~ To see the "Billion Dollar Baby" KABC news segment click HERE: https://youtu.be/ON9DgGkSQ8M?si=Z6rXWmqSy0krSNqN ~ To learn more visit https://www.heavilymetalled.com/ ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/pat... ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter at HeavilyMetalled.com & get a FREE next steps bundle & symptom list. ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Please sign the petition to urge medical providers and facilities to screen patients routinely for metal hypersensitivity: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Check out our sponsor https://melisa.org/ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!** CHAPTERS: 00:02:40 Hip Replacement Required! 00:03:34 Johnson & Johnson DePuy Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacement 00:04:35 Side Effects 00:08:15 All Tests Are Normal 00:09:37 Loss of Job And Income 00:11:58 Cognitive Issues and Personality Changes 00:17:42 Doctors Don’t Know 00:20:00 Pain Problems 00:22:30 Metal Allergy 00:23:55 Product Problems 00:25:09 Scientific Fraud 00:26:58 Cobalt Toxicity 00:28:33 People Are Dying 00:33:20 Adverse Event Studies 00:36:36 Metal-On-Metal Hips Historically Problematic 00:38:09 Acid and Corrosion 00:38:49 Second Bi-Lateral Hip Replacement 00:39:14 Symptoms Dissapear 00:40:56 Non-Metal Hip Replacement Parts 00:43:21 Bleeding Rashes 00:44:32 Metal Allergy and Diet Implications 00:45:38 Filing and Adverse Event Report 00:49:21 “Revisions Are Our Future” 00:50:46 Blood Testing 00:53:50 A Life Transformed 00:54:45 Medical Device Manufacturer Corruption 00:57:32 No Prior Clinical Trials 01:01:23 How Medicine Has Changed 01:05:51 A Personal Memoir 01:08:23 Device Companies Own Politicians and Media 01:13:02 We Gotta Tell The Stories 01:15:39 Billion Dollar Baby 01:17:58 The Model Has Changed

In this episode of the Heavily Metalled Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Scott Schroeder, a Doctor of Podiatry and a Fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgery. Dr. Schroeder is known and respected worldwide as an expert and lecturer on metal allergies, especially within the realm of surgical specialties. Dr. Schroeder was the treating surgeon who helped diagnose the baffling case of recurrent, full paralysis of our second podcast guest Dana Jeske, when even the Mayo Clinic wasn’t able to uncover the root cause of his ailments. Dr. Schroeder discusses not only many of his surgical miracle stories, often delivering patients with metal hypersensitivity from years and even decades of chronic pain virtually overnight, but also teaches us about galvanism: when dis-similar surgical metals act like a battery within the body, LITERALLY charging it with electric current, which also is a huge contributor to the faster speed of implant degradation and corrosion. Metal allergies can be serious. Even more so when the patient with metal allergies heads in for a surgical procedure. It is important to discuss ANY prior metal sensitivities with not only your healthcare provider, but the entire surgical team prior to any medical procedure, and to know the make, model & serial number of any foreign body that will be implanted during surgery. Also what you write on and how you sign surgical consents is of UTMOST importance. We also discuss the importance of sharing stories like these to reach more people and help others going through similar struggles. In this episode, you will learn: ~ How metal implants from surgery can cause widespread systemic pain when metal allergies are present. ~ How dissimilar metals within the body deliver electrical charges throughout also causing faster implant degradation. ~ How removing problematic hardware is not the standard of care, and is often met with skepticism. ~ About new implants and technologies coming to market. ~ How to find the doctors willing to assist metal-allergic patients. ~ How you must communicate with doctors and surgeons prior to surgery. ~ Why a low-nickel diet is critical, if allergic, in managing pain and symptoms. ~ Why testing may not reveal all you need to know. CHAPTERS: 00:01:16 Dr. Schroeder Bio & Background 00:04:53 Surgical Miracle #1. 00:07:55 Why Surgeons & Practitioners Think Titanium is Inert. 00:09:06 Surgical Miracle #2. 00:13:31 Surgical Miracle #3. 00:15:47 About Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions. 00:22:30 Explaining Galvanic Hardware Reactions. 00:26:00 Miracle Story Presented to the FDA. 00:36:47 Internal Hardware Reacts to Lightning. 00:39:38 Patient Recovers from Stiff Man Syndrome. 00:49:18 Metal Allergy vs Metal Toxicity. 00:50:17 Detox Metals Carefully. 00:52:02 Pre-surgical Considerations & LTT Testing. 00:55:45 Alternative to Metal Implants. 01:00:41 How Patients Can Communicate with Providers. 01:01:54 Of Surgical Clips & Staples. 01:03:56 How Can Medical Facilities Better Screen For Metal Allergies. 01:04:55 Prepping Yourself & Surgical Consents Pre-Surgery. 01:09:47 The Role of Diet In Metal Hypersensitivity. 01:11:26 Future Projects Dr. Schroeder is Working On. 01:17:29 Dr. Schroeder’s Favorite Heavy Metal Song. ~Links and Resources~ To see Dr. Schroeder’s images that accompany this episode click HERE: https://tinyurl.com/mpa8vpw7. ~ To learn more visit https://www.heavilymetalled.com. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/pat... ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter on HeavilyMetalled.com & get a FREE symptom list & next steps bundle ~ Please sign the petition to urge medical providers & facilities to pre-screen patients routinely for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Sponsor page: https://melisa.org **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Bethany had a normal childhood upbringing but realized early on that she was sensitive to the metal in earrings, jean buttons & bracelets. She didn’t really worry about it, because it was just where the metal contacted her body. She got braces as a teenager and aside from canker sores, didn’t seem to have much of a reaction, so the metal in the braces didn’t really throw any flags at this time. She also had a reaction to concrete, but didn’t make the association that there were traces of metal in the concrete. As she started college, things began to get more serious as she had bouts of IBS, severe enough to require medical testing, but doctors were still scratching their heads, assuring her that she was young and healthy and most everything looked great in her results & chart. During COVID, Bethany had a severe flare, presenting with significant swelling & redness, which almost rendered her unrecognizable. Thanks to the wisdom of a progressive, on-call urgent care doctor, who pointed out the likelihood of a nickel allergy, suspecting piping used in older construction, as many of Bethany’s results occurred after bathing, Bethany was able to do further research. After discovering that there is a dietary connection to nickel allergies, Bethany was able to change what she ate, as well as a host of things in her environment and achieved full relief from her symptoms, as well as relief of chronic pain she didn’t even realize she was in! Diet is hugely important in helping to combat chronic symptoms and needs to be discussed more frequently. Anyone with a history of reactions to metal and jewelry will be able to benefit from Bethany’s knowledge. Metal allergy can be a dangerous and life-altering condition. It can cause severe pain and disrupt an individual's life. Spreading awareness regarding this most important issue is of the utmost importance. In this episode, you will learn: • How to identify early signs and symptoms of metal allergy. • How diet plays a huge role in causing chronic symptoms. • How adherence to a low-nickel diet can reduce pain and contribute to a better quality of life. • How to reduce exposure to metal that can complicate symptoms in your home environment. Chapters: 00:04:38 Early metal allergy symptoms. 00:05:32 The concrete conundrum. 00:07:37 IBS complications. 00:09:49 Major flare-up. 00:14:24 Nickel Allergy Diagnosis. 00:15:46 Finding the Low-Nickel Diet. 00:23:27 Environmental changes. 00:28:17 Noticing changes. 00:30:41 Low-Nickel Resources 00:33:08 The medical notebook. 00:42:59 Changes & helpful gardening. 00:49:59 Chat about essential oils. ~Links and Resources~ To see images that accompany this episode click HERE: http://tinyurl.com/yjftdzva ~ To learn more visit HeavilyMetalled.com. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https:// https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Sign up for the free email list & newsletter on HeavilyMetalled.com & get a free next steps bundle & symptom list. ~ Sign the petition asking medical providers & facilities to pre-screen for metal hypersensitivity by clicking HERE: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Check out our sponsor MELISA.org **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

MELISA® Diagnostics is one of the worldwide leaders in Blood LTT or Lymphocyte Transformation Testing for metal allergies. In Part One of this special 2 part episode, Linda Nelson, CEO for MELISA, shares how the MELISA test was developed, patented and clinically validated. First, Linda shares about her favorite heavy metal band, Metallica, and song, “Nothing Else Matters”. Shari reminisces about first meeting Metallica “back in the day”, before anyone knew who they were. Shari promises to post a photo in the show notes link. Linda Nelson is the daughter of Vera Stejskal, the developer of the test. Vera was an immunologist, specializing in immunotoxicology and worked for Astra Pharmaceuticals, also known as AstraZeneca, and initially developed the MELISA LTT test to screen workers, measuring the immune system’s reaction to workplace substances. It wasn’t long before Vera’s colleague, dermatologist Margaret Forsburg, proposed using the test to detect metal reactivity in patients who believed they were being poisoned by their amalgam fillings. Vera was granted the right to patent the test and dedicated her life to raising awareness about metal’s effects on human health and developing scientific tools to measure metal reactivity. The test became clinically validated after an independent lab in Germany conducted a 2003 study using 250 patients and various lymphocyte concentrations. In 2006 a follow-up study treated patients based on the MELISA test results and observed improvements in health. The clinically relevant test involves confirming metal reactivity through the test, removing metals indicated by the test and further monitoring the patient’s health symptoms. A second study at Charles University in Prague selected 42 patients. 32 patients made lifestyle changes following MELISA testing. 94% reported significant health improvements, Linda assumes by mainly removing dental metals. When asked how useful the MELISA test would be for patients prior to an implantation surgery, and it was reiterated that testing only grabs a snapshot of what is happening in the body at the moment. It cannot predict the future sensitivities, as immune activity can start a week, month or years after exposure and Linda pointed out the immune system is not static. Linda was asked if lab technicians noticed the delayed-reactivity of the cells during the testing period and Linda responded in the affirmative, stating that is why they have to wait at least five days before reading the test results. Linda and Shari discussed Shari and her husband’s MELISA test results, and both the Stimulation Index and the Morphology methodologies were explained. Basically the morphology confirms or discards the allergy, when the cells are observed under a microscope. This is one of the techniques that sets the MELISA tests apart from other LTT methodologies. Linda shares a few remarkable patient stories and in conclusion discuss the importance of studying metal hypersensitivity and the need for hard evidence to support the removal of metals from the body. They highlight that lack of reactivity in the MELISA test does not necessarily indicate that metals are beneficial or not causing issues. They also discuss the need for proper studies and research to understand the effects of metals on the body. They discuss the MELISA labs in Germany, Switzerland and Israel and Linda shares about future plans to extend into North America to satisfy an ever-increasing demand for testing. In Part Two, which will be out in several weeks, a full video how-to walkthrough will show the Metalhead community how to screen for and order the MELISA test, how to facilitate the blood draw, prepare the paperwork & sample for shipping, and will walk through receipt and interpretation of the results. In this episode, you will learn: ● How the MELISA test was developed. ● How the MELISA test was clinically validated ● The delayed reactivity nature of a Type-IV metal allergy. . ● The options and pros/cons for testing pre and post surgery. ~Links and Resources~ To see images that accompany this episode click: https://tinyurl.com/mr3mrpkz ~ To learn more visit https://heavilymetalled.com ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Sign the petition urging medical providers and facilities to pre-screen patients for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Check out our sponsor MELISA.org ***Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies, diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They havemany resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!***

In Part Two of this special 2-part episode, Podcaster Shari Guess walks listeners through the process of ordering their own MELISA test’s start to finish. The test became clinically validated after an independent lab in Germany conducted a 2003 study using 250 patients and various lymphocyte concentrations. In 2006 a follow-up study treated patients based on the MELISA test results and observed improvements in health. The clinically relevant test involves confirming metal reactivity through the test, removing metals indicated by the test and further monitoring the patients health symptoms. A second study at Charles University in Prague selected 42 patients. 32 patients made lifestyle changes following MELISA testing. 94% reported significant health improvements. Shari shows how to order the test from the MELISA website, along with filling out the symptom and metal history questionnaire. She then shows how to unbox the test, once the kit arrives and shows how to confirm all paperwork and material needed has arrived. Shari then walks through filling out all information required, creating a FedEx account for shipping and then hits the road for a blood draw. The process of the blood draw is filmed and then Shari takes the listener to FedEx to drop off the test for international shipping, and the drop-off process concludes with Shari sending the tracking info to MELISA so the shipment arrival can be monitored. Shari then goes through the results when the test is received and compares the new MELISA results with prior results received through another company. She also highlights some important differences between the two tests & companies. In this episode you will learn: ● How the MELISA test was clinically validated. ● How to order the MELISA test and fill out paperwork. ● How to complete the blood draw & prepare the package for overnight shipment. ● How to read and interpret the MELISA test results. ~Links and Resources~ To see images that accompany this episode click HERE: https://tinyurl.com/5yzk5s6z ~ To learn more visit HeavilyMetalled.com. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter at HeavilyMetalled.com & get a free symptom list & next steps bundle. ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Sign the petition urging medical providers & facilities to screen patients for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Check out our sponsor https://MELISA.org **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Cheryl went in one way for routine gallbladder surgery and came out another. Prior to surgery Cheryl liked the simple things in life: Outdoor activities, board games, hanging with her kids and watching Netflix. Cheryl had a history of jewelry and other allergies, but didn’t think much about it, and especially when going in for emergency gallbladder surgery. The surgery went well, removing a gallbladder with 1500+ stones, but a week after surgery Cheryl found herself suddenly not able to breathe with the worst pain possible. Like she was “shredding from the inside out." During this ordeal she actually DID stop breathing, forcing the performance of CPR by her then 18 year old daughter. Transferred to the emergency room, they cleared some wayward stones from her common bile duct, but then Cheryl started itching and clawing herself open head to toe. Then with no prior history, Cheryl started having Grand Mal seizures and foaming at the mouth. Sent home with medications and orders for follow-up the symptoms didn’t stop. Massive hair loss, unbelievable swelling to the point she looked pregnant and couldn’t see her feet. Her skin cracked open and crusted everywhere….all unprecedented. Placed on a major amount of steroids, Cheryl underwent several medical referrals and finally wound up at a dermatology clinic with a PA who diagnosed her systemic metal allergy. Cheryl’s case was presented to MANY specialty surgical groups and clinics and despite the severity of her symptoms, no one would take her case. They told her to go home and put her affairs in order. Finally a physician friend posted about her case in an online group for physicians and surgeons. Cheryl’s case was seen by a surgeon in Miami who knew exactly what kind of surgeon that she needed. Those connections were made and despite trying to die from sepsis on the way into her Florida surgery, she survived and was able to have the clips removed. Waking up from surgery with MANY of the symptoms exiting upon coming out of anesthesia. There was also a severe reaction in that hospital to gadolinium contrast, which many don’t know is a metal agent. The surgeon stated he had performed over 30,000 surgeries, many with clips and staples and now was wondering just how safe they actually were and are. He vowed to train students from that time forward. Cheryl went home to recover and is so glad she lived to tell the tale. In this episode you will learn: ● Why a past history of jewelry allergies MUST be in your medical record and discussed with your team prior to surgery. ● That metal allergies show themselves as a delayed reaction for many people. ● Signs and symptoms of metal allergies and why gadolinium is a problem for those with metal hypersensitivity. ● That recovery upon removal IS possible and is often dramatic and able to be documented right out of surgery. ~Links and Resources~ To see images that accompany this episode click ⁠HERE⁠: https://tinyurl.com/3nk8fjyh ~ To learn more visit ⁠HeavilyMetalled.com⁠. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter and get a FREE symptom list & next steps bundle! ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Sign the petition asking medical providers and facilities to pre-screen for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Check out our sponsor ⁠MELISA.org⁠ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Dr. Dzifa Dordunoo is an Associate Professor at the University of Victoria School of Nursing in B.C., Canada. With over 20 years of clinical experience in general medicine and coronary care units, spending the past decade as a nurse educator, after beginning her teaching career in 2011 as a clinical instructor at John Hopkins School of Nursing. Dzifa teaches a variety of courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, particularly courses in cardiac surgical nursing, quantitative and qualitative analysis and research methodology. She is the director of the University of Victoria Center for Evidence-Informed Nursing and Healthcare, A J B I, center of Excellence. Dzifa shares her experience and research studies in the realm of metal hypersensitivity, which began during the time of her doctoral studies with one of her hospital patients on a cardiac care floor, when, as a curious and caring provider, she became aware of, and investigated the patient’s metal allergy as a possible cause for the patient occluding her stents soon after surgery. Several possible reasons for stent re-stenosis are discussed, as well as possible options for metal-allergic patients. Dzifa then goes on to share her story of walking her son through a metal-allergy diagnosis to dental hardware and expresses the frustration of not being heard and taken seriously as a professional in the field, even once the situation was brought to full resolution of symptoms after the removal of the offending hardware. After these experiences Dzifa started polling colleagues about their metal hypersensitivity knowledge, as well as sharing publications with them, quickly realizing that her curiosity and scientific musings were not met with equal excitement in the realm of her peers….with some even thinking she was a little “out there.”. Even wondering why something as simple as pre-screening patients for metal allergies was so difficult. Many didn’t believe in the science or current evidence, while others stated that screening was futile. Dzifa goes on to share her opinions on informed consent. Dr. Dordunoo shares about her clinical studies, past and present, including several recently published papers, along with info about clinical trials now underway. One of her future goals is to create an implantable device registry. She also shares her thoughts on Metal Hypersensitivity as a future medical sub-specialty. In closing I discuss rock and roll with Dr. Dzifa. Tune in to hear which is her favorite band. In this episode you will learn: How knowledge of metal-hypersensitivity within the medical field is often misunderstood and under-reported. That even providers within the field have difficulties convincing peers that metal hypersensitivity is real and a pervasive issue for many in the worldwide population. About upcoming clinical advancements and trials, as well as proposed enhancements to medical device reporting. ~Links and Resources~ Articles: Patient Journey Map: Metal hypersensitivity: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/23743735231183576 Hypersensitivity in patients receiving metal implants: a scoping review protocol: https://journals.lww.com/jbisrir/Fulltext/2021/06000/Hypersensitivity_in_patients_receiving_metal.12.aspx Metal hypersensitivity screening among frontline healthcare workers— https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocn.15571 Youtube: Hypersensitivity reactions to metal implants: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGOfWOuMHYw&t=0s Consenting patients about metal hypersensitivity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItdSr7gV_oU&t=0s ~ To learn more visit ⁠HeavilyMetalled.com⁠. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter and get a FREE symptom list & next steps bundle! ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Sign the petition asking medical providers and facilities to pre-screen for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Check out our sponsor ⁠MELISA.org⁠ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Dr. Corrie Materie was a Chiropractor with a thriving Canadian practice until she was sidelined by breast cancer and thoroughly disabled due to allergies and toxicity from bi-lateral breast reconstruction after her total mastectomy. Dr. Materie had a long history of reactivity to metals dating all the way back to her earliest childhood recollections. This included ear-piercings and a massive reaction to just the surgical instruments once her tonsils were removed. In even escaped her awareness that metal was the culprit when she had worsening reactions as she played the flute in school and Dr.’s called it “Impetigo”, despite the fact that her flute was clean and she did not heal until a physican expressed that it might be nickel, advising tape over the portion that contacted her mouth….problem solved. While in chiropractic college, way back in 1996, she began to experience mysterious health symptoms, eventually becoming able to tie the maladies to mercury fillings, and they resolved near immediately once removed. Yet, even her colleagues and caregivers rolled their eyes at her “crazy notions”. Every surgery seemed to land her in the midst of turmoil, taking her twice as long to heal, with many times the normal complication rate, and sometimes even life-threatening sepsis. She shares multiple surgical examples with her as the guinea pig. Eventually she was prescribed Prednisone prior to surgical procedures and it held symptoms at bay temporarily. Questioning healthcare providers about the potential of metal allergies, Dr. Materie was dismissed time and time again. She did figure out she had a methylation defect (MTHFR mutation), which affected detox pathways, and for a time just resigned herself to that as the root cause. Enter cancer and breast reconstruction surgery post-mastectomy, Dr. Materie wakes from anesthesia a changed woman. After the Prednisone wore off she had severe cardiac and blood pressure issues, sweats, swelling, pain, inflammation and the development of a Parkinson’s like tremor. Dr.’s ran every test under the sun. All results normal. On a whim, Dr. Materie went to the website for her Allergan breast implants to find a long list of metals and petrochemicals within the various parts of the prosthesis. It appeared she had her answer, along with the answer for why her skin was off-gassing a foul chemical smell that only she could notice. At just 11 weeks post-op, the breast implants were explanted and the majority of Dr. Materie’s symptoms cleared immediately. You don’t want to miss the rest of the story! In this episode you will learn: 1 - How a material that looks as plain as silicone can be infused with harmful & even deadly metals and petrochemicals. 2 - Even when explanted, toxic byproducts can remain in the capsules left behind. 3 - About metal compounds in chemotherapy agents. ~Links and Resources~ To see the images that accompany this episode click HERE: https://tinyurl.com/yw45vtua ~ To learn more visit ⁠HeavilyMetalled.com⁠. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter at HeavilyMetalled.com and get a FREE symptom list & next steps bundle! ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Sign the petition asking medical providers and facilities to pre-screen for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Check out our sponsor ⁠MELISA.org⁠ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Dr Chris Cottrell, MD, FACS, has been a general surgeon in practice for decades, currently living in North Texas. He grew to viral fame on TikTok with a video that showcased his surgical acumen with a DaVinci Robot as he tied a cherry stem in a knot with the robot, much to the delight of social media. The short-form video received over 6.3 million views. Dr. Cottrell has a great TikTok page, and enjoys dabbling in photography & videography, along with family & pool time. Dr. Cottrell is a member of a busy surgical practice and is well-known for several specialties: reflux & bariatric surgery. He also is a super passionate fan of robotic surgery, and educates other surgeons on effective uses of the surgical robot. In the past few years Dr. Cottrell has stumbled on a niche that has left him in demand by many metal-allergic patients: removing surgical clips, staples, and on occasion biopsy markers from metal-allergic patients. All but several of the patients have made significant recoveries from years and even decades of chronic pain and symptoms, thanks to Dr. Cottrell’s pioneering medical interventions. Dr. Cottrell goes on to share some of his interesting surgical cases surrounding metal clip & staple removal—many clients travel from out of state to see him. A discussion regarding surgical opinions of staples & clips within the surgical industry ensues, and Dr. Cottrell voices that what is really needed for a significant number of medical professionals to get onboard are studies. We discuss informed consent in medical and surgical settings, reviewing surgical consents and how patients can better advocate for themselves and communicate their allergies going into surgery. The purpose of the surgical time-out is addressed and there is discussion around when it is and is not important to use the surgical time out to address metal allergies. Also the importance of communication between various members of the surgical team is discussed. This episode provides VALUABLE information for anyone with chronic symptoms wondering if they have clips, staples or markers and if the same should be considered for removal. Dr. Cottrell is willing to consult with patients, physicians and surgeons around the world. You won’t want to miss Dr. Cottrell sharing about his favorite Heavy Metal band! In this episode you will learn: Which imaging tests are best to identify clips, staples & markers. Which locations and situations can be too risky for removal. How patients can communicate with their doctors and surgeons regarding the possibility of locating and removing clips and staples and when it’s best to move on and find another provider. ~Links and Resources~ To see Dr. Cottrell’s FAMOUS Tik Tok Video Click HERE: https://tinyurl.com/y3mfy8v6 ~ Contact Dr. Cottrell’s Practice: Advanced Surgical of North Texas HERE: https://www.advsntx.com/ ~ To learn more visit ⁠HeavilyMetalled.com⁠. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter and get a FREE symptom list & next steps bundle! ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Sign the petition asking medical providers and facilities to pre-screen for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Check out our sponsor ⁠MELISA.org⁠ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Mark Kennard lives in New Zealand and has suffered with severe metal allergies literally his entire life. He intuitively knew something was wrong from the moments he had his first immunizations and started reacting to the aluminum and adjuvants derived from metals, experimenting with more inoculations, just to prove the bizarre symptoms. Physicians diagnosed him with a somatic disorder, accusing him of over-reacting. Not coincidentally, the further he got from the shots, the more symptoms resolved. Not long after he discovered his chronic fatigue syndrome was being caused by mercury and eating an over-abundance of tuna from tin cans. Magically, when he stopped, all symptoms cleared. Later Mark herniated a disc in his back, ultimately requiring a fusion surgery after PT did not resolve symptoms. He mentioned to his surgeon past complications with metals but was assured the implants were bio-compatible. He woke from surgery with immediate resolution of physical pain but days later started reacting with strange, unexplainable symptoms ….blood pressure issues, repeated bowel movements, fainting, vertigo, body temperature fluctuations, severe digestive issues & visual disturbances. Mark was able to put together that he was reacting to titanium dioxide, also that he was experiencing galvanic reactions from interplay between his amalgam fillings, and his spinal implants. Not able to get a blood LTT lymphocyte transformation test, due to complications with getting the sample to the lab in time from New Zealand, he was left on his own to convince doctors that he was experiencing metal hypersensitivity. After years of fighting, asking for new surgeons and being outright dismissed by multiple medical providers, he was able to get his spine surgery revised, only to find out that fragments of the metal hardware were left behind, along with another foreign metal object…some of this would have to remain. He developed epilepsy, and life-threatening seizures with no prior history, becoming medication dependent to keep from seizing. Mark’s nightmare continued with a spinal fracture, another revision and a new allergy to bone cement. A surgeon sympathetic to his situation helped with surgery and revisions, even removing the foreign object, which Mark improved greatly from, but this removal wasn’t documented….it just “disappeared” as if never there, along with all of the symptoms it caused. Mark still struggles, but has an incredible and courageous story. It draws attention to how widely systemic metal allergies can affect the individual, permanently changing lives. In this episode you will learn: --Titanium allergies exist. They are serious and cause a wide variety of symptoms. --How patients with metal allergies frequently have severe reactions to additional metal constituents. --Just how prevalent the rejection of the occurrence of systemic metal allergies is within medical communities–a narrative severely damaging to patients and needing to change. ~Links and Resources~ ~ To see the images that accompany this episode click ⁠HERE⁠: https://tinyurl.com/bfthtd6x ~ To learn more visit ⁠HeavilyMetalled.com⁠. ~ Check out the Heavily Metalled resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter on HeavilyMetalled.com and get a FREE symptom list & next steps bundle! ~ Sign the petition asking medical providers and facilities to pre-screen for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on Rumble here: https://rumble.com/c/c-5549082 ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6h7Q0QqlkPQew9KoVUBkA ~ Check out our sponsor ⁠MELISA.org⁠ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Dr. Marco Caicedo is the Chief Operating Officer of Orthopedic Analysis, and an adjunct professor at Rush University Medical Center in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Caicedo has dedicated his life and career to the study of immune reactions in regards to metal hypersensitivity and is the author of many published scholarly journal articles on the same. We discuss the early-on resistance of orthopedic surgeons, immunologists and other medical peers to the concept of reactivity to metal implants, and go on to discuss how the immune system often views and regulates the presence of metal implants, small or large, and other foreign bodies. Inflammasome Danger Signaling is occurs as the body mounts a strategic response to encapsulate and rid the body, if possible, of the offending foreign material. Innate immune responses are discussed, where macrophages exposed to ions induce an inflammatory response. On the other hand, with adaptive immune responses which occur over a longer period of time, macrophages recruit more antigens, which send out signals to pick up lymphocytes and T-cells and it all spirals into an often out-of-control inflammatory response cycle. Type 1 through Type IV hypersensitivity is discussed–many times patients can present with MULTIPLE types of hypersensitivity reactions to the same allergen–along with the individuality of different patient immune systems. The same allergen present can manifest in a litany of different symptoms and syndromes from individual to individual, making it sometimes difficult to diagnose and categorize.. A discussion also ensues around allergy versus immune reaction, and how one is often mistaken for another. We also discuss allergy versus infection. We discuss headway that may be in the making in regards to the FDA and a 175 page document on metal hypersensitivity reactions, released in 2019. It is now documented that metal allergies are of concern, but there is still a long way to go. Metal implants and allergies are not going away anytime soon. They are actually on the rise. The secret is going to lie in more studies, more screening, more testing, more advocacy and more alternative solutions for implants and revision surgeries. Episode 16 will cover the actual LTT testing offered by Orthopedic Analysis. Stay tuned…. In this episode you will learn: The difference between innate & adaptive immune responses. How patients with metal sensitivities frequently have severe reactions to additional metal constituents. These can be allergic responses OR immune reactivity. They can look the same, but are different. Treatments and implants on the horizon that may be of help to metal-allergic patients with chronic inflammation & increased options for materials & tolerance to surgical implants. ~Links and Resources~ ~ Check out the Orthopedic Analysis website ⁠https://www.orthopedicanalysis.com/⁠ ~ ~Access some of Dr. Caicedo’s scholarly and journal publications: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcocaicedo ~ To learn more visit ⁠HeavilyMetalled.com⁠. ~ Check out the Heavily Metalled resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter on HeavilyMetalled.com and get a FREE symptom list & next steps bundle! ~ Sign the petition asking medical providers and facilities to pre-screen for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on Rumble here: https://rumble.com/c/c-5549082 ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6h7Q0QqlkPQew9KoVUBkA ~ Check out our sponsor ⁠MELISA.org⁠ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Dr. Nadim Hallab is the CEO of Orthopedic Analysis and a professor at Rush University Medical Center in the department of Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Hallab is an expert in metal hypersensitivity and implant degradation, whose research encompasses immune reactions to implant debris, modular junctions, peri-implant cell toxicity, and material surfaces for controlling immune responses. Over two decades, his group has made significant advancements in understanding implant debris interactions and improving implant performance. They've also developed renowned diagnostic methods for establishing metal sensitivity, especially as it relates to implanted hardware and medical devices. Dr, Hallab is the author of over 100 PubMed articles on metal hypersensitivity in regards to orthopedics, has authored and published many other scientific journal articles and has spoken on these subjects nationally and internationally, also sitting as an expert for the FDA on device panel hearings and other meetings. On this episode Dr. Hallab discusses the founding of Orthopedic Analysis, one of the world leaders in blood metal LTT allergy testing and the largest provider of this testing within the USA. We delve into the medical community's views on metal hypersensitivity, Lymphocyte Transformation Testing's clinical validation, and why the "gold standard" patch test falls short in diagnosing metal sensitivity. We explore ongoing efforts to gain support from the FDA, NIH, and insurance providers for LTT testing. We discuss differences between testing methodologies of the stateside Orthopedic Analysis lab, compared to overseas provider MELISA diagnostics and the overall provision and standards of LTT testing, as well as the different materials tested and tested against. Also concentration levels are better explained and a discussion on the shipping of biological samples occurs. Further conversation ensues around the future of metal implants in healthcare, along with the options of coating implants with alternative shielding agents like titanium nitride and carbon fiber, to camouflage allergenic metals from identification by the immune system, which may be less ideal than previously considered. The episode concludes with insights into the impact of COVID on the immune system and answers to questions from Metalhead followers. ~Links and Resources~ ~ Check out the Orthopedic Analysis website ⁠https://www.orthopedicanalysis.com/⁠ ~ ~Access some of Dr. Hallab's scholarly and journal publications ⁠HERE⁠: https://profiles.rush.edu/display/200913 ~ To learn more visit ⁠HeavilyMetalled.com⁠. ~ Check out the Heavily Metalled resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter on HeavilyMetalled.com and get a FREE symptom list & next steps bundle! ~ Sign the petition asking medical providers and facilities to pre-screen for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on Rumble here: https://rumble.com/c/c-5549082 ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6h7Q0QqlkPQew9KoVUBkA ~ Check out our sponsor ⁠MELISA.org⁠ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Laura Duzett is a third-year medical student and survivor of a horrendous bout with dyshidrotic eczema. Soon-to-be Dr. Laura has just released an amazing and comprehensive new Low-Nickel Diet Cookbook that promises to be revolutionary. The cookbook features sections on breakfast, breads, poultry & seafood selections, desert and beverage options and more. The book was co-written with board certified physician and dermatologist Dr. Matthew Zirwas, author of over 195 peer-reviewed journal articles and a patient-centric practice dedicated to discovering the root cause of diseases and syndromes affecting the skin. The book and interview outlines which foods are considered lower and higher in nickel, and sets up three tenants of a successful low-nickel diet, with a foundation rooted in many diets that have been scientifically proven to have great health implications for patients struggling with chronic health symptoms. Lifestyle diets that were modified into this new, low-nickel approach include the following: The Low FODMAP diet, The Mediterranean Diet, Low Carbohydrate diets and loosely the GAPS diet protocol. The focus of the 140 recipes in the book are tailored to those who wish to not only try eating low-nickel, but also those who wish to try to eat recipes without gluten, grains, sugar and processed foods, although the book is written in such a way that those who do not wish to be as stringent are easily able to swap out ingredients and modify the included recipes to better-serve their desire lifestyle and taste preferences. The book includes low-nickel diet food lists, multiple approaches to the low-nickel diet for different lifestyle needs, and estimated amounts of nickel in common measurements for those who would like to customize their dietary ingredients. We discuss favorite foods, how the book came together, common struggles of the nickel-allergic patient in regards to diet, substitutions, and why Laura continues to recommend gluten and grain-free diet adherence. Further discussed is Laura’s favorite alternative to sugar, how extreme recovery and ability to return to a less-stringent version of the low-nickel diet is not only possible, but likely for many if not most in time. We discuss the diet, gut health, mast cell and histamine connections, as well as non-diet lifestyle modifications that really help the body to heal. In this episode you will learn: ~ The three tenants of low-nickel diet success: 1) Reduce nickel intake. 2) Increase nickel release and 3) Be kind to your immune system. ~ The mechanisms in dietary nickel that cause T-cell activation, inflammation and gut permeability and the surprising percentage of GI, GERD & other patients that may be exhibiting symptoms from diets high in nickel. What foods are generally recognized as safe for the nickel-allergic patient and how to incorporate moderate-nickel foods into rotations that will still allow you to eat a healthy diet below 150mcg of nickel daily. ~Links and Resources~ ~ Check out The Low Nickel Diet website & order the new book: https://thelownickeldiet.com ~ ~ To see images that accompany this episode and sample recipe photos click HERE: https://tinyurl.com/mkme2w9m ~ To learn more visit ⁠HeavilyMetalled.com⁠. ~ Check out the Heavily Metalled resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter on HeavilyMetalled.com and get a FREE symptom list & next steps bundle! ~ Sign the petition asking medical providers and facilities to pre-screen for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on Rumble here: https://rumble.com/c/c-5549082 ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6h7Q0QqlkPQew9KoVUBkA ~ Check out our sponsor ⁠MELISA.org⁠ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Meet our fascinating podcast guest, Dr. Kim D’Eramo, DO, a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician who embarked on a transformative journey from conventional medicine to a profound understanding of Mindbody medicine and spirituality. With an innate sensitivity and intuitive nature, Dr. Kim recognized the profound impact of thoughts and emotions on health early on. After years in the Emergency Room, attending to acute processes and disease states with a unique perspective, she courageously left her career to establish a practice focused on Mindbody techniques. Dr. Kim’s own battle with a mysterious illness during medical school became a turning point, leading to a deep realization about the power of perspective and self-nurturing. Through this profound shift tin mindset, she not only fully healed herself, but gained invaluable insights into the root causes of chronic pain and illness. In this episode we explore the transformative power of energy, consciousness, self-talk and awareness in regards to the realm of health and healing. In this episode we discuss Dr. Kim’s personal journey, what true surrender looks and feels like within the body and how to change our physical selves back from an over-reaction to a multitude of stimuli, foreign bodies, chemicals and pathogens, to a non-reactive, nurturing state, where we can be truly healed from the inside out. You will learn more about balancing emotional needs with physical needs and how not to buy into the doom and gloom of your own story. You will learn how to be truly heard by those in your circle and how to team up with your mind and body, bringing them back into true harmony and healing resilience. Dr. Kim is generous enough to take us through a tapping meditation to release fear, disease and lack, helping stuck energy regarding our chronic illness to finally move through the brain and body, to finally help us achieve freedom from the bondage of chronic pain and succumbing to being a victim of our individual personal circumstances. In this episode you will learn: --Why fighting your illness and just “pushing through” never works. --How to feel sourced, heard by physicians and reside in your own power. --A tapping meditation and exercise to release pain and fear. --That complete healing from a lifelong sentence of chronic illness and pain is TRULY possible. ~Links and Resources~ ~ Check out Dr. Kim’s website and resources here: https://drkimd.com/ ~ ~ Order Dr. Kim’s book The Mindbody Toolkit here: https://drkimd.com/book/ ~ To learn more visit ⁠HeavilyMetalled.com⁠. ~ Check out the Heavily Metalled resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter on HeavilyMetalled.com and get a FREE symptom list & next steps bundle! ~ Sign the petition asking medical providers and facilities to pre-screen for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on Rumble here: https://rumble.com/c/c-5549082 ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6h7Q0QqlkPQew9KoVUBkA ~ Check out our sponsor ⁠MELISA.org⁠ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Our guest for this episode is a first for the Heavily Metalled Podcast….”Maria” is telling her story, choosing to remain anonymous, regarding almost a decade of pain, symptoms and difficulties surrounding the Essure permanent metal sterilization device, taken off the market in December of 2018 after a litany of deaths, adverse event reports and intense scrutiny. “Maria” was able to have her Essure removed via a full hysterectomy, many years after having the devices implanted for the bargain-basement price of $50, and experiencing brain fog, fatigue, severe pain and many other symptoms that medical professionals did not feel could be related. She shares her courageous fight, along with her physical and emotional journey in order to help others identify mysterious symptoms and pains that may not even be on the patient radar surrounding the Essure devices. “Maria's” story is not a story of metal allergy, but a story of a foreign body reaction causing physical and immune havoc within a formerly healthy body. Solving years of mystery symptoms and returning to full health with the miraculous removal of the metal devices sent her on a mission to help educate and prevent anyone from suffering the same fate due to the Essure sterilization device. In this episode you will learn: --Health concerns and adverse effects surrounding Essure. --How providers often failed to notify Essure patients of pending litigation and symptoms. --Why removing the Essure sterilization device is anything but simple. --How patients who still have implanted Essure devices remain at risk. ~Links and Resources ~ ~ Check out the Bleeding Edge on Netflix here: ⁠https://www.netflix.com/title/80170862⁠ ~ To learn more visit ⁠HeavilyMetalled.com⁠. ~ Check out the Heavily Metalled resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter on HeavilyMetalled.com and get a FREE symptom list & next steps bundle! ~ Sign the petition asking medical providers and facilities to pre-screen for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on Rumble here: https://rumble.com/c/c-5549082 ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6h7Q0QqlkPQew9KoVUBkA ~ Check out our sponsor ⁠MELISA.org⁠ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

OB/GYN Dr. Julio Novoa, who not only provides excellence in women’s health care but is renowned for his minimally invasive techniques, joins the HMP to discuss all things foreign body reactions, metal hypersensitivity, ASIA syndrome and beyond. Not only a OB/GYN, Dr. Novoa also specializes in cosmetic gynecology but might just shine as the brightest light in his concern for women’s safety and advocacy, who agrees more with a patient-centric model for healthcare as opposed to approaching medicine strictly from a business perspective. Seeing a trend towards unnecessary medical procedures and not being a fan, he became alarmed with routine practices in surgical standards that harmed the patient. Noticing a large subset of patients with severe symptoms from foreign body implantation, such as the Essure permanent sterilization device, surgical clips and staples, leaky breast implants and more, he knew he had to speak out and continues to do so today. We discuss a newer-term and evolving diagnoses: ASIA Syndrome or Autoimmune Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants. Dr. Novoa explains what an adjuvant is and why it matters. We discuss various types of foreign body reactions and why surgeons should be able to readily explant anything they are keen to implant. We also discuss localized and systemic hypersensitivity reactions and whether or not everyone who has them can be classified under the definition of the ASIA effect. Dr. Novoa goes on to detail clinical observations and personally observed results from the large amount of explant surgeries he has performed and witnessed. More and more complete resolution of the patient's vast symptoms upon explantation became the rule, rather than the exception and he shares some of those experiences. He states his opinion on whether asymptomatic patients with implants should consider having them removed after healing has occurred. A lengthy discussion ensues surrounding how to affect change within the medical communities, physicians groups and governing bodies and Dr. Novoa offers his opinion as to why physicians aren’t putting two and two together and completely missing the boat when patients present with systemic and localized foreign body reactions. We also go into the super-serious topics surrounding informed consent and how we need to up our game with our own surgical consents and medical records. This episode will encourage patients to look more closely prior to surgery and to find their voice when experiencing practices that could increase the risk of foreign body reactions. You’ll also want to tune in to hear who is Dr. Novoa’s favorite heavy metal band! In this episode you will learn: -All about informed consent. -Why keeping copies of op and pathology reports is critical. -How to affect change in medicine. -Can what’s put in come out? ~Links and Resources~ ~ Check out Dr. Novoa & The Novoa Medical Services website ⁠HERE:⁠ http://www.drnovoa.com/ ~ To learn more visit ⁠HeavilyMetalled.com⁠. ~ Check out the Heavily Metalled resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources ~ Sign up for the FREE email list & newsletter on HeavilyMetalled.com and get a FREE symptom list & next steps bundle! ~ Sign the petition asking medical providers and facilities to pre-screen for metal hypersensitivity here: http://tinyurl.com/29458ea8 ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on Rumble here: https://rumble.com/c/c-5549082 ~ Follow the Heavily Metalled channel on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6h7Q0QqlkPQew9KoVUBkA ~ Check out our sponsor ⁠MELISA.org⁠ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

In part 2 of my story, after being bedridden and in excruciating pain for years, I finally connect all the dots. After experiencing a full-blown meltdown, realizing I was reacting to recently implanted metal hardware that could not be removed and fearing a life-sentence imprisoned in pain, my pain management doctor suggested getting testing. I found Orthopedic Analysis, a company that provided Lymphocyte Transformation Testing. The results revealed a significant allergy to nickel, molybdenum, and iron. After having surgery to remove a large amount of metal, immediately 60% of the pain in my legs was gone and MANY chronic symptoms resolved. It was absolutely a modern miracle! My goal is to make living with metal allergies better for myself and others also suffering from metal hypersensitivity. It is time to change the medical narrative surrounding metal allergies! In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. How to test for and detect metal allergies. 2. What the Low Nickel Diet is and how it helps to empty the histamine bucket & reduce chronic pain. 3. How metal clips, staples & biopsy markers are often implanted during routine surgeries without knowledge of the patient. 4. Why advocating for your health is important. ~Links and Resources~ To see images that accompany this episode click HERE: https://tinyurl.com/6v9yvcp6 ~ To learn more visit https://www.heavilymetalled.com/. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/pat... ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Check out Gonino Center For Healing: http://www.GoninoWellness.com/ ~ Check out LymeStop: http://lymestop.com/ ~ Check out The Dynamic Neural Retraining System: https://retrainingthebrain.com/ ~ Check out Dr. Scott Schroeder's presentation to the FDA: https://youtu.be/iYa5nb1xjvg?si=5X6mIt0k_n0JE1MP ~ Check out https://melisa.org/ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**

Welcome to the very first episode of the Heavily Metalled podcast! I'm so excited to have you join me on this journey deep into the hot-button topic of metal allergies. In this episode, I’ll be sharing my journey uncovering the hidden dangers of implanted medical hardware. Metal allergies often fly under the radar of medical professionals and symptoms can include systemic pain, neurological issues, autoimmune diseases, and more. Metal hypersensitivity reactions are type IV, cell-mediated delayed hypersensitivity reactions that occur in response to exposure to a foreign substance, such as a metal. These reactions are antigen driven and characterized by a delayed onset, typically occurring days, weeks or months after exposure. I found out I had a metal allergy after a series of surgeries and life events, after which I endured eight years of chronic illness, 3 completely bedridden, before finally finding the correct diagnosis and treatment. I am now greatly recovered! Many patients are unaware that during routine surgeries and tests such as colonoscopies, appendectomies, hysterectomies, thyroid and gallbladder surgeries, biopsies and more, that metal clips, staples, and biopsy markers, just to name a few, are routinely left inside them without their knowledge. In this episode, you will learn the following: --How a metal allergy can present as systemic pain, neurological issues, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia and so much more. --The intricacies of a type IV cell-mediated delayed hypersensitivity reaction to metal alloys. --What happens when medical hardware causes an immune reaction, even when no allergy is present. --How diet & environment play a huge roll in recovery from metal allergies. ~Links and Resources~ To see images that accompany this episode click HERE: https://tinyurl.com/6v9yvcp6 ~ To learn more visit https://www.heavilymetalled.com/. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/pat... ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled ~ Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/ ~ Check out https://melisa.org/ **Many WONDERFUL, supportive special-interest communities exist for metal allergies and diet, hardware issues, medical devices, etc., online and on social media. They have many resources and often act as a collective think-tank. I owe many parts of my recovery to knowledge obtained in such groups. Search keywords to join these groups and find your tribe!**