On this podcast, we interview patients, medical professionals, and industry insiders having important discussions regarding the all too commonly experienced, but lesser-identified symptoms of hypersensitivity to metals contained in implanted medical and dental hardware. These metals often cause a variety of dysfunctional immune responses, chronic pain, and other syndromes. We discuss ideas for managing symptoms, share personal lifestyle modifications, and talk about how to advocate with and educate providers pre and post-surgery. Music provided by Brian Young.
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EP47 - MCAS, Histamine & The Nickel Allergy Connection w/Dr. Laura Duzett, DO, NTP
Season 3 · Episode 47
Thursday, May 28, 2026 • Duration 57:41
In this episode of the Heavily Metalled Podcast, Shari sits down with returning guest Dr. Laura Duzett — physician, pathology resident, nutritional therapy practitioner, and author of The Low Nickel Diet Cookbook — for a conversation about systemic nickel allergy, mast cell activation, histamine pathways, and the immune mechanisms behind chronic symptoms in sensitive patients.
Together, they explain why nickel hypersensitivity is far more complex than the typical “jewelry rash” many physicians learn about in medical school. Dr. Laura breaks down three forms of nickel allergy: contact dermatitis on the skin, allergic contact mucositis in the digestive tract and mucosal tissues, and systemic nickel allergy syndrome (SNAS), where immune sensitization extends beyond local tissues and begins affecting the body systemically.
The discussion explores how nickel exposure — from diet, implants, or the environment — may contribute to symptoms far beyond the skin, including flushing, itching, gut dysfunction, headaches, sleep disruption, mast cell activation, histamine intolerance, fibromyalgia-like symptoms, and chronic inflammation. Dr. Laura explains how nickel may activate mast cells, increase histamine sensitivity, impair DAO function, increase intestinal permeability, and potentially create a self-perpetuating inflammatory cycle.
One of the most fascinating sections focuses on Dr. Laura’s newly developed Nickel-Histamine Pathway Chart, which maps ways nickel may influence histamine production and mast cell activity through allergic and biochemical pathways involving estrogen receptors, inflammatory cytokines, DAO suppression, oxidative stress, and histamine receptor upregulation.
Shari and Dr. Laura also discuss nickel allergy testing, including patch testing, oral mucosal testing, and lymphocyte transformation testing (LTT). They explain that no single test captures the full picture of systemic nickel hypersensitivity and stress the importance of evaluating symptoms and clinical response alongside testing.
The episode also offers practical strategies for listeners who feel overwhelmed. Dr. Laura explains why focusing on gut health, reducing dietary nickel exposure, improving sleep, calming mast cells, and lowering inflammation may help improve quality of life, even before or without implant revision surgery.
In This Episode You Will Learn:
• The 3 forms of nickel allergy and why they require different testing approaches.
• How mast cells, histamine, gut permeability, and nickel exposure may contribute to a vicious inflammatory cycle.
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
***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!***
EP46 - Breast Cancer, Surgical Clips, Metal Allergies & Systemic Illness: Before & After Metal Clip Removal - Val’s Story
Season 3 · Episode 46
Friday, May 15, 2026 • Duration 01:31:04
After surviving breast cancer, Val Johnson believed she was finally moving into healing and recovery. Instead, what followed was years of escalating neurological symptoms, muscle spasms, severe pain, heart rhythm abnormalities, inflammation, weight loss, nervous system dysfunction, and repeated medical dismissal — all while breast and abdominal surgical clips and biopsy markers remained inside her body.
In this deeply emotional and eye-opening episode of Heavily Metalled, Val shares her lifelong history of metal sensitivity and the terrifying health decline that began after breast cancer treatment, reconstructive surgery, abdominal surgical clips, and retained breast biopsy markers.
What makes Val’s story especially powerful is that she knew from childhood that her body reacted to metal. Earrings caused reactions. Dental metal caused pain. Yet despite repeatedly warning doctors that something felt wrong after surgery, she was continually told her symptoms “couldn’t” be related to the clips left inside her body.
As her health spiraled, Val began experiencing widespread systemic symptoms that mimicked serious neurological disease — muscle atrophy, spasms, numbness, heart rhythm changes, swallowing difficulties, dysautonomia-like symptoms, severe inflammation, and debilitating pain. Multiple specialists, scans, emergency room visits, and even Mayo Clinic failed to provide answers.
This conversation also touches on the growing concerns surrounding cumulative metal exposure in medicine. Val discusses learning later that certain chemotherapy agents contain platinum-based metals, while many MRI contrast agents contain gadolinium — a rare earth metal known to retain in the body in varying amounts. The episode explores the difficult questions many chronically ill patients are beginning to ask about total toxic burden, immune dysregulation, and why some individuals appear more sensitive than others.
Eventually, Val found a surgeon willing to remove the breast and abdominal surgical clips and biopsy markers that had been dismissed for years and is making huge strides in her recovery with many symptoms subsequently disappearing after explant.
EP45 - Metal Allergy in Tarlov Surgery? 2 Patients. Same Reaction. - Keslie’s Story.
Season 3 · Episode 39
Thursday, April 30, 2026 • Duration 01:09:09
In this episode of Heavily Metalled, Shari sits down with Keslie to share a striking parallel in their journeys with Tarlov Cyst Disease and metal hypersensitivity.
Both women underwent surgery with Dr. Rudolph Schrot M.D., Chief of Neurosurgery in Sacramento, CA—one of the few neurosurgeons in the U.S. specializing in Tarlov cysts—where metal craniofacial microplates and screws were used to close the exposed sacral bone where it was exposed and used to access the sacral nerves.
What followed within 3-4 months was a cascade of systemic symptoms that were cautiously expected, due to the known allergy beforehand, but were hopefully to be avoided due to the trace nickel content in the surgical hardware.
Keslie, a California-based hypnotherapist, trauma coach, and holistic healer, shares her path from being dismissed and gaslit by doctors to finally receiving a diagnosis. As a mother of three daughters born in quick succession, her symptoms intensified over time, eventually leading her to surgery.
Through online patient communities and the growing awareness of metal hypersensitivity, both Keslie and Shari were able to investigate further and tie their systemic symptoms to their implanted hardware.
After undergoing second sacral surgeries to remove the metal implanted in the initial surgery, both experienced meaningful resolution of systemic symptoms—a turning point that reshaped their understanding of their health.
Keslie also opens up about the added complexity of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, surgical challenges, and her ongoing recovery.
This episode highlights the importance of awareness, informed consent, and listening to your body—especially when answers aren’t easy to find.
In This Episode you will learn:
Why even tiny amounts of metal in Tarlov cyst surgery can matter more than you think.
What happened when two patients removed their hardware post-operatively.
How to recognize patterns when answers don’t add up.
EP44 - Cardiac Metal Allergy w/Dr. Scott Schroeder, DPM, FACFAS - A Surgeon’s Firsthand Experience
Season 3 · Episode 44
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • Duration 01:27:27
What happens when one of the world’s leading educators on metal hypersensitivity becomes the patient?
In this deeply personal and groundbreaking episode, Dr. Scott Schroeder, DPM, FACFAS—an internationally recognized foot and ankle surgeon with over 30 years of experience—shares the journey that changed everything. After decades of observing unexplained post-surgical symptoms in his own patients, Dr. Schroeder began asking questions few were willing to explore. What he discovered would not only reshape his clinical perspective… it would ultimately become his own reality.
Despite clearly communicating a known nickel allergy prior to open heart surgery, Dr. Schroeder awoke to severe, life-altering symptoms. What followed was a cascade of complications linked to implanted metal hardware—including episodes of vision loss that forced him into an abrupt and devastating retirement. Through advanced testing and further surgical intervention, more than 18 previously unknown clips and staples were discovered and removed, revealing just how complex and under-recognized these reactions can be.
Now, for the first time, Dr. Schroeder is sharing his story publicly—connecting the dots between his patients, his research, and his own lived experience. This episode also explores the broader implications of metal hypersensitivity, including galvanic reactions, corrosion of implanted materials, and the surprising prevalence of sensitivities within his own family.
This conversation is not about blame—it’s about awareness, curiosity, and advancing understanding in a space that impacts more people than we realize.
In This Episode you will learn:
About metal used in cardiac surgeries & why you need to tell your surgeon if you’re allergic.
All about removing stainless steel & titanium sternum wires, along with additional clips and staples often used in cardiac surgeries.
That sometimes metal allergies can be the root cause of stent occlusal.
Tips for patient and self-advocacy.
~Links and Resources~~Check out the images that accompany this episode .
EP43 - Stacey’s Story - Broken By The Fix - Arm & Wrist Hardware Allergy
Season 3 · Episode 43
Friday, March 20, 2026 • Duration 01:12:38
Madelung’s deformity is a rare congenital condition affecting the forearm, often treated with surgical implants. But for some patients, implanted hardware can trigger far more than a structural issue.
In this episode, I’m joined by Stacey Parkinson, a young woman from England who underwent arm and wrist surgery for Madelung’s deformity—and soon after developed a range of alarming symptoms, including severe eczema, heart rate irregularities, chest pain and blood pressure instability.
Less than a year post-surgery, Stacey reached a breaking point and advocated for the removal of her arm and wrist hardware. Following removal, she experienced an estimated 80% improvement in her symptoms—raising serious questions about metal hypersensitivity and implant reactions.
While Stacey has not yet completed formal testing, she plans to pursue evaluation through MELISA Diagnostics. She also shares her ongoing healing journey, including potential contributing factors like mercury amalgam fillings and dietary nickel exposure.
This episode sheds light on the potential link between orthopedic implants and systemic symptoms—and the importance of listening to your body when something isn’t right.
In This Episode you will learn:
The connection between Madelung’s deformity, surgical hardware, and potential implant-related complications.
Common (and often overlooked) symptoms of metal hypersensitivity, including skin, cardiovascular, and systemic reactions.
Why hardware removal can be life-changing—and what additional factors (like mercury and nickel exposure) may still impact recovery.
~Links and Resources~~Check out the images that accompany this episode HERE.
~
~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE.
EP42 - Dewayne’s Story - Metal. Out. Life. Back. - Dual Spinal Fusion Hardware Removal
Season 3 · Episode 42
Sunday, February 1, 2026 • Duration 50:03
Travel with Dewayne to North Texas where after 20 years of intractable pain due to metal allergy, he gets a DOUBLE HARDWARE REMOVAL (Lumbar and Cervical Spine) for his birthday! In a groundbreaking first for the Heavily Metalled Podcast, Dewayne comes to my hometown in DFW, and has this life-changing surgery with MY incredible neurosurgeon, Dr. Gregory Smith, D.O. I am with him, chronicling his journey every step of the way! When I met Dewayne, he was about to give up on life. I said “No way! “I was captivated by our spinal x-rays, which showed that we had endured FOUR of the same surgeries to our lumbar and cervical spine. Surely this was my “brother-from-another-mother” and almost every sign for his “mysterious, undiagnosed pain”, dismissed by OVER 20 SURGEONS, pointed to systemic metal hypersensitivity. Find out if this really was his missing link and his path to better health. I bet you can already guess the answer…..
In this episode you will learn:
Why many surgeons are hesitant to remove hardware.
Why you should trust your gut when you KNOW something is wrong.
How Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) & Hypermobility frequently present With systemic metal hypersensitivity.
~Links and Resources~~Check out the images that accompany this episode HERE.
~
~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE.
~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE.
~
EP41 - Shari’s Update - Common Comorbidities of Metal Allergies - Tarlov Cyst Disease, Lipedema & Other Connective Tissue Diseases.
Season 3 · Episode 41
Thursday, December 18, 2025 • Duration 39:44
In this episode, I sit down and bring you up to speed on Shari’s world. I have now had my 48th surgery and in TWO short years have two new chronic diagnoses. Ugh! We are going to talk about how Tarlov Cyst Disease, which you may or may not know about, Lipedema (mainly women) and other connective tissue disorders like Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS/hEDS) and others are very commonly seen with systemic metal hypersensitivities. You’re going to learn about why I’ve slowed down (and that I’m still alive and moving forward!), about my two new diagnoses and what they could mean for you, your family or others you know. VERY excited that we are into our 40th EPISODE and third season!Let’s do this!
In this episode you will learn:
Links between metal allergies and connective tissue disease.
What is genetic Lipedema that affects 11% of women (and some men), and how it might relate to systemic metal hypersensitivity and your overall inflammatory load.
What is Tarlov Cyst Disease, what are the symptoms and treatment? Why this disease is common to those with metal allergies.
Real world example of implanted surgical hardware removal causing a massive and near immediate relief of symptoms.
~Links and Resources~~Check out the images that accompany this episode HERE.
~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE.
~
EP40 - Ossio Fiber - Metal Free Implant Technology w/Dr. Gregory C. Berlet, MD, FRCS(C), FAOA
Season 3 · Episode 40
Thursday, November 20, 2025 • Duration 45:40
In this episode, we sit down with the team behind OSSIO Fiber, a new class of bio-integrative fixation technology designed to offer surgeons an alternative to traditional metal implants. Instead of leaving permanent hardware behind, OSSIO Fiber is engineered to provide strong, stable fixation while gradually integrating into the patient’s natural bone over time.
We explore the science behind the material, the motivation for developing a metal-free solution, and how this technology is shaping decisions in orthopedic care today. Whether you’re a surgeon, a med-tech professional, or simply curious about innovations improving patient experiences, this episode offers a clear, accessible look at a breakthrough that’s gaining momentum across the field.
Why This Conversation Matters
Traditional metal implants have been the standard for decades, but they come with lifelong presence, potential removal surgeries, and imaging limitations. OSSIO Fiber represents a different direction—one that supports healing while reducing the long-term footprint of fixation materials. This episode breaks down the science, the promise, and the practical reality behind that shift.
In this episode you will learn:
Why surgeons are seeking alternatives to traditional metal implants and what challenges OSSIO Fiber aims to address.
How bio-integrative materials work and what makes OSSIO Fiber different from resorbable or metal-based fixation.
Real-world insights from the development and clinical adoption of fiber-based fixation technology.
~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click .
EP39 - Chiari Brain Surgery: When Pain is LITERALLY In Your Head - Jen’s Metal Allergy Story
Season 3 · Episode 39
Monday, October 27, 2025 • Duration 49:53
Our guest in this episode, Jen, suffers from Chiari Malformation - A syndrome where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, estimated to affect approximately 1 in 1000 people.
Jen bravely underwent Chiari Decompression surgery to relieve pressure on the brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord, but immediately knew something was wrong due to a litany of pain and symptoms following her surgery and the implantation of titanium mesh hardware.
After much research and many tests, Jen was able to confirm an allergy to nickel, a trace element not required to be listed in commercially pure titanium hardware. This podcast episode is the story of Jen’s fight through her pain, through gaslighting and ultimately revision surgery to remove the metal from her brain and to help resolve the symptoms caused by it.
In this episode you will learn:
What is Chiari malformation and what are the symptoms.
How Chiari Decompression surgery is performed.
How metal hardware is often implanted during surgery without the patient’s knowledge or formal consent.
Why it is important to continue to advocate for yourself and better outcomes.
EP38 - Your Metal Allergy Questions Answered / Live Community Q&A w/Dr. Scott Schroeder MD, FACFAS & MELISA CEO Linda Nelson
Season 3 · Episode 38
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 • Duration 01:41:40
Welcome to our Heavily Metalled Season 3 Opener and a Heavily Metalled FIRST! In this episode the renowned metal allergy expert Dr. Scott Schroeder takes metal allergy questions, along with Linda Nelson, CEO of MELISA Diagnostics, on our first ever community Q&A recorded LIVE, along with many questions sent in by our Metalhead audience!
We’ve got questions about implants, surgeries, testing, diet, pre-operative preparation and much, MUCH more!
In this episode you will learn:
How you can experience TREMENDOUS relief from pain and symptoms by following a low-nickel diet.
Do trace amounts of nickel in implants really cause severe reactions & what percentage does it take to cause them?
How to get a doctor that won’t listen to hear you.
~Links and Resources~
~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE.
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
***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!***
~Links and Resources~
~ If you have unexplained sacral pain, find out more about Tarlov Cyst Disease Foundation HERE.
~
~ Contact the Tarlov Cyst Disease Foundation HERE.
~
~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE.
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
***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!***
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
***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!***
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
***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!***
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
***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!***
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
***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!***
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
***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!***
~
~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE.
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
***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!***
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
***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!***
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