Explore every episode of the podcast Heavily Metalled
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP47 - MCAS, Histamine & The Nickel Allergy Connection w/Dr. Laura Duzett, DO, NTP | 28 May 2026 | 00:57:41 | |
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. ~Links and Resources~ ~ Check out Dr. Laura Duzett’s Website HERE. ~ ~ Join Dr. Laura’s Low Nickel Restart Community HERE. ~ ~ Check out Dr. Laura’s Low Nickel Diet Facebook Page HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP46 - Breast Cancer, Surgical Clips, Metal Allergies & Systemic Illness: Before & After Metal Clip Removal - Val’s Story | 15 May 2026 | 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. In This Episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP37 - Dr. Selene Parekh - Metal Allergy Relief - 3D Printed Metal-Free Foot & Ankle Implants | 20 May 2025 | 00:46:37 | |
In this groundbreaking episode of Heavily Metalled, we're joined by renowned orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Selene Parekh to explore the revolutionary development of the metal-free 3D-printed Talus implant. As systemic metal hypersensitivity gains wider recognition, this innovation offers new hope to patients who may be allergic to traditional metal orthopedic implants or wish to avoid metal altogether. Dr. Parekh, known as the "Fantasy Doctor" for his sports injury analysis and as a trailblazer in orthopedic innovation, discusses how this polymer-based Talus implant mimics the function and durability of bone without introducing reactive materials into the body. We delve into the technology behind the implant, compare it to metal-based alternatives, and discuss the implications for long-term biocompatibility, joint preservation, and quality of life—especially for patients with previously limited options. We also explore important questions around informed consent and screening for metal allergies in surgical planning. Does Dr. Parekh routinely pre-screen his patients? How is the orthopedic field evolving to meet the needs of this underserved group? And what’s next for 3D printing in other joints? Don’t miss this episode if you or someone you love is navigating life with chronic pain or facing decisions about orthopedic surgery—it could change the way you think about implants forever;. In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~ Find Dr. Parekh at his website HERE. ~ ~Follow Dr. Parekh on his YouTube Channel HERE. ~ ~To see Dr. Parekh’s interview on this implant with CBS News click HERE. ~. ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP 36 - Crippled By Hip Replacement - Cobalt Poisoning Nightmare - Tracey's Story | 07 May 2025 | 01:09:46 | |
Tracey O’Neill was at the pinnacle of health as a fitness instructor and in the prime of her active life prior to bi-lateral hip replacement surgery due to a sudden diagnosis of a previously undiagnosed condition: congenital hip dysplasia. Tracey went from her idyllic life to fully disabled, in massive amounts of pain, and able to walk with only the assistance of dual walking sticks, only to find out that she was being poisoned by severe cobalt debris from her bilateral implants. As Tracey’s condition continued to degrade, and she was gaslit by many medical professionals, she experienced a growing litany of debilitating symptoms such as swelling, pain, redness, memory loss, shortness of breath and swelling, eventually finding out that her cobalt levels were seven times normal. Tracey has bravely endured two brutal revision surgeries to date and that was only on the first hip, with the second still to come.Tracey is now a tireless advocate running an online support group for hip revision patients with chronic pain and cobalt toxicity from hip implants. In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~ Find Tracey’s Hip Replacement Chronic Pain Support & Cobalt Poisoning Facebook group HERE. ~ ~To read Tracey’s Article in the Daily Telegraph click HERE. ~ ~To see the images that accompany this episode click HERE. ~. ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP35 - Betrayal Medicine with Megan Nichols LCSW | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:57:31 | |
EP35 - Betrayal Medicine with Megan Nichols LCSW With the recent headlines regarding spinal and chronic pain patient Luigi Mangioni, and the brutal murder of a United Healthcare insurance executive, our attention is drawn to the plight of chronically ill patients and our broken healthcare system. Our guest today, Therapist Megan Nichols, LCSW, helps us unpack medical trauma, gaslighting and PTSD. We discuss what is happening within the current constructs of our overtaxed and un-individualized healthcare system, how we got here and the difficult emotions that we often encounter on our journey to be heard, seen and understood. We discuss ways to more effectively accomplish our goals regarding caring for ourselves mentally and physically as we navigate chronic conditions and seek for better quality of life. In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~If you are experiencing mental distress and need help NOW call: 2-1-1, 9-8-8 OR Text “Hello” or “Hola” 24/7 to 741741. ~ ~To connect with Megan Nichols, LCSW click HERE. ~ ~To check out Megan’s AWESOME music click HERE. ~. ~To obtain the “No Bad Parts” book by Richard Schrwartz click HERE. ~ ~To obtain “The Myth of Normal” book click HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP34 - From Wealth to Wrecked - Gaslighting, Psych Wards & Metal Allergies - Barry’s Story | 03 Apr 2025 | 01:17:47 | |
Our guest today, Barry Walsh, has an incredible story about allergies to an IV filter, as well as spinal fusion hardware implanted after a 40 foot fall at a construction site. Prior to surgery Barry was a wealthy & successful construction contractor in New York City to many big name celebrities and organizations. After his fall he became homeless, gaslit, dismissed by medical professionals, locked up in psych wards repeatedly and lived in his car until a hero surgeon believed him and started removing his metal. In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP33 - Gadolinium Toxicity with Debbie Heist Lambert | 07 Mar 2025 | 01:14:28 | |
Our guest today, Debbie Heist Lambert is the author of the new book “Gadolinium Deposition and Toxicity: Humanizing a Life-Changing Event", as well as head honcho over at Living with Gadolinium, LLC. Debbie is a huge advocate for all medically injured patients. She is enthusiastic about ensuring that informed consent, truth and transparency become the gold standard for all things healthcare after her own life changed dramatically following the first, and then multiple injections of a GBCA (gadolinium based contrast agent), a toxic rare-earth metal retained in everyone. Debbie found a passion and purpose in learning and applying the new knowledge to help herself and to provide support and help for others. Debbie gives all glory to God for his love, support, and ongoing guidance. In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~ ~ Debbie’s Book: “Gadolinium Deposition & Toxicity: Humanizing a Life-Changing Event” - Get it HERE. ~ ~ Living With Gadolinium, LLC on Facebook - Go HERE. ~ ~GadTTRAC.org - Resource for all things gadolinium - Go HERE. ~ Check out “The God Memorandum” by Og Mandino HERE ~ Check out NeuroSym HERE. ~ Check out Vital Health Saunas HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP32 - Stent Allergy Nightmare-Shannon’s Story | 30 Jan 2025 | 01:03:49 | |
Our guest today, Shannon, has a remarkable story about allergies to an iliac vein stent (two actually) that she received after a May Thurner syndrome diagnosis. Prior to surgery to place the stent she had even informed the surgeon about her severe nickel allergy, complete with LTT test results, and woke from surgery to find out that she had received not only one but TWO nitinol stents instead!!!Nitinol is often comprised of nearly equal amounts of nickel and titanium and causes severe symptoms in the nickel-allergic patient population. You will hear about the severe health challenges that ensued for Shannon and her brave fight to have these stents removed, which may require a very risky open surgery. In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP31 - Sensiband Metal Allergy Test Kit w/Spine Surgeon & Inventor Mitch Reiter | 02 Jan 2025 | 01:15:55 | |
EP31 - Sensiband Metal Allergy Test Kit w/Spine Surgeon & Inventor Mitch Reiter In this episode of Heavily Metalled, we’re diving deep into the Sensiband metal allergy test kit with inventor and renowned spine surgeon Dr. Mitchell Reiter. Sensiband is FDA Class 1 medical device and a groundbreaking tool designed to help individuals identify sensitivities to metals that could be causing systemic pain and other health issues.Dr. Reiter discusses his background and why metal allergies and allergies in general play an important role in his personal life. In practice Dr. Reiter and his inventor/partner Dr. Mark Drzala started noticing some of their surgical patients with sensitivities were experiencing poor surgical outcomes. Dr. Drzala had his own experience with metal allergy and toxicity after reacting to mercury in his dental hardware so their minds turned towards helping these patients and moving them towards a better quality of life. This episode not only delves into all things Sensiband, but also addresses some prominent questions regarding surgical implants, metal allergies, alternative materials, pre-screening customs, and how to combine multiple testing modalities for the most up to date and accurate information regarding a particular patient and that patient’s unique hypersensitivities. We also discuss current stigmas and attitudes in the medical and device industries towards metal allergies and how the tides may be starting to shift in favor of those with documented metal hypersensitivity. This is an episode you won’t want to miss! In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~ Check out the Sensiband website and order your test HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP30 - Knee Replacement Allergy w/Julene | 20 Dec 2024 | 01:45:20 | |
Our guest today, Julene, joins us in the middle of her knee replacement journey.After going early on for a relatively routine meniscus repair, working through physical therapy and all the things to recover, she wound up in an extreme amount of pain that wasn’t normal. Saw a new doctor in follow-up who advised a total knee replacement. Julene received three surgical opinions and all were in agreement. Julene chose the surgeon that asked about prior reactions to metal. About a month after surgery Julene began to develop one symptom after another. So bad she could barely make a glass of water. Acute pain. Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and allergy symptoms. Her cries to her doctor fell on deaf ears and she sought a second opinion. Julene received an LTT Blood test for metal allergies, which came back showing her off-the-charts allergic to nickel. Julene eventually obtained a knee revision and her symptoms resolved rapidly. She felt stable on her new titanium knee….and then it all began to unravel…again. Here about the continuation of her journey, her huge success on the low-nickel diet and then about the connections she made with her metallic dental work. You won’t believe the surprise ending to the story. Well…it’s not the end, it’s actually the middle, as another revision is in Julene’s future. In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~ To see the images that accompany this episode click HERE. ~ ~ To read the PubMed article mentioned on a completely metal-free knee click HERE. ~ ~ To find out about the FIG food app click HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP29 - Hardware 101 - Adverse Event Reporting, Implant Composition & Hardware Removal | 25 Nov 2024 | 01:19:55 | |
This episode is just what the patient ordered! You are about to learn all the want-to-know essentials about hardware & composition such as how to find surgical support documents that dictate implanted hardware and the surgical procedure, how to reach the reps for medical & hardware device manufactures, how to determine the metal alloy components of your surgical hardware and how to file your own adverse event report with the FDA, both electronically and via hard copy. Metal allergy expert Dr. Scott Schroeder, also re-joins the podcast to weigh in and educate more about hardware and the removal process. We discuss surgeon hesitancy in the hardware removal realm, safety considerations, non-metal implant alternatives and why manufacturers might be avoiding allergic patients and whether removing some hardware instead of all is even beneficial to the patients. We also cover how patients should approach and speak with their providers about hardware removal options. This episode is jam-packed with information and if you have metal hardware that you suspect you are allergic to, it’s likely to be one of your favorite podcast episodes yet! In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~ To file your FDA adverse event report click HERE. ~ ~ To View the FDA adverse event report database (FAERS) click HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP28 - Low Nickel Diet & Lifestyle w/Gilda Capraro, MSW | 25 Oct 2024 | 01:35:21 | |
The Low Nickel Diet and template for eating well with metal allergies is quickly gaining popularity among those sensitive to metals. Join us today for this episode with Gilda Capraro, the brawn and brains behind the super-helpful Low Nickel Diet & Lifestyle Facebook group. This episode is jam-packed with information to help you with all things diet and lifestyle as you navigate your nickel allergy and all that goes with it. Much of this information will be applicable to those who are also cross-reactive to other metals. Learn about how systemic metal allergies show up, how a Type IV allergy differs from contact allergies and the various symptoms they manifest. We discuss metal allergies and MCAS, Eczema, how metal allergies relate to chemical and other intolerances and even discuss how cobalt allergies are a close cousin to a nickel allergy. Information in this episode will help you with your low-nickel roadmap, whether you are just starting your journey, or you’ve been on the road for some time. In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~ Check out the Low Nickel Diet & Lifestyle Group on Facebook HERE. ~ ~ Check out the Rebelytics Low Nickel Diet guidelines HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP45 - Metal Allergy in Tarlov Surgery? 2 Patients. Same Reaction. - Keslie’s Story. | 30 Apr 2026 | 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:
~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. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP27 - Metal LTT Blood Testing ORTHOPEDIC ANALYSIS Walkthrough, Q&A + Implant Composition FAQ | 11 Sep 2024 | 01:29:16 | |
EP27 - Metal LTT Blood Testing ORTHOPEDIC ANALYSIS Walkthrough, Q&A + Implant Composition FAQ Join me today for a complete video walkthrough on ordering, drawing & shipping the Orthopedic Analysis blood Metal LTT Lymphocyte Transformation Test. You’ll get to see results of my new OA test and learn all about the valuable resources on the OA website. Additionally you will hear again from OA C.F.O., Dr. Marco Caicedo on not only some of my surprising results with the recent test, but also some experiences and common questions from some in the metal-allergic community regarding OA testing. Lastly, you will learn how to obtain implant composition data from providers, manufacturers and hardware reps, and then how to break that down to know what percentages of which metal alloys are in your hardware. This will empower you so that you can better choose MORE compatible hardware for if and when you have to have surgeries that implant metal. In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~~Check out the Orthopedic Analysis Expert Physician & Surgeons Testimonial page HERE: ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~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 symptom 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!*** | |||
| EP26 - Metals & Myths: A 2024 Heavily Metalled Update: Personal Progress, Controversies & Future Goals. | 02 May 2024 | 01:06:43 | |
This episode details relevant personal updates regarding Shari’s health status, surgeries, death of a prominent family member and an official statement regarding MELISA Diagnostics inability to currently provide metal LTT testing to US residents, as well as where to find alternative testing in the meantime. This episode also makes statements responding to serious allegations leveled at Shari regarding the production and agenda of the Heavily Metalled Podcast. Also the new YouTube Medical Misinformation policy is summarized. Podcast agendas & goals for the future are detailed. In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP25 - Trigeminal Neuralgia Recovery - Emily’s Story of Metal Allergies to Nose Piercing & Mercury Dental Fillings | 18 Apr 2024 | 01:15:47 | |
Emily, is working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science and is looking forward to completing a PhD in the same field a few years after graduation. Emily has been sensitive to metals her whole life, starting with a severe allergy to earrings and other jewelry as a child. In early 2019 she was talked into getting her nose pierced by a friend and was SUPER excited. Even picking out cute nose rings. Within months of that nose piercing Emily developed multiple autoimmune diseases and suffered with the debilitating effects of Trigeminal Neuralgia, a syndrome nicknamed “The Suicide Disease” creating painful nerve sensations on the face. She also suffered from an onset of joint pain, repeated sore throats and swelling of her lymph nodes, as well as all kinds of tenderness surrounding the area. Around the same time frame Emily started noticing increase symptoms from several mercury fillings in her mouth, experiencing a large “flair” when the fillings were removed and likely swallowing a small piece of the extracted filling during removal. Symptoms from her fillings were most notably a metallic taste in her mouth, among others. Emily also shares experiences where her body actually pushed out an IUD device, and relays stories of her throat becoming sore when drinking from stainless steel water bottles and starting to feel unwell from a gifted set of new stainless steel cookware. She is still trying to discern whether or not a surgical clip was left in place during a 2017 appendectomy. She experienced a substantial, indisputable relief of her Trigeminal Neuralgia and other symptoms upon removing the nose ring for an unrelated surgical procedure, along with having her metal fillings removed. Tune in to hear the rest of her compelling story! In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~To find a biological / holistic dentist in your area click HERE. ~ ~To purchase the glass/silicone water bottle shown in the podcast go HERE. ~ ~Check out the Quirky Cork Gourd drinking bottles HERE. ~ ~To learn about LDN or Low Dose Naltrexone click HERE ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP24 - Metal Allergies + Chronic Infections & Viruses with The BetterHealthGuy Scott Forsgren, FDN-P | 04 Apr 2024 | 01:59:18 | |
Come learn about why YOU need to have the chronic infection & virus component on YOUR radar if you are dealing with systemic metal hypersensitivity and other chronic issues. Many with metal hypersensitivity could be dealing with Lyme Disease, Bartonella, HHV6 or EBV, worsening all systemic symptoms & immune status with NO idea. Systemic metal allergies are driven by antigens and T-cells, which put your immune system into rebellion and overdrive. With a compromised immune system so inflamed by metals, it can’t work as hard to fight off chronic infections and viruses that healthy people can hold within no problem.This can leave you with more than one chronic issue. Join the renowned integrative health veteran BetterHealthGuy Scott Forsgren, FDN-P and I as we explore what you need to know within the chronic infection realm and how you can heal from said infections, metal hypersensitivity and more to become whole, healthy and functional again. No doom and gloom here!
In this episode you will learn:
How metal hypersensitivity can pre-dispose you to chronic viruses & infections such as Lyme, Epstein-Barr Virus & more.
The best detox methods for metal hypersensitivity.
11 steps to immune wellness & optimizing your health.
What Limbic System Retraining is and why it’s critical.
~Links and Resources~
~ To visit the BetterHealthGuy website, click HERE.
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~ Lyme & Co-infection testing options: IgenEx, DNA Connexxions, Armin Labs, InfectoLabs.~
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~ Limbic System Retraining Programs: DNRS, Gupta Program, Primal Trust.
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~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE.
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~To learn more visit HeavilyMetalled.com.
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Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/resources
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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
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Follow Heavily Metalled on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeavilyMetalled
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Follow Heavily Metalled on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavilymetalled/
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Subscribe to Heavily Metalled on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeavilyMetalled
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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!***
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| EP23 - Maria's "Cancer" Was Metal Allergies | 21 Mar 2024 | 01:54:10 | |
Maria Lappin, our guest from Michigan, is our incredible Season 2 opener. Her episode discusses a prominent lesion on the tip of her nose, diagnosed by multiple specialists, as aggressive metastatic melanoma. The lesion was, in fact, caused by a systemic reaction to surgical clips placed inside her body without her knowledge, her permission or being pre-screened for metal hypersensitivity, during surgery to remove her lymph nodes in conjunction with the Melanoma diagnoses. Her brave saga will leave you stunned and speechless.We will follow Maria on her overwhelming 10-YEAR journey as a harmless mole, was called out as a disease that would be rapidly life-altering, and could even be life-ending.Maria takes us along on biopsy after inconclusive biopsy, removal of lymph nodes in her neck, repeated imaging studies, medical gaslighting by prominent cancer doctors and institutes, plastic surgeons & more. On several coincidentally “lucky” days, Maria was able to discover her surgical clips, along with the support groups that would eventually lead her to a vascular surgeon who believed her story and who would remove them with a striking dose of compassion and humanity, resolving her symptoms, as well as the lesion on her nose, in short order. Had she not discovered the true source of her lesion, it would have led into MANY years and full facial reconstruction surgery. Yikes!You will hear Maria’s assertive testimony before the FDA on how these surgical clips stole much of her life, and you will hear how she is crawling out of the wreckage to get that life back, and at the end of the episode you will hear a partial conversation with her cancer surgeon stating that they leave clips in patients all the time and that “no one has any problems with them”; A bold statement as we have so much evidence to the contrary….even evidence from our own FDA. You’ll have to hear it to believe it! In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~ To see the images that accompany this episode, click HERE. ~ ~ To visit Maria’s website, click HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP22 - Beyond the Metal: Holistic Dental Care with Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, DDS, FAGD, TNC, CNAS | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:53:45 | |
EP22 - Beyond the Metal: Holistic Dental Care with Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, DDS, FAGD, TNC, CNAS Dr. Michelle Jorgensen has a passion for not just the mouth but how it connects to the entire body, and beyond that, how the connects to the world! We discuss Dr. Michelle’s personal journey with metal toxicity to mercury amalgam, and how she almost became unable to practice dentistry, and had to put her practice up for sale. She tells us how she detoxed and how she uncovered her own MTHFR genetic mutation that can make detox more difficult. Dr. Michelle found a new way to practice, and shocked those in her profession as she recovered completely and became an innovator in her field, an author, a social media guru with over 100K followers, and creator of her own natural product line. Dr. Michelle outlines what dentists are taught regarding metal hypersensitivity in dental school, especially the dialogue surrounding mercury fillings and the controversy surrounding alternative approaches or viewpoints in dentistry. We discuss metal toxicity, metal allergies, metal composites, including porcelain fused to metal crowns, and the fascinating way she is finding places in the bone where it has not healed completely from dental work. These places harbor bugs, parasites and more! She talks about how she heals these areas and miraculously returns patients to full health. We discuss biocompatibility and Dr. Michelle’s best recommendations for testing prior to implantation of any dental devices.Find out the novel ways she has to save teeth and what she recommends if you have to have an implant placed. You will learn how to follow Dr. Michelle and like her, live WELL! In this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ ~ Check out Living Well with Dr. Michelle! https://www.livingwellwithdrmichelle.com ~ ~ Check out Dr. Michelle’s Dental Practice: Total Dental Care_ ~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 ~Subscribe to Heavily Metalled on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-5549082~ 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!*** | |||
| EP21 - Spinal Fusion Nightmare: Titanium & Nickel Allergy + Surgical Clips | 11 Jan 2024 | 01:08:31 | |
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:
~Links and Resources~ ~ Too see the images that accompany this episode, click HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP20 - Dr. Julio Novoa MD - Surgery & Foreign Body Reactions: Asia Syndrome & Informed Consent | 20 Dec 2023 | 01:31:38 | |
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:
~Links and Resources~ ~ Check out Dr. Novoa & The Novoa Medical Services website HERE. ~ ~To learn more visit HeavilyMetalled.com. ~Sign the petition to urge metal hypersensitivity screening HERE. ~ 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/ ~ 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!*** | |||
| EP19 - Essure Sterilization: Life-Threatening Migration, Fatigue, Pain & Symptoms | 09 Dec 2023 | 01:19:06 | |
EP19 - Essure Sterilization: Life-Threatening Migration, Fatigue, Pain & Symptoms 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:
~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 ~ 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!*** | |||
| EP18 - Overcoming Medical PTSD From Your Chronic Illness Journey w/Dr. Kim D’Eramo, DO | 16 Nov 2023 | 00:42:55 | |
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:
~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 ~ 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!*** | |||
| EP44 - Cardiac Metal Allergy w/Dr. Scott Schroeder, DPM, FACFAS - A Surgeon’s Firsthand Experience | 15 Apr 2026 | 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:
~Links and Resources~~Check out the images that accompany this episode HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP17 - Laura Duzett - Dyshidrotic Eczema & Just Released: The Low-Nickel Diet Cookbook | 03 Nov 2023 | 01:15:24 | |
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:
~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. ~ ~To learn more visit 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/ ~ 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!*** | |||
| EP16 - Orthopedic Analysis - Metal Allergy LTT Testing: Lymphocyte Transformation Assays as an Alternative to Patch Testing | 18 Oct 2023 | 01:20:36 | |
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: ~ ~To learn more visit 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/ ~ 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!*** | |||
| EP15 - Metal Allergy Mysteries - Immunologist Insights on the Innate & Adaptive Immune System w/Dr. Marco Caicedo, Ph.D. | 27 Sep 2023 | 01:42:03 | |
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:
~Links and Resources~ ~ Check out the Orthopedic Analysis website https://www.orthopedicanalysis.com/ ~ ~Access some of Dr. Caicedo’s scholarly and journal publications HERE: ~ ~To learn more visit 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/ ~ 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!*** | |||
| EP14 - Spine Surgery w/Allergy to Titanium, Aluminum & Bone Cement + Lifelong Allergies to Metal Derivatives in Diet & Environment. | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:59:38 | |
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:
~Links and Resources~ ~ To see the images that accompany this episode click HERE. ~To learn more visit 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/ ~ 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!*** | |||
| EP13 - Surgical Clips, Staples & Marker Removal Surgery for Metal-Allergic Patients w/Dr. Chris Cottrell, MD, FACS | 16 Aug 2023 | 01:15:45 | |
EP13 - Surgical Clips, Staples & Marker Removal Surgery for Metal-Allergic Patients w/Dr. Chris Cottrell, MD, FACS 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. | |||
| EP12 - Metal Allergies & Breast Implant Illness w/Dr. Corrie Materie, DC | 02 Aug 2023 | 01:13:14 | |
EP12 - Metal Allergies & Breast Implant Illness w/Dr. Corrie Materie, DC 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. It 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:
~Links and Resources~ To see the images that accompany this episode click HERE. ~To learn more visit 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/ ~ Subscribe to Heavily Metalled on YouTube: https://www.youtube.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!*** | |||
| EP11 - Clinical Experiences, Education Efforts & Upcoming Research Studies w/Dr. Dzifa Dordunoo, PhD., RN | 19 Jul 2023 | 01:12:35 | |
EP11 - Clinical Experiences, Education Efforts & Upcoming Research Studies w/Dr. Dzifa Dordunoo, PhD., RN 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. She is the director of the University of Victoria Center for Evidence-Informed Nursing and Healthcare, A JBI Center of Excellence. Dzifa shares experience and research studies in the realm of metal hypersensitivity, which began during the time of her doctoral studies with one of her cardiac care patients, when she became aware of, and investigated the patient’s metal allergy as a possible cause for patient's complications. 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 this episode you will learn:
~Links and Resources~ Articles: Patient Journey Map: Metal hypersensitivity Hypersensitivityhttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/23743735231183576 Hypersensitivity in patients receiving metal implants: a scoping review protocol Metal hypersensitivity screening among frontline healthcare workers—A descriptive study https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocn.15571 Youtube: Hypersensitivity reactions to metal implants https://youtu.be/NGOfWOuMHYw Consenting patients about metal hypersensitivity https://youtu.be/ItdSr7gV_oU~To learn more visit HeavilyMetalled.com. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/patient-resources/ ~ 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 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!*** | |||
| EP10 - Near Death from “Routine” Surgical Clips - Saved by Outspoken PA! | 05 Jul 2023 | 01:15:19 | |
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.~To learn more visit HeavilyMetalled.com. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/patient-resources/ ~ 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 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!*** | |||
| EP09 - Blood Testing for Metal Allergies with MELISA® Diagnostics Part 2 | 21 Jun 2023 | 00:42:45 | |
MELISA® Diagnostics is one of the worldwide leaders in Blood LTT or LymphocyteTransformation Testing for metal allergies. In Part Two of this special 2-part episode, Podcaster Shari Guess walks listeners through the process of ordering their own MELISA test 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:
~Links and Resources~ To see images that accompany this episode click HERE.~To learn more visit HeavilyMetalled.com. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/patient-resources/ ~ 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 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!*** | |||
| EP08 - Blood Testing for Metal Allergies with MELISA® Diagnostics Part 1 | 07 Jun 2023 | 01:15:56 | |
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. 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. 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. When asked how useful the MELISA test would be for patients prior to an implantation surgery, 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. 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. Both the Stimulation Index and the Morphology methodologies were explained. 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 discusses the importance of studying metal hypersensitivity and the need for hard evidence to support the removal of metals from the body. 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 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 HERE. ~ To learn more visit HeavilyMetalled.com. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/patient-resources/ ~ 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 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!*** | |||
| EP43 - Stacey’s Story - Broken By The Fix - Arm & Wrist Hardware Allergy | 20 Mar 2026 | 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:
~Links and Resources~~Check out the images that accompany this episode HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP07 - Metal Allergies & The Low-Nickel Diet: SHOCKING Before & After | 24 May 2023 | 00:56:13 | |
EP07 - Metal Allergies & The Low-Nickel Diet: SHOCKING Before & After! 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:
~Links and Resources~ To see images that accompany this episode click HERE.
~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://
www.heavilymetalled.com/p/patient-resources/ ~ ***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!*** | |||
| EP06 - Miraculous Surgical Cases and Innovative Experiments Regarding Metal Allergies and Galvanism with Dr. Scott Schroeder, DPM, FACAS | 10 May 2023 | 01:19:16 | |
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 dissimilar 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:
~Links and Resources~ To see Dr. Schroeder’s images that accompany this episode click HERE. ~ To learn more visit heavilymetalled.com. ~ To check out the Heavily Metalled Resource page click HERE: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/patient-resources/ ~ 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 ~ Sponsor page: 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!*** | |||
| EP05 - Metal Allergy Nightmare with Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement: News Anchor Loses Career - Dismissed As Crazy! | 19 Apr 2023 | 01:22:01 | |
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 the 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 bilateral 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://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15hT5M42AaFbwsVSxovCFbYNyTuGEvyu6?usp=share_link ~ To see Frances testify before the FDA click HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o86QfyBjDdk&feature=youtu.be ~ To see the "Billion Dollar Baby KABC news segment click HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON9DgGkSQ8M ~ ~To learn more visit HeavilyMetalled.com. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/patient-resources/ ~ 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 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!*** | |||
| EP04 - Metal Gallbladder Clip Allergy - Routine Surgery Leads to Life-Threatening Complications | 05 Apr 2023 | 01:36:44 | |
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.~To learn more visit heavilymetalled.com. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/patient-resources/ ~ 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 ~ Sponsor page: 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!*** | |||
| EP03 - Paralyzed from Metal Hardware: From Full Quadraplegic to Fully Healed! | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:56:41 | |
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:
~Links and Resources~ To see images that accompany this episode click HERE. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/patient-resources/ ~ 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 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!*** TRANSCRIPT: | |||
| EP02 - Metal Allergy Symptoms Resolved! Overcoming a Life Sentence of Chronic Pain | 01 Mar 2023 | 00:51:56 | |
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. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/patient-resources/ ~ 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 Gonino Center For Healing: http://www.GoninoWellness.com/ ~ Check out LymeStop: http://lymestop.com/ ~ Check out The Dynamic Neural Retraining System: https://retrainingthebrain.com/ ~ Follow Dr. Kim D’Eramo on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKimDeramo ~ Watch Dr. Scott Schroder’s FDA presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYa5nb1xjvg ~ Check out 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!*** | |||
| EP01 - Metal Allergies, Chronic Pain & Systemic Symptoms: A Life-Threatening & Under-Reported Reality | 01 Mar 2023 | 00:51:11 | |
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:
~Links and Resources~ To see images that accompany this episode click HERE. ~ Check out the “Heavily Metalled” resource page: https://www.heavilymetalled.com/p/patient-resources/ ~ 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 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!*** | |||
| Heavily Metalled Podcast Trailer | 07 Feb 2023 | 00:01:16 | |
Had or are having surgery? A biopsy? A colonoscopy? Did you know they often leave metal clips, staples & biopsy markers inside your body WITHOUT TELLING YOU?
Do you have metal inside you?
Are you sure?
Metal Hypersensitivity reactions often cause chronic systemic pain, immune dysfunction, histamine reactions, excema, bleeding rashes & many other chronic symptoms & syndromes that can appear ANYWHERE throughout the body, like "fibromyalgia", yet the correlation is often missed by medical professionals.
What about your “safe and effective” medical hardware?
Did you know you can be allergic to that too?
Have you ever had a reaction to jewelry, a watchband or snaps on your jeans?
If you answered yes to ANY of these questions and you don't know where to start to unravel it all and in what order, you should probably come rock out with us to find out more.
On this podcast I interview patients, medical professionals & industry insiders, having important discussions regarding the all-to-commonly experienced, but lesser-identified symptoms of hypersensitivity to metals contained in implanted medical & dental hardware. These metals often cause a variety of dysfunctional immune responses, chronic pain & other syndromes that fly under the radar of most patients and physicians. During these interviews the patients and I discuss ideas for managing symptoms, share personal lifestyle modifications and talk about how to advocate with and educate providers pre and post-surgery, along with options found for implant removal and the how-to of adverse event reporting. This podcast does not give medical advice! From time to time I may interview medical professionals that render personal opinions you can use to follow-up with your individual provider. Tune into the "Heavily Metalled" Podcast launching soon!
Follow the "Heavily Metalled" pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tik Tok & Twitter for up to date information and the launch-watch party!
See you there! Music Credit: Brian Young
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| EP42 - Dewayne’s Story - Metal. Out. Life. Back. - Dual Spinal Fusion Hardware Removal | 01 Feb 2026 | 00:50:03 | |
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:
~Links and Resources~~Check out the images that accompany this episode HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP41 - Shari’s Update - Common Comorbidities of Metal Allergies - Tarlov Cyst Disease, Lipedema & Other Connective Tissue Diseases. | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:39:44 | |
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 and Resources~~Check out the images that accompany this episode HERE. ~ ~Find out more about Lipedema HERE. ~ ~Find out more about Tarlov Cyst Disease HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP40 - Ossio Fiber - Metal Free Implant Technology w/Dr. Gregory C. Berlet, MD, FRCS(C), FAOA | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:45:40 | |
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:
~Links and Resources~ ~ Check out the Ossio website here: https://Ossio.io ~ ~ Follow Ossio on social media HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP39 - Chiari Brain Surgery: When Pain is LITERALLY In Your Head - Jen’s Metal Allergy Story | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:49:53 | |
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:
~Links and Resources~ ~ Support for Chiari Malformation: www.ChiariSupport.org ~ Bobby Jones website for Chiari related disorders: https://bobbyjonescsf.org/ ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||
| EP38 - Your Metal Allergy Questions Answered / Live Community Q&A w/Dr. Scott Schroeder MD, FACFAS & MELISA CEO Linda Nelson | 10 Sep 2025 | 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:
~Links and Resources~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE. ~ ~To follow Heavily Metalled on RUMBLE click HERE. ~ ~To read the YouTube medical misinformation policy click HERE. ~ ~Get the Low Nickel Diet cookbook HERE. ~ ~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!*** | |||