Heavily Metalled

Heavily Metalled
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

On this podcast, we interview patients, medical professionals, and industry insiders having important discussions regarding the all too commonly experienced, but lesser-identified symptoms of hypersensitivity to metals contained in implanted medical and dental hardware. These metals often cause a variety of dysfunctional immune responses, chronic pain, and other syndromes. We discuss ideas for managing symptoms, share personal lifestyle modifications, and talk about how to advocate with and educate providers pre and post-surgery. Music provided by Brian Young.

  1. EP44 - Cardiac Metal Allergy w/Dr. Scott Schroeder, DPM, FACFAS - A Surgeon’s Firsthand Experience

    APR 15

    EP44 - Cardiac Metal Allergy w/Dr. Scott Schroeder, DPM, FACFAS - A Surgeon’s Firsthand Experience

    What happens when one of the world’s leading educators on metal hypersensitivity becomes the patient? In this deeply personal and groundbreaking episode, Dr. Scott Schroeder, DPM, FACFAS—an internationally recognized foot and ankle surgeon with over 30 years of experience—shares the journey that changed everything. After decades of observing unexplained post-surgical symptoms in his own patients, Dr. Schroeder began asking questions few were willing to explore. What he discovered would not only reshape his clinical perspective… it would ultimately become his own reality. Despite clearly communicating a known nickel allergy prior to open heart surgery, Dr. Schroeder awoke to severe, life-altering symptoms. What followed was a cascade of complications linked to implanted metal hardware—including episodes of vision loss that forced him into an abrupt and devastating retirement. Through advanced testing and further surgical intervention, more than 18 previously unknown clips and staples were discovered and removed, revealing just how complex and under-recognized these reactions can be. Now, for the first time, Dr. Schroeder is sharing his story publicly—connecting the dots between his patients, his research, and his own lived experience. This episode also explores the broader implications of metal hypersensitivity, including galvanic reactions, corrosion of implanted materials, and the surprising prevalence of sensitivities within his own family. This conversation is not about blame—it’s about awareness, curiosity, and advancing understanding in a space that impacts more people than we realize. In This Episode you will learn:  About metal used in cardiac surgeries & why you need to tell your surgeon if you’re allergic.  All about removing stainless steel & titanium sternum wires, along with additional clips and staples often used in cardiac surgeries.  That sometimes metal allergies can be the root cause of stent occlusal.  Tips for patient and self-advocacy.  ~Links and Resources~~Check out the images that accompany this episode 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!***

    1h 27m
  2. EP43 - Stacey’s Story - Broken By The Fix - Arm & Wrist Hardware Allergy

    MAR 20

    EP43 - Stacey’s Story - Broken By The Fix - Arm & Wrist Hardware Allergy

    Madelung’s deformity is a rare congenital condition affecting the forearm, often treated with surgical implants. But for some patients, implanted hardware can trigger far more than a structural issue. In this episode, I’m joined by Stacey Parkinson, a young woman from England who underwent arm and wrist surgery for Madelung’s deformity—and soon after developed a range of alarming symptoms, including severe eczema, heart rate irregularities, chest pain and blood pressure instability. Less than a year post-surgery, Stacey reached a breaking point and advocated for the removal of her arm and wrist hardware. Following removal, she experienced an estimated 80% improvement in her symptoms—raising serious questions about metal hypersensitivity and implant reactions. While Stacey has not yet completed formal testing, she plans to pursue evaluation through MELISA Diagnostics. She also shares her ongoing healing journey, including potential contributing factors like mercury amalgam fillings and dietary nickel exposure. This episode sheds light on the potential link between orthopedic implants and systemic symptoms—and the importance of listening to your body when something isn’t right. In This Episode you will learn:  The connection between Madelung’s deformity, surgical hardware, and potential implant-related complications. Common (and often overlooked) symptoms of metal hypersensitivity, including skin, cardiovascular, and systemic reactions. Why hardware removal can be life-changing—and what additional factors (like mercury and nickel exposure) may still impact recovery. ~Links and Resources~~Check out the images that accompany this episode HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE.  ~ ~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!***

    1h 13m
  3. EP42 - Dewayne’s Story - Metal. Out. Life. Back. - Dual Spinal Fusion Hardware Removal

    FEB 1

    EP42 - Dewayne’s Story - Metal. Out. Life. Back. - Dual Spinal Fusion Hardware Removal

    Travel with Dewayne to North Texas where after 20 years of intractable pain due to metal allergy, he gets a DOUBLE HARDWARE REMOVAL (Lumbar and Cervical Spine) for his birthday! In a groundbreaking first for the Heavily Metalled Podcast, Dewayne comes to my hometown in DFW, and has this life-changing surgery with MY incredible neurosurgeon, Dr. Gregory Smith, D.O. I am with him, chronicling his journey every step of the way! When I met Dewayne, he was about to give up on life. I said “No way! “I was captivated by our spinal x-rays, which showed that we had endured FOUR of the same surgeries to our lumbar and cervical spine. Surely this was my “brother-from-another-mother” and almost every sign for his “mysterious, undiagnosed pain”, dismissed by OVER 20 SURGEONS, pointed to systemic metal hypersensitivity. Find out if this really was his missing link and his path to better health. I bet you can already guess the answer….. In this episode you will learn: Why many surgeons are hesitant to remove hardware.  Why you should trust your gut when you KNOW something is wrong.  How Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) & Hypermobility frequently present With systemic metal hypersensitivity. ~Links and Resources~~Check out the images that accompany this episode HERE. ~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE.  ~ ~To 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!***

    50 min
  4. EP41 - Shari’s Update - Common Comorbidities of Metal Allergies - Tarlov Cyst Disease, Lipedema & Other Connective Tissue Diseases.

    12/18/2025

    EP41 - Shari’s Update - Common Comorbidities of Metal Allergies - Tarlov Cyst Disease, Lipedema & Other Connective Tissue Diseases.

    In this episode, I sit down and bring you up to speed on Shari’s world. I have now had my 48th surgery and in TWO short years have two new chronic diagnoses. Ugh! We are going to talk about how Tarlov Cyst Disease, which you may or may not know about, Lipedema (mainly women) and other connective tissue disorders like Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS/hEDS) and others are very commonly seen with systemic metal hypersensitivities. You’re going to learn about why I’ve slowed down (and that I’m still alive and moving forward!), about my two new diagnoses and what they could mean for you, your family or others you know. VERY excited that we are into our 40th EPISODE and third season!Let’s do this! In this episode you will learn: Links between metal allergies and connective tissue disease.  What is genetic Lipedema that affects 11% of women (and some men), and how it might relate to systemic metal hypersensitivity and your overall inflammatory load.   What is Tarlov Cyst Disease, what are the symptoms and treatment? Why this disease is common to those with metal allergies.  Real world example of implanted surgical hardware removal causing a massive and near immediate relief of symptoms.  ~Links and Resources~~Check out the images that accompany this episode HERE. ~ ~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!***

    40 min
  5. EP40 - Ossio Fiber  - Metal Free Implant Technology w/Dr. Gregory C. Berlet, MD, FRCS(C), FAOA

    11/20/2025

    EP40 - Ossio Fiber  - Metal Free Implant Technology w/Dr. Gregory C. Berlet, MD, FRCS(C), FAOA

    In this episode, we sit down with the team behind OSSIO Fiber, a new class of bio-integrative fixation technology designed to offer surgeons an alternative to traditional metal implants. Instead of leaving permanent hardware behind, OSSIO Fiber is engineered to provide strong, stable fixation while gradually integrating into the patient’s natural bone over time. We explore the science behind the material, the motivation for developing a metal-free solution, and how this technology is shaping decisions in orthopedic care today. Whether you’re a surgeon, a med-tech professional, or simply curious about innovations improving patient experiences, this episode offers a clear, accessible look at a breakthrough that’s gaining momentum across the field. Why This Conversation Matters Traditional metal implants have been the standard for decades, but they come with lifelong presence, potential removal surgeries, and imaging limitations. OSSIO Fiber represents a different direction—one that supports healing while reducing the long-term footprint of fixation materials. This episode breaks down the science, the promise, and the practical reality behind that shift. In this episode you will learn: Why surgeons are seeking alternatives to traditional metal implants and what challenges OSSIO Fiber aims to address. How bio-integrative materials work and what makes OSSIO Fiber different from resorbable or metal-based fixation. Real-world insights from the development and clinical adoption of fiber-based fixation technology. ~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!***

    46 min
  6. EP39 - Chiari Brain Surgery: When Pain is LITERALLY In Your Head - Jen’s Metal Allergy Story

    10/27/2025

    EP39 - Chiari Brain Surgery: When Pain is LITERALLY In Your Head - Jen’s Metal Allergy Story

    Our guest in this episode, Jen, suffers from Chiari Malformation - A syndrome where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, estimated to affect approximately 1 in 1000 people. Jen bravely underwent Chiari Decompression surgery to relieve pressure on the brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord, but immediately knew something was wrong due to a litany of pain and symptoms following her surgery and the implantation of titanium mesh hardware. After much research and many tests, Jen was able to confirm an allergy to nickel, a trace element not required to be listed in commercially pure titanium hardware. This podcast episode is the story of Jen’s fight through her pain, through gaslighting and ultimately revision surgery to remove the metal from her brain and to help resolve the symptoms caused by it.  In this episode you will learn: What is Chiari malformation and what are the symptoms. How Chiari Decompression surgery is performed. How metal hardware is often implanted during surgery without the patient’s knowledge or formal consent.  Why it is important to continue to advocate for yourself and better outcomes. ~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!***

    50 min
  7. EP38 - Your Metal Allergy Questions Answered / Live Community Q&A w/Dr. Scott Schroeder MD, FACFAS & MELISA CEO Linda Nelson

    09/10/2025

    EP38 - Your Metal Allergy Questions Answered / Live Community Q&A w/Dr. Scott Schroeder MD, FACFAS & MELISA CEO Linda Nelson

    Welcome to our Heavily Metalled Season 3 Opener and a Heavily Metalled FIRST! In this episode the renowned metal allergy expert Dr. Scott Schroeder takes metal allergy questions, along with Linda Nelson, CEO of MELISA Diagnostics, on our first ever community Q&A recorded LIVE, along with many questions sent in by our Metalhead audience!  We’ve got questions about implants, surgeries, testing, diet, pre-operative preparation and much, MUCH more!  In this episode you will learn: How you can experience TREMENDOUS relief from pain and symptoms by following a low-nickel diet.  Do trace amounts of nickel in implants really cause severe reactions & what percentage does it take to cause them?   How to get a doctor that won’t listen to hear you.  ~Links and Resources~ ~To make a comment or petition to the FDA, click HERE.  ~ ~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!***

    1h 42m
  8. EP37 - Dr. Selene Parekh - Metal Allergy Relief - 3D Printed Metal-Free Foot & Ankle Implants

    05/20/2025

    EP37 - Dr. Selene Parekh - Metal Allergy Relief - 3D Printed Metal-Free Foot & Ankle Implants

    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: How metal-free 3D-printed Talus implants are changing ankle surgery. The benefits of biocompatible, non-metal implant materials. What to ask your surgeon about metal allergies and implants. ~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!***

    47 min
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About

On this podcast, we interview patients, medical professionals, and industry insiders having important discussions regarding the all too commonly experienced, but lesser-identified symptoms of hypersensitivity to metals contained in implanted medical and dental hardware. These metals often cause a variety of dysfunctional immune responses, chronic pain, and other syndromes. We discuss ideas for managing symptoms, share personal lifestyle modifications, and talk about how to advocate with and educate providers pre and post-surgery. Music provided by Brian Young.

Information

  • Creator
    Heavily Metalled
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Heavily Metalled
  • Show Website
    Heavily Metalled