“What was meant to restore my life became the very thing that broke it apart.”
At 46, Tracey was a fitness instructor, passionate about helping others live active lives. A hip replacement was meant to restore her independence — but instead, it led to years of pain and uncertainty.
For too long, she was assured 'Everything looks fine'. Despite her body signalling to her that something was wrong, her concerns were not taken seriously.
Eventually, Tracey discovered the cause: dangerously high levels of cobalt in her blood, caused by wear in her hip implant — the very device meant to heal her had been silently poisoning her.
Her message to those in charge of healthcare is clear:
"When patients say something isn’t right, please listen. A single moment of being heard can change — even save — a life."
Through strength and resilience, Tracey found a new purpose. She now advocates for a canpaign supported by Silver voices, and runs a Facebook support group Hip Replacement Chronic Pain Support and Cobalt Poisoning. You can find out more about Silver Voices here.
"This Christmas, I’m grateful to share hope and strength with others living through pain — reminding us that light can always return. Today, I use my experience of chronic pain and cobalt poisoning to empower others and inspire change."
At AvMA, we stand with people like Tracey every day – offering clarity, empathy and expert advice when things go wrong. And we work to ensure their stories drive the change that keeps future patients safe.
This Christmas, you can help make sure no one faces medical harm alone. Your monthly gift of as little as £7 could help someone like Tracey find the support and advice they need when it matters most.
