Calgary Flames legend and former NHL forward Jarome Iginla disclosed that he is dealing with neurological issues that are affecting him day to day.
Speaking with Sportsnet's Eric Francis, Iginla disclosed that he had been dealing with neurological issues stemming from his cobalt hip replacement he received after retiring:
Unfortunately I have been battling some health issues, some neurological issues. I'm not entirely sure what it is, it may be from metal toxins from reaction to the cobalt hip.
Right now while the issue is an unfortunate one, there is a happier side to things as Iginla has not wavered in his hopes of finding peace, and knows that every day is to be treated as a new one:
I need more time to figure it all out, but I'm still hopeful that I will recover fully, things are slowly getting under control, thanks be to God.
Iginla was a franchise icon in Calgary, spending his first 16 seasons with the franchise, and recorded 525 goals and 1,095 points in 1,219 games with the Flames.
Why Iginla's diagnosis is such a serious one
With regards to Iginla's hip replacement, Francis wrote that the issue with cobalt replacements is that eventual corrosion and wear and tear can lead it to causing so seriously adverse health effects:
There are concerns that the cobalt-chromium components used in some artificial hip implants can release metal ions and debris through wear or corrosion, potentially causing complications as they enter the bloodstream.
He also had high mercury levels in his body and is working to get that down, while trying to determine if the cause is related to the cobalt poisoning.
Iginla also deals with speech and mobility issues stemming from the numerous medications, the hip replacement, and 20 years of NHL hockey.
It's a horrific bit of news for Iginla, who was so beloved, respected, and consistently noted as one of the nicest and best people to be around in the entire league.
A brief explanation of cobalt poisoning and how it affects Iginla
Cobalt poisoning, while not exactly a common occurrence, does lead to some of the following symptoms if exposed for too long:
- Cardiomyopathy (a problem where your heart becomes big and floppy and has problems pumping blood)
- Deafness
- Nerve problems
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Thickening of the blood
- Thyroid problems
- Vision problems
Iginla is experiencing that first hand, and while the results have not come back conclusive for cobalt poisoning, the issues he is facing line up with the medically documented symptoms of the condition.
It's an unfortunate diagnosis for Iginla, and all we can hope is his road to recovery is smooth and quick while he gets all the answers he's looking for.
Do you think Jarome Iginla's diagnosis is because of his surgeries or playiong hockey?
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