Worried about metal ions

[woodway2]

Hi there it's me woodway back! My jaw dropped to hear you are/were a potter. I am from Toronto, Canada. And Pat, I've been lurking on your fabulous website for a year, never getting up nerve to post. Thank you so much for this site. Regarding my pottery, I have been working pretty steadily since 1973. Did shows at first but then started a studio/gallery in Toronto that supported me until I left in the mid 90's. This was partially due to a back problem that made me slow down. I built a small studio behind my house where I began throwing (on the potter's wheel) standing up to save my back. I do believe this led to my hip wearing out. Months after the surgery when I was getting back to work two physiotherapists from the local rehab hospital came over to watch me work. They were very critical of my posture (I used to brace one hip against the wall for support) and made a number of corrections and suggestions. So I valiantly keep at it. But you are right, Wendy. The sales are the pits ( I mostly wholesale now)...but I'm too old to do anything else!
Pat, I don't know how to morph into another topic, but I have to say that being a potter has given me great anxieties about the metal ions. I work with chrome and cobalt and am pretty conscientious about studio cleanliness and kiln ventillation, but I must be getting some metal through my work. My doctor has consented to my getting blood tests before my next appointment, and I guess we will just monitor the levels and hope they stay within the normal resurfacing range. Have you ever seen a suggestion of what that range might be?
Great to "meet" you both!

[Pat Walter]

Hi Woodway.

I gave you your own topic since many people worry about the metal ions.  I have a nice group of articles about metal ions  posted  http://www.surfacehippy.info/metalioninformation.php  I pretty much took the doctors thoughts that they feel it will not be a problem and has not been to me or most people.

You are right that you have been exposed to many thru the glazes and stains, but hopefully it will not be a problem for you.  I can't tell you the normal numbers since I am not medically trained.  I am sure your doctor will be able to read the tests and explain them to you.

It seems we all do what we love, but our bodies suffer for it.  Do you have any arthritis in your hands, shoulders or back?  That will catch up with you too, unfortunately.

Many people with hip problems have back problems too. It is often difficult to separate the two.

Good Luck and keep in touch.

Pat