Steel, nickel?

That steel rod you have contains nickel. People get nickel inflamatory reactions from a simple earing or piece of jewelry on top of the skin. A large 14-inch subcutaneous rod might be causing you problems.

Have you been tested for nickel allergies or nickel toxicity?

I also heard that those implants don't last forever - will you need to replace the rod at some time?

Just some ideas thrown out there.