B757 flight crew was informed enroute that they had two restricted cargo items in the forward cargo bin without corresponding paperwork. Crew elected to continue to their destination. They were informed after landing that the items were correctly loaded and that they missed a note on the release concerning restricted cargo.

Narrative

Just after reaching cruise; we got an ACARS message from our Dispatcher that load planning had not given us the proper paper work for 2 items on board and both in the forward cargo bin. We tried to look up the numbers in the QRH; but we don't have things listed with that numbering system. The Captain called Station Operations on the radio and asked what were the items. They said a type of ammonia and the other a type of acid. A few minutes later; we realized we wanted verification that those 2 items were ok being in the same cargo compartment. We were out of range of ops; so we tried ARINC. After several calls; we also tried a different frequency but we should have been too far for that frequency. The Captain also tried Dispatch. The radio was working ok; we checked with center. Finally; we got an answer from Dispatch. They said standby. The Captain also sent a free text telling Dispatch that we needed to talk to them. We followed that up with a detailed message of what we wanted to ask. The Captain called back and finally got to talk to the Dispatcher. He said he just sat down and would talk to Loads about it. He sent a text that said they have the same prefix and are probably the same thing. The Captain called him back and said that we had already been told by 2 sources that they were not the same. We told him we were concerned that they may not be allowed in the same cargo hold. We considered diverting; but since we didn't have any odors or fumes reported we pressed on. Now our ACARS printer quit printing. We found out after gate arrival that we were sent an answer 2 minutes after landing that the 2 items were ok together. We got that from a Manager. The Captain talked with him after landing. 1) Load Planning should have given us the proper paperwork. 2) There is a Restricted Cargo note on the closeout that we missed. We had to wait for awhile for the closeout and then since we were late leaving the gate; I started taxiing for the short taxi to the runway to try and help passengers with connections. We were flight planned to be an additional 6 minutes late also. I should have looked closer at the closeout. I own that part. 3) Loads needs to know what's on the plane or if they aren't sure; find out before saying that they are 'probably the same.' 4) Since we heard some mike clicking with ARINC; they may have a radio problem.