Anyone had screws removed?

[pomtzu]

I have an 8" rod and screws in my femur, from the hip fracture, and my hip and leg ache almost constantly. My ortho surgeon said they can come out after a couple of years if the x-rays look okay, but that would mean more surgery and general anesthesia. He says it hurts because I have no meat on my bones to cushion it, and if I put on some weight, it probably wouldn't bother me. I can't put on weight, so I guess I'll have to ache, because I'm not going thru any more surgery unnecessarily.

I have rods and screws the entire length of my cervical spine, but those have to stay in - or my head will fall off!! They don't hurt tho.

[Pinot's Mom]

Sorry, I was away this weekend and didn't see this until now. Yes, I had a screw removed from my foot. I had tendon replacement surgery (posterior tibial tendon shattered); there was a screw (about 3-4") inserted into the back of my foot for support. It was never intended to stay in, only to be used for support until it was no longer needed - about a year and a half. Then it tends to get a little loose in the spot and it's uncomfortable. The removal was nothing; no big deal at all. I was glad to get rid of it, it interfered with shoes toward the end.

[K9karen]

I have rods and screws the entire length of my cervical spine, but those have to stay in - or my head will fall off!! They don't hurt tho.

My cervical rods and screws are at 4/5 as well as the lumbar. I always joke my head and legs will come off if the hardware is removed!

[moosmom]

I've been accused of having a few screws loose, but never removed. Sorry, I just couldn't resist a little humor. Good luck!

[caseysmom]

Oh my god...I got nothing to relax me...nada...they gave me a bunch of injections to numb the foot...I did feel nothing but I was so scared the whole time. Had I know that I would have self medicated with vicodin.

One of the screws had broke, I guess its all inside the bone and not protruding so he doesn't think it will be a problem to just leave it...the removal would be major surgery.

He is troubled that I still have pain, he said many patients with this injury get lifelong problems and I may need to get the bones fused together eventually...oh boy.

He gave me more vicodin...can you say addiction???