Welcome guest, is this your first visit? Click the "Create Account" button now to join.

To disable ads, please log-in.

Shop at TeamEstrogen.com for women's cycling apparel.

Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 16 to 20 of 20
  1. #16
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    SLC
    Posts
    38

    Bye bye hardware

    To disable ads, please log-in.

    I had 14 screws and a plate in my ankle. I had them removed 1 year after they were put in (the initial injury). Removal seemed pretty routine with my surgeon, especially in patients under 30 years of age. I'm VERY glad I had them removed. Despite being told the hardware shouldn't make a difference, I noticed a big difference in comfort and joint mobility after it was all removed. My surgeon opened up the initial scar on both sides of my leg. Granted, he had sewn up the incisions internally the first time, so the scars after the initial surgery were very tidy, just over a hairline in width.

    I missed 3 days of work following the hardware removal surgery. Recovery wasn't bad at all. Sure, it took time for the incisions to heal (about 5 inches each side). I did have to be careful for 6 weeks, as I essentially had a broken leg given 14 screw holes.

    Now, your injury and hardware is much different than mine, but I wanted to share my experience!

  2. #17
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Uncanny Valley
    Posts
    14,498
    FWIW, this is third hand, but a good friend of my father's who's been so helpful with all his surgeries, says that an anaesthesiologist friend of his says that on average, it takes a year for the brain to recover from each hour you're under anaesthesia.

    Not necessarily something I'd undertake lightly. I think Smilingcat has it right. But if the hardware is causing you irritation or pain, then that's definitely a reason to have it out.
    Speed comes from what you put behind you. - Judi Ketteler

  3. #18
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Denver
    Posts
    1,942
    I hate anesthesia. Really I do. It took months after a minor surgery a few years ago to be able to even run normally again.

    But I am in agony today, something twinged last night on the side with the nerve pain when I was changing into pjs. I can't figure out what hurts or why it still hurts but I am so happy that my pilates class was cancelled. I haven't taken pain pills since 10 days after the accident and right now I want one.

    I just wonder, what happens if I twinge that nerve 30 years from now, and the consequences are much worse? It's going to be a lot more difficult to remove this stuff then.

    "I never met a donut I didn't like" - Dave Wiens

  4. #19
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Columbia River Gorge
    Posts
    3,565
    Quote Originally Posted by Kiwi Stoker View Post
    I was told to only have the plates and screws in my arm removed because of the following-

    Something has moved and is causing real issues with pain and/or movement

    Your religion/beliefs doesn't allow you have to foreign objects in your body when you die

    The doctor said the risks of infection and of course then having a weak bone while the holes heal over is just no worth it. The airport security people told me that only really large metal implants like hip or knee replacements cause the alarm to go off.

    So my metalware is here to stay. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
    +1

    Unless your surgeon can confidently say that removal of the hardware will decrease your pain or improve your function, I wouldn't risk it.
    Living life like there's no tomorrow.

    http://gorgebikefitter.com/


    2007 Look Dura Ace
    2010 Custom Tonic cross with discs, SRAM
    2012 Moots YBB 2 x 10 Shimano XTR
    2014 Soma B-Side SS

  5. #20
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Dorset, England, UK
    Posts
    1,035
    Hi Jess

    As you remember, I broke my back just before you but I was fortunate enough to have one consultant say no to surgery and thankfully he made the right decision.

    I am so sorry you are getting so much pain with it all, wish I could offer advice, my only comment is talk it all through thoroughly with your consultant/surgeon.

    Take good care and I wish you well with whatever you go ahead with.
    Clock

    Orange Clockwork - Limited Edition 1998


    ‘Enjoy your victories of each day'

 

 

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •