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Hardware failure from fusions
Have any of you had hardware from previous surgeries causing you debilitating pain? And did you have it removed and did that take care of
Your debilitating pain? I’ve had 6 SI joint fusions and last fall I had hardware removed and new hardware was added to my SI joint. I got a third opinion from an orthopedic doc. He thinks my pain is coming from the hardware. He wants to remove the screws that may be causing the pain. It will have no affect on the fusions I had because that area is all fused.
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hi
I am on Pregalin(Lyrica), Voltarol(diclofenac), Setralin, Aspirin, Paracetamol, Hydroxyea(for blood cancer). I had to come off Arcoxia as it was thought to be putting my Potassium levels up. So the alternative was Diclof 50mg x2 these keep the worst of pain at bay. My Blood cancer consultant is noy happy that I am on this so am monitered. Just to say when I stopped taking these the pain came back with a vengeance, I couldn't walk every joint was on fire and I had severe bone pain. Its scary to think what all these meds are covering.
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3 Reactions3 yrs ago i had ankle.fusion surgery , still have the titanium in because ankle broke opposite way . However my nerves stay tight and lately where screws are pain , can't wear tennis shoes because foot swell and nerves tighten , i toss and turn all night every night because the nerves in foot righht now . Can someone please give advice or help. Its tiring .
@teresakirkpatrick101 Hello and welcome to Connect. After 3 years, I would think that your bone should be fused, but that would be a question for your surgeon and if the hardware is causing pain, and could it be removed. I used to have swelling for a few years after the ankle fracture, but now, I don't think it happens unless I stress my ankle a lot. It's been 5 years for me. Sometimes things just take a long time to heal.
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1 ReactionHello @teresakirkpatrick101,
I have had many surgeries on my joints, including a total knee replacement, rotator repair and an ankle fusion. Of all of those, the ankle fusion was the most grueling and time-intensive surgery. It took a long time and the pain was definitely the worst. I am at 10 years with my ankle fusion. I would say it took mine about 18 months to truly get "better" and I did not start feeling my true 'new normal' until around two years.
Have you had follow-ups with your surgeon or care team? I still have the screws in my ankle and I know if I bump the area where you can visibly see the screw head, it is extremely painful for a brief moment. My foot will still swell after a long day of being on it because we don't move our foot in the same way to flush fluids out as well. Surgeries are complex and sometimes the recovery even more so. Have you been able to share your experiences with your care team and what suggestions or possible causes have they offered?
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3 ReactionsScrews can migrate. Some have the screws removed. From the good voices of experienceabove, see the surgeon.
I had bunion surgery this February where my surgeon had to put in a screw. It burns all the time. I'm having midfoot fusion surgery on left foot this month and during that surgery he will take out the screw on the other foot where I had the bunion surgery. He said it shouldn't burn and I'm healed enough to take out the screw. I'm getting plates and screws for the fusion surgery. I'm worried the same thing will happen with burning pain. Before surgery, I'm asking him if the plates and screws are permanent or can they be removed if they bother me after everything is healed.