I went to the doctor today for a 3-week checkup after a Austin Bunionectomy. He was supposed to remove the two pins in my foot, but he had a lot of difficulty getting the first one out, and it hurt so much I almost passed out. I am going back tomorrow to have the second one removed (am not looking forward to it), and wondered if anyone has ever had this experience. I thought they came out pretty easily after 3 weeks -- could it be too soon?

Hi,
I can only share my experiences. I had one of my pins removed at I think about 3 weeks and it came out pretty easy. Also had a pin taken out after only a few days and that came out ok.I think everyone is different.Maybe it was the way he pulled it out? Well I hope tomorrow goes better for you and good luck.
Sue

NO!!!!! It hurts. My dr tried it and ended up putting me to sleep to do it. Mine were in my ankle and and when he tried(and I begged him not to) it popped to the other side. I would ask for something---or demand something to take. My brother and father had that surgery and they gave them something. Good Luck.

I had my pins out at three weeks last Thurs. and this time around it did hurt quite a bit. The resident kept accidentally unsnapping the hemastats and it would send shock waves down to the bone. YOUCH! THen on the big toe he jerked the pin out towards the end and cut my skin! I am just so happy they came out....he did say they felt a little snug for three weeks. So ofcourse I was thinking it was to soon. However, I haven't had any prob since. Knock on wooD!

I had my pins out at 3 weeks and only a moment of pain. Not bad at all. Think it really depends. I did take a Vicodin before my doc visit just in case, but I don't think I needed it. You might try this approach---pain med one hour before you see the doc.