Yay, finally had the pins removed today. When I had the op four weeks ago I was told removal wouldn't hurt but I didn't believe it. I'd seen the xray which showed how long and how many bones those buggers went through (one and a half inches long they are!).
The consultant who was to perform the removal actually said it would hurt. Great. I had to lay down, presumably in case of fainting while he brandished a huge pair of surgical pliers to literally yank them out one by one.
But it didn't hurt. Not to start with. It was a momentarily weird pulling sensation but no pain until a few seconds afterwards then it started aching and feeling sore. There wasn't any blood.
The procedure was completed with him spraying stingy stuff around the holes, presumably some form of antisceptic and the nurse applying a sticky plaster.
Then it was straight to the 'specialist' OT, the lovely Gaylene. No really that was her name. From her accent she's either American or Canadian, I can't tell the difference so i prefer to hedge my bets.
So now I can take the brace off five times a day to do my exercises and the rehabilitation begins. Probably the most exciting thing is that after 48-72 hours when the holes have closed I'm allowed to take the brace off when I shower and wash my hands. No more plastic bags and elastic bands and washing hair with one hand. Can't wait.