It’s been 2 years since I had an operation to have an IM Nail inserted into my left leg, and although I don’t get really get any pain, just niggles here and there, I have been pondering whether to have it removed? Having the metal in my leg does not stop me doing anything but feel maybe I have become a little reluctant to put myself into situations that might damage the leg. Also, there is a concern if I had another accident, there is no way to predict how the metal in my leg would react? Would it help or make the situation worse?
I am going to see the consultant and run through the options and risks as although it seems having the IM Nail removed is far less traumatic than having it put in, it would mean having a general anaesthetic and being on crutches again for a few weeks. There is always a possibility of complications with a procedure like this and if I’m basically fine now, then maybe it’s not worth the risk?
There is very little on the internet about the recovery from IM Nail insertions and even less about the recovery and process of having them removed. A few people have very kindly shared their experiences on this blog, but may not be easy to find as are hidden in comments way down the page. So, I thought I would make some links to the comments to make it easier to find and perhaps encourage others to share their experiences too.
Nick
Nick had his IM Nail removed in Feb 2011 and was very kind enough to provide several updates with a lot of detail of what happened:
1st Update
2nd Update
3rd Update (May 2011)
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Andrew
Andrew had his IM Nail removed just over 10 years ago.
Emily
Emily had her IM Nail removed in April 2011 as her consultant said the nail was a little too long and was damaging tissue:
1st Update (Just after removal)
2nd Update (Dec 2011)
If you have had your IM Nail removed or are about to, it would be great for the rest of us to read about your experiences as there really isn’t much information about this and it is so useful and supportive for others to read.
Jake McMillan
January 28th, 2012 at 3:16 pm
Hi Jake,
I had my nail removed beginning of August 2011 after breaking my leg in March 2010. Had the operation in the morning and the next day I was walking around without crutches. Although I had my crutches with me the doctor said I didn’t need them. I spent 4 days in hospital and in total 4 weeks on sick during which I walked regularly every day about 5km. by the fourth week I was jogging slowly again. This time I had no physio because I knew all I needed to know from the first time. Anyway nearly 6 months on I’m running like mad, like I was before, thank God.
Only bugbear at the moment is kneeling on hard surfaces. I had this problem the first time, but this time the scaring on the knee seems to be more sensitive.
All in all don’t regret having the nail removed.
Regards
Terry
January 28th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
Many thanks for this Terry!