Thanks for the response to my questions. My surgery was done almost 15 months ago. The pain starts as hypersensitivity lower back.Then progesses to outright screaming, don't know what else to do pain. Shower (hot water held directly on affected area in my back helps) then drugs and bed. Surgery was done on L5-S1. Only two plates and four screws, three levels of decompression, and a bone graft w/bone from my hip. I have some nurabness in my left thigh that actually produces pain, which is wierd, but Doc says thats normal. I had MRI yesterday and see Doc next thursday 8/7. I'm pretty sure that if MRI shows nothing new going on he will proceed w/hardware removal. Folks I'm just struggleing to get my life back. At this point it "ain't" happening. From what I've read those who've only had one surgery, one fusion seem to do well after removal. I've also heard that there can be an infection where the screws have been placed, is that true & how could I not know if I have an infection? Wouldn't I have a fever or feel sick or something??? Thanks to all who take the time to speak with me here. As I sure you all know everybody in your life eventually gets kinRAB tired of seeing you cry in pain. They all mean well but down deep they are ready to see you get up and go and be the person you were before the inury then surgery or whatever your circumstances are.