I had just one piece from the last fusion removed, a piece that was protruding and causing a lot of pain when I had to lean on it. It was a longer recovery than I expected, but certainly nothing like the fusion. My doctor told me I was trying to do too much too soon, that even though the incision was well healed, removing that hook caused a lot of trauma to the tissues and they would take time to calm down. Because it was a hook erabedded in bone, they had to wrench it out. I also experienced some nerve irritation in one hip, which lasted about 6 months. My recovery, once I slowed down and got more rest, was maybe 2 months, except for the nerve stuff.
That said, I don't regret it for a second! I'm so glad that hook isn't poking out anymore!
I hope it goes well for you and that your recovery is fast.
Emily :wave: