...knitted back together, so the screws were no longer really holding anything. It was an out-patient procedure. They put me on the anesthesia (including a nerve-blocker and a general), doctor made two incisions--one at the knee for the top screws, one at the ankle for the bottom ones (the rods in my leg run the full length of the tibia and fibula). Once he had the incisions made, he basically used a power screwdriver in reverse to back them out. He said he cut out a little scar tissue around the ankle, which should accelerate healing and increase range of motion through my ankle. He had to put a staple in the ankle as a result because the remaining tissue was too soft for stitches, but he used stitches in my knee. They wrapped the whole lower leg and foot, and sent me home. Up to this point, 30 hours later, I have no pain--foot is completely numb, even my toes. Last evening, I could wiggle my toes, but today, I can't move toes or ankle volutarily. Tonight, my foot is tingling a little bit, but not much in the way of sensation. The nerve-blocker is supposed to last for 24 to 48 hours (36 is what they expected), and after that, I will probably need to use a low-grade pain med for a few days. I can't shower for two days; re-dress the incisions on the third day; go back to doctor after a week to get stitches & staple out. Can't drive for ten days, or until I can tolerate full pressure on the brake (whichever comes later). Stomach was queasy for about 20 hours after the anesthesia kicked in, and I thought I had some minor heart irregularity this morning, all from the anesthesia. (anesthesiologist said I might have it, and to go to ER if it got very noticeable.)
That's pretty much it, I'll see what the doctor says in a few days and let you know. Meantime, if you have any questions, shoot me a message or something, and I'll tell ya what I know. Good luck! 
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