Has anyone had their hardware removed after a fusion?

Has anyone had their hardware removed after a fusion? I'm 7 months post surgery (bunionectomy and fusion) and my foot still feels noticeably tender and stiff. I traded arthritic pain for a new kind of pain. My doctor recommended hardware removal. I'm still coping with irritated nerves, and I'm reluctant to deal with another surgery. I am, however, hopeful that the hardware removal will alleviate my lingering discomfort.