I broke my hand (index finger-proximal phalange, displaced, comminuted fracture with rotation!) about 3 weeks ago...surgery 5 days later, with 2 pins which extended about 1/2 inch outside the hand, half cast to allow for swelling/infection..had the cast changed one week ago to regular hard, at which time the pins/infection looked good, pins left in..over the past 2-3 days the cast, esp. where the pins are began to become quite uncomfortable, more of a burning pain..i have an appointment in 8 days with my surgeon, and tried to call yesterday but he was not in...so today it was really not fun, to the point where tonight I cut off my cast (yes, I know it was dumb)....there was/is a 2 1/2x 2 1/2 blister where the cast was rubbing (It became gradually looser as the swelling decreased) but the funny part is one the pins has completely disappeared under the skin-the ends of the pins are turned back 180 degrees to prevent this, plus the md wrapped the ends w/ a medicated 1/2 " gauze, to prevent them from going in....oh well should i call his office or just wait until next friday, my regular appointment? and yes, it is pretty sore, but I dont want to be a pain in the ass...thanks to all