Limb Lengthening Forum
Limb Lengthening Surgery => Limb Lengthening Patients Experiences => Topic started by: ballsackoffury123 on March 16, 2023, 05:01:59 PM
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I'm getting precise 2.2 on my femur tomorrow in the US. I will disclose which doctor after the surgery. Starting height 5' 8.5" and hoping to get 8cm to 5' 11.65"
Day 0 (day before surgery)
I'm pretty nervous, still not really sure what I'm getting myself into even though I researched a ton. I am going through this journey alone (at least the first 3 weeks). I have rented a large airbnb house nearby and set everything up. Have my shower chairs, toilet aid, empty water bottles near my bed to pee in, everything is set up for me to return when I am discharged from the hospital. Picked up my meds and did bloodwork as well. Meds were pretty expensive, especially the pain killers which was not covered by insurance for me. Going to try to sleep early at 10pm today and wake up at 4:30 am for my surgery tomorrow. I've got food all set up in the fridge so I can microwave things easily. And I practiced using the walker/wheelchair throughout the house so I know I can move around. Last thing I'm going to do is get a short haircut because I anticipate I wont be showering much, so shorter hair will be easier to deal with. Let me know if I'm missing any more preparation for the big day!
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Good luck king
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Wishing you lots of luck during your process. Looks like you have made wise decisions so far. Please keep us posted.
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Good Luck , today I’m in my third week after surgery. Pain goes away.
Best wishes
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Day 1 (surgery)
I got to the hospital about 5:30 AM. Surgery started around 8:30 AM. I was worried about surgery the most but that turned out to be the easiest part. Once you get into the operating room and take a few deep breaths of oxygen, the next thing that happened was waking up in some room before they take you to the recovery room. The recovery room is amazing the bed is comfortable there a TV the Wi-Fi is fast and the nurse will come in at a moments notice when you press the button. The PT came in about four hours after I got into the recovery room and started to do some quick walks with me. I walked about 20 feet total and came back to my bed and rested. I slept in one to two hour increments about five times throughout 6 PM until 6 AM the next morning. People kept coming into the room every now and then because of giving me medicine antibiotics cleaning me and checking on me so it woke me up a few times. Even with a bunch of narcotics and painkillers the pain was still tough I would say throughout the night I was about seven out of 10 consistent pain. It is bearable but it’s not pleasant and I’m fully ready for the first two weeks to be similar to what I have experienced last night .
Oh and they put a catheter in me while I was asleep. It turned out to be the best thing ever. I drank water like no tomorrow and didn’t even have to move a muscle. If possible, I would 100% suggest you request it
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Congrats on successful surgery. How old are you?
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26
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Day 2
If there is ever a day for regrets, today is the one. I almost fainted during physical therapy and my blood pressure dropped to 60/30. I got up too fast from a lying position and I just took narcotics which I am not used to. But my afternoons PT session was a lot better. The worst part was when the catheter was taken out and that made it really hard to pee. I had a full bladder with over 900 mL of liquid in there but I can’t pee it out, the nurse had to stick A huge tube through my dck into my bladder to drain it out and that was the most painful feeling in my life. Also A huge fever throughout the night but apparently that is really common for these type of surgeries. But I think things should be better from now on
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Day 3 (discharge)
It’s still only 11am but decided to do today’s journal first cause I’ll prob be busy later. Finally peed on my own at six in the morning and that was the greatest feeling in the world. I got my ERC device today to take home when I get discharged later. Today’s morning physical therapy went really well I walked maybe 200 feet and it was not tough at all. I’m still constipated and not have not taken a poop since before the surgery two days ago. But I will shove a constipation up my ass when I get home at 6 pm and try to throughout the night. Pain today is on average 4/10 throughout. Definitely the best day I’ve had thus far
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Day 3 (discharge)
It’s still only 11am but decided to do today’s journal first cause I’ll prob be busy later. Finally peed on my own at six in the morning and that was the greatest feeling in the world. I got my ERC device today to take home when I get discharged later. Today’s morning physical therapy went really well I walked maybe 200 feet and it was not tough at all. I’m still constipated and not have not taken a poop since before the surgery two days ago. But I will shove a constipation up my ass when I get home at 6 pm and try to throughout the night. Pain today is on average 4/10 throughout. Definitely the best day I’ve had thus far
Nice going. I was constipated for days as well. Coffee always does the trick for me and didnt let me down when I needed to get things going.
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Thx for the tip man. Old do that once I get home tonight
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26
Looking forward to hearing which surgeon you did it with.
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Looking forward to hearing which surgeon you did it with.
Dr D in Vegas. Honestly all around great staff. I’m sure most doctors have great staff but def only positive experiences with him and his team so far. Was fairly cheap too (for US) I paid $70,000 for everything and it’s a really nice hospital. It’s the same hospital that took care of trauma from the Vegas shooting a few years ago. Great nurses, great food, great recovery room. All the nurses knows how to take care of you because they have seen a bunch of dr d’s patients. But I’m ready to head back to my 3 bedroom airbnb I rented out for a month about 20 mins away from the hospital.
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Dr D in Vegas. Honestly all around great staff. I’m sure most doctors have great staff but def only positive experiences with him and his team so far. Was fairly cheap too (for US) I paid $70,000 for everything and it’s a really nice hospital. It’s the same hospital that took care of trauma from the Vegas shooting a few years ago. Great nurses, great food, great recovery room. All the nurses knows how to take care of you because they have seen a bunch of dr d’s patients. But I’m ready to head back to my 3 bedroom airbnb I rented out for a month about 20 mins away from the hospital.
Excellent brother, best of luck. Enjoy your stay at the AirBnB, you did a great jobs planning ahead to set yourself up for success.
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Is a catheter normal for LL surgery?
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Did u have to use a caretaker?
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Is a catheter normal for LL surgery?
I think so? Dr. D told me he's gonna put it in me when he came to talk to me 30 mins before my surgery, and told me not to be alarmed when I wake up. Like they pump liquid in you through the IV and you will drink a lot of water in the hospital. Better than having to get up to pee every 2 hours (and in general peeing/pooping is just a hassle and painful the first few days). We pulled it out after 1 day so the body doesnt get "used" to it. It doesnt hurt it's just weird, and takes like 3 seconds. So just take a deep breath and it's gone.
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I think so? Dr. D told me he's gonna put it in me when he came to talk to me 30 mins before my surgery, and told me not to be alarmed when I wake up. Like they pump liquid in you through the IV and you will drink a lot of water in the hospital. Better than having to get up to pee every 2 hours (and in general peeing/pooping is just a hassle and painful the first few days). We pulled it out after 1 day so the body doesnt get "used" to it. It doesnt hurt it's just weird, and takes like 3 seconds. So just take a deep breath and it's gone.
Nope no caretaker. Hired a PCA for 1 hour to take me home from the hospital during the discharge. Today when I went to my first PT (20 mins away), I called a regular Uber. They were all super nice and were patient with me going into the car, and folding and unfolding my wheelchair. People are just nicer to you when you are disabled lol. But I currently have PT scheduled for 5 days a week for the next 2 weeks (we get 10 free sessions and it's $50/ session after that). Honestly, I think I'm gonna ask to change it to 3-4 sessions since going there 5 days a week is annoying. And also I havent even take a single day off from work lol (except surgery day).
And being at home isnt hard alone. I use my wheelchair when moving around, and have walkers set up in the more narrow doors i cant fit my wheelchair through. I have a trash pickup stick I hold onto me the majority of the time so I can grab whatever I need. Food, everything, is all pretty easy with just my wheelchair and a big space.
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Day 4 (First day of PT)
Overall ok day. Pain is manageable by the Percocet. Took my first s today, thought its not a whole ton. Prob just a regular session of bowel movement, so I know there's still more poop in me. Shoving the Dulcolax in my ass worked like a charm. It doesnt hurt, feel weird, and I'm not even gay. Apply some lube when you are sitting down in the toilet, shove it in with your index finger. You'll in an hour or so.
PT wasnt hard today, some exercises on the table. I honestly think 3-4 days/week is enough. I'll do the homework I need to do at home, and not having to get a ride there just make things so much easier. Lengthening starts tomorrow morning, and I'm excited. I'm not sure if I even broke my nail already and it wont work or something. It'll be a relief when I see it lengthen in the morning tomorrow.
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Day 5 (lengthening begins)
Getting pretty used to being disabled. Getting in and out of cars are annoying since it's all regular Ubers Im using. But I bought a small cane off amazon and it helps a bit. Lengthening is easy, literally 0 feeling it's even happening. I'm sure it'll get tougher with the soft tissues once I hit 2cm. But I'm on 2mm now and it's pretty easy.
I'll prob stop updating daily now and will just update with bigger milestones or if something big happens.
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Another classic ad diary...
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Day 4 (First day of PT)
Prob just a regular session of bowel movement, so I know there's still more poop in me. Shoving the Dulcolax in my ass worked like a charm. It doesnt hurt, feel weird, and I'm not even gay. Apply some lube when you are sitting down in the toilet, shove it in with your index finger. You'll in an hour or so.
ah ok i will ignore you now bye ;D
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I'm getting precise 2.2 on my femur tomorrow in the US. I will disclose which doctor after the surgery. Starting height 5' 8.5" and hoping to get 8cm to 5' 11.65"
Day 0 (day before surgery)
I'm pretty nervous, still not really sure what I'm getting myself into even though I researched a ton. I am going through this journey alone (at least the first 3 weeks). I have rented a large airbnb house nearby and set everything up. Have my shower chairs, toilet aid, empty water bottles near my bed to pee in, everything is set up for me to return when I am discharged from the hospital. Picked up my meds and did bloodwork as well. Meds were pretty expensive, especially the pain killers which was not covered by insurance for me. Going to try to sleep early at 10pm today and wake up at 4:30 am for my surgery tomorrow. I've got food all set up in the fridge so I can microwave things easily. And I practiced using the walker/wheelchair throughout the house so I know I can move around. Last thing I'm going to do is get a short haircut because I anticipate I wont be showering much, so shorter hair will be easier to deal with. Let me know if I'm missing any more preparation for the big day!
Who are you going to tell about this procedure later on? Or nobody?
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Who are you going to tell about this procedure later on? Or nobody?
Just told my sister the day I got discharged on the phone. She's a doctor too so she gave me pretty good tips. My parents will probably know in a couple weeks since they will visit me in Vegas and help me drive back up.
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Just told my sister the day I got discharged on the phone. She's a doctor too so she gave me pretty good tips. My parents will probably know in a couple weeks since they will visit me in Vegas and help me drive back up.
lol that must have been such a shock for her to hear. I chose not to tell anyone but honestly telling your direct family is going to relieve so much stress. Hiding this procedure is like a high stakes chess game and you build up all these lies you never wanted to tell and just feel bad about it. Now you can just concentrate on the procedure so thats good.
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lol that must have been such a shock for her to hear. I chose not to tell anyone but honestly telling your direct family is going to relieve so much stress. Hiding this procedure is like a high stakes chess game and you build up all these lies you never wanted to tell and just feel bad about it. Now you can just concentrate on the procedure so thats good.
She was mildy shocked but not as bad as I thought. I think people in med field just seen so much stuff nothing really shocks them anymore. Like the nurses that took care of me had stores of taking care of murders with gunshot wound and guards outside.
I think a good lie I’ll tell non family members I’d that I always had my right leg slightly shorter than my left one. It hasn’t really caused problems but the doctor recommend I take care of it when I’m younger and can heal faster since it might cause hip pain problems in the future. Then somehow add in, the doctor convinced me since I’m going through this I can do the same thing on the other leg for just a few thousand dollar more and grow a bit taller since insurance only covers one leg. And I got baited into it.
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Just told my sister the day I got discharged on the phone. She's a doctor too so she gave me pretty good tips. My parents will probably know in a couple weeks since they will visit me in Vegas and help me drive back up.
lol that must have been such a shock for her to hear. I chose not to tell anyone but honestly telling your direct family is going to relieve so much stress. Hiding this procedure is like a high stakes chess game and you build up all these lies you never wanted to tell and just feel bad about it. Now you can just concentrate on the procedure so thats good.
You insult people's intelligence. Look here now fake diaries are talking to each other lol ;D
I've decided to be just like you. I am in the 3rd week of my surgery, I had surgery to dr becker and I grew 10 cm. I walk and run. I'm sorry I can't upload pictures and videos, I'm just going to write a lot. I also want to publish a diary of my trip to mars. Day 1 was very difficult. I got used to it on the 2nd day, I am very happy.
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She was mildy shocked but not as bad as I thought. I think people in med field just seen so much stuff nothing really shocks them anymore. Like the nurses that took care of me had stores of taking care of murders with gunshot wound and guards outside.
I think a good lie I’ll tell non family members I’d that I always had my right leg slightly shorter than my left one. It hasn’t really caused problems but the doctor recommend I take care of it when I’m younger and can heal faster since it might cause hip pain problems in the future. Then somehow add in, the doctor convinced me since I’m going through this I can do the same thing on the other leg for just a few thousand dollar more and grow a bit taller since insurance only covers one leg. And I got baited into it.
Yeah I used to date someone with a relative who worked in medical and he would show peoples arms like caught in machinery all the time. Theyve seen it all.
Thats probably the best you can do and its not a bad one. Some excuse like bow leg correction isnt going to fly. 3 inches is a lot taller. Like you're going to look like a completely different person.
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You insult people's intelligence. Look here now fake diaries are talking to each other lol ;D
I've decided to be just like you. I am in the 3rd week of my surgery, I had surgery to dr becker and I grew 10 cm. I walk and run. I'm sorry I can't upload pictures and videos, I'm just going to write a lot. I also want to publish a diary of my trip to mars. Day 1 was very difficult. I got used to it on the 2nd day, I am very happy.
This journal is for precise 2.2. I knew you were dumb but I thought you at least knew how to read.
"You insult people's intelligence" you make it too easy with comments like this.
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Interesting. My "glans" have been fused for years, so it's not like they can just stretch open for a catheter. I always worried about what would happen if I had stones I needed to pass and had to get surgery, but it looks like this is something I'll have to figure out first...
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Day 11
Pain here and there, but usually bearable. Around my IT band where he released it has the most pain. I’m hoping it’s just because it’s swollen. By now I make up a good routine on how to navigate life and it’s been ok. If I take Percocet pain drops basically to almost 0. It lasts maybe 3-4 hours only tho. I think the worst part is that I sleep in 2-3 hour increments because I always wake up to pee in the middle which is annoying. Other than that, getting in and out of the car is a struggle, getting out of bed has been okay. I’m about 8mm in so I hear around 40mm is when it’ll start getting challenging again. Will update when I’m there
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Glad the pain is going down.
I’m considering Dr. D as well. Mainly because of the accelerated weight bearing procedure he does. Are you considering doing that? Also, has he discussed how fast it speeds up recovery/walking etc?
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Glad the pain is going down.
I’m considering Dr. D as well. Mainly because of the accelerated weight bearing procedure he does. Are you considering doing that? Also, has he discussed how fast it speeds up recovery/walking etc?
Nah the majority of his patients doesn't even do it to the point where he doesn't even waste his energy advertising it much. I think the pros don't outweigh the cons for that.
pros
- You get to weight bear like 2 months faster (at around 3 months relative to 5 months)
- You prob get back walking normally 1-2 months faster
cons
- Another surgery
- like almost another $20k i think? I forgot the price
- Weight bearing actually slows down bone formation with more non-union. I dont think this is a huge concern, since it'll eventually form. But nails like stryde has a much higher non-union (delayed union) case vs partial weight bearing nails like precise 2.2.
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Yeah I didn’t know it’d be another 20k. That’s gonna be a no go from me. Good to know most of his patients opt not to do it. I want to get back to walking normally as quickly as possible but those cons don’t seem to outweigh the pros.
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Yeah but overall I had a great experience with him. If you are still considering him even without the accelerated weight bearing program, feel free to ask me any questions. I know he has a cash discount that isn't listed online. Basically you get a few thousand dollars off if you pay in physical cash, which I thought was worth it.
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Yeah my main concerns are the ease of physical therapy and where I’m staying for lengthening. I’ve been looking at Dr. Assayag because he has the hackerman patz house which is $15 a day and has all your food, physical therapy, etc. in one place. If I went with Dr. D, I’m not sure how I’d like going home after a few weeks but having to return every 2 weeks for X-Rays (flying from Dallas).
But staying in Vegas sounds pretty expensive and you’d have to travel a lot more for physical therapy.
What are your thoughts on this? What were the main reasons you chose Dr. D besides the discount and did you consult any other docs?
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Nah I didn’t consult any other docs. And I’m sure assyga is good too I hear good things about him. My main reason is because I’m from SF and I work PST. Being in east coast just makes it harder. For Dr D. You’re only required to stay 2 weeks lost surgery. Then you can fly back home and do the x rays locally. He has set instructions for the people taking the x rays, I think it’s on avg $100 without insurance if you do it locally. Then on average once a month you have to fly back to do check ups. I’m currently staying in a 3 bed room airbnb for $2k a month around the area. My parents are going to fly down the last few days and I’m gonna drive back to the bay with them. But I went through this alone so far and it’s bearable. But yeah, dr paley, assagya, dr d, and dr m in LA should all be safe choices for US doctors. Also I know dr d does a special suture to make scars less visible, maybe other doctors does it as well.
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Day 15
Just hit the 2 week mark so figured I give a quick update. Got my x-rays yesterday and everything looks good, I'm a little over 1 cm now in height. Mornings are rough, but it gets better throughout the day. I still take pain meds every now and then, though the doctor said the goal for the next 2 weeks is to dwindle off of those. I use my wheelchair a good amount in the house, but the goal is also to start using the walker more than my wheelchair.
I'm going to try to go for my first drive later and hit a drive through. Doctor cleared me to drive as long as I'm not high from the narco.
One small complication is that I just realized I have a small patch of loss of sensation on the inner part of my lower calves around the ankle. It is not a full loss of sensation, but a reduction of it. Doctor said it is unlikely from lengthening, so likely from the surgery. But I did research and it is normal in surgeries, and it can take weeks to months to go back to normal. Even if it stays the way it is, it's honestly in a spot where it probably doesnt matter much, I mean i didnt even realize it until 2 weeks after when I took a full body shower and was scrubbing myself. If this is the only nerve complication, I'm totally fine. But ideally I get back the full sensation in a few weeks-months.
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keep it up man the first 3 weeks were t he hardest for me, everything else started getting easier from there.
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keep it up man the first 3 weeks were t he hardest for me, everything else started getting easier from there.
Thanks brotha, I'm looking forward to that 3 week mark. Everyone says its a complete 360 after 2 weeks but tbh Aside from the first 5-6 days being terrible, I've been feeling mediocre since. It's not great, but it's not bad. Knee pain here and there. I dont NEED pain meds, but it does make me feel less discomfort. Hopefully one more week before I truly feel better. Sleep is definitely the worst tho, still been waking up in the middle of the night multiple times so far.
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keep it up man the first 3 weeks were t he hardest for me, everything else started getting easier from there.
Hey Movie, how have you been? How’s life been any updates?
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Day 20 (16 mm)
Just wanted to provide some updates. It's not all sunshine and rainbows. But also nothing out of the ordinary. I've heard from most patients I get a honeymoon phase around the 3 week mark for about 1 month before the lengthening gets hard. I've yet to reach that honeymoon phase but I think I'm getting close.
A few complications
1) right fingers are constantly numb, from using the walker. Apparently this is pretty common, and it'll go away in the future as I stop putting so much weight on my hands. It's most numb in the mornings and after using the walker, and it settles down a bit. I padded up my walker and used gloves but that hasn't solved the problem. I think I really have to wait it out for a few months until I'm off the walker. But this isn't particularly bothersome
2) Right outer hamstring is super tight. I originally thought it was my IT band (even though I got it released), but the doctor said it's my hamstrings. It's like a small part on the outer knee near my IT band which was why I thought it was my IT band to begin with. But to be fair, I haven't really started stretching yet. I just started it, and it seems to be getting a bit better. It's only tight when I stand completely straight or lie down completely straight.
3) Right inner shin has a reduced sensation. Talked to multiple of my doctor friends, apparently this isn't uncommon after a major surgery like breaking the femurs. But it'll usually go back within a few months. Nerve sensation can just take a long time to regain, but nothing to worry about. Honestly, I don't even notice it unless I'm showering and scrubbing there specifically.
4) My right butt where I think the reamed the nails has a really tight patch of muscle I think. It's been like this for 1-2 weeks. Basically if I angle my legs in a weird position I feel a sharp sharp cramp there. It probably happens 10 times a day (usually when I'm stretching). But I'm slowly stretching it out and using a massage gun to try to break up whatever tissue is causing that and we'll see how it goes.
Aside from that, it isn't too bad. I've been driving so I can save money on Ubers. Walking isn't too exhausting though I should probably do it more. I'm looking to go home to the bay area in a week, pretty excited to get out of Vegas. I rarely use pain meds now, probably on average 1 - 1.5 Percocet a day. The max I can have is 4. And I really dont even need it. I just use to prior to PT so I can go harder. And sometimes when I'm just annoyed of feeling sore in my legs I'll use it. The soreness is bearable but it can get annoying when its there 24/7.
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Day 26 (I think around 23mm? Forgot)
I take on average 10mg of Percocet a day. Split into 2. Valium sometimes though it doesn’t help. I stretch a lot, maybe on average 2 hours a day. (Before and after lengthening for 10 mins each, and then a single 1 hour session). A lot of “complications” I’ve had resolves in a week, new ones appears and disappears me I think I’ll reach 5cm, not with ease but it won’t be like omg I can’t take this anymore I want to quit. Like I’m already tight. But I continue to stretch.
I go back to the Bay Area tomorrow, not looking forward to the 9 hour drive but excited to be back home. Will probably update when I hit 5cm or if anything crazy happens.
I don’t think I’ll do PT back in the bay. Price is just not worth it, I’m looking at $100 per a 30 min session with PT that doesn’t deal with limb lengthened. I bought all the equipments and a massage table for less than $250 total. I’ll force myself and push myself to do my own PT 5 days a week for 2 hours a day. I have online guides from famous limb lengthening PTs like Mosche and Mike the PT. I am a young guy that works out, I think I can push myself to stretch even if it hurts. I’ll update on how it goes.
I have HDHP that’s why my insurance cost so much for PT. But also I grt $3k on my HSA debit card from my company so I think it’s worth it still. I used all my HSA on my hospital bill which was $10k
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Keep going!💪
Looking forward your update posts!
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Day 29? 25mm
Updating here because I just hit 1 inch so why the hell not. Everything's been good. Being back at home is nice for social aspects, just being able to talk to family. Mornings still suck. I stretch whenever I have downtime and PT doesn't seem necessary YET. All the old complications went away.
When I thought my IT band was tight, it was prob just my hamstring near there being stretched too far and recovering so it was sore and painful, took 4-5 days of rest and it was gone. Cramps on my left butt went away suddenly one day, as the doctor said. He thought it was just the screw irritating the muscle and it'll just take a bit for it to heal up.
I'm "tight", like I can feel my hamstrings tight when I lie down 180 degree, but nothing unbearable. 55mm to go, so let's kick this journey in its ass.
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Day 29? 25mm
Updating here because I just hit 1 inch so why the hell not. Everything's been good. Being back at home is nice for social aspects, just being able to talk to family. Mornings still suck. I stretch whenever I have downtime and PT doesn't seem necessary YET. All the old complications went away.
When I thought my IT band was tight, it was prob just my hamstring near there being stretched too far and recovering so it was sore and painful, took 4-5 days of rest and it was gone. Cramps on my left butt went away suddenly one day, as the doctor said. He thought it was just the screw irritating the muscle and it'll just take a bit for it to heal up.
I'm "tight", like I can feel my hamstrings tight when I lie down 180 degree, but nothing unbearable. 55mm to go, so let's kick this journey in its ass.
Nice man. Things are going to probably get their hardest now that you're crossing 1 inch. Id go turbo with the stretching. Good luck.
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Nice man. Things are going to probably get their hardest now that you're crossing 1 inch. Id go turbo with the stretching. Good luck.
ugh ur scaring me. I know 50mm will be interesting because i hear it so much that that will be a huge tightness change. But everytime I look.. im still so early on and it's already NOT easy. I really hope this next 7 weeks flashes by and I can hop into consolidation
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How about your legs tight, soreness, stiffness now? Did old complications go away and new complications appear? Do u get PT near your home or only stretch by yourself?
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How about your legs tight, soreness, stiffness now? Did old complications go away and new complications appear? Do u get PT near your home or only stretch by yourself?
Most of the old complications went away. Main one right now is saphenous nerve pain affecting my right ankle and calf. Doctor just prescribed me gabapentin so I'll see how that works. I think this will be a "complication" that wont go away until I start consolidating though. And these aren't even complications, they're normal symptoms of the surgery. Guys I talked to went through the same issue, said they regained 95% of the nerve sensation 20 days after consolidating and are continuing to see improvements.
I can feel the tightness but nothing too bad yet at 30mm. Everything is still bearable. Stiffness and soreness only in the morning, it gets better once I get out of bed and start my day. No PT since 3 weeks post surgery. I do strengthening exercises and stretching at home on my massage table and have all the equipments and bands at hand which I use. I do about 3 hours of combined stretching/strengthening 6 days a week. PT in the bay area is $150 for a 30 min session, not worth it.
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Saw your interview on cyborg4life dude. Thanks for hopping on there.
Now that you’re home, do you think this whole process is probably done better at home vs staying (Dr paley, Assayag) who require you to stay in their respective city during the entire lengthening?
Also you think it’s easy to just do all the pt yourself? How’s your mobility on the walker/in general? As in, has your ability to perform simple day to day tasks been fine on your own?
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Saw your interview on cyborg4life dude. Thanks for hopping on there.
Wow! Where is the link?
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Saw your interview on cyborg4life dude. Thanks for hopping on there.
Now that you’re home, do you think this whole process is probably done better at home vs staying (Dr paley, Assayag) who require you to stay in their respective city during the entire lengthening?
Also you think it’s easy to just do all the pt yourself? How’s your mobility on the walker/in general? As in, has your ability to perform simple day to day tasks been fine on your own?
100% lol. I mean what do you get staying over there you cant get staying at home? You go to a local xray clinic to get the SAME x-rays (doctor will provide xray orders) for only $20. Online video check-up once a month good, or if you really want, just fly back to see them in person. Airports all have free wheelchair services. I mean even the flights are cheaper than the hotel stays. But I feel like if you're in good shape, nothing is crazy bothering you, a video checkup to ask questions is good enough. I mean you also have contact with the doctors 24/7. Just today I asked him about my nerve pain, and he prescribed me medicine for that right away, and I got it from my local CVS for $10. All they do in person is talk to you for 30 mins to see how everything is going anyways. If they need to check flexibility just show them how far your legs can stretch on video. Idk, I think sometimes the doctors are overly conservative, which isnt bad, but also, you got a life to live lol. And saving money, living comfortably at home, is a big part of it
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Oh you don’t have to fly back every month for the checkup?? That’s a game changer. Other patients I’ve seen with Dr D. Flew back once a month and sometimes more than that. That would be so much better doing x-rays at home and zoom checkups.
You might’ve already answered this but you’re just stretching on your own without pt correct? I know PT is super important but I guess if you’re able to follow a set stretching and exercise routine, you probably wouldn’t need a clinic for that either.
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Oh you don’t have to fly back every month for the checkup?? That’s a game changer. Other patients I’ve seen with Dr D. Flew back once a month and sometimes more than that. That would be so much better doing x-rays at home and zoom checkups.
You might’ve already answered this but you’re just stretching on your own without pt correct? I know PT is super important but I guess if you’re able to follow a set stretching and exercise routine, you probably wouldn’t need a clinic for that either.
Yeah I heard I can do zoom checkups and other patients have before as long as nothing significant is happening. I mean honestly what do you think goes on in person anyways, they just ask you questions and you answer. They have you straighten your legs to see how far it goes, and thats pretty much it lol.
No PT right now, and no tightness issue that I feel like will require it so far at 30mm in. I have nerve pains, but I just got prescribed meds for that. But that's not something that is happening because of the lack of PT, nor will PT be able to help it. It will just heal with I stop lengthening. There is nothing in a PT clinic I cant do at home with the equipments I have. As long as I am accountable, I dont see why I cant do it at home and avoid the fees and drive. There is plenty of info on limb lengthening stretches and strengthening exercises on YouTube I can follow
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Day 35 (~31mm)
Posting because some more annoying complications have arrived within these last 3 days. Saphenous nerve continues to be a huge issue, burning and needle sensation on inner shin as I straighten my legs, most notable when I do stretches or when I sleep. Sleeping is obvious the big issue here, I've had no sleep issues until these past 3 days. Doctor has me on gabapentin 300mg already which I take 3x a day. But from my research it can take 1-2 weeks to start taking affect. I'll continue taking and see if improvements are good and update. Note this is on my right leg only, I feel like my left leg may have early symptoms, but nothing obvious enough to worth noting.
The worst part is I'm only 31mm in, like I'm not even halfway which is mentally painful. If this happens at 60mm then fine, I think it's normal. But man I'm so early in and this is a pretty brutal complication. I know it'll heal in consolidation but going through 50-80 more days of this? I personally slowed down to 0.75 the past 3 days. I just let my doctor know and asked for his approval for slowing down until this issues settles and the meds kicks in. I just looked up some saphenous nerve flossing exercises on youtube, going to add those in my daily stretches.
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Yeah but overall I had a great experience with him. If you are still considering him even without the accelerated weight bearing program, feel free to ask me any questions. I know he has a cash discount that isn't listed online. Basically you get a few thousand dollars off if you pay in physical cash, which I thought was worth it.
Thanks for all the info and insight. And if that offer is still open, I'll def msg more specific questions. I've done my consult already, just been putting off finalizing procedure and date cuz I've been picking up more work assignments just to have a wider financial cushion. Cash isn't a problem but good to know about the straight cash discount cuz I was actually planning on asking if I can make multiple credit card payments to earn rewards (points, cash back, etc.). But that sounds like a better deal when you consider costs for housing, etc.
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Thanks for all the info and insight. And if that offer is still open, I'll def msg more specific questions. I've done my consult already, just been putting off finalizing procedure and date cuz I've been picking up more work assignments just to have a wider financial cushion. Cash isn't a problem but good to know about the straight cash discount cuz I was actually planning on asking if I can make multiple credit card payments to earn rewards (points, cash back, etc.). But that sounds like a better deal when you consider costs for housing, etc.
I think it still is. I just chatted with a guy that said he was offered it. Dr. D overall prob the cheapest (and he's still literally a top surgeon despite his rep on here). I mean just google him. Housing 1 month was $2k for me. Then $60k cash to their office, and $10k to the hospital (HSA/credit card eligible).
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Also to update, I just spoke to the doctor's office. Looks like he wants me to try a 2 day break from lengthening and start back up at 0.75mm after to see if it helps the nerve issue. Again, great doctor, great communication with the team at Limbplastx.
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I think it still is. I just chatted with a guy that said he was offered it. Dr. D overall prob the cheapest (and he's still literally a top surgeon despite his rep on here). I mean just google him. Housing 1 month was $2k for me. Then $60k cash to their office, and $10k to the hospital (HSA/credit card eligible).
Thanks. I sent you a DM earlier. I've already done my consult with Dr. D, I've kept in touch with his clinical coordinator, I've even visited their clinic site when I was on assignment in Vegas. I've been putting it off cuz work assignments have still been too good to pass up and I wanted to keep making a wider financial cushion since I'll be off work & no PTO during this time. Plus Dr. D's recent IG update on a weight-bearing nail's possible return late 2023/early 2024 might be worth it (yeah, I've also seen the Paley update). But given the current slow season of my work, I'm thinking if I may need to adjust my schedule.
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Thanks. I sent you a DM earlier. I've already done my consult with Dr. D, I've kept in touch with his clinical coordinator, I've even visited their clinic site when I was on assignment in Vegas. I've been putting it off cuz work assignments have still been too good to pass up and I wanted to keep making a wider financial cushion since I'll be off work & no PTO during this time. Plus Dr. D's recent IG update on a weight-bearing nail's possible return late 2023/early 2024 might be worth it (yeah, I've also seen the Paley update). But given the current slow season of my work, I'm thinking if I may need to adjust my schedule.
I wouldn't place your bets on the weight-bearing nails returning with an estimated date. They've been saying things will come back 12 months out for the last 3 years, and it's not up to the doctors, it's up to a company where they probably put very little priority on these nails since they are a tiny percentage of their overall revenue.
The Precise 2.2 is totally fine if you dont weight more than 170 pounds. You're walking every day (with a walker) and you're prob not gonna break your nails. I've had all my weight on single legs on accident before for a second and nothing bends. I wouldn't recommend it, but it just proves that the nails are a lot stronger than advertised.
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I wouldn't place your bets on the weight-bearing nails returning with an estimated date. They've been saying things will come back 12 months out for the last 3 years, and it's not up to the doctors, it's up to a company where they probably put very little priority on these nails since they are a tiny percentage of their overall revenue.
The Precise 2.2 is totally fine if you dont weight more than 170 pounds. You're walking every day (with a walker) and you're prob not gonna break your nails. I've had all my weight on single legs on accident before for a second and nothing bends. I wouldn't recommend it, but it just proves that the nails are a lot stronger than advertised.
Yeah, its looking more and more like weight-bearing nail return won't be a factor. I'm aware of their AWP (accelerated weight-bearing plan) and I've been following other patient updates about it cuz I'd rather be weight-bearing sooner for recovery & work purposes. But yeah if I can reach you more on DM, I'd appreciate it.
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Day 35 (~31mm)
Posting because some more annoying complications have arrived within these last 3 days. Saphenous nerve continues to be a huge issue, burning and needle sensation on inner shin as I straighten my legs, most notable when I do stretches or when I sleep. Sleeping is obvious the big issue here, I've had no sleep issues until these past 3 days. Doctor has me on gabapentin 300mg already which I take 3x a day. But from my research it can take 1-2 weeks to start taking affect. I'll continue taking and see if improvements are good and update. Note this is on my right leg only, I feel like my left leg may have early symptoms, but nothing obvious enough to worth noting.
The worst part is I'm only 31mm in, like I'm not even halfway which is mentally painful. If this happens at 60mm then fine, I think it's normal. But man I'm so early in and this is a pretty brutal complication. I know it'll heal in consolidation but going through 50-80 more days of this? I personally slowed down to 0.75 the past 3 days. I just let my doctor know and asked for his approval for slowing down until this issues settles and the meds kicks in. I just looked up some saphenous nerve flossing exercises on youtube, going to add those in my daily stretches.
Hope everything goes well after u stop lengthening 2 days. Did u do stretch exercise too much before or walk with walker too long time?
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This nerve pain is still terrible. Makes sleeping difficult, like hard to fall asleep, and just getting bad sleep. I will say in the 2 days of "vacation", it healed up very quickly. Gives me hope that once I stop lengthening, the body will recover quickly. For now, I'm restarting at 0.75. I realize if i sleep on my right side, the nerve pain isnt as bad, but I need a softer bed. Luckily my bed is flippable, the softer side on the bottom right now. I'll flip it and try sleeping on the softer side tonight, on my side, and see how that goes.
I did the math and realize if i stay at 0.75 for the rest of the course vs 1mm, I'm adding 16 extra lengthening days. Which isn't that bad tbh, I might just keep at 0.75 if thats what my body can handle.
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If keeping on 0.75mm, your nerve pain is reduced and improved, it is worth waiting 16 days more. How about your dr ‘s opinion? Painkillers and other meds cannot help u to manage the nerve pain?
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hey, any updates? i'm debating going with either dr d or dr m in the coming months, and i'm leaning towards dr d mostly due to cost
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yeah i mean surgery-wise he's as good as any US doctor (at least for femurs, not sure about tibias). His credentials speaks for himself and he does surgery monday, wednesday, and friday, mostly non cosmetic spinal surgery. He does a pretty neat suture technique where you don't scar as much.
Vegas is cheap, I stayed at an airbnb for 2k a month most surgery and left to go back home 3 weeks post surgery. I think the main thing he lacks is checking up on you. You just have to be diligent in sending him your X-rays, making the appointments, and asking questions. Notify him of pain and call the office to get your prescriptions sent. I'm not sure how other clinics are like, but I wish they were more involved in it, like me having a direct line access to the doctor would be nice. I have to go through his secretary which can take a while sometimes. But at the end of the day, if you're diligent post surgery, I think it's a good choice.
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as far as accommodations, i've been looking at the Residence Inn by Marriott Las Vegas Airport due to free breakfast, kitchen, and proximity to airport. that a good location as far as hospital (can you confirm it is sunrise hospital?) and PT (where is that?)
thanks and please keep posting!
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PT is at where the limbplastx clinic is at (same plaza diff building). Honestly I feel like a large private airbnb is better than hotels, I went to a guys hotel and he paid a lot more, and his space was tiny. I had a whole house to move my wheelchair around and pretty comfortable, he had like a small suite.
And if you really do care about location, youd rather be closer to PT than the hospital. You go to the hospital once, why does it even matter you're close to it. It's 1 Uber ride away and you wont go back. Food you can easily prepare with a Costco spree prior to the surgery. Lots of microwavable food and fruits and snacks and what not. Like you can even cook fine after the surgery. I just use dishwasher because washing dishes will be annoying. I litearlly had 0 care taker, and was by myself, and I was 100% fine.
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Hi, how is your nerve pain going?
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If you have recent imaging data please put it at this thread. Redact any information that could be used to dox you.