Limb Lengthening Forum
Limb Lengthening Surgery => Limb Lengthening Patients Experiences => Topic started by: :Captain America: on August 15, 2017, 03:27:23 AM
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Dr. Donghoon Lee 2017 (Seoul)
LON (Lengthening Over Nail) on tibias
I travelled to Seoul, South Korea in July 2017 to begin my LL journey.
I've been dreaming about this for about 3 years, and I finally got this surgery with Dr Lee. For those years, the community has really helped visualize what it'd be like to get the surgery done. This time, I'd like to share my LL story with you guys.
About me
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Ethnicity & Nationality: N/A
Starting Height: 5'5'' (165cm)
Goal Height: 5'8'' (172.5cm)
Weight: 140 Ibs (60kg)
Surgery
Doctor: Donghoon Lee
Operation: LON (Lengthening Over Nail) on tibias
Type: Tibias
Planned Distraction: 7.5cm to 8cm if possible
Surgery Date: July 14, 2017
Why I chose Dr. Donghoon Lee
Dr. Donghoon Lee in Seoul was trained under Dr. Paley in America.
Please click on this link for more information about Dr. Lee
http://www.drdonghoon.com/index.php/about
I woke up from the surgery, and I noticed my left foot was numb with a lot of pain. The pain was unmanageable for me. I could not sleep, so I asked for a sleeping pill, but they said it’s dangerous to take a sleeping along with a painkiller something they said. During the first week in the hospital was very intensive. Every time I sleep I got a muscle tense, which was really painful. I kept waking up from it and screamed, tears in my eyes. I had to stay in the hospital for one week. You will need to have someone who can take care of you 24 hours since you can't really move your legs during the first week. I got discharged from the hospital 6 days later. To be honest, the first 2 to 3 weeks for me was terrible. I was in a lot of pain everyday, especially in the morning. I go to bed around 11pm and I wake up around 4am because of the pain every morning.
Pain/Discomfort.
My left leg is still numb and tingling. At this point its' very uncomfortable, but I would not classify it as painful yet. However, this is just a temporary problem, according to Dr. Lee.
If you have any questions of me. I would be glad to try and answer them.
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Very good, another lee patient, May I ask his opinion about Achilles lengthening surgery?
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Dr. Donghoon Lee 2017 (Seoul)
LON (Lengthening Over Nail) on tibias
I travelled to Seoul, South Korea in July 2017 to begin my LL journey.
I've been dreaming about this for about 3 years, and I finally got this surgery with Dr Lee. For those years, the community has really helped visualize what it'd be like to get the surgery done. This time, I'd like to share my LL story with you guys.
About me
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Ethnicity & Nationality: N/A
Starting Height: 5'5'' (165cm)
Goal Height: 5'8'' (172.5cm)
Weight: 140 Ibs (60kg)
Surgery
Doctor: Donghoon Lee
Operation: LON (Lengthening Over Nail) on tibias
Type: Tibias
Planned Distraction: 7.5cm to 8cm if possible
Surgery Date: July 14, 2017
Why I chose Dr. Donghoon Lee
Dr. Donghoon Lee in Seoul was trained under Dr. Paley in America.
Please click on this link for more information about Dr. Lee
http://www.drdonghoon.com/index.php/about
I woke up from the surgery, and I noticed my left foot was numb with a lot of pain. The pain was unmanageable for me. I could not sleep, so I asked for a sleeping pill, but they said it’s dangerous to take a sleeping along with a painkiller something they said. During the first week in the hospital was very intensive. Every time I sleep I got a muscle tense, which was really painful. I kept waking up from it and screamed, tears in my eyes. I had to stay in the hospital for one week. You will need to have someone who can take care of you 24 hours since you can't really move your legs during the first week. I got discharged from the hospital 6 days later. To be honest, the first 2 to 3 weeks for me was terrible. I was in a lot of pain everyday, especially in the morning. I go to bed around 11pm and I wake up around 4am because of the pain every morning.
Pain/Discomfort.
My left leg is still numb and tingling. At this point its' very uncomfortable, but I would not classify it as painful yet. However, this is just a temporary problem, according to Dr. Lee.
If you have any questions of me. I would be glad to try and answer them.
As some people say pain is temporary but your height will stay. Just focus on the big picture. I am having my surgery done pretty soon in Spain. Out of curiosity how much are you paying ? thanks
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No pain, no gain! :-*
This is the surgery fee before the promotion 44,000,000 KRW =38,568.119USD. I came during the promotion, so I got a huge discount on the surgery.
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Week 5
I am happy with my condition right now. However, I still have no sensation in my left ankle and I feel stiff, pain when I tried to stretch it down. Anyway, the loss of sensation is just a temporary complication after the surgery and nothing to worry about according to Dr. LEE. I am doing therapy every day all day long. Dr. Lee told me yesterday that my X-ray showed that I am 1.7 cm tall now.
Please feel free to ask me anything,
Thanks!
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Week 7
It's been a week since I updated the last diary. I don't have much to write for this week. I am feeling taller everyday and my legs are getting longer! I still have left foot pain and numbness which is annoying me 24 hours a day. I am going to visit Dr. Lee again in 2 weeks and get an x-ray to see how many cm I've achieved so far. Anyway, I am probably 3cm taller by now.
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I think you should ask for more attention on the ankle numbness problem (if you haven't). Nerve damage post surgery is more common in tibia lengthening - maybe it can be decompressed on time.
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Dr. Lee told me its going take time to recover from nerves damage. He said, I just have to wait for it. Thank you for your concern.
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I am going to see him again in 2 weeks. I will tell him about ankle numbness again :'(
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Please keep your posts coming. Nerve damage is always a concern for tibia lengthening so any information you can share re the approach Dr. Lee took is taking to address your ankle is extremely valuable to this forum.
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I went to see Dr. Lee and physical therapist a few days ago. According to the X-ray, I am actually 3.3cm taller now. I don't have anything pin infection. I don't have any pain from the wound and no muscle pain. He addressed every question I have and concern as always. My mobility starting to come back. I can feel some improvement for the numbness and tingling. :D
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No pain, no gain! :-*
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No pain, no gain! :-*
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Congrats on reaching 3.3cm, you must be feeling the new height ;-)
would you be comfortable sharing a photo or two of your legs in the frames?
You mentioned that the first week was extremely challenging pain wise. How would you compare the pain now to the first week? Are you sleeping a lot more now or do you still find the pain creeps in, in the early hours of the morning?
Do you have full dorsiflexion of the foot with the ankle numbness and tingling sensation?
Your feedback for the forum is always appreciated.
Regards
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re: "This is the surgery fee before the promotion 44,000,000 KRW =38,568.119USD. I came during the promotion, so I got a huge discount on the surgery."
Could you please let us know what was the total cost for your LON surgery and did this price include 90 days stay at Dr. Lee's guest house?
FYI, I was previously quoted 44,000,000 KRW which included the full lengthening period at the guest house (90 days).
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Hello! I went from 165cm to 168.3, and I am definitely feeling the new height. I would share with you a photo If you could teach me how to post it here. As of today, I don't have any more pain, even in the morning. The first week was extremely painful for me, but Dr. Lee and his team took the best care of me. I do have full dorsiflexion of the foot with the ankle numbness and tingling. Are you going come to do LON surgery with Dr. Lee?
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This is how you upload pics: http://www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=2183.0
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Hello,
It's great to know you are no longer feeling much pain and that you have full mobility with in the foot with the numbness.
I plan to have LON with Lee in early 2019.
I sent you a few emails, did you receive them? Would be great if we could catch up on email or skype etc.?
Regards
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When you click on 'Reply' you'll see an option 'Attachments and other options' at the bottom where you can attach images.
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同胞加油,我也在qq群里
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Hello,
I received your email. The numbness got so much better and most of the time I forgot about it.
I am glad to hear that you are going to have LON done with one of the top Dr for LL like Dr. Lee. I might also get my femur done with him in 2019.
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Hello Chinese Actor,
I don't understand your language. Could you please write in English?
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Started to lengthen my legs on July 23, 2017
Left Pic Aug 1, 2017
Right Pic Sep 10 ,2017
https://imgur.com/a/JQbhv
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Looking good 'Man of Steel' literally... Thanks for sharing.
A couple of questions for the forum.
1. It is my understanding that Dr. Lee cuts the anterior compartment fascia sheath to prevent nerve damage from the compartment syndrome. Can you notice any changes in the way the anterior muscles of the calf look and feel? Perhaps it is difficult to see whilst in frames? I wonder if the sheath will close naturally or the muscle will protrude? Your thoughts?
2. How is your bone consolidation? Could you share a recent set of your x-rays at 3cm +?
We, the 'Limb Lengthening Forum' really appreciate your story and feedback to our questions.
Regards
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I've been thinking a lot about the lengthen amount. I'm going to stay with the standard recommended safe tibia LL amount. Femur has been always a second option if I am not satisfied with first LL. I'm almost at 5cm. I might just stop at 5cm, 5.5cm or 6cm depending on my body. At first, I was aiming at 7cm or 7.5. My advice is try not to set a height goal going into LL and just wait to see how far you can go without problems/complications or getting yourself disabled. You'll have a better idea of that once you get around 4cm or 5cm+. I can't reach the original goal because the body just can't take it, and I've been trying very hard to push myself to get 7cm. In my opinion taking a risk for extra 1cm or 2cm isn't worth it. I'll be better off with a 2cm lift. Hopefully, I can hit 6cm or even 5.5cm would be amazing. I'll be happy being over 170cm+ because being 165cm ... you know what I mean. I am already feeling a lot taller than before, especially with my shoes on which give me a few more cm. I just want to appreciate each of cm I've gained. I'm going to go visit Dr. Lee next week, and I will stay posted.
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I've been thinking a lot about the lengthen amount. I'm going to stay with the standard recommended safe tibia LL amount. Femur has been always a second option if I am not satisfied with first LL. I'm almost at 5cm. I might just stop at 5cm, 5.5cm or 6cm depending on my body. At first, I was aiming at 7cm or 7.5. My advice is try not to set a height goal going into LL and just wait to see how far you can go without problems/complications or getting yourself disabled. You'll have a better idea of that once you get around 4cm or 5cm+. I can't reach the original goal because the body just can't take it, and I've been trying very hard to push myself to get 7cm. In my opinion taking a risk for extra 1cm or 2cm isn't worth it. I'll be better off with a 2cm lift. Hopefully, I can hit 6cm or even 5.5cm would be amazing. I'll be happy being over 170cm+ because being 165cm ... you know what I mean. I am already feeling a lot taller than before, especially with my shoes on which give me a few more cm. I just want to appreciate each of cm I've gained. I'm going to go visit Dr. Lee next week, and I will stay posted.
Man, you are so f*cking right. I'm also doing LON on my tibias and stopped at 6 cm because my legs were almost yelling me to stop. 1 or 2 cm absolutely doesn't worth it and I'm still asking myself should I stopped earlier. Hopefully you will achieve your goal. Wish you the best.
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Hey Jexus,
I wish you the best for recovery! I am still asking myself should I stop at 5cm or 6cm, but I will just let my legs tell me.
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Go luck man of steel! keep up the good work. Im sure you will get to your goals!
all my best wishes to you!
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I could not agree more with you. There's nobody on this forum that can advise you more than your body.
A friend of mine who lengthened a large amount on his femurs did 5.5cm on his tibia with LON with Dr. Lee.
Based on patients feedback, I hope I can manage 4~5cm when I do LON.
How is your consolidation 'Man of Steel'?
Regards,
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Hey Tall Story,
My consolidation is good. I think you can do it! Are you planning to do LON with Dr. Lee anytime soon?
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Hey RGKEY,
Thank you so much for your support!!!!
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Man of steel,
Good luck with your recovery. Dr. Donghoon Lee was in my surgery, I did the internal method with fitbone.
Dr Monegal showed him his technique. Besides he was talking about the safest length that you can do without a release in the Achilles heels.
Both said that 4 cms are a safe lengthening, but depends on every patient you can do one cm more.
I remember that I am ready that he did 5 cms, told he was better if he would be done just 4, but Its logical.
Have a good recovery,
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Hello,
Good to hear your consolidation is good and you'll remove your frames shortly, please share a set of x-rays with us when you can.
I plan to have my surgery with Dr. Lee in late 2018 perhaps around the time you'll have your nails removed.
Regards,
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Sept 24
Finally, I made it to 5cm (: Dr. Lee going to remove the frame in about 3 weeks, so I'm thinking of increasing the length to 5.5cm, 6cm maybe.
Sleeping: I just want to have a good night of sleep without the frame connected to my legs. I am not a back sleeper, so it is very hard for me to sleep at night without sleeping pills.
Pain: The pain was increasing from 4cm to 5cm. I feel a lot of pain in the morning. The muscles got real tight for both legs and it's really hard to flat footed to stand, but I can walk normally. I'm trying to keep stretching and standing as much as possible. I was 165/166 now I'm 170/171 (: This is a life changing for me being this height. If I can get to 6cm I will be 172cm and I'm going do my best to get close to 6cm.
Stress/depression: My first month was so stressful because I was alone for 1 month. I remember being in pain and hungry all the time. I'm from Los Angeles and I don't have any friends in S. Korea. However, I don't feel depressed/stress anymore(: My girlfriend came to S. Korea to take care of me for 2 months now.
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Man of Steel,
Yes, it is a psychological game, so many time free.
What is you lengthening rate?
Best Regards. Be careful over 5 cms
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Hi Man of steel !
Really happy for you man :D . I wanted to know what is Dr lee's cost for femur lengthening?
Hope you do well !
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Hey yagen,
I'm doing 1mm a day. ;)
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Hey Max,
You can contact them directly by email because I am not sure about the price.
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Hey Tall Story,
I don't have a pic of the X-ray right now :'(
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man,I wanted to know what is Dr lee's cost for femur lengthening,i contact them directly by email but no reply.can you ask him?ty
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im very confused about visa，i cant apply five year visa。
i dont know how other can stay in korean so long（3-4months or long？）,plz tell me
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Sept 29
I finished lengthening my legs at 5.5cm I was aiming at 6cm, but I don't think 5mm worth the risks. I have a 2cm ballerina on my left foot and 1cm on right foot. I think I've made a right decision by stopping at around 5.5. Sometimes, I feel LL is like an addiction. It's making you want more and more and willing to trade your life for one or two CM. In my opinion base on experience of LL LON tibia 5cm is probably the limit or 6cm if your body can take it.
I'm going to have my last X-ray on October 2 right after my birthday and the frame removal a week later. I can't wait to get this frame out of my legs. I feel like I didn't sleep for 2 months to be honest. I'm waking up every 15 mins to make sure I don't bend my legs because I usually bend my legs to sleep all my life. Anyway, I was 165/166 and I'm probably around 171.5cm now. I'm just going to call it 172cm (:
Pain: I don't have much pain during the day time. However, pain usually come at night time when I want to sleep.
Stiffness/tightness: I didn't have this problem until I reached 4CM. My legs and ankle getting tighter from 4cm and at 5cm I started to think about possible complication, so I decided to push just a little bit more to 5.5cm instead of 6cm.
Wish me luck! 8)
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Wish you the best man !
I will get my frames removed too in about 2 weeks, and I have real ballerina sh*t. I asked Dr. Inan about the ATL and he answered that he will chose do or not during frame removal cause under anestesia every muscle on the leg is conpletely relaxed. Hope we have a great consolidation !
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Hey man, how is it goin ?
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Hello, Man of Steel,
Congratulations on reaching 5.5 cm without significant complications. It's been a while, so I trust you successfully removed your frames and your ballerina's foot is subsiding.
If you have time, please share a copy of your X-rays for the forum.
In hindsight is there anything you would have done differently?
Regards
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Hi man of steel !
firstly congrats to your success on limb lengthening !
but i wonder It takes only two months for you to gain 5.5 cm? :o
it seems like you spent much less time compare to other patients?
i thought it would take 5-6 months for the whole procedure...
but anyway it is a good news to me!:D
best regards
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but i wonder It takes only two months for you to gain 5.5 cm? :o
About two months of distraction (lengthening), lock in nails, then wait for bones to consolidate. Walking unassisted without crutches will take about as long as you guessed.
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After two months, would be able to walk unassisted?
Ideally, I plan to have my surgery in mid-May 2018 to get 6cm lengthed then go back to work (desk-top type though so not so much walking or anything) at the end of August or beginning of Sep (which means I have exactly 3 and half months to retrieve walking-unassisted ability). So based on your opinion, do you think it is doable timeline?(walking again after 3 and half months lengthening 6cm)?
thanks a lot, if you can give me some general thoughts (based on average or etc).
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I saw a page of Dr. Donghoon's introduction +pricing, all the technique options are 50,000usd and up (more like 70,000usd and up) and the post was back from 2014?
Im soooo confused when i was reading that thread, after reading Man of Steel's diary from 2017.
(If Im paying that much money, I will go for paley or someone else back in the states for sure, not going all the way to korea and getting my lengthening done by an even relative younger doctor who is not practicing in the states).
Could someone give me some more info regards Dr. Donghoon's pricing?
Thank you so much, I appreciate it very very much!
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Could someone give me some more info regards Dr. Donghoon's pricing?
Here's an updated price list was posted a few weeks back (http://www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=2396.msg80387#msg80387).
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As of today, I don't have any pain when I walk. I started to play soccer again. The another day, I ran to catch the train without realizing that I have those rod and screws inside my legs still. I feel very normal and I am going to get my femur done in Aug 22, 2018. Is there anyone going to get a surgery with Doctor Lee in Korea? I feel like we can meet there and hang out or something.
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If you have any question to ask me about LL feel free to message me.
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If you have any question to ask me about LL feel free to message me.
Hi Captain,
I heard Dr Lee speaks English, did you feel comfortable communicating with him in english or needed a translator sometimes?
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As of today, I don't have any pain when I walk. I started to play soccer again. The another day, I ran to catch the train without realizing that I have those rod and screws inside my legs still. I feel very normal and I am going to get my femur done in Aug 22, 2018. Is there anyone going to get a surgery with Doctor Lee in Korea? I feel like we can meet there and hang out or something.
Yes i'm most likely going for internals in 2019.