Limb Lengthening Forum
Limb Lengthening Surgery => Limb Lengthening Patients Experiences => Topic started by: LAGrowin on January 19, 2018, 10:45:27 AM
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It finally happened. I had my surgery yesterday 1/18/18!
I thank GOD for allowing everything to go well and for the energy to pull through it. My family as well for the support.
Dr. Mahboubian is great. No sugarcoating things, and is friendly and casual. Professional but casual like one of your buddies would be.
ABOUT ME:
Age - Mid 40s
Height - 5'6" - 167.75cm
weight - 165 lbs.
Health - Excellent
Fitness - Fairly Fit
Goal Height - 5'9". - 175cm with Precise 2
I have been making plans for this surgery for nearly 1 year.
DAYS BEFORE SURGERY
Feeling anxious, nervous, and questioning whether I really needed to go through 3-4 months of pain, stress, and mostly immobility. I am a very busy person so being immobile for 3+ months will be hard. The answer was always yes. I am extremely bothered by being 5'6" and know that my confidence will be further elevated by the hopefully 3".
Also reflecting on the fact that I'm spending $70k+ on a cosmetic procedure while there are others out there with serious health issues, and or people living in severe poverty.
DAY 1
Arrived at the hospital and checked in at 5:30 AM. Surgery was scheduled for 7:30 AM. Got through the paperwork and standard surgery prep, like shaving my upper legs. Around 7 AM, Dr. Mahboubian and the anesthesiologist came in and said we were almost ready. Explained a few things, and within minutes was wheeled towards the operating room. I was nervous, but this was really happening finally. Still questioning myself. Super clean and large operating room. About 10-12 medical people in there. Anesthesia into the IV, and don't remember a single thing after that, until I woke up in the recovery room around 1 PM or so. My anesthesia took awhile to wear off.
I am now in my hospital room and everyone has been super attentive and nice. No complaints. I have not been hungry and have slept on and off all day. Pain is tolerable, but my legs feel super tight and heavy, the pain is about a 5 and not sharp but dull. I have my pain button but it has made me extremely groggy so I've tried not to use it too much. Very difficult to move my legs. I can bend my feet and that helps easy the tension to my upper legs.
The PT came in around 7 PM and decided not to get me up as I was very dizzy and groggy. I would fall asleep while talking to him.
Waiting for Dr. M to come in the morning.
All in all, at least day one, not as bad as I imagined. I am being told though that pain will kick in and increase.
I will keep you all updated.
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I wish you the best of luck throughout the whole process. You'll pull it through.
Also reflecting on the fact that I'm spending $70k+ on a cosmetic procedure while there are others out there with serious health issues, and or people living in severe poverty.
We do what we can do. You can always give back later.
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I wish you the best of luck throughout the whole process. You'll pull it through.
We do what we can do. You can always give back later.
Thank you myloginacct, I appreciate it. Yes so true, hopefully this experience and physical transformation will make be a better person in many ways. The plan is to always give back where and when I can. Gratitude!
Thanks again.
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Dear fellow, I wish you all the luck... I am also in my 40's and hope to do the surgery this year or next... almost same height .. planning to do 4' total on femur and tibia...
Is 3' on one bone not a lot? What did the doc say about this? And what did he say about doing such a big operation at mid 40's..
Again, congrats and I hope al goes wel...
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Dear fellow, I wish you all the luck... I am also in my 40's and hope to do the surgery this year or next... almost same height .. planning to do 4' total on femur and tibia...
Is 3' on one bone not a lot? What did the doc say about this? And what did he say about doing such a big operation at mid 40's..
Again, congrats and I hope al goes wel...
Hello Honore,
Good to hear for you. Thank you for your well wishes.
3" inches on the femur is not a lot, it is near the top of the limit but with a good doctor, and if we do our part on the physical therapy, it should be fine, of course each person will respond different and some can do 3 and some not. I am hoping for 3 which is 7.6 cm.
During my initial consultation, that was one of my biggest concerns, my age. The doctor said it wasn't a problem at all. Apparently he has had patients nearing 60. I know there have been a few members here in their 40s also.
Wishing you well.
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Holy crap, it's so weird because I remember seeing posts from you before and I figured you wrre going with Dr M with your username but I just assumed like a lot of us it was a long way away. Now the surgerys compete and your day 1 of LL.
It's always awesome seeing people start their journey. God Speed brother. Give us all the juicy details
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Holy crap, it's so weird because I remember seeing posts from you before and I figured you wrre going with Dr M with your username but I just assumed like a lot of us it was a long way away. Now the surgerys compete and your day 1 of LL.
It's always awesome seeing people start their journey. God Speed brother. Give us all the juicy details
Hi Zeo,
Thank you bro. Yes, I joined the forum roughly last June, and decided to take the plunge. At my age, I don't have a ton of time to sit and wait.
Today is the first day after surgery and the pain is starting to kick in more. Not a scary pain, just a tiring pain, dull, constant. My legs are super tight.
Dr. Mahboubian just left. Cool guy. Said all looks real good, not too swollen. He just took me off of the Dialudid and am now on Norco. I am waiting for the PT to come and get me up.
Thank you again Zeo .
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Well, I say thank you sir for your kind words.. I hope you keep the diary going and again my wishes
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Hey LAGrowin, it finally happened! Glad to hear that things went smoothly. Thanks for keeping us in the loop, looking forward to future updates about your journey.
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good luck bro. i am looking forward to this diary!
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Honore, Android, MirinHeight,
Thank you. I'll update later.
Pain has increased about a 5.5 . It's dull and constant. Getting in and out of bed has been nearly impossible for me. Wow!!
I'll keep you posted.
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Congratulations LAGrowin! The day has finally arrived! Good luck to you man! 3 months will pass before you even know it.
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Dear LAGrowin, I can relate to how you feel when you say spending tons of money on cosmetic surgery while there are more unfortunate people out there. Yes, we are more fortunate than poor or unhealthy people or ppl without access to proper education, etc. However, we are also kinda unfortunate being short in a society where the opposite is valued. I used to think physical appearance doesn't stop us pursuing things in life and I worked hard and gave back along the way too until I realized being short has become something holding me back to achieve greater things. I know this may sound pessimistic but I think you and most ppl on this forum get what I am saying.
I salute to what you are going through now and fingers crossed for the best outcome.
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Congratulations LAGrowin! The day has finally arrived! Good luck to you man! 3 months will pass before you even know it.
Puru. Thank you. I hope you're doing well and continuing to recover. Your diary and responses to my questions had been very helpful. Thank you.
Yes, the day finall came. Still can quite believe I did it. God willing so, can wait to be at the end of lengthening.
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Dear LAGrowin, I can relate to how you feel when you say spending tons of money on cosmetic surgery while there are more unfortunate people out there. Yes, we are more fortunate than poor or unhealthy people or ppl without access to proper education, etc. However, we are also kinda unfortunate being short in a society where the opposite is valued. I used to think physical appearance doesn't stop us pursuing things in life and I worked hard and gave back along the way too until I realized being short has become something holding me back to achieve greater things. I know this may sound pessimistic but I think you and most ppl on this forum get what I am saying.
I salute to what you are going through now and fingers crossed for the best outcome.
Hi Obsever, thank you for acknowledging this comment. It was difficult for me not to feel some guilt. So much can be said on this topic.
Thank you for your well wishes. I am positive and ready to work hard to gain my 3" and recover. So far so good. Easy? No, but no regrets.
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DAY 3
5:03 AM , I have been up since 3 AM trying to pee in the plastic container, it just won't come.
The pain really came in last night to about a 9, constant and throbbing, not sharp. Finally I just accepted that I'll have to take 2 Norcos every 4 hours. I plan to do this for the first couple of weeks.
I fell asleep at 9:45pm and woke up 2:45am, so I went 5 hours between meds, you want to try to avoid that, and stay ahead of the pain.
I've been up twice on my feet and taken a few steps, wow!! Not easy. Just to turn out of bed takes me a good 30 minutes with the PT and my wife.
My biggest challenge so far? How to get to the toilet and sit to go "2". The pain on the underside of your thighs makes it very difficult as you put a lot of pressure on the freshly broken femur bone.
I'll post more later. Hard to sit in bed and type.
Thank you all.
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PEEING
For any of your reading this later as you go through your journey or in the process of researching, if you are having trouble peeing into the bottle after the catheter had come out, which you WILL, have someone turn on the faucet in your room, I don't know why but it works. It will bring the urge to go quickly.
Also, empty your bladder well the morning of the surgery and try not to eat heavy the day/days before, that way your system is not packed and bowels full. It all helps.
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PEEING
For any of your reading this later as you go through your journey or in the process of researching, if you are having trouble peeing into the bottle after the catheter had come out, which you WILL, have someone turn on the faucet in your room, I don't know why but it works. It will bring the urge to go quickly.
Also, empty your bladder well the morning of the surgery and try not to eat heavy the day/days before, that way your system is not packed and bowels full. It all helps.
hey man, did Dr. M give you the option of getting surgery on one leg at a time? So that you will have one working leg at all times to help move around
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hey man, did Dr. M give you the option of getting surgery on one leg at a time? So that you will have one working leg at all times to help move around
It was never discussed, nor would it be an option for me. I cannot be out of commission that long. Even with one leg, with what I do, I'd technically be out of commission even with one good leg.
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It was never discussed, nor would it be an option for me. I cannot be out of commission that long. Even with one leg, with what I do, I'd technically be out of commission even with one good leg.
oh ok man.
I was just asking cause this pt did one leg at a time: surgery was recorded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko3OZzm35jk&t=86s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko3OZzm35jk&t=86s)
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oh ok man.
I was just asking cause this pt did one leg at a time: surgery was recorded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko3OZzm35jk&t=86s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko3OZzm35jk&t=86s)
No worries at all. We didn't discuss at all, but I also made it clear that timing was important to me and that I wanted to recover as quickly as possible.
I guess I'm an ideal world, one leg at a time would be better.
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Hey LAGrowin, so nice to see your journal! I'll make sure to follow updates every day. My surgery is in April with Dr. M as well and I'm really excited. Did you start lenghtening yet? Are you planning to go back home, or do you already live close to his office?
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Hey LAGrowin, how are you doing? Day 6 already huh, I hope the whole experience hasnt been too daunting. Just know every one of us prospective LL'ers would gladly trade places with you. From what I read in the diaries the beginging is the worst, and usually gets smoother. So keep your chin up bro and focus on the goal. We're all rooting for you.
Any "wtf did I just do" moments? Is the rush of starting your journey still pumping strong? All the best wishes and keep us updated, Keep fighting the Good Fight brotha.
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Congrats on the surgery. I'm one month ahead of you and I know the first week is really tough, but take it day by day and you'll see starting week 2 that things get better each and every day!
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Hello gentlemen. Thanks for the well wishes. I will catch up on the updates soon and respond accordingly. I have been sleeping a lot. Days seem slow but they also fly by, as small tasks become enormous.
No regrets thus far. Pain, yes, but it is very bearable. It's the little things we don't seem to plan on or discuss that get you.
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Hello gentlemen. Thanks for the well wishes. I will catch up on the updates soon and respond accordingly. I have been sleeping a lot. Days seem slow but they also fly by, as small tasks become enormous.
No regrets thus far. Pain, yes, but it is very bearable. It's the little things we don't seem to plan on or discuss that get you.
can you please elaborate on this
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Nice job LAGrowin, you are well on your way to a better life :), pain is only temporary.
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DAY 3 - CONTINUED
This 3rd day was a tough one. It was the day to discharge but I was in a lot of pain and was having difficulty moving due to muscle spams and cramping in my left hip area. The cramping would cause sharp jolts of pain with the slightest movement. Dr M called in a muscle relaxer so that I could move and be able to complete my PT. He wanted me to have a 2nd PT before I left the hospital. The muscle relaxer knocked me out and when the PT came in I was in a deep sleep. She forced me up and wanted me off the bed and on to the walker. For me with the cramping and spasms this seemed an impossible feat. The slightest movement and I was jolted with pain. After about an hour with three people and a lot of grunting, I was off the bed and on the walker. I think the PT first thought I was being a cissy, but then realized the pain I was in. I was drenched in sweat.
I started realizing that getting up again, unto a wheelchair and into a car to head home would be nearly impossible. I called some family members to come and help and arranged for a transport van to get me home .
8:30 PM and I was finally checking out and heading home on a transport van. This was a smart and very worthwhile investment.
Being on the wheelchair was painful as the footrests weren't quite adjustable to the proper height. Putting small cushions under your feet for leverage helps. The pressure the edge of the wheelchair seat creates under your thighs really hurts. Any little bump in the road caused pain.
I got home and luckily the van driver had a portable ramp to get me up the three stairs to my front porch. If not that would have been a challenge.
Next challenge was getting off the wheelchair and into the bed again at home, it's not quick or easy. It was the cramping and spasms in my left leg that was making this so hard.
Other than the sudden jolts of pain in my left lef with any sudden movement, the constant pain was very manageable with the Norco,l at about a 4.
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Hey LAGrowin, how are you doing? Day 6 already huh, I hope the whole experience hasnt been too daunting. Just know every one of us prospective LL'ers would gladly trade places with you. From what I read in the diaries the beginging is the worst, and usually gets smoother. So keep your chin up bro and focus on the goal. We're all rooting for you.
Any "wtf did I just do" moments? Is the rush of starting your journey still pumping strong? All the best wishes and keep us updated, Keep fighting the Good Fight brotha.
Zeo, thank you very much for the encouragement! Yes that's what I keep hearing and reading, and it seems to be very true. You read about all of this, but not until you expirement it first so you really understand.
The "wtf am I about to do" kept at me until I was being wheeled into the operating room. "do I really need to put myself through this?" , the answer was yes, man up and get it over with. I want my height. I'm glad I am now on the other side and recovering.
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Congrats on the surgery. I'm one month ahead of you and I know the first week is really tough, but take it day by day and you'll see starting week 2 that things get better each and every day!
bigdreams55,
Congratulations! Happy for you. Which doctor did your surgery if I may ask?
The first week has really been a battle with the small things. Pain is manageable but getting to the restroom for me has been a real battle. The pain of getting off the bed and unto the wheelchair has been tough. Pain due to cramping in my left hip area. Your first bowel movement is no fun eitherZ. It hurts.
Sitting on bedside commode over the toilet hurts, etc etc ....
Can't wait for things to start getting better. So you're about 3 cm in by now?
Would love to stay I touch.
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DAY 4-8
I am home now and and relatively comfortable. The pain I've experienced is mainly due to a spasm and cramping of my left hip area. That muscle cramps up at the slightest movement and creates a jolting pain. Otherwise pain is a constant 2.
MEDICATION
- 2 Norcos every 4 hours (a bit much but needed in the first week)
- 1 muscle relaxer every 6 hours - don't really think it's helped much
- 1 Xeralto per day
- 2 dulcolax daily
GENERAL
At least from my experience, you will need someone to help you. You cannot be up on the walker getting things. I've needed two people to help me off the bed and into the wheelchair when getting to the restroom. It is too dangerous trying to do it with only one helper, but I assume this is case by case . I feel I have a high pain tolerance but this is different.
The first time trying to use the restroom was painful due to the setup. The plastic bedside commode put so much pressure on the underside of my thighs that I couldn't do my thing.
I got uncomfortable in bed, after hours in one spot you start getting very frustrated. Being on the wheelchair is painful after a few minutes.
Cleaning yourself is a challenge.
This ese are all small things that you'll figure out as you go through your own journey, but try to prepare and don't underestimate things.
Plan for your bed to not be too high or too low. The height of my bed turned out to be an issue. Standard bed height is better. An adjustable bed is best if you can arrange it.
STRETCHING
This has been a bit of a challenge for me in the first week. However I have been moving my legs side to side, up and down, and bending them as much as possible.
I am planning on starting routine PT four days a week. This will loosen me up.
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"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever."
~Lance Armstrong
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"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever."
~Lance Armstrong
Thanks MirinHeight. Definitely no quitting here. It's balls out pushing to 7.6 CM!!
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Day 9
Post-op visit with Dr. M. Had to hire a transport van again, to and from the Dr. Office.
Dr. M said all looks good. He removed the stitches and introduced me to the Precise (Nuvasive) rep. Dr. said he wanted me to lengthen 4 times a day for the first week and then lower to 3 times a day at .33mm per session. He told me to start taking vitamin D and calcium. He said I was a little tighter than he'd like but was overall ok. Said I needed to start PT immediately.
The Precise rep was real cool and explained in detail how to use the machine.
Came home, had my 2nd bowel movement since surgery and felt good. It was however a tiring day. Legs felt weak.
Lengthened two sessions finally in the first day!!
I'm .66mm taller now !!!!
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Loving the detail, it's not often that we get a good look at the day to day struggles.
Congrats on the growth to far, onward and upward!
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Loving the detail, it's not often that we get a good look at the day to day struggles.
Congrats on the growth to far, onward and upward!
Thank you Android. Trying to be as specific as I can. It can only help someone as they're going through they're own LL later on.
Yes! Onward and upward!!
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bigdreams55,
Congratulations! Happy for you. Which doctor did your surgery if I may ask?
The first week has really been a battle with the small things. Pain is manageable but getting to the restroom for me has been a real battle. The pain of getting off the bed and unto the wheelchair has been tough. Pain due to cramping in my left hip area. Your first bowel movement is no fun eitherZ. It hurts.
Sitting on bedside commode over the toilet hurts, etc etc ....
Can't wait for things to start getting better. So you're about 3 cm in by now?
Would love to stay I touch.
I had Dr. Rozbruch, I have a journal here as well! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions, I'm at 3.8 cm now.
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I had Dr. Rozbruch, I have a journal here as well! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions, I'm at 3.8 cm now.
Sounds like you're about halfway there bigdreams55, congratulations!!
This whole experience has been almost surreal for me. I can't believe that I actually did it.
Yes, I'm sorry, I've been reading your journal, not sure how I didn't put these two together.
Thank you so much. We should stay in touch bigdreams55.
All the best!
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Hope everything goes well.
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Hope everything goes well.
Thank you Misoru. Hoping for the same. So far so good other than the expected commonly mentioned issues.
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Hey LAGrowin, glad to see you're doing better and better! Can you elaborate a little bit on how hard is it to shower? I've been wondering about this and couldn't find in any journals ???
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Since I have recently noticed that the number of fans of Mahboubian have suspectly (in my opinion) increased,I would suggest everyone to read those threads before making any decision:
www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=562.0
www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=23.0
Good luck to everyone
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Since I have recently noticed that the number of fans of Mahboubian have suspectly (in my opinion) increased,I would suggest everyone to read those threads before making any decision:
www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=562.0
www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=23.0
Good luck to everyone
There is a difference between people supporting the LL'ers who are going through the journey, and being a "fan of Mahboubian".
If you want to debate the efficacy of different doctors do it in those threads, let the man lengthen in peace
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Since I have recently noticed that the number of fans of Mahboubian have suspectly (in my opinion) increased,I would suggest everyone to read those threads before making any decision:
www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=562.0
www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=23.0
Good luck to everyone
although i do not like Dr. Mahboubian's business tactics, all his pts have made full recoveries
and he was trained under Dr. Rozbruch
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There is a difference between people supporting the LL'ers who are going through the journey, and being a "fan of Mahboubian".
If you want to debate the efficacy of different doctors do it in those threads, let the man lengthen in peace
Thank you Zeo. Very well said.
I'm not here to promote or sell anything or anyone. I'm here to try to share my experience as many others have which I have benefited from.
My personal opinion is that if Dr. M promotes his LL practice, he has every right. It's a business after all. Look at the amount of marketing by LA's top cosmetic surgeons for breasts and butt implants, lip this, nose that. It's crazy. But it's a business. While at the office I also saw numerous patients who are being treated for non cosmetic issues and natural deformities. It's not all CLL. Anyway, only my opinion. I will not debate this issue with anyone or engage any further.
All I can say from FIRST HAND experience is that Dr. M thus far has treated me well, with courtesy, and in my opinion very professionally. Because I wanted to make sure of what I was doing, I had 3 visits with him before I decided to pull the trigger. Of course I'm local to him in LA. Never did he try to push me into surgery. He just answered all questions and said he'd see me when and if I was ready.
Now, let me lengthen in peace man!!! Lol
Peace gentlemen.
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Hey LAGrowin, glad to see you're doing better and better! Can you elaborate a little bit on how hard is it to shower? I've been wondering about this and couldn't find in any journals ???
Hi fallen774. Thank you sir. In general I'm doing better, but going through this first hand is no joke, but very doable and tolerable. Of course our bodies will react with a little bit of variance.
So today is my 12th day post op. In my opinion, for me personally, way too dangerous to try to shower yet. My legs are not strong enough but to take several steps here and there. My shower has about a 10" step to go in. It's too easy to lose my balance and fall while inside. I don't want to risk it. I have been cleaning myself with a no rinse foam hospitals give you, a hand towel and warm water. Stock up on baby wipes.
I bought a shower chair and will be using that when ready. Hopefully next week. I hate the feeling of not being able to shower but that's that.
I thought I'd be out and about on a wheel chair at the end of week 2. No way that's realistic. Maybe at the end of week 3. Maybe.
The toilet in itself has been a real pain in the ass (literally). You absolutely need a bedside commode over the toilet and you'll need pillows under your feet so that your knees lift a little and the pressure is not on the underside of your femurs.
Hopefully this all makes sense. Ask away if it doesn't.
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It's a business after all. Look at the amount of marketing by LA's top cosmetic surgeons for breasts and butt implants, lip this, nose that. It's crazy.
No kidding. I remember seeing an Equinox lined with parked exotics right across a billboard showing a man and woman in swimsuits that read: Look Better nked! Freeze the Fat! It was the most LA juxtaposition I'd ever seen.
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My personal opinion is that if Dr. M promotes his LL practice, he has every right. It's a business after all.
Suure,also making deals with Apotheosis in old forum is just "business",right ?
Those actions have to be remembered so I wanted to refresh a little bit...the collective memory
But why getting so defensive comrade,it was only a small jump in the past
As i said before, have a great lengthening period and good luck
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Suure,also making deals with Apotheosis in old forum is just "business",right ?
Those actions have to be remembered so I wanted to refresh a little bit...the collective memory
But why getting so defensive comrade,it was only a small jump in the past
As i said before, have a great lengthening period and good luck
I don't know apotheosis, don't need to know. I don't want to be involved in the drama that comes out in these forums. It's here and now that I care about. My surgery with Dr. M cannot be undone. I'm happy, he treated me well, and that's that. What am I selling here ? I'm sharing not selling.
If there's nothing constructive to add to this thread then let's move along. I have some lengthening to do "comrade". My energy needs to be in my recovery not BS like this.
And I just said I wouldn't engage ...... lol
Thank you. God willing.
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I don't know apotheosis, don't need to know. I don't want to be involved in the drama that comes out in these forums. It's here and now that I care about. My surgery with Dr. M cannot be undone. I'm happy, he treated me well, and that's that. What am I selling here ? I'm sharing not selling.
If there's nothing constructive to add to this thread then let's move along. I have some lengthening to do "comrade". My energy needs to be in my recovery not BS like this.
And I just said I wouldn't engage ...... lol
Thank you. God willing.
Good lol. Don't engage.
Have you met other LL patients with Dr. M? I've found that it makes the LL experience much more bearable. When I was there, the first 2-3 weeks I was being very anti social because I was feeling very lethargic from the dull pain and lack of sleep (oh btw, the lack of sleep is going to be really annoying for a few weeks). I just wanted to sit in my room and watch Netflix. After that I was in less pain and was feeling much better and sleeping much better as well. Then I started organizing happy hours with other LL-ers. We are still in touch.
Long story short, I highly recommend you meet other LLers and get their contact info and start "hanging out" once you get your bearings.
Otherwise, I hope everything is going well. You will still be in pain when going to the bathroom for a few days. Trust me it gets better. Same with the shower chair. BTW, it hurts a lot less if you don't have to dangle your legs. If you can lower the chairs it will hurt less.
I'm so glad that you are in your home city for this. That way you can have your friends and family visit too (assuming that you aren't keeping this secret from them like I am).
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I thought I'd be out and about on a wheel chair at the end of week 2. No way that's realistic. Maybe at the end of week 3. Maybe.
Speaking of which, happy week 2 officially LAGrowin! I hope the process has been kind to you. I'm glad to hear you mentioned that although it's rough its still "tolerable".
I know it's sounds like a weird question but what exactly is keeping you from moving/transferring how you would like? Is it the pain/soreness or do you just feel like extreme weakness or stiffness in your legs, or like the legs don't want to cooperate or something. All of the above? Weird question I know.
Idk if you mentioned this already but are you on your own or do you have someone there 24hr/day? Are you able to do your activities of daily living on your own? Can you transfer to a wheelchair on your own?
Sorry for bombarding you with questions just really curious, my family member is going to be with me for my LL but he would only be able to stay with me for 2-3 weeks. So I'm wondering how independent one is able to be around that time.
Anyways keep fighting the Good Fight brother we're all rooting for ya
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how are you doing LAGrowin
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Yeah, I hope you have been as good as you possibly can be when in the middle of LL, man.
Thanks for all the detail in your diary, by the way.
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Hope everyone is doing great. My apologies for the long absence. Hoping to provide a detailed update soon.
I hit the 1 MONTH mark yesterday, what a difference a few weeks make. Things have gotten much better. My 3 week follow up with Dr. Mahboubian went great. X-rays show great bone growth and thank God, so far no complications.
I will hit the big 1 INCH mark on Sunday 2/18/18 !! One of my questions to other past patients, how does it feel? Can you feel the difference?
ABSOLUTELY !!! One little inch, feels so different already. Obviously this is with the walker but I can already feel it.
A detailed update coming up.......
(http://i.imgur.com/oerrGBp.jpg)
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Hope everyone is doing great. My apologies for the long absence. Hoping to provide a detailed update soon.
I hit the 1 MONTH mark yesterday, what a difference a few weeks make. Things have gotten much better. My 3 week follow up with Dr. Mahboubian went great. X-rays show great bone growth and thank God, so far no complications.
I will hit the big 1 INCH mark on Sunday 2/18/18 !! One of my questions to other past patients, how does it feel? Can you feel the difference?
ABSOLUTELY !!! One little inch, feels so different already. Obviously this is with the walker but I can already feel it.
A detailed update coming up.......
Congrats on your journey. Sent you a PM, plz check, thanks.
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Congrats on your journey. Sent you a PM, plz check, thanks.
Hi 419. Thank you so much. No regrets so far. I've been blessed.
I will. I'll respond accordingly.
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Thank you updating.Hope you have a great lengthening journey!
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Hey LAgrowin are you still in wheelchair or can you use walker to get to bathroom, etc
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dfpanchao,
Thank you. God willing it continues to go well. I'm still in the early stages about to hit 3CM.
MirinHeight,
Primarily in the wheelchair still, but my PT has helped me to get comfortable with the walker, coincidentally today (one month mark) was the first day I was able to use the walker to get to the bathroom. Still a little scared to do so as I feel like I'm going to fall as I let go of the walker and get unto the toilet. It's really just a matter of practice and getting used to it. My legs are definitely weak, they look like twigs, I feel like I've got no strength in them, but I'm going to start building them up little by little again. Thank God my arms are strong.
All the best.
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30 Day Post Op Update
A lot to report on since my last real update at about 10 days post op.
I can truly say that things have gotten much better as the weeks have passed. Another recent patient of Dr. M has been great in providing me with details of his experience (femurs) about 9 months ago. He was pretty much on point with just about everything he shared. Thank you!
My PT has been great, and made me see that proper stretching can make lengthening a breeze, up to a certain point of course. There have been a few days where the pain has really by frustrating, but is gone after stretching with my PT. The pain is not grueling or excruciating at all, just nagging and frustrating at times.
Like nothing I am well into my 5th week post op. It has progressively gotten easier and easier for me.
At Week 3
I started more easily moving from the bed to the wheelchair. I was able to finally pivot from the wheelchair into the passenger front seat of my car.
I had my second post-op appointment with Dr. Mahboubian. XRays showed great bone formation and that I had lengthened 1.5 CM. Dr M. asked me to increase lengthening from from 1mm per day to 1.32mm per day for a week. This hasn't caused any discomfort yet.
Bathroom use is still a challenge by myself, I need help to get on to and up from the toilet. Using the over the toilet commode is painful, probably due to the hard plastic and bony legs and butt now.
SLEEP is a little tough as I find myself waking up around 4:00 to stretch out my legs a bit. Having to sleep face up is difficult and tiring. Dr. M said it was ok to sleep on my side but it is uncomfortable and a little painful. It almost seems like I can feel the upper screws on the side, and also the weight of my body and other leg over the lower one is a little painful.
PAIN PILLS
I have cut down to 2 Norcos per day. One in the mid morning and one before bed. Every now and then I'll take a 5 MG muscle relaxer (Flexeril), this seems to help a tad also. I'll also incorporate a couple of Tylenol if needed in between the Norcos.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
I was having a therapist come to me 4 times a week. Cost is $100 per visit. $1600 per month....ouch. The in home therapy would incorporate about 10 minutes of massage into the quad muscles and how it helped! I am now going to a local therapist who is combining 2 days of water therapy in the pool and 2 days of regular stretching. I've only had a few sessions in the pool so I can't really say this is helping yet. I am of course able to walk unassisted in the water which is great for relaxing the hip muscles. Do yourselves the favor and pay a therapist if you can, it will save you lots of unecessary pain and make recovery quicker. You or family cannot quite do it the same, period.
PAIN
It varies day by day but I can't really say it has been above a 4 into week 3. Again stretching and massage make the pain fade quickly. It typically is either non existent or between 1-2. The pain seems to in my knees and hips.
WEIGHT AND MUSCLE ATROPHY
I had told myself before surgery that I wouldn't let this affect me. Yeah right!! There really is no way to avoid it. I've lost about 15 lbs, and lost my legs and butt. Simple fact is if you don't use it, you'll lose it. My legs look like twigs. I'll gain it back. I'm eating well, taking vitamins, but the weight came off and so did lower body muscle.
WEEK 4 and 5
I'm still only a few days into week 5, but things keep getting better and better.
I was having a real tough time getting into the shower, so I was doing thorough towel baths daily, but it was getting hard not being able to take a proper hot shower and bathe properly. I finally was able to to get into the shower about 26 days post op. The key for me and my shower setup was helping myself with the use of a transfer board, this is a must for any LLer. This made moving from the wheelchair into the shower chair much easier. God how good a hot shower makes you feel! So good for the mind and spirit.
I am able to get unto and up from the toilet by myself now with proper use of the walker. The commode is still painful as heck.
I am also regularly up on the walker taking steps around the house. I don't worry as much as I'm down to about 150 lbs. which is only slightly over the Precise2 weight limit (70 lbs per leg). I have to be absorbing about 30% or so with my arms.
Precise 2 Lengthening
As we've all read in other femur diaries, the lengthening itself doesn't hurt, while the machine is working. You really don't feel anything. You might feel pain afterwards on ocasion due to the stretched tissue. The only other thing I've noticed, is that if the controller is cold (it has some metal trim) and you put it on your leg, you'll get pain afterward from the cold aparatus touching your leg. Sounds weird but it's the case for me.
Heat Pads
Future LLers, do yourselves a favor and invest in some heat pads and a heated blanket. What a difference this can make when you have pain. I ordered several different ones from a place called Grampas Garden (online), and man have they been well worth it.
In closing this update.
- Please don't underestimate this surgery. You won't be able to do this alone through week 4, or maybe throughout the entire recovery. You WILL need help. You won't be able to go back to work business as usual after 2 weeks, no way! It will be difficult to handle the simplest tasks.
- BUT things definitely get better and easier as the weeks pass by.
- Although it varies from time to time, pain is not that bad. It is never excruciating.
- For what you'll gain, the sacrifice is small and time flies. I hope my recovery continues to be issue free, as it has been so far thank God.
- invest in a knowledgeable PT and stretch. Stretch, and stretch.
- Dr. Mahboubian has treated me well. No complaints at all. People complain that he advertises and makes money off of this surgery, REALLY? All of the other Dr. M patients I have communicated with seem to feel the same. Nothing is ever 100% perfect. It will not be anywhere you go. I am happy so far however. Dr. M. and team have been very professional.
- I am now exactly 1.025" taller ! Even now I CAN feel the difference. One little inch.
- I am grateful to God and my wife and family for helping me through this. It is a dream being realized.
Thank you all for reading. I hope it will help someone who is nervous about doing this as I was.
Below .... The Precise device at work on my legs. No comments about the sheets please!! I have been using my daughter's bed as it is lower than mine.
(http://i.imgur.com/oRBJnlc.jpg)
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thank you for the update.. i am happy by proxy reading this... i wish you a continuance of the way you recover
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thank you for the update.. i am happy by proxy reading this... i wish you a continuance of the way you recover
Thank you very much Honore.
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Did dr M tell you the size of the nail you have? Im just curious why you cant use walker. It would make using toilet soo much easier.
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Did dr M tell you the size of the nail you have? Im just curious why you cant use walker. It would make using toilet soo much easier.
I'm able to use the toilet now with the walker finally.
Dr. M actually encouraged me to use the walker. He used the larger screws.
I had difficulty just due to the discomfort and spasms in the left leg. That has now passed.
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**** Please see my recent update at the bottom of page 2 ****
Therapists
I had an appointment with Dr. Mahboubian's in house therapist Patrick. I thought the two therapists I had been using were good, but Patrick in on another level. What a difference. Just the types of stretches he uses engage every important muscle that is a part of this surgery. Obviously he understands this procedure thoroughly.
The point is that it is very important for your therapist to truly understand this procedure well. My suggestion, use your doctor's therapist first, that way you'll have a solid basis for comparison. I now think that my other tow therapists have been a little reserved about pushing me for fear of hurting me.
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Great update LAGrowin! Sounds like it's going well so far. Loving the details, thanks for taking the time.
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Hey LAGrowin,
Wow, reading your updates brings back memories haha, i was experiencing the same things you were and know exactly what you mean! I always found it hard to sleep on my back, so I sleep on my side with a pillow in between my legs. I can feel the screw but it doesn't hurt and I've learned to ignore it.
The heating pads didn't work for me, they actually made the pain sharper haha. Not sure, I guess everyone is different.
I mostly used Biofreeze on my knees and that helped with the knee pain I experienced. I think its worth a try.
I think it will be smooth sailing like this up to 5 cm, then I think you'll notice there a constant tightness and stretching will become more difficult.
I'm gonna finish lengthening at the end of this month at 6-6.5 cm. You're doing great my friend, keep it up!
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Great update LAGrowin! Sounds like it's going well so far. Loving the details, thanks for taking the time.
Thank you Android. I can't complain. Hoping I can get over that next hurdle coming up soon.
Glad to hear that. You too.
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Hey LAGrowin,
Wow, reading your updates brings back memories haha, i was experiencing the same things you were and know exactly what you mean! I always found it hard to sleep on my back, so I sleep on my side with a pillow in between my legs. I can feel the screw but it doesn't hurt and I've learned to ignore it.
The heating pads didn't work for me, they actually made the pain sharper haha. Not sure, I guess everyone is different.
I mostly used Biofreeze on my knees and that helped with the knee pain I experienced. I think its worth a try.
I think it will be smooth sailing like this up to 5 cm, then I think you'll notice there a constant tightness and stretching will become more difficult.
I'm gonna finish lengthening at the end of this month at 6-6.5 cm. You're doing great my friend, keep it up!
Hi bigdreams55,
Good to hear that you're well and coming to the end of the lengthening phase. Go for 6.5!! You can do it. Just an additional week roughly. Hopefully you can push through it!
Good to hear that these nuances aren't just me. I've tried sleeping with the pillow between my legs on my side but can only handle it for a few minutes. The weight of my other leg seems to make it painful. Would love to have a solid night of sleep on my side. You're absolutely right though, each body will react differently.
lol on the heating pads, they've been so useful for me!
Thanks for the tip on the Biofreeze, I've heard of it but haven't bought it yet. I'll try it soon. Anything for a little more relief.
Looks like we are exactly one month apart on our surgery dates. I had been following your diary. But now that I'm going through it, it makes so much more sense.
Wishing you the best bigdreams55 ! Keep us posted on the last part of your journey.
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UPDATE
Sleep
As many other LLers have said before me. The lack of sleep is getting to me. I'm sleeping very lightly on and off through the night. I get frustrated. It isn't really pain, just discomfort and tightness which makes me uncomfortable. I want to turn on my side and just fall asleep. Turning on my side is getting easier but I can only handle it a few minutes.
Tightness
I'm approaching 3CM and starting to feel the tightness. Constant stretching is a must. Dr. Ms PT says it will definitely get tougher as I approach 6CM, but if safe I will push through to 7.6 CM.
Physical Therapy
This is a must, period. I'm seeing two therapist for a total of 5 days a week. Dr. Ms therapist which is by far the best due to the fact that he deals with LL patients over and over, he really pushes on the stretches. The second is a local PT company, doing pool therapy and land, they also have an anti-gravity treadmill. Not sure how I feel about this treadmill as at my current weight 150 (from 165 originally) I can use the walker with little risk.
Overall Mobility
Much improved from the first few weeks. I've been taking walks around the house for 10-15 minutes back and forth. My legs feel fatigued after, but it loosens up the glutes and hip flexors which are pretty much gone.
Things do get better with the passing of days. So far nothing that is totally unbearable thank God.
Cheers !!
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Thank you for updating! Cheers! 3 cm was already a huge difference. Hope you can achieve 7 cm as you wish. Do more exercise, it will be much helpful for recovering.
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Thank you for updating! Cheers! 3 cm was already a huge difference. Hope you can achieve 7 cm as you wish. Do more exercise, it will be much helpful for recovering.
Thank you dfpanchao, yes exercise is the key that we have control over to try to reach our goal. I'm stepping it up on the PT and home exercise.
God willing I can reach the 7 or 7.6. Of course even if I can reach it, once concern is always quick and proper recovery thereafter.
We shall see.
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Hope you can reach 7 cm or more on your femur, I plan on doing the same with internals. Best of luck buddy.
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Hope you can reach 7 cm or more on your femur, I plan on doing the same with internals. Best of luck buddy.
Thank you Zach420. Read as many diaries as you can. Take notes. Re-read them again as you're lengthening, as they make so much more sense.
Who will you be using ? What is your age?
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I am 20 years old, I don't know which doctor I will go to but will probably use the new precice internal nails when they come out. I still haven't saved enough for both femurs and tibia.
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I am 20 years old, I don't know which doctor I will go to but will probably use the new precice internal nails when they come out. I still haven't saved enough for both femurs and tibia.
Sounds like you have plenty of time at your age. Best to save for the safer doctors. Disciplined saving will get you there before you know it.
Research, research, and research. All the best.
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Hey LAGrowin, hope you're still doing well and not experiencing any tightness from lengthening yet. I had my femurs done on March 1st with Dr. M and it has been relatively pain free so far. I'm only on day 4 right now, so still have my post-op appointment before I can start lengthening. I've been able to walk several feet with the walker every day but still feel a bit shaky. Hopefully this will improve with every day going forward. Where in LA are you? I'm from out of state but will be staying in Glendale for the duration of the process.
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Hey LAGrowin, hope you're still doing well and not experiencing any tightness from lengthening yet. I had my femurs done on March 1st with Dr. M and it has been relatively pain free so far. I'm only on day 4 right now, so still have my post-op appointment before I can start lengthening. I've been able to walk several feet with the walker every day but still feel a bit shaky. Hopefully this will improve with every day going forward. Where in LA are you? I'm from out of state but will be staying in Glendale for the duration of the process.
Hello short2tall, congratulations! Did you create a diary yet?
That's great that you've been doing so well so far. As I mentioned before, each body is different, but I love hearing when things go so well. You're way ahead of most others for only being less than one week out of surgery.
I'm starting to get a little tightness but not much. My suggestion if possible is use Dr. Ms PT, his name is Patrick
We should talk. I'll PM you. If I can help with anything, reach out.
I am one city over from Glendale, in Pasadena
You've got a great starting height already.
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Thanks LAGrowin, I have not started a diary yet but would like to, if someone can tell me how. I have heard Patrick is great, I will see if I can work that into my schedule/budget. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Thanks LAGrowin, I have not started a diary yet but would like to, if someone can tell me how. I have heard Patrick is great, I will see if I can work that into my schedule/budget. I look forward to hearing from you.
short2tall,
Hit the upper left tab that says HOME, from there go to the sub menu section that says Limb Lengthening Patient Experiences, once in there press New Topic in upper right hand corner......
Sounds good. I already PMd you.
Thank You.
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Hi LAGrowin,
How's everything lately? Everything is going well with me except that I feel more pain now at night. I don't want to describe it as pain but it's very uncomfortable. I stopped exercising on my indoor bike as of yesterday and it helps a little bit. Is there anything unusual about your experience with the femur lengthening that we need to know? My femur procedure is next week. How long did you ice your thighs for after surgery? Thank you.
Optimistic1
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UPDATE
Hi everyone. Just wanted to share a small update.
Everything, thank God, has continued to progress well for me. I hit 2 MONTHS post-op today! I have lengthened at total of 4.8 CMs. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I am starting to get tight! Dr. Mahboubian's PT, Patrick, is stretching the heck out of me 4X a week but in the last few days I'm feeling very tight in the quads and hamstrings. I guess this is the point where others have described reconsidering the 8 CM mark.
I have also been walking in the pool 2x week and using the stationary bike daily.
Heightwise, at nearly 2" taller, it feels great, incredible what a difference 2" make. Let alone 2.5 or 3". If I can push through to 6.5 CM or 7 CM, I'll be very happy. 7.6 will be a bonus. But time to consider stopping when the tightness reaches "that point".
I have a follow up with Dr. M next week, we will see what he and the x-rays say.
Thanks for reading, all the best.
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Sounds like you're making steady progress. I'm pretty inflexible as it is, so I'm dreading the additional tightness.
Hope you can push through to your goals, good luck with the x-rays!
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Thank you Android, I appreciate that. I hope so. I would definitely recommend you prepare in advance with making yourself a little more flexible if possible. I said for months before surgery that I was going to do some Yoga and never did.
Have you narrowed down a doctor yet? Doing femurs? 2019 right?
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Hey LAGrowin,
Are you still lengthening 1 mm/day? Slowing it down to .66 mm/day helped make the day easier (albeit it does take a few days longer to reach your goal).
The good news is most of the tightness you're experiencing dissipates pretty quickly once you stop lengthening.
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Hey LAGrowin,
Are you still lengthening 1 mm/day? Slowing it down to .66 mm/day helped make the day easier (albeit it does take a few days longer to reach your goal).
The good news is most of the tightness you're experiencing dissipates pretty quickly once you stop lengthening.
Hi bigdreams55. How are you? How is everything coming along post lengthening?
Thanks for the recommendation. I thought of that and might ask Dr. Mahboubian if ok. Did Dr. Rozbruch have any concerns with early consolidation while at .65mm per day? (Not that it matters towards the end of lengthening).
Thanks bigdreams.
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Things are good, just letting my bone heal til i can fully weightbear. Consolidation phase is much more comfortable!
Dr Rozbruch said the risk of pre-consolidation was very low and actually encouraged me to slow it down. I alternated between 1 mm/day and .66 mm/day for the last few weeks. He says that the total time to fully weightbear does not change much if you do this, even if it add a few days to lengthening.
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Glad to hear that for you. Can't wait to get to that point. Hopefully another 3 weeks roughly and then some better sleep.
Is Dr. Rozbruch thinking about 30 days for you to weightbear? Your probably about halfway there right?
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Glad to hear that for you. Can't wait to get to that point. Hopefully another 3 weeks roughly and then some better sleep.
Is Dr. Rozbruch thinking about 30 days for you to weightbear? Your probably about halfway there right?
He was thinking 6 weeks, but I think he's just being pre-cautious. I feel pretty good now.
And yeah just take it one day at a time and you'll get there soon enough.
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Good for you bigdreams. Would love to hear how the first steps are after you're cleared to weight bear. Must be a scary feeling. Very happy for you.
I can't wait!
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UPDATE
2" reached today !!! Feeling extremely tight, but grateful and happy.
(http://i.imgur.com/TNBj9bN.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/OOFVcy3.jpg)
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Keep pushing buddy. A lot of people doing femurs regretted doing too little and ended up doing tibia. Keep stretching , exercising and hit 175 cm mark!
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Thank you doomsday. Stretching definitively makes it better. It's really a tough call. Do I go the safe route and stop at 6.5 with potential regrets, or do I risk it to 7.6 CM (175cm) with a longer recovery and possible complications.
With having come this far and all I've been through, instinct says 7 cm +, but we will see what my body tells me. The next few weeks will be tough.
Thanks for the input.
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It's gonna be weird seeing hairless legs on my own body again, it's been decades!
Congrats on the milestone, keep it up.
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UPDATE
2" reached today !!! Feeling extremely tight, but grateful and happy.
(http://i.imgur.com/TNBj9bN.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/OOFVcy3.jpg)
Thank you Android.
The leg hair slowly comes back. I thought the same. It's coming back now. Lol.
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nice man keep it up!
will be having a consulation with Dr. Mahboubian in November-December! (most likely will pick TSF external frame LL on tibias if i pick him/have mild valgus deformity that i want corrected too). i also live in cali
will also be having a consultation with Dr. Rozbruch during that time for internal femurs.
Have narrowed my search down to these two! your diary has been helping me a lot! good luck :)
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Thank you Android.
The leg hair slowly comes back. I thought the same. It's coming back now. Lol.
hey LA growin i would love to meet you if i decide on having the surgery with mahboubian!
i will be in LA around november-december for consultation if thats ok with you. if not, i totally understand !
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Congrats on hitting 2" LAGrowin!! You're almost there!!
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Congratulations!
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nice man keep it up!
will be having a consulation with Dr. Mahboubian in November-December! (most likely will pick TSF external frame LL on tibias if i pick him/have mild valgus deformity that i want corrected too). i also live in cali
will also be having a consultation with Dr. Rozbruch during that time for internal femurs.
Have narrowed my search down to these two! your diary has been helping me a lot! good luck :)
Hi MirinHeight, thank you, I appreciate it. I too have benefited from past diaries, without which I probably would never have taken the plunge. Hopefully I can push through to my goal.
I would be happy to do so. We can set it up as it gets closer. Hopefully by then I'm as to close to normal as possible.
Good for you, sounds like two good choices within the US. If you have the option to travel for surgery, it certainly broadens your choices.
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@ Purushrottam and short2tall . Thank you!
The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter, while my legs are getting tighter, even a bit of my skin below the back of the knee seems tight.
Serious stretching with the PT this morning renewed and strengthened my desire to hit my goal. After I left his office I felt loose again.
Seems like this last "stretch" to 6.5 or 7 cm will be tough though, as past LLers have told us. You stretch hard and feel good, but as the day goes by and as you do your daily lengthening, the tightness comes right back.
God willing another 3 weeks. I also see Dr M on Friday.
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Hi MirinHeight, thank you, I appreciate it. I too have benefited from past diaries, without which I probably would never have taken the plunge. Hopefully I can push through to my goal.
I would be happy to do so. We can set it up as it gets closer. Hopefully by then I'm as to close to normal as possible.
Good for you, sounds like two good choices within the US. If you have the option to travel for surgery, it certainly broadens your choices.
sweet man. i will message you once you get closer to the end of this journey!
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sweet man. i will message you once you get closer to the end of this journey!
Sounds good MirinHeight.
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** 9 WEEK UPDATE **
Hi everyone. Tomorrow I hit 9 weeks post op. It seems like it has been an eternity and I can't wait to get back out to the world! At the same time, it has all flown by and I can't believe I'm in the final stretch now. Hopefully between 15-20 days more to go. IF I continue lengthening 3 times per day.
TIGHTNESS
As I have mentioned in recent posts. My legs have become considerably tighter in the past week roughly. There isn't really any pain per se, just major discomfort. Dr. Ms PT, Patrick, says I'm doing well and that it's all normal. My knees are still flat thank God. They do lock up after a small period of limited or no movement. This allows you to sleep very limited amounts at a time. Very frustrating.
ALSO, it feels like my skin on the outer and back part of my knees is about to tear from how tight it feels. The PT says its likely the nerves that are stretching which makes it feel like that. He says no one has complained of that in the past.
HEIGHT
I'm currently at 5.4 CM or slightly over 2". I went out to a brief event yesterday (not easy) for the first time. I used wheelchair and walker, as it is impossible to be on the walker full time still. When I stood up and engaged with people, I noticed the difference! My shoes are almost 1" so I stood about 5'9" with shoes. What an UNBELIEVABLE difference already. I can just imagine another 0.75". I am happy I did this. Just hope I can fully recover quickly.
MEDS
I have been down to one Norco before bed, one muscle relaxer, and one sleeping pill (Ambiem). During the day, I typically take 2-4 Tylenol. As for vitamins I'm taking calcium, and vitamin D.
GENERAL
I am happy I did this. But still can't believe I did. It is not easy folks. You have to be ready to deal with being dependent on others to different degrees, to put your life on hold for 3-4 months +. I read a lot, but some of the details you read about slip right by until you're going through it. I thought I'd be out and about and working a few hours after about 4 weeks. Yeah right!!
Everything is HARDER. The smallest things. Even grooming yourself like before. I also thought I'd be reading a lot and catching up on paperwork while at home. It doesn't happen, you don't have the energy and your days other than therapy, are not productive.
WEIGHT
I don't know that there is a way to avoid muscle atrophy and general weight loss. I'm the thinnest I've been in over 20 years. I've lost nearly 18 lbs. My legs are tiny, and my butt which I was always proud of and worked hard to maintain, is all bone. Everyone says it will come back. I hope so.
DR. MAHBOUBIAN
Dr. M has been good to me and professional, including his selected hospital, and office staff. There is really no interaction between us in between follow up visits, but it's not needed, I also respect his time and never want to be 'that patient'. The two times I've reached out, he has responded quickly. Even early on, on a Sunday.
OTHER
I've established communication with a few of Dr. Ms recent and upcoming CLL patients and everyone seems to feel the same. His technique is good and pain is not excruciating or excessive. One of the things that attracted me to Dr. M when I was first starting my research for LL, is that he trained with Dr. Rozbruch, who was also a consideration for me.
Unfortunately this forum has its share of toxicity, and although this diary is meant to help future LLers have an idea of what it's like (as I searched for in the diaries of those before me), I've at times been accused of being a fake or of 'promoting' Dr. M, not true at all.
It takes time and energy to write these updates. All I can say is that I'll help others where I can, and everyone can believe or not what they want. I've been on the other side, wanting and waiting for updates of other's diaries. Past diaries have been an incredible resource for me, whether they were Mahboubian, Paley, Rozbruch, etc.
Thank you all for reading !!
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Has Dr. Mahboubian recommended that you eat more during the whole process? We were discussing just that subject a while ago. (http://www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=5258.msg82515#msg82515)
Has he recommended you take vitamin d3 and calcium supplements too? If so, during or only after the lengthening?
I wish you the best with the final stretch, man. You're almost there, and then it's taller forever!
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Feels like yesterday that you were counting down the days to begin surgery, and here we are counting down to finish lengthening. Time sure goes by fast!
Great update, love the little details, including productivity level and weight loss. Thanks.
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@myloginacct - thank you. So far I feel like it's worth the sacrifice.
Dr. M just said to eat well. Not so much increased calories, just eat well. It's hard though as appetite decreases. I've been taking vitamin D and calcium since the beginning of my lengthening.
@Android - thank you so much. Can't wait to be done with this and get back to life.
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I really appreciate your post, it's been very helpful. :) I've selected Dr. Mahboubian to be my doctor, so its great to hear good patient stories!I'm also glad to hear everything went well for you, and it seems like you're recovering fast. How do you entertain yourself/structure your days? And, if I may ask as well.. are you paying for the physical therapy or is that covered by insurance?
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I really appreciate your post, it's been very helpful. :) I've selected Dr. Mahboubian to be my doctor, so its great to hear good patient stories!I'm also glad to hear everything went well for you, and it seems like you're recovering fast. How do you entertain yourself/structure your days? And, if I may ask as well.. are you paying for the physical therapy or is that covered by insurance?
Hello llnextyear. Thank you. Glad to hear that you've made the decision to do LL. It's a life changer in so many ways. I cannot comment much about life with new height yet, but I've gotten a small taste and seems incredible. Just hope that life as normal comes back soon.
I'm glad my diary has helped. It is my goal to be detailed. Any questions just ask, or feel free to PM me. I remember the doubts and questions I had before taking the plunge. Other's diaries and a couple of past patients helped me tremendously.
Days for me fly by. I'm used to being on the go constantly. Now between breakfast, stretching at home, traveling to physical therapy, and fielding a few work calls and texts, the day is gone. I thought I'd be reading and watching movies but days fly by. The first few weeks are a little slower as you might not travel to therapy. As I mentioned before, the days just aren't as productive as I thought they would be. You'll fall into your routine little by little.
I'm paying for physical therapy myself, but I understand through Dr. Ms office that sometimes the insurance covers it and most medications.
All the best!
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Hi LAGrowin,
Congrats as you're winding down on the last pages of this chapter of your life. Keep it up and I think you can push it to the limit. I'm still trying to reach my first inch in my tib/fib. The femur surgery went well but the pain is much more worst. Currently, I'm experiencing a lot of tightness in my femurs. I have locked knees every time I wake up from sleeping or even a quick nap. It gets better when I stretch or sit in my wheelchair. My stretching is at a standstill. No improvement whatsoever. Did you experience this when you did your femurs? I am hoping the tightness is not from the lengthening in my tib/fib as I'm lengthening only .75 mm a day in my tib/fib now. I haven't been able to speak to Dr. M. My post-op with him is tomorrow and I think he'll let me lengthen my femurs tomorrow. I spoke to my PT who said the tightness in the femurs could be from the swelling from the surgery. I notice that I have absolutely no swelling or bruises from the outside from the femur procedure. Thank you for your help.
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Hi Optimistic1,
Thank you. I'm literally counting down the days. This last part seems to be tough with tremendous tightness.
You'll love that first inch, that in itself will make a difference.
I know the pains and discomfort of the first 3 weeks, they aren't easy. Tolerable but so frustrating. I can't even imagine with double surgeries in tibia and femurs like yourself. Hats off. At least it will all be over at the same time, hopefully.
Remember your muscles have been pretty inactive for over 1 week plus the shock of the surgery.
I'm truly sorry to hear what you're going through, I know first hand the struggle, like Insaid especially the first three weeks. Let alone with another surgery in the tibia.
Yes, I actually did experience the tightness in the femur region, I know it's hard, but stretching it slowly will help, along with massaging of the muscles front, back , and outer side of femur muscle if you can.
I would get frustrated trying to fall asleep at night from the discomfort. At first I think it's due to the swelling and and shock of the surgery to the leg.
When you start reaching 4-5cm then the tightness is from the stretching which is what I'm experiencing now, major tightness and discomfort. I stretch hard at physical therapy and also at home and it only helps for a little while. It's part of the show, but hopefully it's over before we know. I can't believe I'm towards the end. You'll be there soon too.
Reach out with any questions.
LAGrowin
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Keep pushing man, all that money and pain isn’t worth just two inches! I know you can get to 3, just persevere! Pain is only temporary but your new height will last forever. I’m rooting for you!
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@myloginacct - thank you. So far I feel like it's worth the sacrifice.
Dr. M just said to eat well. Not so much increased calories, just eat well. It's hard though as appetite decreases. I've been taking vitamin D and calcium since the beginning of my lengthening.
@Android - thank you so much. Can't wait to be done with this and get back to life.
Thank for you the reply. As people say, the devil is in the details, and this is where it seems LL journeys can vastly differ from one another. I try to keep an eye out and learn about the details that can make a difference.
Keep pushing man, all that money and pain isn’t worth just two inches! I know you can get to 3, just persevere! Pain is only temporary but your new height will last forever. I’m rooting for you!
You are still unnaturally stretching soft tissue. I get your feeling, but let's not be careless.
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Keep pushing man, all that money and pain isn’t worth just two inches! I know you can get to 3, just persevere! Pain is only temporary but your new height will last forever. I’m rooting for you!
Thank you Shortguy66. I appreciate that. I agree about 2", but they sure make a heck of a difference. However my goal is 2.75", and I'll stop at 2.5" if needed.
I felt the same before surgery, but when your body starts to give you signs, don't ignore and be safe. I don't want to end up with permanent aches and issues either.
We shall see. The finish is so close, but things are getting really tough!
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@myloginacct - I agree 100%, paying attention to those little details make a world of difference.
The soft tissue is the problem. My legs currently feel rock hard like they won't stretch anymore, even with all of the PT.
One can easily get confused about whether it's time to stop or push through that barrier and on to better ground, as many others have stated in the past.
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@myloginacct - I agree 100%, paying attention to those little details make a world of difference.
The soft tissue is the problem. My legs currently feel rock hard like they won't stretch anymore, even with all of the PT.
One can easily get confused about whether it's time to stop or push through that barrier and on to better ground, as many others have stated in the past.
hey LAgrowin I am so happy that you are happy with this procedure thus far and how big of a difference it has made in your life. The soft tissue problems will go away with time as you do PT!
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hey LAgrowin I am so happy that you are happy with this procedure thus far and how big of a difference it has made in your life. The soft tissue problems will go away with time as you do PT!
Hi MirinHeight, thank you. I appreciate that. I sure hope so. Always a little scared about future issues with the stretching of the soft tissue. God willing all will be ok.
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UPDATE 3/29/18
I had a post-op last Friday and all seems ok. Flexibility is still good, although I feel like my muscle can't stretch anymore. X-rays showed better bone growth on the right leg than the left, so Dr. Mahboubian slowed my left leg lengthening down to 2x per day.
SLEEP
This has been one of the hardest things about this ordeal. I am not comfortable in any position and get frustrated trying to sleep. I am sleeping a total of maybe 2 hours per night.
PAIN
Pain has increased in the last few days as I've moved into 6CM territory. It is a constant dull pain. Everyone I talk to that has done LL and my PT says it will subside as soon as I stop lengthening. God willing so. It gets old.
FINAL LENGTH
I've decided to stop at 7CM if I can make it! It should only be another 6-7 days. I'll end up at just a hair below 5'9". I'll be very happy with that.
Thank you all for reading!
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Hey,thanks for keeping us uptaded. Just be patient everything will be better)Have you measure your real height? Be aware that 7 cm femur lengthening will give you 6 cm real height
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Hey,thanks for keeping us uptaded. Just be patient everything will be better)Have you measure your real height? Be aware that 7 cm femur lengthening will give you 6 cm real height
Thank you Tiger. I appreciate it.
Actually I don't think that 7 CM of lengthening translates to that much of a loss. It is a few millimeters only. I've been measuring real height and it is almost exactly as lengthened.
Good tip though. It may change from person to person.
All the best.
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Thank you Tiger. I appreciate it.
Actually I don't think that 7 CM of lengthening translates to that much of a loss. It is a few millimeters only. I've been measuring real height and it is almost exactly as lengthened.
Good tip though. It may change from person to person.
All the best.
Are u sure? If it is a few millimeters, i would be happy as i am going to have femur surgery within 2 month. How about your proportions? Does your femur look so longer? I would appreciate if you share some pictures of your proportions :):)
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Yes, it has been discussed before in a couple of previous posts, and now proven (to me) by my lengthening and actual measured height.
I might do that in a few days, or PM you. I had short femurs and longish arms so my proportions weren't much of a concern to me. However, currently my tibias are around 16" and femurs almost 19". I believe this puts me in a 44/54(ish) category of normal proportions (with longer femurs).
I can tell you that for my body type. I look way better now that before with longer legs.
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Yes, it has been discussed before in a couple of previous posts, and now proven (to me) by my lengthening and actual measured height.
I might do that in a few days, or PM you. I had short femurs and longish arms so my proportions weren't much of a concern to me. However, currently my tibias are around 16" and femurs almost 19". I believe this puts me in a 44/54(ish) category of normal proportions (with longer femurs).
I can tell you that for my body type. I look way better now that before with longer legs.
There's no need to guess about what your actual height gain will be. The angle of your femur is about 10 degrees, and since you want to lengthen 7 cm, use the following formula: 7cm x cos(10) = 6.894 cm. You only lose 1 mm, so it's negligible. If you lengthen less than that, you'll lose even less than 1 mm.
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Yes, it has been discussed before in a couple of previous posts, and now proven (to me) by my lengthening and actual measured height.
I might do that in a few days, or PM you. I had short femurs and longish arms so my proportions weren't much of a concern to me. However, currently my tibias are around 16" and femurs almost 19". I believe this puts me in a 44/54(ish) category of normal proportions (with longer femurs).
I can tell you that for my body type. I look way better now that before with longer legs.
That should be really advantage, your tibia femur ratio will be nearly perfect after 7 cm I think
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There's no need to guess about what your actual height gain will be. The angle of your femur is about 10 degrees, and since you want to lengthen 7 cm, use the following formula: 7cm x cos(10) = 6.894 cm. You only lose 1 mm, so it's negligible. If you lengthen less than that, you'll lose even less than 1 mm.
Didn't know about that, thanks for clarification)
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I'm guessing you should be reaching 7cm about now, right? Curious to hear how quickly you start to feel better after stopping the lengthening.
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I'm guessing you should be reaching 7cm about now, right? Curious to hear how quickly you start to feel better after stopping the lengthening.
Hi FormerKidd , yes , I'm hitting 7 CM tomorrow 4/06/18 and stopping! I can wait to see how I feel either after the lengthening stops.
I'll report back. Thanks.
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Hi FormerKidd , yes , I'm hitting 7 CM tomorrow 4/06/18 and stopping! I can wait to see how I feel either after the lengthening stops.
I'll report back. Thanks.
Oh wow, great news. Seems like it all went by so fast for those of us who were not actually doing the CLL!
Keep us posted, and I'm wishing for the best, LA.
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Oh wow, great news. Seems like it all went by so fast for those of us who were not actually doing the CLL!
Keep us posted, and I'm wishing for the best, LA.
Thank you myloginacct. Much appreciate it. I have one more .33 turn at the machine in about 2 hours, and I am done. 7 CM!!
My legs are super tight and knees have been hurting tremendously but all is good otherwise. Can't wait to feel my legs relax a little.
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Thank you myloginacct. Much appreciate it. I have one more .33 turn at the machine in about 2 hours, and I am done. 7 CM!!
My legs are super tight and knees have been hurting tremendously but all is good otherwise. Can't wait to feel my legs relax a little.
Congrats on hitting 7 cm! I recall for me, I couldn't straighten my knee at the end, can you? No worries if you can't, it should come back in a week after you complete lengthening. The pain fades quick, for me, it was less than 3 days. You should be able to sleep restfully a day after too!
All the best my friend! The hardest part is over.
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Congrats on hitting 7 cm! I recall for me, I couldn't straighten my knee at the end, can you? No worries if you can't, it should come back in a week after you complete lengthening. The pain fades quick, for me, it was less than 3 days. You should be able to sleep restfully a day after too!
All the best my friend! The hardest part is over.
Thank you bigdreams55. I am happy to be done. I am also content with the amount, 2.75" or 7CM. My knees definitely hurt, especially at night with little movement. My right knee is a little raised while my left is a little flatter. My right hamstring is also super tight.
I feel like a lot of my pain (upon moving), is in the hips and groin area.
I hope I can say the same after a week. It gives me such hope.
I want to hear you're walking unaided! Thank you !
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Congrats LAGrowin. It seems like yesterday when we were talking about your upcoming surgery. Now, you're done and on your way to recovery. 7 cm is a respectable gain and 5'9 is a good height. With lift, you'll be average height. It must feel good and I'm happy for you. I hope all your pain will go away soon now that you're done distracting. Are you planning on removing the rods in one year? I heard there's really no time limit but 1-2 years is the ideal time. Congrats again.
Optimistic1
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Congrats on reaching average male height in the US!
Let us know with updates deeper down the road how this whole surgery changed your daily life and view of the world!
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hey friend, i come from taiwan
so how much total you paid??
may i ask ?
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Congrats LAGrowin. It seems like yesterday when we were talking about your upcoming surgery. Now, you're done and on your way to recovery. 7 cm is a respectable gain and 5'9 is a good height. With lift, you'll be average height. It must feel good and I'm happy for you. I hope all your pain will go away soon now that you're done distracting. Are you planning on removing the rods in one year? I heard there's really no time limit but 1-2 years is the ideal time. Congrats again.
Optimistic1
Hi Optimistic1 , I truly hope that you're better and that recovery starts to get easier soon. Yes, time flies , we spoke in December 2017 and we were both nervous about it.
Thank you for your wishes. I appreciate it. Feel free to call me when you can. Anytime.
The legs still feel tight now almost a week after the end of distraction, but I can tell that they are slowly getting better. The knees don't feel as bad anymore.
I am happy with 5'9" , it seems almost any shoe I put on is putting me at almost 5'10" I don't feel a need for any lift. I feel I will be perfectly happy right where I'm at. The lost weight also makes me appear taller.
As for the rods, my plan is to remove them right after next summer, or possibly before the summer. It will be about 14-18 months post surgery.
Keep us posted on your progress. Wishing you the best also.
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Congrats on reaching average male height in the US!
Let us know with updates deeper down the road how this whole surgery changed your daily life and view of the world!
Hi my loginacct. Thank you. I am very happy. Can't wait to walk and get back to life.
I hope to not go away. I will post an update shortly, and then hope to stay around to discuss life after LL.
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hey friend, i come from taiwan
so how much total you paid??
may i ask ?
Hello,
Total cost for me (NOT including any hotel as I am local), was $75,000, that is doctor, hospital, medicine, anesthesia, physical therapy.
I am very happy.
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UPDATE - Finished Lengthening on 4/6/18 !!
It has been just over 1 week since my last lengthening. I hit 7 cm. As I noted in recent replies, my legs were still very tight and knees were hurting. It seemed like this wasn't going to get better. This has finally started to go away significantly, and my legs are feeling much better. The last few days have been good.
MEDS
I stopped taking the Norco about 3 days ago and have been fine without it. I am taking over the counter Zzzquyl as a sleep aid.
I am still taking calcium, vitamin D, and silica, as supplements.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
I will continue physical therapy 3x per week with Dr. Mahboubian's therapist, and also continue to stretch at home. I will also hit the pool a little harder.
WALKING
I saw Dr. M last week and he told me that everything looked good, bone growth on both legs is about on par. My next appointment is on 5/15/18 at which point Dr. M feels I might be cleared to walk unassisted. So these next few weeks will be key to making that happen. I will be pretty much getting rid of the wheelchair and just use the walker for everything. This will help ease into the walking and of course help with quicker consolidation.
Still have no regrets, and am happy I did this. Thank God all has gone quite well for me. Easy no, but it was expected. Thank you all for reading.
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Awesome stuff, glad that the pain is fading away. You're nearly there!
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Awesome stuff, glad that the pain is fading away. You're nearly there!
Thank you Android. Almost. Can't believe I'm so close.
Now that I'm feeling more comfortable and with less pain, we can plan on getting together soon.
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UPDATE - Finished Lengthening on 4/6/18 !!
It has been just over 1 week since my last lengthening. I hit 7 cm. As I noted in recent replies, my legs were still very tight and knees were hurting. It seemed like this wasn't going to get better. This has finally started to go away significantly, and my legs are feeling much better. The last few days have been good.
MEDS
I stopped taking the Norco about 3 days ago and have been fine without it. I am taking over the counter Zzzquyl as a sleep aid.
I am still taking calcium, vitamin D, and silica, as supplements.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
I will continue physical therapy 3x per week with Dr. Mahboubian's therapist, and also continue to stretch at home. I will also hit the pool a little harder.
WALKING
I saw Dr. M last week and he told me that everything looked good, bone growth on both legs is about on par. My next appointment is on 5/15/18 at which point Dr. M feels I might be cleared to walk unassisted. So these next few weeks will be key to making that happen. I will be pretty much getting rid of the wheelchair and just use the walker for everything. This will help ease into the walking and of course help with quicker consolidation.
Still have no regrets, and am happy I did this. Thank God all has gone quite well for me. Easy no, but it was expected. Thank you all for reading.
Wow. What a journey. Walking by 5/15? Good job. You made it past the hardest pa.
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Wow. What a journey. Walking by 5/15? Good job. You made it past the hardest pa.
Thank you Purushrottam. God willing so. It will me more like waddling I'm sure, but hopefully it will be unassisted.
Yes the hardest part is over now. I appreciate your diary and all of the information you shared with us along your journey and still do.
Hopefully your incredible recovery continues as well. All the best Purushrottam!
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Thank you Purushrottam. God willing so. It will me more like waddling I'm sure, but hopefully it will be unassisted.
Yes the hardest part is over now. I appreciate your diary and all of the information you shared with us along your journey and still do.
Hopefully your incredible recovery continues as well. All the best Purushrottam!
hey LA growin, I am glad everything is going good. I am happy for you man.
I just had a general question. When you agreed to have surgery with Dr. Mahboubian, how long did the process take of getting your blood work in and getting insurance verified, etc. How many weeks were in between your consultation and the surgery date? I know this might be different for every pt, but I am trying to get an idea of when I should have my consultation and if there is any delay in filing for your surgery due to a busy surgery schedule for Dr. M. To get a general sense of the timing, because i would like to have my surgery within a couple of weeks after consultation.
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Hi MirinHeight,
Thank you, I appreciate that.
I had my consultation about 5 months before surgery with Dr. M. It was a matter of trying to decide on timing for me. But I called the office in early December 2017 to schedule surgery for mid January 2018.
Dr. Mahboubian is a busy surgeon with other non cosmetic surgeries as well, so he does book up. I would say to have your consultation and immediately ask about booking a surgery date, if you opt to have surgery with him.
You can also call the office and ask for Esmie. She can pretty much tell you what his surgery schedule is like by phone.
Hope this helps.
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Hi MirinHeight,
Thank you, I appreciate that.
I had my consultation about 5 months before surgery with Dr. M. It was a matter of trying to decide on timing for me. But I called the office in early December 2017 to schedule surgery for mid January 2018.
Dr. Mahboubian is a busy surgeon with other non cosmetic surgeries as well, so he does book up. I would say to have your consultation and immediately ask about booking a surgery date, if you opt to have surgery with him.
You can also call the office and ask for Esmie. She can pretty much tell you what his surgery schedule is like by phone.
Hope this helps.
wow, thanks for the response man. That helps a lot!
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Hey LA,
i wish you a good consolidation!
How you feel now day by day? Do you have wide legs and duckass?
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Hey LA,
i wish you a good consolidation!
How you feel now day by day? Do you have wide legs and duckass?
Hello Constantine. Hope you're well also and that lengthening continues to progress without issue. I've been following your diary as well with Dr. Betz.
I am feeling better day by day now. I was still very tight the first 5-6 days after my last lengthening, but now my legs have loosened up, my knees don't hurt anymore. Luckily I didn't deal with wide legs or much duckass. I have a little bit of duckass due to my right leg (hamstring) is still a little tight, but it's hardly noticeable. My PT says it will be gone by the time I walk.
How many CM are you at now?
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Hello Constantine. Hope you're well also and that lengthening continues to progress without issue. I've been following your diary as well with Dr. Betz.
I am feeling better day by day now. I was still very tight the first 5-6 days after my last lengthening, but now my legs have loosened up, my knees don't hurt anymore. Luckily I didn't deal with wide legs or much duckass. I have a little bit of duckass due to my right leg (hamstring) is still a little tight, but it's hardly noticeable. My PT says it will be gone by the time I walk.
How many CM are you at now?
Nice to hear that it is going well for you. You’re so lucky that you don’t have wide legs and duckass:)
Keep us updated .
I am 6cm now .
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Nice to hear that it is going well for you. You’re so lucky that you don’t have wide legs and duckass:)
Keep us updated .
I am 6cm now .
Thank you. I will.
You're almost there! So close. Keep us posted also. Have you decided where you'll stop now?
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Thank you. I will.
You're almost there! So close. Keep us posted also. Have you decided where you'll stop now?
I am still not sure, it depends how my body will react. At this moment I am feeling that I can go more than 8cm easily. But my next goal is 7cm :)
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UPDATE
I am feeling a million times better now. I am 5 weeks post lengthening and will be seeing Dr. Mahboubian tomorrow to hopefully be cleared to walk/weight bear. We will see.
I am about to hit 4 months post op.
The tightness has subsided by 90%, knee pains are mostly gone, sleep is back to normal, and I am off all meds.
Although my posture is not 100% yet, the new height at 5'9" (1.75m) feels amazing to me. While out and about I'm pretty much at 5'10" with shoes.
I hope to report back that I have been cleared to walk this week.
Thank you all for following my diary.
At this point I am still happy with what I have done, it has been a long road, there is more to come, but I am happy with the surgery and with Dr. Mahboubian. No regrets thank God.
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Amazing! Thank you for the updates and good luck!
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Amazing! Thank you for the updates and good luck!
Thank you Petite888! I appreciate it.
Love the handle name by the way, 888!
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Great news, time's really flying by! I bet being able to sleep is really going to speed up your recovery too.
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UPDATE
I visited Dr. Mahboubian today for my 5 week follow up post lengthening. My bone growth looks phenomenal, and Dr. M has cleared me to walk!! Exactly at 4 months post surgery.
I am very excited.
Dr. M told me to slowly get off of the walker completely in the next two weeks, and to use it only as needed. I will be using crutches more while my legs, hips, glutes build up enough strength to support a normal gait.
A big day for me. Very grateful to God that this all transpired without major hiccups.
5.625" in January and just past 5'9" NOW!
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UPDATE
I visited Dr. Mahboubian today for my 5 week follow up post lengthening. My bone growth looks phenomenal, and Dr. M has cleared me to walk!! Exactly at 4 months post surgery.
I am very excited.
Dr. M told me to slowly get off of the walker completely in the next two weeks, and to use it only as needed. I will be using crutches more while my legs, hips, glutes build up enough strength to support a normal gait.
A big day for me. Very grateful to God that this all transpired without major hiccups.
5.625" in January and just past 5'9" NOW!
Wow that sounds so good. I am really happy for you and reading a good outcome diary feels extra good :). Tell us more about the feeling with the new height . I will be also at that height when I am finished :D
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UPDATE
I visited Dr. Mahboubian today for my 5 week follow up post lengthening. My bone growth looks phenomenal, and Dr. M has cleared me to walk!! Exactly at 4 months post surgery.
I am very excited.
Dr. M told me to slowly get off of the walker completely in the next two weeks, and to use it only as needed. I will be using crutches more while my legs, hips, glutes build up enough strength to support a normal gait.
A big day for me. Very grateful to God that this all transpired without major hiccups.
5.625" in January and just past 5'9" NOW!
That is incredible!! I am soo happy for you! Cleared to walk 4 months post surgery and with 7cms lengthening must be amongst one of the best stats on this forum! Gives me a bit of hope as we are both in the 40+ category, hence why I have been following your diary with a lot of interest.
I’m currently researching doctors at the moment but UK and Europe in general doesn’t seem to have as good options as you guys do in the States.
Your diary is a real pick-me-up from all the nonsense that can go on in this forum. Thank you so much and I hope that the rest of your recovery goes just as smooth :)
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UPDATE
I visited Dr. Mahboubian today for my 5 week follow up post lengthening. My bone growth looks phenomenal, and Dr. M has cleared me to walk!! Exactly at 4 months post surgery.
I am very excited.
Dr. M told me to slowly get off of the walker completely in the next two weeks, and to use it only as needed. I will be using crutches more while my legs, hips, glutes build up enough strength to support a normal gait.
A big day for me. Very grateful to God that this all transpired without major hiccups.
5.625" in January and just past 5'9" NOW!
congrats on a successfull LL journey thus far!
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Wow that sounds so good. I am really happy for you and reading a good outcome diary feels extra good :). Tell us more about the feeling with the new height . I will be also at that height when I am finished :D
Thank you Constantine! Thank God all has gone well for me. I cannot complain.
I need to build up lower body muscle again in order to walk normal and feel 100% again, but it will come.
The new height feels incredible. I no longer feel short at all. I still compare my height to others as I am out and about and can't believe how 'tall' I became, the 5'11 (180cm) people 'feel around' my height, I mean they no longer feel way taller. I find myself visualizing certain new clothes and and shoes. I truly feel content and that my height issues are gone.
Looking at my proportions, I feel that this was roughly the height my body should have been naturally. I look a lot better.
Wishing you well in your continuing journey Constantine.
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That is incredible!! I am soo happy for you! Cleared to walk 4 months post surgery and with 7cms lengthening must be amongst one of the best stats on this forum! Gives me a bit of hope as we are both in the 40+ category, hence why I have been following your diary with a lot of interest.
I’m currently researching doctors at the moment but UK and Europe in general doesn’t seem to have as good options as you guys do in the States.
Your diary is a real pick-me-up from all the nonsense that can go on in this forum. Thank you so much and I hope that the rest of your recovery goes just as smooth :)
Thank you again Petite888. Yes, I feel blessed to here at just 4 months post op.
Feel free to reach out with any questions I might be able to answer for you. Don't let age scare you by the way. I know it was a concern for me. I feel a young 45.
Take your time and do your research, and make sure the doctor you choose is truly the right one for you. You will feel it. I felt very comfortable with Dr. Mahboubian from the get go. Great guy.
Thank you for your comments about my diary. I appreciate that. I am glad to hear it. There truly is a lot of nonsense on the forum, but we filter it out.
All the best!
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Wow awesome progress!!
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Wow awesome progress!!
Thank you Purushrottam. Your diary has been a great help to me along this journey!
Don't know if you went through this but every muscle in my body seems to hurt since I started walking unassisted almost one week ago on 5/15/18. My hips hurt and as expected sway side to side with almost every step.
I know it will all go away slowly.
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OFF TOPIC UPDATE
I'm sure you all know our fellow member Android. My fellow Mahboubian LLer short2tall, who I've had the pleasure of being in touch with since the beginning of my surgery, and I met up with Android on 5/19/18 to chat and share LL info and experiences. It was an enjoyable get together.
You can read about it here:
http://www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=5500.0
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Thank you Purushrottam. Your diary has been a great help to me along this journey!
Don't know if you went through this but every muscle in my body seems to hurt since I started walking unassisted almost one week ago on 5/15/18. My hips hurt and as expected sway side to side with almost every step.
I know it will all go away slowly.
I'm happy to hear that!
I do remember my legs being very sore when I first started walking unassisted. I walked rather sparingly for a while (I walked here and there to get food/coffee/do basic household stuff), but only walked an extra 20 minutes in the park. My knees used to hurt as well.
Yeah you are going to sway side to side for a while. I think I made note of when my sway went away. I don't remember how long it took. I was walking unassisted in Jan 24. I think I had a job interview in mid March. At that time, I was still swaying a little bit (and carried a crutch with me to prevent sway). After that date I stopped carrying a crutch (meaning the sway was reduced enough to not be a problem). It was still exhausting to walk however.
By the time I was interviewing in early-mid April, I was able to walk 6 miles daily (walking throughout the city, from interview to interview). Hope that helps!
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I'm happy to hear that!
I do remember my legs being very sore when I first started walking unassisted. I walked rather sparingly for a while (I walked here and there to get food/coffee/do basic household stuff), but only walked an extra 20 minutes in the park. My knees used to hurt as well.
Yeah you are going to sway side to side for a while. I think I made note of when my sway went away. I don't remember how long it took. I was walking unassisted in Jan 24. I think I had a job interview in mid March. At that time, I was still swaying a little bit (and carried a crutch with me to prevent sway). After that date I stopped carrying a crutch (meaning the sway was reduced enough to not be a problem). It was still exhausting to walk however.
By the time I was interviewing in early-mid April, I was able to walk 6 miles daily (walking throughout the city, from interview to interview). Hope that helps!
It certainly does Puru, thank you! Walking properly after consolidation is so underestimated. A lot of us seem to think that once we are cleared to weighbear, we will just get up and walk like nothing. It is not a walk, it is a robotic wobble with pain. I will hit the gym hard to build leg, hip, glute muscle to aid my walk, and continue with PT.
Hope life is good for you Puru! Thanks.
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It certainly does Puru, thank you! Walking properly after consolidation is so underestimated. A lot of us seem to think that once we are cleared to weighbear, we will just get up and walk like nothing. It is not a walk, it is a robotic wobble with pain. I will hit the gym hard to build leg, hip, glute muscle to aid my walk, and continue with PT.
Hope life is good for you Puru! Thanks.
Hey LA,
it will take a little time but don’t worry at the end you will walk normally. And don’t push your body too much just give him time . It was a big surgery and long lengthening time and now he needs a little time to come back and recover.
Wish you the best 👍👍
C
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any update LAgrowin?
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Updates? I'm also thinking of this doctor since I'm local
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Updates? I'm also thinking of this doctor since I'm local
Hello,
It has awhile since I posted here. A little more than 2 months.
Life has really changed since my last few posts.
I was cleared to walk on 5/15/18, and cleared to run and exercise as I saw fit on 7/18/18, just 6 months post surgery !!
I have gone back to the gym and resumed all regular activities. Do I walk as if nothing has happened? Not yet, I am 85% there.
I can jog at a very slow pace. I recently started doing 1/2 squats and working toward a full squat. It takes time.
My biggest issues are my hips, and my right knee. My hips , they get tight, the PT says it's normal and that with continued stretching it will be like nothing ever happened. My right knee bothers me, I stretch it thoroughly and it gets much better, which tells me that it is simply tight.
All in all, I am happy I went through with this. Life is better in the sense that I no longer worry about height. I am at 5'9" and walk around at nearly 5'10" with shoes. My selection of shoes and clothing has increased as it seems that everything looks better at my new height. I have discovered such a love for shoes. It is now about what I like and looks best rather than what has the thickest sole.
Proportions now are what nature should have given me to begin with. I am very happy, and grateful to God that things turned out so well for me.
Lastly. Dr. Mahboubian has been great and did and awesome job for me!
Thank you all for reading. I will post a more structured and detailed update soon.
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So glad to hear that things are going well for you! I'm sure it's liberating to wear what you want, not what you think you need.
How are the reactions of your family and friends?
I hope to meet you again after my journey, maybe I'll be the one in crutches next time 😂
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Hello,
It has awhile since I posted here. A little more than 2 months.
Life has really changed since my last few posts.
I was cleared to walk on 5/15/18, and cleared to run and exercise as I saw fit on 7/18/18, just 6 months post surgery !!
I have gone back to the gym and resumed all regular activities. Do I walk as if nothing has happened? Not yet, I am 85% there.
I can jog at a very slow pace. I recently started doing 1/2 squats and working toward a full squat. It takes time.
My biggest issues are my hips, and my right knee. My hips , they get tight, the PT says it's normal and that with continued stretching it will be like nothing ever happened. My right knee bothers me, I stretch it thoroughly and it gets much better, which tells me that it is simply tight.
All in all, I am happy I went through with this. Life is better in the sense that I no longer worry about height. I am at 5'9" and walk around at nearly 5'10" with shoes. My selection of shoes and clothing has increased as it seems that everything looks better at my new height. I have discovered such a love for shoes. It is now about what I like and looks best rather than what has the thickest sole.
Proportions now are what nature should have given me to begin with. I am very happy, and grateful to God that things turned out so well for me.
Lastly. Dr. Mahboubian has been great and did and awesome job for me!
Thank you all for reading. I will post a more structured and detailed update soon.
Wow I totally missed this update! Time flew by so quickly. Already walking and RUNNING just 6 months post op.
Very happy to hear this, LAGrowin!
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So glad to hear that things are going well for you! I'm sure it's liberating to wear what you want, not what you think you need.
How are the reactions of your family and friends?
I hope to meet you again after my journey, maybe I'll be the one in crutches next time 😂
Thank you Android. Hope you're well also. It would be awesome to have the opportunity to meet again and hear all about your incredible journey. Much more exciting than mine for sure.
All is well for me. Very few people have commented on me looking taller. The few that have mentioned it, have pretty much said that it is likely because of the weight I lost. It could be that people aren't comfortable enough to ask any more.
My immediate family knows of course and says that the added height looks good and very natural. I feel the same way.
Wish you all the best Android!
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Hi everyone. Just wanted to stop by and say hello. It has been several months.
I am just 9 months post op. Life has been back to normal for awhile. Except for a little lingering tightness in my hip flexors when I don't stretch, I forget I have had anything done.
The new height feels great. It hasn't changed my life other than I feel much more confident and don't worry about height anymore.
For those of you thinking about surgery, I would encourage you to do your research about the doctor, and follow your dream.
Wishing you all well.
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Hi everyone. Just wanted to stop by and say hello. It has been several months.
I am just 9 months post op. Life has been back to normal for awhile. Except for a little lingering tightness in my hip flexors when I don't stretch, I forget I have had anything done.
The new height feels great. It hasn't changed my life other than I feel much more confident and don't worry about height anymore.
For those of you thinking about surgery, I would encourage you to do your research about the doctor, and follow your dream.
Wishing you all well.
hey man thats awesome! great update.
I have a question. How long post surgery/post given permission to walk, were you walking with normal gait, no sway, etc?
Thank you!
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hey man thats awesome! great update.
I have a question. How long post surgery/post given permission to walk, were you walking with normal gait, no sway, etc?
Thank you!
Hi MirinHeight, thank you.
It happened just past the 90 day mark after I was cleared to walk unassisted. Going back to the gym and work if out the legs helped tremendously.
I hope that answers your question.
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Big congratulations on your recovery...you said that you have gone through IT band release. Can you ask your doctirs to provide any information on its repercussions or any online source or study available? Also share your experiences of the surgery please. Thank you.
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What's your sitting height? Inseam?
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Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience! We appreciate your time and your kind words!
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Hello!
My name is Amanda and I am Dr. Mahboubian's marketing coordinator. We wanted to reach out to you to say thank you for your post and for sharing your experience with people on this forum. Your diary is inspiring and we are so glad that you are happy with the results of the procedure. Thanks again for your comments!
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Hi MirinHeight, thank you.
It happened just past the 90 day mark after I was cleared to walk unassisted. Going back to the gym and work if out the legs helped tremendously.
I hope that answers your question.
This diary is great - how did I miss reading it?!
Any update in 2019?
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This diary is great - how did I miss reading it?!
Any update in 2019?
Hi MichaelJose. Thank you for your comment. Hope that my diary has been able to help other LLers in one way or another.
I am now 16 months post-op and roughly a year since I took my first steps. I feel great. Walk and look as though nothing ever happened. Life is good.
I have been a little lazy on the stretching, although I am back to the gym.
My hips can get a little tight at times after sitting for a prolonged period of time. I am hoping that this will improve once the rods are out.
I am hoping that my rods will be coming out in the next few months. Can’t let them stay in too much longer.
The new height is amazing. I don’t think about height anymore. I wear the shoes that I want and like, as opposed to the ones that are more beneficial for my stature.
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Hi MichaelJose. Thank you for your comment. Hope that my diary has been able to help other LLers in one way or another.
I am now 16 months post-op and roughly a year since I took my first steps. I feel great. Walk and look as though nothing ever happened. Life is good.
I have been a little lazy on the stretching, although I am back to the gym.
My hips can get a little tight at times after sitting for a prolonged period of time. I am hoping that this will improve once the rods are out.
I am hoping that my rods will be coming out in the next few months. Can’t let them stay in too much longer.
The new height is amazing. I don’t think about height anymore. I wear the shoes that I want and like, as opposed to the ones that are more beneficial for my stature.
That is so great to hear - so looking back worth the money? Being at point where I don't think about height is the dream!
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That is so great to hear - so looking back worth the money? Being at point where I don't think about height is the dream!
100% worth the money!! The way I looked at it personally was that my new confidence would give me that extra little drive to make that money back up after recovery.
The surgery, distraction, and consolidation are all done before you know it. I won’t lie and say that this is all a piece of cake, but it is so quick that it is well worth the little bit of sacrifice for the opportunity to be 3 inches taller. At least with internals, the pain is by no means excruciating as we may believe it to be prior to surgery.
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100% worth the money!! The way I looked at it personally was that my new confidence would give me that extra little drive to make that money back up after recovery.
The surgery, distraction, and consolidation are all done before you know it. I won’t lie and say that this is all a piece of cake, but it is so quick that it is well worth the little bit of sacrifice for the opportunity to be 3 inches taller. At least with internals, the pain is by no means excruciating as we may believe it to be prior to surgery.
That's so excellent to hear - I'm at the point where I spend so much time looking at peoples legs proportions its silly lol! In terms of clothing - working off the assumption that the baggier the jean/trouser the less one is able to see of the proportions, do you feel like you don't wear skinny jeans or slim suit trousers because of the proportions?
That is one of my concerns - thanks pal!
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That's so excellent to hear - I'm at the point where I spend so much time looking at peoples legs proportions its silly lol! In terms of clothing - working off the assumption that the baggier the jean/trouser the less one is able to see of the proportions, do you feel like you don't wear skinny jeans or slim suit trousers because of the proportions?
That is one of my concerns - thanks pal!
I never really worried much about proportions as it seems that sometimes too much emphasis is placed on this issue. If you are lengthening 3” roughly, it shouldn’t be a concern. My wingspan was 168.5 cm so it was sufficient for me. I now look like I should have looked naturally in my opinion and proportions look way better. In fact another 1.5” wouldn’t look bad at all.
I wear the clothes that I like and want, including slimmer jeans, without worrying about covering anything up.
Don’t think about proportions too much, they are naturally very different in people of all heights.
What is your starting height?
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I never really worried much about proportions as it seems that sometimes too much emphasis is placed on this issue. If you are lengthening 3” roughly, it shouldn’t be a concern. My wingspan was 168.5 cm so it was sufficient for me. I now look like I should have looked naturally in my opinion and proportions look way better. In fact another 1.5” wouldn’t look bad at all.
I wear the clothes that I like and want, including slimmer jeans, without worrying about covering anything up.
Don’t think about proportions too much, they are naturally very different in people of all heights.
What is your starting height?
That's great to hear - the strange thing about height is if you put 7.5cm on a tap measure it doesn't look that much - but in terms of height it makes a massive difference! lol
Starting is 168cm - my wingspan is 168cm also. My torso is short though.
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That's great to hear - the strange thing about height is if you put 7.5cm on a tap measure it doesn't look that much - but in terms of height it makes a massive difference! lol
Starting is 168cm - my wingspan is 168cm also. My torso is short though.
I would tell you to perform your surgery if the opportunity is there for you, and not put too much thought into proportions. There so many body types and people with a variety of height and proportions naturally. Don’t stress over it. Read some of the threads on proportions here.
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I had the pleasure of meeting up with LAGrowin' a few days ago and was very glad to have done so. I learned a lot about his experience and what to expect but most importantly, seeing that he was 100% back to normal, walking with a normal gait really did a lot to put my mind at ease about the process and chances of a full recovery.
Thanks LAGrowin'!!
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LAGrowin whats up bro did you end up removing the rods? any updates?