Limb Lengthening Forum
Limb Lengthening Surgery => Limb Lengthening Patients Experiences => Topic started by: Sunshine on June 15, 2020, 01:28:02 AM
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Dear LLers,
I long debated about sharing my diary. I hope opening up my mind and telling my story will heal my soul and untangle the deadlock I found myself in for the last 30 years so I'm going to vent out 😂. You can find my pics and videos on my Google Drive here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wiXrvvH5TZDvUICImLb1-iqUBXy8IoEW . This surgery sprouted in my mind when I started to realize I wouldn't grow anymore. That was 3 decades ago!! Talking about height neurosis ? 🤣. I'm not short by the typical LL candidate standard but I'm below the average height where I live. I wish I could have afforded this surgery in my 20s as I feel like my height has robbed me of my happiness my whole life (sad to say that!). I've been waiting for this surgery for so long and now is the time! It's now or never! The stars aligned this year, I saved up enough and the current pandemic opened up an unexpected huge time out in front of me! The window to do LL safely is closing up as I'm not getting younger with years passing by. I'm going to fulfill my lifetime dream by the end of the summer or the year. I'm a long distance runner, my height is 173 cm - 5'8" with a wingspan longer than my height. I came to accept to trade my athleticism for my dream. I'm an endorphins-high junkie. If the surgery turns sour and I can't run anymore it would be a huge loss for me! I'm not blind to the risks involved but I'm a positive minded person and confident in my body and fitness. I'm eyeing Europe for Precice-2 and will start with femurs this summer. Any recommendations or feedback from you and especially from LLer veterans are greatly appreciated😊
(https://s7d6.turboimg.net/t/55381640_DE06C457-2C76-4262-8F76-999B65A2EB00.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/55381640/DE06C457-2C76-4262-8F76-999B65A2EB00.jpeg.html)
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Hey All,
so I just realized I didn't turn on link sharing on my Google Drive, just fixed now! I shortlisted Doctors Giotikas and Buldu for precice, price looks similar with Buldu offering additional 10 days hotel after 5 days hospitalization and the option of distracting-lengthening at home after that! Giotikas looks good with years of experience, Buldu is supposedly the best in Turkey but there are so few patients diaries about him and though he's not anymore part of wannabetaller, I heard so many horror stories on that matter that I don't know what to think about Turkey option. Anyone had done precice with either doctor could chime in and share your experience and opinion? Should I stop running and just stretch before surgery or is it ok to keep running ?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
(https://s7d6.turboimg.net/t1/55494328_86961C78-1EA6-4928-BD19-FFB6EADBCF0A.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/55494328/86961C78-1EA6-4928-BD19-FFB6EADBCF0A.png.html)
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Giotikas does alot of stryde patients he is more qualified and cheaper then anyone in turkey. the only doctor who has done stryde in turkey almost crippled me and i am suing. and has absolultely no experience except on me. i had to go to giotikas to fix up my serious injuries i got in turkey.
its a no brainer in my eyes. stryde or precise with giotikas, he is more qualified more professional, he is cheaper also, physio is included in the price. you can stay at the physio centre if you want as well. giotikas speaks to his physios and directs them. dont go to turkey its russian roullette
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For internal methods, I would personally choose Dr.Giotikas. If you go for LON method, then I believe Dr.Buldu would have more experience in that area, since that’s what most patients go for with him.
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Giotikas does alot of stryde patients he is more qualified and cheaper then anyone in turkey. the only doctor who has done stryde in turkey almost crippled me and i am suing. and has absolultely no experience except on me. i had to go to giotikas to fix up my serious injuries i got in turkey.
its a no brainer in my eyes. stryde or precise with giotikas, he is more qualified more professional, he is cheaper also, physio is included in the price. you can stay at the physio centre if you want as well. giotikas speaks to his physios and directs them. dont go to turkey its russian roullette
Hey seriouslyinjured,
I'm so sorry for what this doctor did to you, I read your diary, unbelievable story! I'm aware Giotikas is cheaper for stryde but it's out of my budget. I shortlisted Buldu and Giotikas for precice because Buldu now looks unaffiliated with the guys who almost crippled you and his reputation looks good in Turkey according to his assistant though I'm not really sure what to think about that! And there are so few patients diaries of him on this forum! I know Giotikas' credentials are solid but Buldu seems to have good reputation too when I check his profile through the web! His price on precice is slightly cheaper than Giotikas with the option to continue distraction in my home country which is a huge factor!
Thanks again for your feedback!
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For internal methods, I would personally choose Dr.Giotikas. If you go for LON method, then I believe Dr.Buldu would have more experience in that area, since that’s what most patients go for with him.
For internal methods, I would personally choose Dr.Giotikas. If you go for LON method, then I believe Dr.Buldu would have more experience in that area, since that’s what most patients go for with him.
Thanks Skyisthelimit for your input!
I totally ruled out externals because of all the advantages offered by internals! I read the diary of the patient who did LON with Buldu, I wish there were more precice diaries as well with that doctor..
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I don’t think we’ll see many internal method diaries with dr.Buldu, since he’s more experienced with external devices and his prices for internal devices are around the same as in EU. People going for internals, which are already more expensive methods, tend to choose more expensive doctors in the US or EU. I believe this is because they feel safer with a more reliable doctor in first world countries, so they spend more for their own reassurance. Most people going to India or Turkey are people on a budget. I would recommend going to Giotikas for precise!
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I don’t think we’ll see many internal method diaries with dr.Buldu, since he’s more experienced with external devices and his prices for internal devices are around the same as in EU. People going for internals, which are already more expensive methods, tend to choose more expensive doctors in the US or EU. I believe this is because they feel safer with a more reliable doctor in first world countries, so they spend more for their own reassurance. Most people going to India or Turkey are people on a budget. I would recommend going to Giotikas for precise!
Ok makes sense, I still have 2 months to decide on the surgeon. Anyway regarding pre-op preparations I read some doctor recommends to work out and gain leg muscle mass as much as we can while other patients say we'd better stop working out and let the muscles relax 🤷
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Hi Sunshine
I really recommend Stryde over Precice as you probably know the reason why. The price difference is not really huge but you will gain much more advantages with Stryde. So try to make a little more money for stryde. I also think Dr. G is a better and safer choice than any doctor in Turkey.
Good luck!
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Hi Sunshine
I really recommend Stryde over Precice as you probably know the reason why. The price difference is not really huge but you will gain much more advantages with Stryde. So try to make a little more money for stryde. I also think Dr. G is a better and safer choice than any doctor in Turkey.
Good luck!
Hey Ghostfish,
I could wait and save up more for Stryde but then I would wait again for another year or so and I'm not sure I would have that much spare time in 12 months to do LL! I'm aware there shouldn't be any rush for such an important surgery but at the same time Precice seems partial weight bearing though crutches/walkers are recommended! I actually am still debating whether to wait a little longer and go with Stryde which would speed up recovery and still considering Giotikas who seems to have the backing of the majority here 😊
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Hey Ghostfish,
I could wait and save up more for Stryde but then I would wait again for another year or so and I'm not sure I would have that much spare time in 12 months to do LL! I'm aware there shouldn't be any rush for such an important surgery but at the same time Precice seems partial weight bearing though crutches/walkers are recommended! I actually am still debating whether to wait a little longer and go with Stryde which would speed up recovery and still considering Giotikas who seems to have the backing of the majority here 😊
You want wheelchair for 5 month instead of wheelchair for 5 days? Go with the stryde please, it's nonsensical to go with precice when stryde is a cheap upgrade. If you're gonna blow bank on precice 2, not even weight bearing nails, please bare in your mind you just intentionally fuked over yourself for a whole years worth of additional physio in pursuit of saving what? 5 grand?
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I had surgery in Turkey and im from there but i live in europe. I had to do second surgery because of misalignment. Dont do in any surgery in Turkey. They just collect the money. It doesnt f***ng matter who is doing it. There is no good or the best over there. I was like customer for them not patient. Giotika is really experienced Doctor. Do your surgery in europe. I will do my next femur surgery in europe.
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I had surgery in Turkey and im from there but i live in europe. I had to do second surgery because of misalignment. Dont do in any surgery in Turkey. They just collect the money. It doesnt f***ng matter who is doing it. There is no good or the best over there. I was like customer for them not patient. Giotika is really experienced Doctor. Do your surgery in europe. I will do my next femur surgery in europe.
May I ask, who was your doctor?
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You want wheelchair for 5 month instead of wheelchair for 5 days? Go with the stryde please, it's nonsensical to go with precice when stryde is a cheap upgrade. If you're gonna blow bank on precice 2, not even weight bearing nails, please bare in your mind you just intentionally fuked over yourself for a whole years worth of additional physio in pursuit of saving what? 5 grand?
Hey ghkid2019,
Thanks for your concern! I long debated between the 2 doctors and finally made my choice last July not long after your post. I know Giotikas has solid credentials but I also think there's no reason to discredit or question Buldu. I got in touch with both of them and they were very professional and courteous in replying to my questions. I felt very comfortable and connected with Buldu the very first time he replied to me by direct WhatsApp voice message!! Didn't expect that 😂. Though trivial it may sounds, his face and voice made me feel confident I can trust him for this surgery.
So as you all have guessed, I decided to go with Buldu! It's clear that I'm not have that extra $20k for the foreseeable future to upgrade to Stryde. And the cost savings between Greece and Turkey is not negligible to me considering the initial $3k difference in price for Precice-II coupled with the shortened 15-day stay in Turkey!
I settled all the surgery details with Buldu's patient coordinator and my surgery date is this month August! Actually as of this writing, the surgery is already done!! It was on August 5th. I just didn't want to post before my surgery date to avoid any negativity and to have peace of mind!
@ghkid2019, the doctor told me although Precice is not full weight bearing, with my lightweight 65kg/144lbs I can still walk with the help of crutches or walker!!
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Good luck man. Week 1 of post surgery is over. Go easy on yourself, don't go too hard first week. You'll do great man! Keep stretching
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Thanks Man,
The physiotherapist girl comes every day for an hour session of stretching bending working out the knees IT Band Quadriceps etc...it hurt like hell the first day but got better day after day (I'm on my 3rd day now of PT). My bones IT Band Muscles Quads Ligaments Osteotomy site hurt every time I walk with the walker. It's crazy but I can stand on my feet hands off the walker with those titanium Precice inside though I'm not taking the risk to walk without the walker!!
So getting back to my diary where I left off last time, here are my perfectly healthy legs again from my previous life before the surgeon chopped them off in this adventure 🤣
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57661284_901BF7FD-E8B8-480E-BD91-C12DB5162F89.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57661284/901BF7FD-E8B8-480E-BD91-C12DB5162F89.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d2.turboimg.net/t1/57661358_C04F17B7-4D57-442B-BEF9-267E0D0BFA5B.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57661358/C04F17B7-4D57-442B-BEF9-267E0D0BFA5B.jpeg.html)
My flight to Istanbul on August 1st
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/57661322_4C42D748-665D-4E1F-9EE4-21BA9B21BE5E.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57661322/4C42D748-665D-4E1F-9EE4-21BA9B21BE5E.jpeg.html)
Landing in Istanbul on August 2nd!
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/57661382_8B32FB69-D764-4886-BECA-5F0FB62EE426.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57661382/8B32FB69-D764-4886-BECA-5F0FB62EE426.jpeg.html)
The TZL Suites where I'm staying the night before surgery and after the 5-days hospital discharge
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/57661386_2DFE7FB4-CC21-4F64-9BE3-3D9D8A91C441.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57661386/2DFE7FB4-CC21-4F64-9BE3-3D9D8A91C441.jpeg.html)
Discovering Turkish breakfast
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/57661385_E63A7722-572B-4646-AA72-0EB81542C60F.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57661385/E63A7722-572B-4646-AA72-0EB81542C60F.jpeg.html)
August 5th, surgery day!! Arrival at the Medicana hospital, can see a video of it on my google drive.
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/57661387_C420F291-EAD8-4F51-BF14-D06D6A6AB6B9.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57661387/C420F291-EAD8-4F51-BF14-D06D6A6AB6B9.jpeg.html)
Paperwork just signed at the hospital, now waiting to get taken to my room!
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57663456_198E6939-7EFD-45CD-870F-06676BBDAAB6.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57663456/198E6939-7EFD-45CD-870F-06676BBDAAB6.jpeg.html)
Last view of my previous legs before they got cut off. In a couple hours I'll wake up for a new life, something I've been waiting forever. It will either be a dream or a nightmare come true 😂
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57663450_5D5DFA2F-DD24-4D39-B277-EAAA96659F2C.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57663450/5D5DFA2F-DD24-4D39-B277-EAAA96659F2C.jpeg.html)
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I'm updating my diary title to reflect the country and the Doctor I chose. Also reflecting on my past life and my decision to take such a huge risk in this surgery. I'm taking the risk of loosing my fitness and everything if something happens! Sport is in my DNA, I grew up since age 7 playing tennis soccer volleyball handball swimming running and any sport that I came across. Besides an 11-year break from 2007 to 2018, I've been running around 10km almost every single day for the last 30 years! I don't expect to ever recover my pre-surgery athleticism and I'm fine with that. I'd rather reach my dream and live the rest of my life a couple inches taller than spending the rest of my life wondering "what if". I know my times on 5km and 10km so if one day I'll ever be able to run again, I'll know exactly how much athleticism I lost.
Couple last pics before I'm put to sleep by the anesthesia. The surgery takes place at a pretty late hour in the day, around 5:30 pm!
My pre-surgery frame
(https://s8d2.turboimg.net/t1/57679899_EBB7AF8A-E05D-44F8-B677-3C3433DC6B2B.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57679899/EBB7AF8A-E05D-44F8-B677-3C3433DC6B2B.jpeg.html)
Oh and a last pic with Doctor Buldu before he changes my life forever, don't know if it's the angle of the camera but my torso looks way disproportionate to my legs and I look way taller than my 5'8"/173 cm 😂
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/57682697_94AA1CF4-658D-462E-97B3-C9C24EF4D5B1.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57682697/94AA1CF4-658D-462E-97B3-C9C24EF4D5B1.jpeg.html)
August 5th
Surgery day!!
Tomorrow I'll wake up to a new life. Tomorrow my frustration since age 18 will be behind me...forever!
I'm now in my hospital room, laying on the bed watching tv and waiting for surgery time.
It's now 5pm, the nurse and Doctor Buldu knock on the door. The nurse dresses me with a gown and Doctor Buldu gives me a last briefing about the surgery. He says the Precice-procedure is very easy 😂 way easier than LON!
I'm fully dressed now with the cap on my head and wearing the gown, laying on my bed, waiting to get taken to the operation room.
5:30pm two nurses knock on the door and take me to the operation room. There are so many staff in there.
Doctor Buldu is talking to me. I ask him how long it takes for the anesthesia to kick in. He says oh don't worry, just count from 10 to 1 and you'll be in Wonderland 😂🤣 I tell him I usually have a hard time falling asleep lol. He says don't worry, just count. So I oblige and start counting counterclockwise 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 !! I'm still awake!!🤣I hear the anesthetist say Congratulations! Doctor Buldu laughs and says Congratulations, you're a very tough guy lol. He asks now do you feel something? I start feeling a sharp rising pain at the back of my hand where the anesthetist plugged in the intravenous tube. I guess he increased the amount of anesthetic. I tell Doctor Buldu Yes I feel very painful, pointing my eyes towards my hand. Doctor B. asks me Do you feel dizzy now? The pain is rising, I start to close my eyes and sleep, at last!! He says NOW you're sleeping 😂
August 6
My eyes open slowly, I'm not sure where I am. I feel sharp throbbing pain coming from 1 leg after another. The pain keeps going away then coming back the next second! It's so painful! My head turns and I think I hear voices around me, probably nurses. I'm not sure if I'm in a post-operation room. I fall asleep on and off. I wake up again later and found the energy to grab my phone laying close by. It's 1:30 am !!
My new life starts today!
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57683622_BE9C3016-ABB5-48E7-BAD2-20D3D8843FA0.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57683622/BE9C3016-ABB5-48E7-BAD2-20D3D8843FA0.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57683623_A4339D4B-3062-4CD0-9801-FE8879D6358C.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57683623/A4339D4B-3062-4CD0-9801-FE8879D6358C.jpeg.html)
A nurse brings me a meal but I couldn't eat anything, I just don't feel hungry.
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57683624_51E0C7BA-5BC2-4BBF-9F67-520082F375A0.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57683624/51E0C7BA-5BC2-4BBF-9F67-520082F375A0.jpeg.html)
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Based on that picture with the doctor, your Femurs look kinda short. I literally bet you'll look amazing after 7cm or 8cm femurs. You have ideal proportions for femur lengthening! This is great for you man I'm happy.
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Thanks Man!
I've been waiting for this for so long! But I'm not there yet cuz the journey starts now. I can already feel it's gonna be a long and painful path to heaven 😂.
August 6th
I'm sleeping on and off with all these intravenous in my left hand. It's 7:30 am, I wake up and a staff brings my breakfast meal.
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57684811_1E724EA5-ADA1-4152-9811-C97E92584A29.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57684811/1E724EA5-ADA1-4152-9811-C97E92584A29.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57684812_4B7665DF-D1E4-4A47-8FD0-B8EDFEDBD85C.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57684812/4B7665DF-D1E4-4A47-8FD0-B8EDFEDBD85C.jpeg.html)
1:30pm late lunch
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57684813_55F55271-39E0-4DA1-8EA7-00ECB3AAC1DB.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57684813/55F55271-39E0-4DA1-8EA7-00ECB3AAC1DB.jpeg.html)
August 7th
6pm dinner
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57684814_474247A8-242A-4790-9F8D-15A9758B345B.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57684814/474247A8-242A-4790-9F8D-15A9758B345B.jpeg.html)
August 8th
My legs hurt everytime I try to bend the knees. The pain comes from the Quads IT Band Bones. My legs and feet are swollen and the bandages add to the tightness. I can barely bend my knees.
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/57684940_BEE7074D-02B7-4735-A062-8B94DBA83E7E.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57684940/BEE7074D-02B7-4735-A062-8B94DBA83E7E.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/57684941_932AC573-A63F-4E4C-9160-AEFC8C26CE47.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57684941/932AC573-A63F-4E4C-9160-AEFC8C26CE47.jpeg.html)
Doctor B. will visit later in the day to bend my knees and make me walk! So he's coming with a nurse and a walker! The nurse changes my bandages and Doctor B. starts to gently bend my knees. Then he asks me to try get out of my bed and walk! I'm so scared to walk cuz my legs hurt so much the moment I start bending the knees. Even getting out of the bed and reaching the floor with your feet will be a challenge when you can barely bend your knees! So I'm using my arms and upper body strength to slowly creep out of the bed, my legs pointing almost straight towards the floor. Doctor B. and the nurse help catch my feet when they touchdown! My feet are finally on the ground and I stand up, my hands holding the walker firmly! I'm so amazed I can stand up despite all the pain! Doctor B. tells me to now try walk! I'm trying to lift my feet one at a time but it's so painful. I would never imagine walking involves so many muscles and tendons and ligaments of the legs. The fact that I just had surgery and my bones had been cut created such a trauma to my legs. Trying to move them and lifting the feet bending the knees to walk is so painful. The pain comes from so many areas, osteotomy site IT Band Quads...
But I finally managed to walk!! Very slowly though and very short distance, from my bed to the door of the room then back to the bed! A very tiny loop.
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Hello Sunshine,
I’m glad you decided to go through with the surgery. I hope everything goes as smooth as possible. Try not to stand too much, since precise is not full weight bearing, and the last thing you want is for the nail to bend or break. Something I don’t understand... You claim to be 1.73cm, but according to the measuring door you are 1.76cm. That’s a 3cm difference. Would it be possible that you measured yourself incorrectly or that the door’s measurements are off by 3cm?
I wish you the best of luck! Please keep us updated.
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Hello Sunshine,
I’m glad you decided to go through with the surgery. I hope everything goes as smooth as possible. Try not to stand too much, since precise is not full weight bearing, and the last thing you want is for the nail to bend or break. Something I don’t understand... You claim to be 1.73cm, but according to the measuring door you are 1.76cm. That’s a 3cm difference. Would it be possible that you measured yourself incorrectly or that the door’s measurements are off by 3cm?
I wish you the best of luck! Please keep us updated.
Hey Skyisthelimit,
Thanks for your words! Yeah I realized now I shouldn't stand too much too long hands off the walker! 2 days ago I was so confident in my ability to stand since I walked so much better, I started to stand longer in the kitchen cooking dinner. Well I dearly regretted it afterwards. Later in the night, my legs and feet swelled so much and all my leg muscles were sore and on fire! The next morning I woke up and the pain was still here. Walking is now much more painful and difficult than 2 days before. And I started distraction 2 days ago too so not sure if it has to do with it but since that night where I stood longer than usual and started distraction at the same time, all my leg muscles and IT Band are now tighter. Every step produces so much pain especially at lift off of the foot.
Regarding my height, last time I got measured was in 1995 and I was 1.73m, I was already a grown up adult! I haven't measured myself since then but I know I can't be taller than that, my colleague is 1.75m and I can tell she's definitely taller than me lol. So either the angle of the camera makes me appear taller or the measurement chart is slightly off 🤣 I wish I were 1m76 though, that would have been a day and night difference for me if I were that tall lol.
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Hey bro sunshine if u dnt mind may i know...how old r u..if u stopped growing at 1995 then it's even before i was born😅
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Hey bro sunshine if u dnt mind may i know...how old r u..if u stopped growing at 1995 then it's even before i was born😅
Hey Alamin,
You would never guess my age🤣 In fact amongst all the people I asked to guess my age, not a single one ever guessed it right 😂 throw me a number lol
P.S: to give you a perspective 1995 was the last time I got officially measured. My growth already stopped since 1991 !!
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Something I don’t understand... You claim to be 1.73cm, but according to the measuring door you are 1.76cm. That’s a 3cm difference. Would it be possible that you measured yourself incorrectly or that the door’s measurements are off by 3cm?
So I just asked the doctor's representative Murat who took that picture about the matter and he says I look 1m76 because he took the picture in fisheye mode on iPhone🤣
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Hoping you find strength with each new day!
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Hoping you find strength with each new day!
Thanks Man,
Looks like we have something in common!
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Good like sunshine,will you be in istanbul during cll
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I guess u r like between 40 to 50 or even 55.
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Good like sunshine,will you be in istanbul during cll
Thanks drxboom!
So my plan is to stay in Istanbul as short as possible. I have 10 days hotel included in this surgery. I hope I can leave at the end of these 10 days and continue distraction in my home country!
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I guess u r like between 40 to 50 or even 55.
Well you guessed it right 😂 but not 55 though 🤣 I'm not that old yet lol. I'm 47!
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Well you guessed it right 😂 but not 55 though 🤣 I'm not that old yet lol. I'm 47!
Sunshine,
I am so happy for you; that you went after your dream and finally did it. I can't wait to see you tall and perfect in a few months. Be strong brother!
SNC, your older Bro :D
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Sunshine,
I am so happy for you; that you went after your dream and finally did it. I can't wait to see you tall and perfect in a few months. Be strong brother!
SNC, your older Bro :D
Thanks Bro!
Good luck to you too! I'm amazed to meet someone even older than me doing this surgery. It will be interesting to compare our recoveries, you on Stryde with Mahboubian in the US, me on Precice with Buldu in Turkey. How's your walking 3 weeks post-operation? Are your legs swollen? Do you feel pain when walking ?
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Sunshine, I really don't think you should stand at all. Precice has and will break just by trying to stand. It is not weight bearing. Please avoid standing, for your own sake. Have a good one
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ghkid2019,
you mean not standing at all even with the support of the walker or you mean not standing hands off the walker ? Cuz walking with the walker is part of my PT and recommended by my Doctor!
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Thanks Bro!
Good luck to you too! I'm amazed to meet someone even older than me doing this surgery. It will be interesting to compare our recoveries, you on Stryde with Mahboubian in the US, me on Precice with Buldu in Turkey. How's your walking 3 weeks post-operation? Are your legs swollen? Do you feel pain when walking ?
Sunshine Bro,
Overall walking is not an issue for me. I walk with crutches. I feel pain at times, but I would say the pain is manageable all the time. I would rate the pain during walking as ranging between 0 to 3 on right and 1 to 5 on left. The cases of pain level 4 or 5 on left mostly happen when I lift the leg to turn or move forward. I believe my left leg has some swelling due to healing delay since the surgery, whereas my right feels pretty normal.
I however feel pain mostly while sitting or lying on the bed, especially if my legs are straight. At night time, I HAVE to take pain killers, otherwise, I would suffer exponentially more, which makes it almost unbearable. With the pain killers the pain even on left is limited to 3 for about 8 hours (I take two 650 mg Tylenol tablets).
One last thing is that my knowledge on other types of surgeries (than what I have done with Dr. M.) is very limited. Looks like some folks here believe you should not walk much. Please be extra careful on everything about your surgery, exercises, moves, food, etc.. The last thing we want is to head back to the surgery room!
Take care Bro, Please keep in touch and let me know if I can answer any other questions.
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Thanks Skyisthelimit for your input!
I totally ruled out externals because of all the advantages offered by internals! I read the diary of the patient who did LON with Buldu, I wish there were more precice diaries as well with that doctor..
Hey Sunshine :)
Thanks for making this diary!
What are your thoughts on Giotikas vs Javier Downey in Spain for Stryde?
I'm planning to do LL in two years, I'm an American considering Giotikas in Greece and Downey in Spain
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Hey Sunshine :)
Thanks for making this diary!
What are your thoughts on Giotikas vs Javier Downey in Spain for Stryde?
I'm planning to do LL in two years, I'm an American considering Giotikas in Greece and Downey in Spain
Hey TwinMusicom,
As far as I know Giotikas looks good with solid records. I think he's amongst the best in Europe for Stryde and Precice. Regarding Downey I haven't heard much about him on this forum, maybe you can check his profile in the Limb Lengthening Doctors section.
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One last thing is that my knowledge on other types of surgeries (than what I have done with Dr. M.) is very limited. Looks like some folks here believe you should not walk much. Please be extra careful on everything about your surgery, exercises, moves, food, etc.. The last thing we want is to head back to the surgery room!
Take care Bro, Please keep in touch and let me know if I can answer any other questions.
Thanks Bro!
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Interesting.. has they been any positive diary from Turkey?
The surgeon you chosed seems to have good reputation hope it goes well keep us posted
Lon method is quiet cheap 16000 euros..is this method riskier?
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Interesting.. has they been any positive diary from Turkey?
The surgeon you chosed seems to have good reputation hope it goes well keep us posted
Lon method is quiet cheap 16000 euros..is this method riskier?
Thanks Stealth!
I think there are couple people who posted on here about their current diary in Turkey on LON and it looks like they're happy with their choice. I'm not too familiar on LON but €16000 is way cheaper than internal methods. I never considered LON because internal nails are supposed to be safer with less infection risk. And I didn't want to have more scars than necessary too. I'm happy with my Doctor choice, he's very approachable and chill, you can almost joke with him about anything lol. Always answers to my questions promptly.
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So I just asked the doctor's representative Murat who took that picture about the matter and he says I look 1m76 because he took the picture in fisheye mode on iPhone🤣
Why would he want to distort the picture of your before height with a fisheye lens making you appear taller? Did he take another picture with no filter? I believe you would want it to be able to compare the before and after heights appropriately.
Btw, how’s everything doing so far?
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@Skyisthelimit,
He took a couple pics in a row and they're all the same in fisheye lens. He just likes that fisheye mode when taking pics from his phone or mine! Well I guess I'll have to retake pics with the same Doctor Buldu after distraction ends to compare to the before surgery. Otherwise so far I'm on my 4th day of distraction and it's been up and down. Before distraction I walked pretty decently without too much pain at lift off of the feet. Then I started distraction and stood up a little longer that day and my walking went down for the next 2 days! The pain shoot up every time I lift off the foot. So now I avoid standing up too much and only walks to the bathroom and back to my bed. My walking is now less painful as long as I don't walk more than necessary, ie. only to the bathroom lol. The physiotherapist comes every day to make me work out my IT Band, quads, bending the knees, lifting the legs etc...
Here are some updates to my diary from August 8th.
August 10th
Discharge from hospital 5 days post-surgery.
(https://s8d2.turboimg.net/t1/57836048_FF8C198C-3248-40EC-8224-90143E8969B8.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57836048/FF8C198C-3248-40EC-8224-90143E8969B8.jpeg.html)
Bye Bye 👋 Medicana hospital! All the staff and nurses were so sweet, I will miss them a lot, especially the nurses lol
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/57836794_7B8E3EAE-17FD-417B-AD5B-26AAF136E700.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57836794/7B8E3EAE-17FD-417B-AD5B-26AAF136E700.jpeg.html)
Back to the TZL Suites for 10 days!
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/57838339_3E233CD6-B6A1-48FE-88B0-5CDFF756519E.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57838339/3E233CD6-B6A1-48FE-88B0-5CDFF756519E.jpeg.html)
Breakfast included lol
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57839793_7857AA78-6DFF-4817-9518-756F15729DF3.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57839793/7857AA78-6DFF-4817-9518-756F15729DF3.jpeg.html)
1st Physiotherapy session with a very nice and chatty girl lol. Bending the knees, lifting the legs, opening the legs is painful like hell!
August 12th
Distraction starts 7 days after surgery!
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/57842997_4F5BE46A-4845-4F79-9A6D-DE57D2606206.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57842997/4F5BE46A-4845-4F79-9A6D-DE57D2606206.jpeg.html)
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Hey bro sunshine....wht are your pre body stats like inseam,wing span....and wht final height goal are you looking upto.
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Hey bro sunshine....wht are your pre body stats like inseam,wing span....and wht final height goal are you looking upto.
Yes, I also am interested in these measurements. May we know, Sunshine?
Good Luck
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Hye Sunshine
how much did your surgery cost?
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Yea good choice
Hmm you flying back to your own country will you be doing physio in your home country?
X rays? What if one leg is longer than other during lengthening phase?
I'd stay in turkey for lengthening phase personally
And can your nail reverse backwards if over lengthen?
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Yea good choice
Hmm you flying back to your own country will you be doing physio in your home country?
X rays? What if one leg is longer than other during lengthening phase?
I'd stay in turkey for lengthening phase personally
And can your nail reverse backwards if over lengthen?
Yes precice nail can go backwards.
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@Alamin,
It's crazy we didn't think about measuring my stats pre-surgery during my consultation with Buldu on August 3rd! He was just landing back from his vacations that day and and our meeting was even delayed to a very late hour into the night! When I finally met him we discussed about the surgery and I asked him various questions but completely forgot to ask him to measure my sitting height inseam wingspan!! We just finished the meeting with that customary picture of me him and the measurement chart.
Otherwise I just know for a fact that my torso is longer than my legs and my wingspan is longer than my height. My goal is at least 180cm! That height is a dream I thought was unattainable and would never come true before I die! It's happening right now after 30 years of waiting and I'm not there yet cuz I can see now it's not gonna be easy to reach that mark. The surgery does not warrant you will automatically reach your goal! I don't know how my body will react to lengthening, the PT work is crucial in this journey. It all depends on my PT work and my body's ability to handle the distraction and to generate new bone in the gap. It's gonna be a long and painful journey cuz I'm not that young anymore and although my fitness is my asset, Doctor Buldu told me some people were physically strong before surgery but not that good at bone formation post-surgery while other younger patients were better at generating new bones! Each body is just unique and different at handling lengthening.
@a
Thanks, I'll try get my sitting height and wingspan measured and will post them here.
@taller2023
€35000
@Stealth
Yeah I plan to fly back home and continue lengthening there. They allow me to bring the ERC remote with me! I also plan to do PT myself at home as I now know the exercices from my physiotherapist. If it gets too hard then I'll hire a physiotherapist. I'll have to send my Doctor X-Rays every 2 weeks for follow up.
@ghkid2019 is absolutely right, the advantage of Precice and Stryde over other nails is that they are reversible! They can go both ways, they can distract but also reverse backwards so we can always correct leg length discrepancies.
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August 6
My new life starts today!
Many congratulations Sunshine!! ;D
Whenever things get tough, just remember to keep your eyes on the prize... Your dedication to fitness is impressive and that same dedication will serve you well as you lengthen to your goal height and during consolidation...
I look forward to keeping up with your great diary... Stay strong, you got this!! ;)
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Hey Sunshine
I saw your pics and I am following your diary . Im 172.5 cm and I would like to do LON method with Dr Buldu hopefully to reach 1,80 cm
I have a good feeling about Dr Buldu keep us updated about your recovery !
Cheers Frederico
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Many congratulations Sunshine!! ;D
Whenever things get tough, just remember to keep your eyes on the prize... Your dedication to fitness is impressive and that same dedication will serve you well as you lengthen to your goal height and during consolidation...
I look forward to keeping up with your great diary... Stay strong, you got this!! ;)
Thanks deaddog,
This dedication to fitness was at the same a painful life since age 7! I always strived to push my body to the limit in sports, I'm just addicted to that endorphines high effect. Every time I ran my daily morning 10km I gave it all finishing the run with nothing left in the tank! Some days I was sick my legs were sore or my body didn't feel like getting out there and run again, but I always overcame my pain and found the energy to get out of my house and run that 10km. I did it again and again and again throughout the years and eventually the pain and the long distance run just became a routine in my life. Even the weather couldn't stop me from running, whether it rains snows, the wind freezing temperatures thunderstorms heat wave in the desert, nothing would stop me from running lol.
So when that day has finally come when I got to meet Doctor Buldu for the consultation I felt like all those years of painful work outs and runs will be my biggest asset in this journey! When Doctor Buldu saw my legs he said I can see you have good and healthy legs. Then he tested my legs flexibility and was impressed lol. He rolled his eyes and said Wow you are REALLY VERY flexible lol. He asked me You really stretched a lot those last months huh, I replied Yes Doctor I've been stretching my whole life 😂.
So yes my fitness will be my biggest ally in this long and painful journey. I've been dreaming about that utopian height my entire life. Now this dream is within reach, I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. Doctor Buldu already warned me fitness won't do it all in recovery and bone generation. I'll have to keep up with PT, keep stretching all those leg muscles hamstrings quads IT Band etc...I already have a taste of what's laying ahead. Keeping my leg muscles up with distraction will be the biggest challenge I've ever encountered in my life. This is the worst physical pain I've ever felt in my life. The PT sessions and moving the legs are so hard and painful as of today August 16th, 11 days post-surgery and on my 5th day distraction!
As you say whenever it gets tough, when PT and walking hurt like hell I remember why I'm doing this, I remember all those years of frustration where I almost lost hope of ever being tall or at least being at a decent height! Yeah when it gets tough I think about that dream that is now within reach!
Regarding consolidation, by body's ability to generate new bone is a big unknown due to my age! Oh well, we'll see...
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/57846457_5546BF59-75C7-464B-AAD5-687DD5F0D191.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57846457/5546BF59-75C7-464B-AAD5-687DD5F0D191.png.html)
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/57846461_85A85DD7-FD1A-4BF2-BAEB-C264F5047E4D.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57846461/85A85DD7-FD1A-4BF2-BAEB-C264F5047E4D.png.html)
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Hey Sunshine
I saw your pics and I am following your diary . Im 172.5 cm and I would like to do LON method with Dr Buldu hopefully to reach 1,80 cm
I have a good feeling about Dr Buldu keep us updated about your recovery !
Cheers Frederico
Hey Frederico,
Looks like we have something in common too! I haven't heard bad reviews about Dr. Buldu when deciding on my choice for the surgeon. And my initial interaction and contact with him convinced me I can trust him for this surgery. If you choose Dr. Buldu, make sure to get in touch only with him or his only patient coordinator Murat Ekinci. If it's someone else claiming to be Buldu's representative or patient coordinator or working for him then he's a scammer and will get you another surgeon than Dr Buldu for your surgery! Those scammers just use Buldu's name and reputation to lure customers!
There are couple people doing LON right now here with Buldu and I think they're happy with their choice.
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Indeed there are scammers who uses DrHalil's name, please contact only with me by WhatsApp if you wish to have surgery by Dr Halil BULDU. WhatsApp: +905330164562
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Indeed there are scammers who uses DrHalil's name, please contact only with me by WhatsApp if you wish to have surgery by Dr Halil BULDU. WhatsApp: +905330164562
How that legal to use Dr. Buldu name never hear that before. In my country doctor can sue.
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How that legal to use Dr. Buldu name never hear that before. In my country doctor can sue.
We took legal action but the servers are not in Turkey thats why we are warning people in both here and in social media about this issue.
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Hey Frederico,
Looks like we have something in common too! I haven't heard bad reviews about Dr. Buldu when deciding on my choice for the surgeon. And my initial interaction and contact with him convinced me I can trust him for this surgery. If you choose Dr. Buldu, make sure to get in touch only with him or his only patient coordinator Murat Ekinci. If it's someone else claiming to be Buldu's representative or patient coordinator or working for him then he's a scammer and will get you another surgeon than Dr Buldu for your surgery! Those scammers just use Buldu's name and reputation to lure customers!
There are couple people doing LON right now here with Buldu and I think they're happy with their choice.
I dot think it all correct. I like you writing on how you doing and dairy stuff.
Isn’t that illegal for scammers to that do. I will look up. Dr. Buldu is on my list of doctors.
Keep on with dairy and stay strong.
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We took legal action but the servers are not in Turkey thats why we are warning people in both here and in social media about this issue.
Good. But why they use his name and not other doctors.
I will look up. Something no right here
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I dot think it all correct. I like you writing on how you doing and dairy stuff.
Isn’t that illegal for scammers to that do. I will look up. Dr. Buldu is on my list of doctors.
Keep on with dairy and stay strong.
Thanks taller2023,
This is the warning I got from Murat regarding those scams in Turkey which are apparently common here.
Some updates on my journey:
August 17th
12th day post-surgery and 5th day of distraction
I just woke up and tonight I'll be 0.5 cm taller lol. Something I noticed about my body's reaction to lengthening: when I wake up in the morning my leg muscles are super sore and stiff. I think it's due to the PT session the day before! Getting out of my bed to walk to the toilets is such a struggle cuz I can barely bend my knees in the morning, all my leg muscles quads hamstrings IT Band are sore and hurt. I have to use all my upper body and arms strength to creep slowly towards the edge of the bed. Walking to the toilets with the walker is so painful, I can barely lift the feet so it takes forever to walk just 7 meters to the bathroom! Then the way back to the bed, same struggle. I now need to get back on the bed and it's even harder!! I'm lengthening and spending the 10 days here alone without any one to assist me during my stay at the hotel. I then have breakfast on my bed with the courtesy room service then rest watch tv and playing on my phone until late afternoon when the physiotherapist comes around 4pm. Oh and I distract in the morning afternoon and evening. By the time the physiotherapist arrives my legs have rested all day and feel much better with less pain. The PT sessions are hard but I always push my leg muscles and always try to bend the knees as far as I can. At the end of PT session the physiotherapist put ice on my knees to releave them before she leaves. For the rest of the day my legs don't hurt as much as they did in the morning. I go to the bathroom in the evening without too much pain and difficulty, although walking to the bathroom is still super slow it's not as painful as it was in the morning. I sleep pretty late around midnight and the same cycle repeats again. The next morning when I wake up my legs are super sore and moving bending the knees is such a struggle and so painful.
So I think this is how my body reacts to lengthening! I'm not sure if it's due to my age. Despite all my fitness PT sessions is no walk in the park for me. I lengthened just 4 mm so far and I already feel all these pains daily. The journey to reach my dream is gonna be tough painful and long...the result is not even guaranteed cuz I don't know how far my body can tolerate this lengthening. I will of course push my body to the limit as I always did...
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Hye sunshine
Did you contact doctor or use Murat. I like to talk to doctor and ask some questions. Can you give number. Than
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Hye sunshine
Did you contact doctor or use Murat. I like to talk to doctor and ask some questions. Can you give number. Than
taller2023,
I contacted Dr. Buldu website and the WhatsApp number +905330164562 listed there is his patient coordinator's Murat who responded directly to me. Then I asked him Dr. Buldu's personal number so I can talk directly to Buldu. That's how you get Dr. Buldu's personal number, he's not listing his personal number on his website! His office/patient coordinator responds to your questions first. I talked to both of them before my surgery, they answer pretty fast as long as you send them WhatsApp messages during daytime in Turkey! Dr. Buldu answers most of the times by direct voice message, I guess it's faster and more convenient for him with his schedule here.
My still swollen legs and feet 12 days post-surgery
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57930562_541BC7D0-9F4A-4A30-BB56-1CC9B4C23184.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57930562/541BC7D0-9F4A-4A30-BB56-1CC9B4C23184.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57930565_6CD0D59D-348C-4BE4-B510-DE94A3C3F2CE.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57930565/6CD0D59D-348C-4BE4-B510-DE94A3C3F2CE.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/57943013_CC80ED9F-87B8-4B22-AACE-F2E9BB5733A1.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57943013/CC80ED9F-87B8-4B22-AACE-F2E9BB5733A1.png.html)
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Hey sunshine plz let us know ur inseam and wingspan pre surgery.
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Good. But why they use his name and not other doctors.
I will look up. Something no right here
You are right
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Thanks for the information sunshine ! You are doing great keep it going you inspire me also because you are doing this in a more advanced age that shows me thats its never to late to chase your dreams !!
I want to do the surgery by end of the year. My only concern is for how long do I need to take vacation in my job. Do you think walking with crutches to take the public transport to job after 3 weeks is possible taking in consideration the pain and the development of the process ?
This is my only worry. The pain I will experience and the restrictions during the lenghtening process cause I dont wanna give up my job. I work with IT so im afraid to lose my concentration due to pain and painkillers etc I hope its manageable because I will go after my dreams anyway...And the other thing are you going back to the States for lenghtening or are you gonna stay in Turkey ?
Cheers have a great day and good recovery !
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Thanks for the information sunshine ! You are doing great keep it going you inspire me also because you are doing this in a more advanced age that shows me thats its never to late to chase your dreams !!
I want to do the surgery by end of the year. My only concern is for how long do I need to take vacation in my job. Do you think walking with crutches to take the public transport to job after 3 weeks is possible taking in consideration the pain and the development of the process ?
This is my only worry. The pain I will experience and the restrictions during the lenghtening process cause I dont wanna give up my job. I work with IT so im afraid to lose my concentration due to pain and painkillers etc I hope its manageable because I will go after my dreams anyway...And the other thing are you going back to the States for lenghtening or are you gonna stay in Turkey ?
Cheers have a great day and good recovery !
Absolutely not. Don't even think about taking public transport until half a year with precice nail. You want to do this? You will have to work remote or give up your job, or start your own business.
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Absolutely not. Don't even think about taking public transport until half a year with precice nail. You want to do this? You will have to work remote or give up your job, or start your own business.
i agree with ghkid
3 weeks is cutting it a little to close for return to work. if youre gettting your procedure done in turkey (assuming your not from turkey) your doc may not even let you leave just yet. you might not be in the best mind set for work just yet. is it possible to take 2 months leave? can you work from home?
in regards to public transport, there are simply too many risk factors which my contribute to a fall, such as unstable movement of bus platforms, stairs. sustaining a fall may leave you with a broken nail. you are better off commuting via uber or other ride share/ taxi. if public transport is your only option, consider using a wheelchair.
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Hey sunshine plz let us know ur inseam and wingspan pre surgery.
Alamin,
That's something I realized now was a big miss when we had our consultation pre-surgery, Buldu was back from vacation that day and landed in Istanbul pretty late. He was caught up in traffic and made it to our appointment very late into the night, I was waiting for him the whole day and when we finally met I asked him all kinds of questions except that one about measuring my stats pre-surgery. I guess he forgot too due his day running after time. I sure will post my measurements as soon as I have a chance to measure them.
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You are right
My understanding from Murat is the reason they use Buldu name more than other doctors is because Buldu is the best or amongst the best in Turkey. He's apparently well regarded and respected here and Murat is his exclusive patient coordinator and representative. Those people who use his name to advertise take advantage of his fame and reputation to lure customers to their own doctors.
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Thanks for the information sunshine ! You are doing great keep it going you inspire me also because you are doing this in a more advanced age that shows me thats its never to late to chase your dreams !!
I want to do the surgery by end of the year. My only concern is for how long do I need to take vacation in my job. Do you think walking with crutches to take the public transport to job after 3 weeks is possible taking in consideration the pain and the development of the process ?
This is my only worry. The pain I will experience and the restrictions during the lenghtening process cause I dont wanna give up my job. I work with IT so im afraid to lose my concentration due to pain and painkillers etc I hope its manageable because I will go after my dreams anyway...And the other thing are you going back to the States for lenghtening or are you gonna stay in Turkey ?
Cheers have a great day and good recovery !
Thanks Frederico86!
A good lesson from my experience and LL journey:
DO NOT wait until such an advanced age like me to do this!! If you're doing LL do it in your prime, the human body recovers and generates bones much better at 20 than past 40. The younger you do LL the better. Your body tolerates distraction/lengthening better in your prime. I wish I did this journey 20 years earlier but I simply didn't have the means back then and with the years passing this journey became more and more an unattainable dream. I almost lost hope of ever being taller for the rest of my life. How many times I fantasied a life where I'd be taller, how many times I fantasied situations, how outcomes would be different if I were taller! But I never lost hope during all those years, almost 3 decades!! And eventually this year 2020, everything aligned thanks to my hard work. I can finally afford this surgery now after waiting and dreaming forever!
Now I'm here in this and the outcome is a big unknown for me due to my age. Though I'm motivated as ever, I don't know if my body will go to the max 8cm possible!
To those who have the means, do it in your prime ie. in your 20's or 30's, the younger you do it the better your outcome and results.
I'm away from work for at least 6 months!! Lengthening 8cm takes 3 months and I don't expect recovering a decent gait for another 3 months if not longer!
ghkid2019 and wannabeidol are absolutely right, taking public transportation on crutches 3 weeks post-operation is unthinkable! It's too dangerous and you'll probably be still in pain at week 3. If something happens during your public transportation ride ie. you get bumped or the driver slams the brakes and you fall that could be catastrophic!! I'm pretty sure you will realize yourself at week 3 that taking public transportation at that stage is a NO!
Regarding going to work, I read here one guy was able to go back to his IT job from his laptop while another one posted he was too overwhelmed mentally and physically to get back to his IT job( too! ).
Every one and each body is different, I think it will depend on yourself, how your body will tolerate the pain, how you will feel mentally during lengthening. You don't know until you're there!
I'm planning to fly back home and continue lengthening there after my total 15-day stay in Turkey.
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We took legal action but the servers are not in Turkey thats why we are warning people in both here and in social media about this issue.
Murat you big liar. Servers it in Turkey. I look up. I work IT and web coder. https://www.limblengtheningsurgery.istanbul/
https://web.archive.org/web/20181122025116/https://wannabetaller.com/
https://www.bulmd.com/doctors
https://www.livelifetaller.com/
You bad man all servers it in Turkey. I look all you post, history, websites go back to Turkey. You one of many agents Dr. Buldu service. You here to find people for Dr. Buldu $commissions like othere Turkey agents for doctor.
You no patient coorinator you patient finder. Bad man very bad man.
Why you only repesnetive for any doctors on this here. In China we have WeChat and a big goup of 900+ on chat with no repesnetive of any doctor, they get kick out. Why this place allow?
Is this dairy real, I like read this dairy. is this a tv commecal?
I look up more laterly you Murat bad man lie want people money is you #1 for here.
why you black all you letter, i black to.
i no fall you trap, i find Dr. Buldu myself and hire an assist to take pictures for me not you
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Murat you here lookie at Sunshine dairy a lot, I can you see on top live like everday. Why you mantor his dairy. Leave Sunshine alone and let him write good dairy. Bad man very bad man I no likie man like you
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Trying to keep cool and giving some updates.
August 18th
13th day post-operation and 6th day of distraction
My 10-day stay at this TZL Suites post-operation is nearing the end. I moved in here on August 10th so only 2 days left before flying back home where I plan to continue lengthening/distraction.
Living alone here post-operation is tough. I recommend future LLers to have someone with you during recovery to assist in your daily needs, going to the bathroom getting out of bed cooking etc...it's also safer to have someone by your side to prevent accidents from happening! My walker is my lifeline, if for some reason it fails or I get into an accident and fall I'm basically done! Imagine I fall and don't have my phone on me!
PT sessions are still intense and I try to keep up with bending the knees lifting/closing/opening the legs lifting the feet etc...
Tonight I'll be 6 mm taller. I still don't see any difference when looking at my thighs lol.
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/58008547_4958F683-379E-4C7B-AA07-88F7D5276B8C.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58008547/4958F683-379E-4C7B-AA07-88F7D5276B8C.jpeg.html)
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Murat you here lookie at Sunshine dairy a lot, I can you see on top live like everday. Why you mantor his dairy. Leave Sunshine alone and let him write good dairy. Bad man very bad man I no likie man like you
What is the deal with all the BOLD or BLACK or whatever you call it letters, it’s hurting my eyes. If we all use it, it throw off it’s meaning and usefulness.
@taller2023 don’t do it here in Sunshine dairy.
@Saleman MuratEkinci stop bolding all your letters, we all know you want to stand out just stop. You just got a promotion = Expert Patient Sale Executive.
@Sunshine good to hear your surgery when well. The next couple of months might be more challenging. Please don’t let your dairy become another marketing stunt like Meck’s.
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What is the deal with all the BOLD or BLACK or whatever you call it letters, it’s hurting my eyes. If we all use it, it throw off it’s meaning and usefulness.
@taller2023 don’t do it here in Sunshine dairy.
@Saleman MuratEkinci stop bolding all your letters, we all know you want to stand out just stop. You just got a promotion = Expert Patient Sale Executive.
@Sunshine good to hear your surgery when well. The next couple of months might be more challenging. Please don’t let your dairy became a marketing stunt like Meck’s.
Thanks azman for your concerns! I was skeptical too at first about the way LL surgery business works in Turkey with those companies partnering with doctors! I heard those stories about people crippled by unscrupulous surgeons here and made my research before choosing Buldu. In western countries we just deal straight with the surgeons but I guess each country has its own ways. It is what it is! All I can say is I'm glad I chose Buldu and Murat because they're just good guys.
I don't advertise anyone here, I mention their names because it would be impossible to omit their names in my diary, they're just part of my journey here, and besides, they're just good people!
I'm doing this diary for myself and for the community.
I can see now the long and painful journey laying ahead for the next couple months. As I wrote before PT sessions are intense and they take a toll on my legs the next morning when I wake up. That's when my legs are the stiffest. Then they get better throughout the day. And I'm only on my 6th day of distraction so yeah it's gonna be challenging keeping up with distraction and PT!
My runner legs are gone 😂
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58004624_F3CB2D7F-A943-442A-A3E3-FAFDEFC282BA.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58004624/F3CB2D7F-A943-442A-A3E3-FAFDEFC282BA.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58004630_47F069E8-82FA-4862-8956-C2668F97374E.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58004630/47F069E8-82FA-4862-8956-C2668F97374E.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58004622_C955BF67-7FB0-4C2E-844A-DA7CF6BB21EC.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58004622/C955BF67-7FB0-4C2E-844A-DA7CF6BB21EC.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/58006303_F9D6754F-BCCD-44A8-B027-93B135051A73.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58006303/F9D6754F-BCCD-44A8-B027-93B135051A73.jpeg.html)
My miracle device
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58004633_E5A2C5A6-2737-4ED4-BFB2-A527BB6400C2.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58004633/E5A2C5A6-2737-4ED4-BFB2-A527BB6400C2.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58004640_E7B86BDB-C08B-4C25-9872-0960F2117681.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58004640/E7B86BDB-C08B-4C25-9872-0960F2117681.jpeg.html)
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Thanks azman for your concerns! I was skeptical too at first about the way LL surgery business works in Turkey with those companies partnering with doctors! I heard those stories about people crippled by unscrupulous surgeons here and made my research before choosing Buldu. In western countries we just deal straight with the surgeons but I guess each country has its own ways. It is what it is! All I can say is I'm glad I chose Buldu and Murat because they're just good guys.
I don't advertise anyone here, I mention their names because it would be impossible to omit their names in my diary. And they're just good people!
I'm doing this diary for myself and for the community.
I can see now the long and painful journey laying ahead for the next couple months. As I wrote before PT sessions are intense and they take a toll on my legs the next morning when I wake up. That's when my legs are the stiffest. Then they get better throughout the day. And I'm only on my 6th day of distraction so yeah it's gonna be challenging keeping up with distraction and PT!
My runner legs are gone 😂
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58004624_F3CB2D7F-A943-442A-A3E3-FAFDEFC282BA.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58004624/F3CB2D7F-A943-442A-A3E3-FAFDEFC282BA.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58004630_47F069E8-82FA-4862-8956-C2668F97374E.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58004630/47F069E8-82FA-4862-8956-C2668F97374E.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58004622_C955BF67-7FB0-4C2E-844A-DA7CF6BB21EC.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58004622/C955BF67-7FB0-4C2E-844A-DA7CF6BB21EC.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/58006303_F9D6754F-BCCD-44A8-B027-93B135051A73.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58006303/F9D6754F-BCCD-44A8-B027-93B135051A73.jpeg.html)
My miracle device
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58004633_E5A2C5A6-2737-4ED4-BFB2-A527BB6400C2.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58004633/E5A2C5A6-2737-4ED4-BFB2-A527BB6400C2.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58004640_E7B86BDB-C08B-4C25-9872-0960F2117681.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58004640/E7B86BDB-C08B-4C25-9872-0960F2117681.jpeg.html)
Hi Sunshine,
I think a bro here already told you this (don't remember who), but I also wanted to tell you that based on your pictures and the fact that you have a fairly long upper body, you are going to look unbelievable after you gain the 8 cm. Be strong brother. I know you will go to the end successfully. Just monitor your body signals and use your best judgement and your doctor's advice to manage the pain. Managing pain has been the toughest part of this journey for me, but I hope you can do much better than me.
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Hi Sunshine,
I think a bro here already told you this (don't remember who), but I also wanted to tell you that based on your pictures and the fact that you have a fairly long upper body, you are going to look unbelievable after you gain the 8 cm. Be strong brother. I know you will go to the end successfully. Just monitor your body signals and use your best judgement and your doctor's advice to manage the pain. Managing pain has been the toughest part of this journey for me, but I hope you can do much better than me.
Hey thanks Bro!
I saw your last posts regarding your level 8 pain on your left knee cap and I agree that you may take it easy on your cycling work out during distraction. I read someone here saying he realized pushing too much on PT burned his body out and he ended up going easy on PT and listening to his body, relaxing during his distraction.
At least you already gained 1.9 cm so far, I'm only at 0.6 cm and already had a taste of this difficult challenge for the next 2.5 months! I'll hang on to my dream as strong as I can, I've been patient for so long and now I'm in there, it's happening right now. I'm not giving up!
Regarding pain management my body tolerates pain pretty well at day 13 post-operation due to my background in sports where I always pushed my body to the limit. Pain became a routine in my life! I only take 1 painkiller a day. I don't even feel any pain at rest on my bed. My thighs are stiff and hurt only when I get out of bed to stand up and start walking. They're especially stiff and painful in the morning during lift off of the foot! Then throughout the day I walk much better. One thing I noticed is sleeping on the stomach raises the pain on the anterior face of my thighs due to the pressure on the mattress.
Btw do you put ice on your knees or thighs to calm down the pain? My physiotherapist always puts ice on my knees after each PT session and she even recommends I use ice 2-3 times a day to calm down the pain!
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58021759_6733B5C6-E951-43C8-A290-2471F4CC0691.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58021759/6733B5C6-E951-43C8-A290-2471F4CC0691.jpeg.html)
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Hey thanks Bro!
Btw do you put ice on your knees or thighs to calm down the pain? My physiotherapist always puts ice on my knees after each PT session and she even recommends I use ice 2-3 times a day to calm down the pain!
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58021759_6733B5C6-E951-43C8-A290-2471F4CC0691.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58021759/6733B5C6-E951-43C8-A290-2471F4CC0691.jpeg.html)
Thanks Sunshine Bro for your advice. I will keep all in mind. Will take it easy.
I used ice religiously during the first two weeks and I also highly recommended that in my diary. However recently I switched to hot showers and keeping my legs warm. The reason is that every time I use ice, it gives me this feeling of cold and I have to put on a lot of clothes and go under blanket for a while. Low AC temperatures recently give me the same feeling. The feeling that the core of my body and all my bones are filled with ice.
I have been super easy on my legs since Sunday and I see signs of improvement. A lot of those stretches and exercisesI did in the last couple weeks were not really necessary at this point anyways. So getting rid of them, should not negatively impact the distraction phase. Shortly after distraction is over, I can resume those exercises to get my strength and flexibility back.
Stay Strong Brother
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You too stay strong SNC,
I'm glad you found your balance with hot showers and going easy on your work out! Will be interesting to compare our outcomes since we're almost same age and got our surgery only 2 weeks apart. Stryde vs Precice lol. You full weight bearing and waking on your own, me partial weight bearing and needing crutches for walking!
Some updates on my diary:
August 19th
14 days post-op/7th day of distraction. My 10-day stay at this hotel post-op is nearing the end. I'm flying back to my home country tomorrow! I now know the basics of PT, bending the knees stretching the quads hamstrings IT Band, working out my hip flexor etc...I'll continue PT at home by myself and will have to send my doctor x-rays every 2 weeks for follow up.
This morning when I woke up my legs appeared less swollen, I think my body slowly flushes out all that fluid buildup from the surgery!
My feet are less swollen this morning
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58065625_ACF7119F-3B3B-437D-BF35-6CAB2D0535F7.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58065625/ACF7119F-3B3B-437D-BF35-6CAB2D0535F7.jpeg.html)
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You too stay strong SNC,
I'm glad you found your balance with hot showers and going easy on your work out! Will be interesting to compare our outcomes since we're almost same age and got our surgery only 2 weeks apart. Stryde vs Precice lol. You full weight bearing and waking on your own, me partial weight bearing and needing crutches for walking!
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58065625_ACF7119F-3B3B-437D-BF35-6CAB2D0535F7.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58065625/ACF7119F-3B3B-437D-BF35-6CAB2D0535F7.jpeg.html)
Thanks Sunshine, for the encouragement.
My left leg has been painful since day 1. My best explanation is that a nerve is sensitized, e.g., one of the nails is touching a nerve; and that's the reason the pain's location/intensity keeps propagating/changing, randomly. By a large contrast my right leg almost never had any noticeable pain. I hope I can find out an exercise that permanently resolves the pain on my left leg.
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August 19th
14 days post-op/7th day of distraction. My 10-day stay at this hotel post-op is nearing the end. I'm flying back to my home country tomorrow! I now know the basics of PT, bending the knees stretching the quads hamstrings IT Band, working out my hip flexor etc...I'll continue PT at home by myself and will have to send my doctor x-rays every 2 weeks for follow up.
This morning when I woke up my legs appeared less swollen, I think my body slowly flushes out all that fluid buildup from the surgery!
My feet are less swollen this morning
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/58065625_ACF7119F-3B3B-437D-BF35-6CAB2D0535F7.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58065625/ACF7119F-3B3B-437D-BF35-6CAB2D0535F7.jpeg.html)
Have a safe and fun flight back home.
I know you will do great self-PTing. Take care Bro.
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Have a safe and fun flight back home.
I know you will do great self-PTing. Take care Bro.
Thanks Bro!
I'm kinda sad leaving that place here, it's so nice and comfortable with awesome staff! At the same time I'm so happy and excited to go back to my home sweet home and my own bed lol.
This morning I looked at my legs in the mirror and I don't know if it's optical illusion but my thighs appeared so straight and my legs longer than I remember lol. Might be my imagination!
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/58105087_ECDB9F74-CD4B-4BCE-902F-CBFF486D1DA8.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58105087/ECDB9F74-CD4B-4BCE-902F-CBFF486D1DA8.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/58105088_9504156B-7680-4845-A23A-940CBEC3FC66.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58105088/9504156B-7680-4845-A23A-940CBEC3FC66.jpeg.html)
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This morning I looked at my legs in the mirror and I don't know if it's optical illusion but my thighs appeared so straight and my legs longer than I remember lol. Might be my imagination!
It is possible your eyes are actually catching the difference. Could be a combination of longer legs and also possibly thinner thighs (compared to pre-op).
At least that's the case for me: I have a very long torso, i.e., for my height my legs are too short. Post-op my legs lost a bit of muscle. My weight loss was a confirmation on that too. My legs therefore look thinner and more straight which make them appear taller. Also 2 cm distraction, is a lot for short legs. For someone like me with a large torso, thighs used to look too short in the L shape sitting position. 2 cm makes a huge positive impact on that L!
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taller2023,
I contacted Dr. Buldu website and the WhatsApp number +905330164562 listed there is his patient coordinator's Murat who responded directly to me. Then I asked him Dr. Buldu's personal number so I can talk directly to Buldu. That's how you get Dr. Buldu's personal number, he's not listing his personal number on his website! His office/patient coordinator responds to your questions first. I talked to both of them before my surgery, they answer pretty fast as long as you send them WhatsApp messages during daytime in Turkey! Dr. Buldu answers most of the times by direct voice message, I guess it's faster and more convenient for him with his schedule here.
My still swollen legs and feet 12 days post-surgery
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57930562_541BC7D0-9F4A-4A30-BB56-1CC9B4C23184.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57930562/541BC7D0-9F4A-4A30-BB56-1CC9B4C23184.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/57930565_6CD0D59D-348C-4BE4-B510-DE94A3C3F2CE.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57930565/6CD0D59D-348C-4BE4-B510-DE94A3C3F2CE.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/57943013_CC80ED9F-87B8-4B22-AACE-F2E9BB5733A1.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/57943013/CC80ED9F-87B8-4B22-AACE-F2E9BB5733A1.png.html)
thank you. you leg look good I look more webpage not register to Dr. Buldu i thin it is Murat company webpage for good doctor like livelifetaller wannbetaller and number belong to Murat. Dr. Buldu on me list doctors but I no want to use bad man Murat she lie me. Murat make good doctor look bad.
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It is possible your eyes are actually catching the difference. Could be a combination of longer legs and also possibly thinner thighs (compared to pre-op).
At least that's the case for me: I have a very long torso, i.e., for my height my legs are too short. Post-op my legs lost a bit of muscle. My weight loss was a confirmation on that too. My legs therefore look thinner and more straight which make them appear taller. Also 2 cm distraction, is a lot for short legs. For someone like me with a large torso, thighs used to look too short in the L shape sitting position. 2 cm makes a huge positive impact on that L!
Yeah I think you're right. I think another reason my thighs look so straight is due to the rods inside, those nails just straighten the thighs lol
August 20th
15 days post-op/day 8 of distraction
I'm leaving today, will miss my time here. People were amazing. Years later when I'm old I'll look back at my time here and will smile at the nostalgia of this most painful time in my life. A pain well worth it!
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thank you. you leg look good I look more webpage not register to Dr. Buldu i thin it is Murat company webpage for good doctor like livelifetaller wannbetaller and number belong to Murat. Dr. Buldu on me list doctors but I no want to use bad man Murat she lie me. Murat make good doctor look bad.
I don't wanna get into politics, there are many good doctors for this surgery. I wish you good luck in your journey and hope you will be happy with you doctor choice!
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I don't wanna get into politics, there are many good doctors for this surgery. I wish you good luck in your journey and hope you will be happy with you doctor choice!
Me to. Than you. I keep read you dairy.
Hi Murat I see you on top live again. Why you always here in Sunshine dairy. You take good pictures.
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Hi Sunshine
Congrats on taking off your journey!! so far so good! Keep it up and stay strong. It will get harder and harder!
By the way, I really want to give you a caution about Precice. As you know, it is not weight bearing and not even close to it. When I was in Paley institute for my Stryde, I met several Precice patients since it was the earliest time of Stryde. All of Precice patients were NOT allowed to walk with crutches and NOT even standing without a walker. Even for a very tiny girl, she had to use a walker although she used crutches for a very short distance with high precaution. Even with walker, you need to use your arms much more than your legs. Read more diaries about Precice. Even if your doctor allows you to do this kind of activity, it is better to be more careful to avoid any risks.
Good luck!
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Hi Sunshine
Congrats on taking off your journey!! so far so good! Keep it up and stay strong. It will get harder and harder!
By the way, I really want to give you a caution about Precice. As you know, it is not weight bearing and not even close to it. When I was in Paley institute for my Stryde, I met several Precice patients since it was the earliest time of Stryde. All of Precice patients were NOT allowed to walk with crutches and NOT even standing without a walker. Even for a very tiny girl, she had to use a walker although she used crutches for a very short distance with high precaution. Even with walker, you need to use your arms much more than your legs. Read more diaries about Precice. Even if your doctor allows you to do this kind of activity, it is better to be more careful to avoid any risks.
Good luck!
Hey Ghostfish,
Thanks for the advice! I'm super cautious now with those precice nails. I only use the walker as it is safer and more stable than crutches. I put all my body weight on the walker with all my arms and upper body strength before lifting each foot!
Some updates :
August 20th
Just landed in my home country and yesterday when I left Istanbul it was raining for the first time in a while there! The weather was all sunshine during my 15-day stay there and I felt like the sky was sad that I was leaving lol.
Anyway back home now and adusting my daily life with my partial disability, ie toilet seat raiser, shower seat, cooking/eating etc...I have to figure out how I'm gonna be able to cook for myself as standing hands off the walker is too dangerous. I probably will have to settle on food delivery for the next couple months until my new bones are strong enough to support my body. I now have to adjust my daily life routines to my condition, getting out of the bed, standing up using all my arms strength pushing on the walker, using the bathroom, going outside to the backyard, how to pass the doorstep etc...
My flight back home and the new norm of traveling during this pandemic. No more meal service, just 2 snack boxes on a 13-hour flight lol
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/58224031_C8EB2EA8-8122-4D3C-A14E-9BD065F596FF.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58224031/C8EB2EA8-8122-4D3C-A14E-9BD065F596FF.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/58224029_880F8B75-1EC4-4DA7-9ED4-1997239CBD5C.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58224029/880F8B75-1EC4-4DA7-9ED4-1997239CBD5C.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/58224030_47C637B9-356D-4648-8581-C28AAFC622E4.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/58224030/47C637B9-356D-4648-8581-C28AAFC622E4.jpeg.html)
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Me to. Than you. I keep read you dairy.
Hi Murat I see you on top live again. Why you always here in Sunshine dairy. You take good pictures.
Thanks taller 2023,
My pictures are courtesy of iPhone 😂
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August 20th
Just landed in my home country and yesterday when I left Istanbul it was raining for the first time in a while there! The weather was all sunshine during my 15-day stay there and I felt like the sky was sad that I was leaving lol.
Hey Sunshine Bro,
Welcome back home. I am glad to see you decided to use a walker instead of crutches. Stay safe, careful and strong!
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Hey Sunshine Bro,
Welcome back home. I am glad to see you decided to use a walker instead of crutches. Stay safe, careful and strong!
Hey Bro,
Thanks! Yeah I'm glad to be back to the comfort of my home and bed lol. I'm super careful now when walking with the walker, not taking any risk!
I hope your pain gets improving and your progress going strong!
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Hi sunshine
How was the transportation to the hotel after the operation? and your pain seems to be getting better
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Hi sunshine
How was the transportation to the hotel after the operation? and your pain seems to be getting better
Hey drxboom,
I stayed in the hospital for 5 days after the operation. Then Murat came get me to the TZL Suites in his car.
Yeah I don't even take painkillers anymore since August 20th! I just don't feel pain at rest laying on my bed! It's only when I get up and start walking that my legs and especially my thighs and quads are super stiff! I see people on painkillers weeks after the operation, it may be me that tolerates pain better than others. I lived with pain throughout my life during my workout and runs so pain is just part of my life lol
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Hey All!
Some updates:
8/27/2020
22 days post-op, 15 days post-distraction, +1.5 cm
My first follow-up x-rays
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/59092435_F096099D-EF46-4205-9472-1AF913E92593.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/59092435/F096099D-EF46-4205-9472-1AF913E92593.png.html)
Dr. Buldu says my bone generation is excellent lol which is a surprise to me! I was dreading the outcome of these first follow-up x-rays. My sleep has been very bad lately due to new pain coming from my left knee whenever I lay down for extended periods of time. That pain has prevented me from having quality night sleep. It wakes me up every 2 hours and I have to stand up and walk to relieve the pain!
I think the reason my bone generation looks good despite my lack of sleep is my diet! I carefully eat lots of proteins and calcium!
8/30/2020
25 days post-op, 18 days post-distraction, +1.8 cm
My thighs look visibly longer 😂
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/59098454_B7AEA4F0-D473-43B0-93D3-6E4676ED193D.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/59098454/B7AEA4F0-D473-43B0-93D3-6E4676ED193D.jpeg.html)
9/04/2020
30 days post-op, 23 days post-distraction, +2.3 cm
Today I'm leaving the 5'8" - 173cm club and joining the 5'9" - 175cm one 🤣
Definitely not a walk in the park though! Keeping my soft tissues up with distraction is no joke, the pain in my thighs and knee gets worse with every mm gained! I have to keep stretching my quads IT band and work out my hamstrings every day. I'm only at a quarter of my goal and already dreaming about that last day in November when my target will be reached, if ever!
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Good luck Sunshine,
Could you please do me a favor and ask Mr. BULDU if it would be possible for me to do .75 mm per day instead of 1mm on femurs ?
Because I also am considering him and I would like to hear his response.
Best Regards
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keep going sunshine what kind of painkillers do you use? I don't want to use nsaid lol: D
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Good luck Sunshine,
Could you please do me a favor and ask Mr. BULDU if it would be possible for me to do .75 mm per day instead of 1mm on femurs ?
Because I also am considering him and I would like to hear his response.
Best Regards
Hey a,
I forwarded your question to him and sure will let you know his answer. From what I read on this forum is the amount of daily lengthening is tailored to your bone generation. If your bone generation tends to be slow your doctor will recommend you slow down daily distraction to less than 1 mm to avoid non-union! If your body is really good at bone generation your doctor may tell you to lengthen more than 1 mm per day to avoid premature union! The 1 mm daily distraction is a standard but ultimately your doctor will tailor your daily distraction amount to your body's ability to generate bone.
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keep going sunshine what kind of painkillers do you use? I don't want to use nsaid lol: D
Thanks drxboom!
My doctor prescribed me 3 painkillers: Paracetamol Dolorex Novalgin. I'm not a fan of painkillers and only used paracetamol as a last resort lol
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a,
so Dr. Buldu just replied and says if your bone union is good he recommends 1mm, if it's slow then he would recommend you lengthen less than 1 mm per day!
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Actually, I think safety is more important and no matter how good my bone consolidation is, I'd prefer going with 0.75mm in order to keep my muscles SAFER. Thanks for the reply though! Again, best of luck Sunshine!
Regards
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Actually, I think safety is more important and no matter how good my bone consolidation is, I'd prefer going with 0.75mm in order to keep my muscles SAFER. Thanks for the reply though! Again, best of luck Sunshine!
Regards
do keep in mind tho:
if you dont lengthen at an appropriate rate, you may get premature consolidation.
which would mean having to pay for rebreak surgery.
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Hey Sunshine! How is it going, buddy? Any news? It would be extremely helpful if you could give us a quick update on your status. Stay strong, brother!
Sky
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Hey Sunshine! How is it going, buddy? Any news? It would be extremely helpful if you could give us a quick update on your status. Stay strong, brother!
Sky
Hey Sky,
here are some updates since my last post.
09/14/2020 - 3.3cm
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/60432199_E35075DA-FD81-4F07-85DA-566C6C37691A.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60432199/E35075DA-FD81-4F07-85DA-566C6C37691A.jpeg.html)
I'm starting hitting the wall!! My quadriceps get tighter and stiffer with each day passing by especially when waking up in the morning. They keep pulling even at rest after distraction. The tension on the thighs appears after each distraction and the pain is almost unbearable at night! It takes a toll on my sleep, I keep tossing in my bed trying to find the least painful sleeping position, alternating between back and stomach positon the whole night. And I can't slow down lengthening to relieve my soft tissues cuz my Doctor says my callus formation is good and urges me to keep distracting 1mm/day. I'm not even half way of my target and my thighs are already stiff like a rock lol. If my soft tissues are just stretching instead of effectively growing then I wonder how I'm gonna reach my target which seems so far away, I still have 4.7cm-47 days to go and that looks like an eternity!
10/01/2020 - 5cm
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/60432480_BE3F0011-A2DA-4320-97C6-0043D580AAB3.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60432480/BE3F0011-A2DA-4320-97C6-0043D580AAB3.png.html)
I somehow survived the last 15 days and reached 5cm! Each day of distraction is now a bonus and it's just a matter of time before my quads lock up and won't take any more distraction! How the hell did all these people make it to 8cm 😂 I'm entering my last month, the last stretch of my journey, 30 days to go and I'm now in an unknown territory! Each coming distraction of 0.33mm could be my last one ever! The pain, the pull on the thighs at night especially after the last distraction before going to bed is horrible! This is gonna be the longest and most fascinating October of my life!
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Talk to buldu about doing .75mm a day and stretch the fk outta your thighs... Push maybe 10 more days or15, you will love it... It's all bonus anyways...
Thank you sunshine ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
I think 6cm is a good middle ground for you wanting to keep athleticism and getting some good height, you will be 178-179cm which is guuddddd ☺️👍
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Yeah ghkid2019,
that 0.75mm slow down crossed my mind since I started struggling at 3.3cm 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately Dr. Buldu already said that day that my callus was unbelievable lol and going lower than 1mm was not fit for my case! He repeated again today that my callus is excellent so slowing down distraction is definitely not an option for me 😞 I stretch my thighs the whole day even on my bed while watching my phone lol. The weird thing is the tension on the quads during daytime is somewhat bearable. But it turns into a throbbing pain after the last distraction of the day before I settle for bed and it keeps pulling on the front and side of my thighs the whole night. I can feel my thighs are under tension and hard at the touch! Note: I don't take that much pain painkillers at my disposition. I may now start relying on them for this last stretch.
I would settle for 179cm but it would be cool to hit that symbolic 180 lol
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Hey Sunshine! Your callus formation looks incredible, like Dr. Buldu said. The alignment also looks very nice. 5cm is already a nice gain, but I’m sure you have some fight left in you. Keep pushing, bro. Apply some warm compression to your thighs to try and relax the muscles. Maybe after each PT session you or someone else can massage your thighs for like 20 minutes. Try to look for ways to relax your soft tissue. Stay strong!
Sky
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Thanks Sky!
I will try all tricks to survive these last 30 days! How did these people reach 8cm even 10cm with some doctors ?! That's insane lol. I just woke up, it's 5am and my thighs are hard like a rock. I have to start my first distraction of the day in 2 hours and it already freaks me out lol
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Hey Sunshine,
Were you flexible before you started surgery? Anyways hope everything turns out okay and please try to be safe with distraction.
-brondo
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Hey brondo,
I was uber flexible pre- surgery lol. But that doesn't mean post-surgery. It's up to me to keep up PT with distraction. Each coming distraction is now a challenge for me, trying to survive every .33mm gained lol
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The alignment also looks very nice.
I think Dr. Buldu cut my bones very nicely lol
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Hey brondo,
I was uber flexible pre- surgery lol. But that doesn't mean post-surgery. It's up to me to keep up PT with distraction. Each coming distraction is now a challenge for me, trying to survive every .33mm gained lol
I know you and I are very much alike. You will go all the way to 8cm my brother. Please don't hesitate. If necessary, do extreme stretching, that even you (in addition to your muscles) get a big surprise each time! focus on stretching. Don't mess up too much with your quads, but the rest, please go extreme as much as you can. But know your limits. If you feel like any stretch is slowing you down, cause it's creating more pain, then take it easy on that, and do extreme on those that do not create lasting pain. You've got this. We will do this together.
Don't fight the pain. Have your painkillers. This is tough even with painkillers, but for a typical CLL'er in pain, it seems impossible to do this without painkillers.
Please check my diary, on some suggestions I had to relieve pain. E.g., sit in a hot jet/hot bathtub for at least an hour, after every distraction session or two! Please double check with your doctor first, on every suggestion I have or others have made.
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Hey Sunshine,
Thanks for responding. I was wondering how the stretching regimen was for using Precise instead of Stryde. Is it difficult to stretch without weight bearing nails?
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Thanks Bro SNC!
I'm following your trail lol. I think you should be at 6.5cm now? You look so far ahead of me and nearing the finish line! I'm amazed by your handling of lengthening even doing 1.25mm/day!! How can you tolerate the pain?!! You seem to have struck a nice balance between PT and tricks hot tub/shower to dampen pain. I'm gonna keep pushing on stretching till the end!
@brondo,
It's true I sometimes think about compromising these Precice nails when pushing on knees bent. The weight bearing and walking unaided offered by Stryde is definitely a game changer in recovery!
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Ok makes sense, I still have 2 months to decide on the surgeon. Anyway regarding pre-op preparations I read some doctor recommends to work out and gain leg muscle mass as much as we can while other patients say we'd better stop working out and let the muscles relax 🤷
Hi Sunshine,
Have you got the answer now? As pre-op preparations, is it better to have more muscle mass? Does more muscle bring you more pain during lengthening? I went through the thread, can not find the answer:(
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Hi Sunshine,
Have you got the answer now? As pre-op preparations, is it better to have more muscle mass? Does more muscle bring you more pain during lengthening? I went through the thread, can not find the answer:(
Hey init1alove,
There are contradictory opinions on that question. Some say having too much leg muscle mass will hamper their flexibility post-op while another doctor advises his patients to gain as much leg muscle mass as possible to compensate for the mass loss post-op!
I'm not sure what to think about that. I personally decided to go into this surgery as light as possible and focused on stretching my legs rather than working them out. My legs were already naturally big and I didn't want to develop them further than they already were..
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Hi Sunshine
Thanks for sharing your experience and helping people like us to make the right decisions...
Could you please answer a couple of questions:
1) how's your pain now? Are you still doing the distraction?
2) how much weight you have lost since the surgery?
3) distraction from home country is manageable as you flew back to your home country?
4) Do you feel you will be pre-LL after 1 year or so? Hows your knees now?
5) will you recommend Dr H to someone based on your overall experience?
I hope you get through this ASAP... And max out the nail...
Best regards
P.S : you have solid runners legs man... Your cardio game must be top-notch
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Hey AnotherShorty,
You're welcome! I hope my experience may help future LLers and that they can take from my diary. To answer your questions:
1) my pain has plateaued since +4cm. It didn't decrease nor increase. My legs are super stiff and especially the quadriceps-front muscle group and lateral IT Band are super hard and under permanent tension. This stiffness creates more discomfort than pain when resting in my bed or standing up. In fact what causes pain is continuing distraction. Although I stretch before and after each distraction, every additional 0.33mm adds stress and tension to these already stretched muscles/soft tissues. From my understanding, in one of his interviews Doctor Paley said that there's only so much a muscle can stretch. Eventually it starts to grow past a certain threshold. And we have to keep stretching in order to stimulate that muscle growth.
So yes as of this writing I'm still continuing distraction. When I wake up at 5:30am after a very short night where I barely slept and tossed in my bed like a dozen times due to the discomfort and pain, my thighs are super stiff like a rock lol. My first fear of the day is how my feet ankles and knees are going to react when I get out of the bed and stand up! Some mornings I feel pain coming from my ankle and feet when I start walking (with the walker of course!). Overall, despite my fear every morning of what's coming, so far the pain has been somewhat bearable. It's not really noticeable during the day. It's more obvious at bedtime especially after the third distraction. When laying in my bed and playing on my phone waiting to fall asleep. It's when that throbbing pain comes alive from deep within the muscles or nerves or arteries (I'm not really sure where lol). It's on and off and would last couple hours. I have to keep bending my quads to relieve that throbbing pain.
2) I haven't stepped on a scale since surgery. I don't think I lost weight because I've never eaten so much in my life lol. I feel hungry every 2-3 hours and I have to refrain myself to 4 or 5 mini meals a day. This is in stark contrast to my pre-surgery diet where I never had breakfast and always ran on an empty stomach and started my first meal of the day late afternoon!
I don't think I gained weight neither just by looking at my overall body! It's still relatively lean despite my calories intake. Note I stay away from sugar and junk food.
3) Distraction at home was in my plans since day 1. It saves me on living cost abroad for 3 months while distracting in the comfort of my own home! So yes I stayed in Turkey for 15 days post-op then flew back home for distraction. That was possible since dr. Buldu allowed me to bring the ERC remote controller with me back home for the 3 months distraction. I'll have to fly back to Turkey though at the end of distraction to return the remote controller coz it's super expensive lol. I have no one to help me at home during distraction so it's quiet challenging but manageable as long as you can walk stand up and bend your knees to sit down on the toilet and for shower. Of course if you have your family around you to help during distraction that would be even better and more comfortable.
4) My knees especially the left one has been giving me issues since +2cm. The left knee has always been more painful than the right one.
I don't think I will be pre-LL after one year and don't even expect so! One year post-op is barely around the time I expect to remove the nails out of my femurs and until then I won't feel comfortable running or pushing my body. In fact my biomechanics will shift and be disrupted with that added length on my femurs. My center of gravity will shift, my thighs will never be the same again. I don't think they will ever be as strong as before surgery! In fact I don't ever expect to regain my pre-surgery athleticism and I already accepted that going into this surgery. My prime is behind me. Being able to run again one day will be bonus and will remind me the nostalgia of all those years dedicated to running.
5) Will I recommend Dr. Halil to someone based on my overall experience? Yes absolutely! Had I had any doubt about him and the safety of my legs I would of course never choose him. Based on my interaction and contact with him pre-surgery and in person after I met him, I can say I can recommend him. Now it's your responsibility to make your own research, get in touch with doctors you consider and see for yourself how you feel about each of them. I think his number has been listed on this forum and if you consider him drop him a line and see for yourself how you feel about him. Me personally, I flew there, met him in person and I can say he's exactly how he sounded like throughout our communication before I met him. Down to earth, approchable humble and caring. Even now back in my home country, whenever I have a concern and send him a message he replies promptly. But again don't take my word for it. It's your responsibility to contact doctors you shortlisted and see for yourself.
Each day now is a big unknown for me as I wonder every morning when I wake up how my legs are gonna hold up when I get out of bed and stand up. I wonder if I'm gonna feel pain when I make my first step lol. My relief comes at the end of each day after the last distraction around 7pm, after another millimeter lengthened!
Running and cardio was my life. It was painful and required lots of dedication and sacrifice to reach that level. That life is now behind me. I'm not getting younger and regaining that pre-surgery athleticism is no more a priority as I already gave it all during these years running day in day out. Living the rest of my life height neurosis free is more important...
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Many thanks Sunshine for your detailed and kind response...
So I guess this surgery is something where EVERY day is a hustle :) I didn't know that you don't have anybody with you to help at your country...but endurance is your game and I am sure some where down the line you will again feel that ”Runners High”...
Keep Strong Sunshine ☀️
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Thanks AnotherShorty!
You sure won't have a day rest after getting your legs drilled and your bones cut lol. Basic tasks such as walking sitting down standing up using the bathroom suddenly require more energy and become somewhat difficult. Right after surgery, any movement of the legs will induce sharp pain especially at the bones and osteotomy site.
I too think that Runners High feel will come back when I watch the Olympics next year. It's in my blood and can't be inhibited so easily! TBH I already dream about getting back to my pre-surgery fitness. I already envision the path to recover my athleticism and run again at the level I used to. But this is simply impossible because it's just a fact that my biomechanics and balance aren't natural anymore. I think once a muscle is overstretched it will never be as powerful as before.
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Hi Sunshine,
I hope that you are doing well. I have to say that it is disappointing to me that you feel you won't be able to have your athleticism ever again. I was under the impression that it would be possible to gain it all back as long as you are conservative with lengthening (around 5cm) and work hard on your PT. Even if someone were to lengthen as much as you they can still get most of their athleticism back if not all if they work hard. Do you really feel this is the case? Do you think this is because you aren't doing Strydes or going above 5cm or would that same thought apply to everyone who does CLL? Thank you.
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Hey Brondo,
I of course will get back to running once consolidated because it's in my genes. I already envision what it will take to run again after LL. It will be hell lol. In my case, at age 48 it's delusional to expect to run at my older pace after LL with different biomechanics. Longer legs will affect the pressure and angle of my foot/ankle landing on the ground on each stride. And I will probably be heavier too with longer femurs.
Anyway I will hit the road again once all is said and done in a couple years and I'll be curious to compare my pace to post-LL. I have all the data on my running app..
Now I can say not being able to walk unaided during distraction is detrimental to my recovery. And of course the less you lengthen the less you disrupt your biomechanics if athleticism is your priority.
I still think that a deviation of your center of gravity and biomechanics from your natural ones can't be beneficial to your athleticism.
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Hey, it sounds like things are going well for you. I can't imagine a LL surgeon letting someone distract outside of their care. I was down at Paley's last year...and the clinic will not let you lengthen outside of West Palm Beach. They see you every 2 weeks and check your xrays and meet with the surgeon. I will have to go back and read some more on your diary. I stopped just shy of 8 cm. It was perfect for me.
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Hey AllinStryde,
I'm still lengthening but it's far from being a piece of cake lol. I'm in hell right now at 5.7cm. There are actually couple doctors allowing their patients to fly back home and continue distraction there after couple weeks post-op. Some do charge a rental fee though for you to bring the ERC controller with you back home. My doctor doesn't charge that fee. I have to send him x-rays every 2 weeks for check-up.
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Heya Sunshine,
Great journal!
What's your goal height?
Also, since you're an active runner your whole life. What will do for cardio after recovering from this? What did the doctor suggest you do for exercise?
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Thanks OverSixFeetTall!
My goal is to reach that symbolic 180cm. My doctor emphasized on stretching during lengthening for my soft tissues to cope with distraction. As for exercices to regain my cardio, I probably know better than him what it will take to regrow my heart lungs and cardio. I've been through a 12-year period in the past where I stopped running and it was a pain in the arse to catch-up. But first I'll have to rebuild my glutes and work on my hip flexors. Then I'll focus on stretching the thigh muscles group (anterior posterior and lateral). Then I'll start running slowly again. It will be hell due to my shrunken heart and lungs. And I don't know yet how my new biomechanics will affect my balance stride ankles joints feet etc. It will be a long road to redemption...
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Hi LLers,
Some updates!
10/19/2020 - 6.9 cm
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/60728436_2F97D5FC-A0A9-488F-AD4F-5DA9B6525F13.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60728436/2F97D5FC-A0A9-488F-AD4F-5DA9B6525F13.png.html)
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/60728526_A93F0FA9-0A90-453C-89C4-5E7F1BBAB0FD.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60728526/A93F0FA9-0A90-453C-89C4-5E7F1BBAB0FD.png.html)
I'm nearing the end of this odyssey. 11 days to go! My thighs are incredibly tense. Surviving the night from bedtime to sunrise has become the highlight of each day towards the end of this journey. The pain and discomfort in the thighs are unbelievable especially after the last distraction of the day. I probably get only 2-3 hours sleep a night. I'm still amazed how my body can still produce so much callus despite the stress pain and so few sleep! It must be the diet lol. I've never consumed so much milk cheese and yogurt in my life! A first glimpse of relief came today from Doctor Buldu: he just allowed me to slow down distraction! I can take 1 or 2 days off then continue distraction at 0.66mm/day if I so desire for the remaining 1.1cm. I can finally give my legs a break! That will however extend the journey by a couple days.
I've learned a few things throughout this journey and can now see clearer the difference between precice and stryde in terms of muscle maintenance and recovery.
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Hi LLers,
Some updates!
10/19/2020 - 6.9 cm
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/60728436_2F97D5FC-A0A9-488F-AD4F-5DA9B6525F13.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60728436/2F97D5FC-A0A9-488F-AD4F-5DA9B6525F13.png.html)
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/60728526_A93F0FA9-0A90-453C-89C4-5E7F1BBAB0FD.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60728526/A93F0FA9-0A90-453C-89C4-5E7F1BBAB0FD.png.html)
I'm nearing the end of this odyssey. 11 days to go! My thighs are incredibly tense. Surviving the night from bedtime to sunrise has become the highlight of each day towards the end of this journey. The pain and discomfort in the thighs are unbelievable especially after the last distraction of the day. I probably get only 2-3 hours sleep a night. I'm still amazed how my body can still produce so much callus despite the stress pain and so few sleep! It must be the diet lol. I've never consumed so much milk cheese and yogurt in my life! A first glimpse of relief came today from Doctor Buldu: he just allowed me to slow down distraction! I can take 1 or 2 days off then continue distraction at 0.66mm/day if I so desire for the remaining 1.1cm. I can finally give my legs a break! That will however extend the journey by a couple days.
I've learned a few things throughout this journey and can now see clearer the difference between precice and stryde in terms of muscle maintenance and recovery.
Sunshine bro,
Very proud of you! 11 more distraction days and your journey will reach its most important milestone! Have you tried getting into bathtub during night times, when you cannot sleep? Have a towel handy to dry your hands, so you can check your laptop/cellphone while enjoying the hot water.
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Sunshine bro,
Very proud of you! 11 more distraction days and your journey will reach its most important milestone! Have you tried getting into bathtub during night times, when you cannot sleep? Have a towel handy to dry your hands, so you can check your laptop/cellphone while enjoying the hot water.
SNC Bro,
Unfortunately my bathroom comes with a shower instead of a bathtub so I can’t tell if hot baths would help my pain. I noticed though in the past even taking hot showers didn’t really lower my legs pain. This might be specific to each individual. My pain should improve now for the remaining of my journey since my doctor allows me to slow down distraction.
I’m very impressed by your 14-day 1.33mm distraction stretch! My legs would have never handled such a stress lol.
I hope you manage to get out of your last painkiller soon and wish you a good recovery.
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Hi Sunshine,
I always feel happy to see your updates that you are lengthening and things are going fine for you ( no complications so far with god’s grace)...
11 days and you can lock that machine in your cupboard:) and then the waiting game begins...
I wonder hows your physio going? Isn’t it suppose to make that pain and stiffness go away? Also, did you try walking, I know you won’t do much cuz of precice but I was wondering about your gait ...
Again, thanks for your constant updates and guidance.... keep us posted
Best regards
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Hi Sunshine,
I always feel happy to see your updates that you are lengthening and things are going fine for you ( no complications so far with god’s grace)...
11 days and you can lock that machine in your cupboard:) and then the waiting game begins...
I wonder hows your physio going? Isn’t it suppose to make that pain and stiffness go away? Also, did you try walking, I know you won’t do much cuz of precice but I was wondering about your gait ...
Again, thanks for your constant updates and guidance.... keep us posted
Best regards
Thanks AnotherShorty!
Yes so far so good though I shall admit my pain and stiffness could have been better. Reason is I've been PTing myself since I got back home!
As for walking, well I haven't been chained to a wheelchair throughout this journey! I walked since day 2 throughout! With the walker of course lol. I had fears standing up on day 2 due to these Precice limitations. They're supposed to bear only 25kg per leg for the thinnest nail. But my doctor said I could walk with the walker due to my intermediary nail diameter and my weight! There was another guy on this forum with very similar vitals to mine ( he was 172cm/140 pounds ) who said in his diary that he too walked throughout his journey on Precice and with the help of his walker. Unfortunately I can't remember his name and he's not coming back on this forum. Now don't think you can go out there and walk or weight bear on Precice lol. Follow your doctor's instructions.
I can't say much about my gait as I can't walk unaided. But I think it should be terrible the day I can after consolidation and such a long period without weight bearing!
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Hey there Sunshine,
I’ve been waiting to see some updates from you! The callus looks great! I’m sure your surgeon told you so as well. I’m rooting for you to get to the 8cm mark! Just keep pushing brother, you’re almost there. A few more days and you’re done with the distraction phase and will be focusing on consolidation. Just think that in a few days you’re done with lengthening and your legs will take the break that they so desperately need. I’m considering Dr. Buldu, but a few days ago I saw a video of him explaining to one of his patients that they could go up to 12.5cm on femurs and 8cm on tibia. I’m not gonna lie... I got a little disappointed and worried about his answers. Clearly he doesn’t think there is a safe limit, and uses the hardware limitations to set his boundaries. Anywho, I hope you beat these last few days and achieve your dream! Stay strong!
Sky
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Hey there Sunshine,
I’ve been waiting to see some updates from you! The callus looks great! I’m sure your surgeon told you so as well. I’m rooting for you to get to the 8cm mark! Just keep pushing brother, you’re almost there. A few more days and you’re done with the distraction phase and will be focusing on consolidation. Just think that in a few days you’re done with lengthening and your legs will take the break that they so desperately need. I’m considering Dr. Buldu, but a few days ago I saw a video of him explaining to one of his patients that they could go up to 12.5cm on femurs and 8cm on tibia. I’m not gonna lie... I got a little disappointed and worried about his answers. Clearly he doesn’t think there is a safe limit, and uses the hardware limitations to set his boundaries. Anywho, I hope you beat these last few days and achieve your dream! Stay strong!
Sky
Thanks Sky,
The end of the tunnel is within sight now! I'm reaching my absolute limit and in 10 days my legs will rest forever lol.
So I just watched the video you're talking about and guess who that patient of him that has incredible callus at an advanced age (though I think he's slightly mistaken on that figure lol) is ?
I can't talk for him regarding his thoughts on going beyond 8cm. I know in my case my legs would never handle more than 8cm. You can always have a conversation with him and make your mind about him.
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Hi Sunshine!!
Hope you are doing well my friend, I am currently in the exact same stage as you and i totally feel what you are saying. I’m also doing femurs with Halil but LON the brokeboi version. Currently around 8 hoping for 9 if my body will be so kind as to let me. I feel lucky since i see you are in a lot of pain and have a lot of tightness. Rest assured that when you stop lengthening your legs will stop being on fire very quickly. How is your knee flexion if you dont mind me asking?
Hang in there buddy, all the best! :D
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Hi Sunshine!!
Hope you are doing well my friend, I am currently in the exact same stage as you and i totally feel what you are saying. I’m also doing femurs with Halil but LON the brokeboi version. Currently around 8 hoping for 9 if my body will be so kind as to let me. I feel lucky since i see you are in a lot of pain and have a lot of tightness. Rest assured that when you stop lengthening your legs will stop being on fire very quickly. How is your knee flexion if you dont mind me asking?
Hang in there buddy, all the best! :D
Hey lolwhyimdoingthis,
I saw your diary and it looks like we were in Istanbul at the same time last summer! Yes I'm finishing and reaching 8 in couple days. It's been a hell of a ride for me. My trouble started on the left knee at 1.7cm then IT Band and all quads muscles kicked in at 3.3cm lol. Somehow the pain plateaued until 5cm then went up a notch from there and is now inching to its peak! My IT Band and thighs are incredibly tense and at their absolute limit. I had to skip the 3rd daily distraction couple times because the pain was simply unbearable!
My knee flexion hasn't been great since day 2. Today my left leg reaches 110, my right probably 120 (based on 180 straight legs).
I can't wait for this to end so my legs can rest forever lol.
How about your flexion ? Can you bend your knees past 90* ? Do you have any tightness in your IT Band and quads ?
I wish you good luck and hope you will reach that last 9th! That will give you an incredible height 🙂
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Ahh god damn bro, your pains started really early. Its quite impressive the way you have soldiered on though, a lot of people would tap out early. My flexion is about 100/110 and i was really happy about that until i saw your number >:( . I have had a few of those painful sleepless nights you talk about and they are definitely so frustrating, constantly searching for the possibility that there might be a position that gives you the slightest bit of comfort xD.
Despite my knee flexion not being that great, my legs dont "feel" tight, they definitely feel a lot looser when i walk and do exercises, this happened after the fixator adjustment and i have no idea why lol. I think God has watched over me because i have not had a single problem with my IT bands during the entire lengthening period, the quads and hamstrings have been the only troublesome areas, but they are so easy to stretch. IT band stretches are not that fun to perform with the fixators on lmao.
Did Halil tell you how long you had to wait after you finish lengthening before you can walk safely? Also, when you mention "trouble" regarding your left knee, is it strictly pain?
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Bro,
There's actually a misunderstanding on the knee flexion angle. I can't even bend my knees to a right angle! If you can bend yours past a right angle then your flexion is definitely better than mine lol.
I had electric shooting pains on the left knee very early on. It wasn't constant pain and would only occur when I started moving my knee (especially laterally) after long periods of stillness like when I wake up or after laying down for a while! I started getting that shooting pain around 1.7cm on the left knee then occasionally on the right knee too! That freaked me out at the time cuz I thought I would never reach my target with that kind of pain at such an early stage. But for some reason the pain on the knees subsided at around 3.3cm and eventually went away! I too am surprised I made it till today lol despite the increasing stiffness and pain! I think it's due to my tolerance to pain. I've been living with it throughout my life.
For the sleep, I fall asleep on the stomach position then toss the whole night lol. I've never had a single straight night sleep. It's been the worst part of my journey.
Dr. Halil didn't say when I can walk safely after lengthening. I think we will discuss about that after my next x-rays. I don't feel comfortable walking unaided until my callus is fully consolidated so I guess another 4 to 6 months before that could be possible.
It's a very long journey...
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Hello Forum,
so yesterday towards the end of my 3rd and last distraction of the day, I heard a grinding noise similar to what StrydeNailChallenge described in his diary when his nail hit 8cm. I removed the ERC from my skin and thoughts started piling in my mind. Needless to say i had a hard time sleeping last night as I kept thinking about what I suspected! This morning I went straight to the radiology center after breakfast. Back home 2 hours ago and sent Dr. Buldu my x-rays and the verdict is out: my journey is over!
10/30/2020 - 8 cm
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/60936863_54C017B8-2AE8-49B9-92C2-08DE304C4AD9.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60936863/54C017B8-2AE8-49B9-92C2-08DE304C4AD9.png.html)
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/60936864_8DD76FCF-DAE7-4C07-9B21-E72A791C6B79.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60936864/8DD76FCF-DAE7-4C07-9B21-E72A791C6B79.png.html)
I can't believe this is it! It's been 80 days since my first distraction, 240 distractions total each lasting 2 minutes!
I reached my goal! I've been waiting for this day for so long.
It's been a hell of a ride this journey. I can't believe I survived all the pain and stiffness and uncertainties.
Some thoughts looking back: when I went into this surgery, I accepted the risks involved. I'm grateful for my surgeon, thanks God my journey went smoothly so far except for the stiffness lol.
Thighs are definitely slimmer and longer lol
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/60936865_50AD1613-E086-4A5F-9331-600F34DA8FF7.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60936865/50AD1613-E086-4A5F-9331-600F34DA8FF7.jpeg.html)
Quads are incredibly tense
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/60936866_0FBF8BED-D457-44CB-A793-071DD749823A.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60936866/0FBF8BED-D457-44CB-A793-071DD749823A.jpeg.html)
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Hello Forum,
so yesterday towards the end of my 3rd and last distraction of the day, I heard a grinding noise similar to what StrydeNailChallenge described in his diary when his nail hit 8cm. I removed the ERC from my skin and thoughts started piling in my mind. Needless to say i had a hard time sleeping last night as I kept thinking about what I suspected! This morning I went straight to the radiology center after breakfast. Back home 2 hours ago and sent Dr. Buldu my x-rays and the verdict is out: my journey is over!
Congratulations bro!! I was also waiting for your day too bro :) Glad this phase is over for you!! Now here comes the consolidation/recovery phase, and I believe you'll nail it, considering your atheism and carefulness.
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Thanks Bro!
I was counting the days this past week lol. My legs were dying for this day to finally come so they can breathe lol. Now another 4 to 6 months to full consolidation so I can put weight on my legs and start proper stretching and loading on them. TBH I won't be 100% comfortable and confident pushing my body until the rods are out. I can feel them protruding from the top femur condyles and at the distal knee end too! Now I can see proper recovery doesn't start before at least a year post-op!
How about on your side? Are you 100% painkiller-free now ?
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Thanks Bro!
I was counting the days this past week lol. My legs were dying for this day to finally come so they can breathe lol. Now another 4 to 6 months to full consolidation so I can put weight on my legs and start proper stretching and loading on them. TBH I won't be 100% comfortable and confident pushing my body until the rods are out. I can feel them protrude from the top femurs condyles and at the distal knee end too! Now I can see proper recovery doesn't start before at least a year post-op!
How about on your side? Are you 100% painkiller-free now ?
You explained the feeling of rod in femur, very well! I also feel them too! when I push it while bending knees, I sometime feel like they are about to pop out of my upper knee caps!! It's a creepy feeling!
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Thanks Bro!
I was counting the days this past week lol. My legs were dying for this day to finally come so they can breathe lol. Now another 4 to 6 months to full consolidation so I can put weight on my legs and start proper stretching and loading on them. TBH I won't be 100% comfortable and confident pushing my body until the rods are out. I can feel them protrude from the top femurs condyles and at the distal knee end too! Now I can see proper recovery doesn't start before at least a year post-op!
How about on your side? Are you 100% painkiller-free now ?
Yes, I have been 100% painkiller free since Tue., Oct 20th, which was day 90 post-op and also Consolidation Day 9! That's great.
Pain level on a scale of 10, ranges from 0 to 3, on each leg; almost equally! By the way, finally left and right are more or less at the same level of pain! This is a big change, cause before last day of distraction, almost all post-op days were like terrible on left and normal on right!!
I have been surprised by the stiffness of my legs, even now, on Consolidation Day 19!! I stretch three times per day and walk at least one mile in a park closeby in addition to walking around the house to take care of errands. I do multiple short indoor cycling sessions and also try to take stairs each day.
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Congratulations bro!! I was also waiting for your day too bro :) Glad this phase is over for you!! Now here comes the consolidation/recovery phase, and I believe you'll nail it, considering your atheism and carefulness.
I just noticed this bad typo. I meant to write, athleticism Sorry for the mistake.
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No problem at all Bro! We all knew what you meant 😂
Another look back,
August 5 - surgery day, hours before I say farewell to my previous me...
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/60946278_21F41592-8E72-469F-96F6-1D2E6FEB006E.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60946278/21F41592-8E72-469F-96F6-1D2E6FEB006E.jpeg.html)
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No problem at all Bro! We all knew what you meant 😂
Another look back,
August 5 - surgery day, hours before I say farewell to my previous me...
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/60946278_21F41592-8E72-469F-96F6-1D2E6FEB006E.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60946278/21F41592-8E72-469F-96F6-1D2E6FEB006E.jpeg.html)
Congrats Sunshine!! I'm happy for you bro, so good that you pushed through it and reached your goal. I wish you the best in the consolidation phase :)
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Thanks Bro!
You will be at an incredible height when you reach your 9cm goal! Another thought when I look back 20 years ago when I wish I did this surgery in my 20's. Had I had the funds back then I would have done it with the then available Ilizarov method. Years passed and I ended up doing this surgery very late and probably missed out all the benefits from my 20's to 40's. How much benefit did I miss? I will never know. But I finally did it. Sure very late but I still feel like 21 in my mind lol. Age is just a number...
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Congrats on hitting 8cm, Sunshine! Age is indeed just a number.
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Thanks BelowTheMean!
Good luck for your journey! I wish you will reach 8cm too! Your background will serve you well in this long journey..
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What a great diary Sunshine! I first overlooked it because the doctor wasn't of choice to me but regardless I think you had a good outcome and are happy. It seems like Dr. Buldu is professional and good.
I have been postponing this surgery since ages and I totally get how you feel about doing it later than sooner. I am still a little on the younger side but feel a bit depressed that I've been thinking all this while but never took the plunge. Your journey is inspiring me to go through with it. I will however likely do one side at a time because my anxiety levels are through the roof.
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Thanks GenralizedAnxietyDisorder!
I'm very thankful to Dr. Buldu. I had no doubt about him when I put my legs into his hands. From my personal interaction with him I can say he's a great Human Being! Consolidation is still couple months away but so far my surgery and distraction have been smooth except for my struggle with stiffness.
If you can do your surgery now, don't waste any time! It's sad to say but don't make the same mistake as me! I will never know what I lost all these years, how being taller would have impacted my life! This I will never know. One thing for sure is better late than never 😂
Think carefully about your plans of doing 1 leg at a time. You may salvage a healthy leg if things turn sour but you will go through this surgery twice and there's no such thing as a risk-free surgery...
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Thanks Sunshine. What are the extra risks you see with doing 2 surgeries? I mean I know it's very inconvenient and double the stress, but what are some potential long term side effects? The only one I've heard is from spinal anaesthesia - some people claim back pain for years after surgery. Other than that, what additional risks do you see from doing one leg at a time?
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Well the surgery itself is a huge one with anesthesia osteotomy incisions drilling rod insertion blood loss and all the risks involved, all those complications risks such as fat embolism infection cardiovascular incidents etc...
Doing 1 single surgery is already risking catching any of those complications so you must be aware that going for another surgery is going through all those risks again!
I don't want to scare you but if you decided to do so then you should discuss your plans with your surgeon thoroughly..
As for long term side effects, one of them would be misalignment that could affect your knee joints which would lead to arthritis. For anesthesia you should be able to choose between epidural or general anesthesia. I personally got general anesthesia and I think it's less painful then epidural!
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Thanks Sunshine. Complications of blood loss, embolism, osteotomy, reaming, drilling etc are all halved when you do one leg at a time. Even if you do both legs together, it's like two separate surgeries on 2 legs after all. The only added risk I see is from anaesthesia. I am a bit afraid of long term effects of it.
Of course I will discuss this with my surgeon. Thank you for your inputs.
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and please keep us updated about your recovery. I am positive you will get back to long distance running in due time :)
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Complications of blood loss, embolism, osteotomy, reaming, drilling etc are all halved when you do one leg at a time. Even if you do both legs together, it's like two separate surgeries on 2 legs after all.
That's an interesting point of view! I didn't look at the surgery from this angle and I have to admit what you say makes sense!
Well infection risks and anesthesia accidents are still there whether you do 1 leg or both together. Many things can occur while you're under anesthesia and being operated on, that's why they have to monitor your vitals to prepare for the eventuality of a stroke or shock or whatever incident may happen.
I sure will update my diary once I get back on my legs and running because I myself am curious too about my body's ability to recover. That won't happen until at least 12-15 months post-op when the rods will be out!
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Hey there sunshine! I knew you would make it, dude! You truly are a fighter and you’ll be back to normal in no time, Im sure of that. Your x rays look excellent! I mean honestly, they should use your xrays as example of what the end of distraction should look like. I’m glad you were able to reach the goals you set for yourself. Your diary got me psyched! I’m 100% going through with this. Hopefully I get results like yours. I’m definitely including Dr. Buldu in my list of potential doctors. Keep us updated throughout the consolidation phase!
Sky
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Thanks Sky!
This October month has been epic, the stiffness and pain skyrocketed to their peak until the end. I’m like in paradise now, no more distraction no more grinding noise no more muscle pull. My legs are so happy now the torture is over.
So Dr. Buldu actually talked about my case as an example to his German patient in a video. But he praised my example for my callus, not for my x- rays 😂.
Good luck to your future journey. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle I’m sure you will reach your goals too.
All the best!
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Hi Sunshine
I am sooo happy for you. Yeah your legs sure look little “boney”. I mean they are visibly weak due to muscle stretching and inactivity.
Keep us posted, your dairy will be a CLL bible to understand what to expect at each stage ... I have learned so many things and now excited/waiting for you to finish consolidation and regain the lost muscle power...
Best regards
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Thanks AnotherShorty,
Funny thing is I actually never liked my pre-op bulky legs lol. I kinda like their slenderness today but I know that's not gonna last cuz as soon as I weight bear again they're gonna regain their mass as before. So today I'm enjoying these thin legs while they last lol
What a difference 8cm can do on the thighs:
June 14 - pre-op
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/60966285_296A51B3-5164-47C8-964E-1E040FCA1A0D.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60966285/296A51B3-5164-47C8-964E-1E040FCA1A0D.jpeg.html)
August 12 - post-op swelling
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/60966283_62DC5E25-5B26-4AF6-AA0A-F2065660F16A.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60966283/62DC5E25-5B26-4AF6-AA0A-F2065660F16A.jpeg.html)
October 21 - 7.2cm
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/60966282_C200616B-B119-4B61-BCDA-617A6D676FBB.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/60966282/C200616B-B119-4B61-BCDA-617A6D676FBB.jpeg.html)
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Hey All!
11/16/2020 - consolidation day 18
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/61254174_26093322-4FB0-4CED-8F03-EACA4A2E33EA.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/61254174/26093322-4FB0-4CED-8F03-EACA4A2E33EA.png.html)
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/61254173_D0842E39-B17E-49CB-8538-832C5B780288.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/61254173/D0842E39-B17E-49CB-8538-832C5B780288.png.html)
Callus still looking good according to my surgeon lol
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Congras, Sunshine. The bones are perfectly aligned.
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Thanks init1alove!
I remember my Doctor saying in an interview how he carefully cuts the bones very very slowly during osteotomy lol
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Thanks for the update—great result so far! 👌🏻
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Thanks NotSoBigBadBruin!
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Hi Sunshine, Always happy to see your updates and progress ...
Thanks and keep going strong.
Regards
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Thanks AnotherShorty!
Now I'm counting the days until full consolidation so I can start walking unaided and working out my glutes and hip flexors properly.
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Yeah Sunshine !! Now you have crossed the phase of any potential complication, just waiting for you to consolidate and regain your strength. It will be so fun for you to finally walk straight and enjoy your life as a TALL man :D
Best regards
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Hey Sunshine, how’s everything going? Do you have some news for us? Did you or someone else notice the height gains? Did you already measured yourself? Eagerly awaiting your update! Hope everything is well
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Hey Sky,
I haven't seen any acquaintance since surgery as I'm kinda locked down at home with the pandemic situation. And I haven't measured myself neither but my pants are now short on me lol. I'm bored with the consolidation process due to these Precice not allowing full weight bearing thus limiting my work out. My next x-rays are coming soon and hopefully will show even better callus than last time lol.
@AnotherShorty
Thanks Man! I'm dying to go back to a normal life though I don't consider myself really tall with my new height. I'm just above average now. For me tall would start at 6'2" lol
My consolidation life
Protein
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/61921003_D564145D-4756-4AB3-9D10-F1D59BD0E299.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/61921003/D564145D-4756-4AB3-9D10-F1D59BD0E299.jpeg.html)
Calcium
(https://s8d2.turboimg.net/t1/61921022_318E97A0-664B-4BEC-84A9-FA19F1921FF2.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/61921022/318E97A0-664B-4BEC-84A9-FA19F1921FF2.jpeg.html)
Vitamin D lol
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/61921123_6F6DA312-D7EB-462D-9FA2-06A7D1E6E7BA.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/61921123/6F6DA312-D7EB-462D-9FA2-06A7D1E6E7BA.jpeg.html)
Not sure if these are IT bands but they've been protruding from the side of my thighs since I hit +5cm!
(https://s8d2.turboimg.net/t1/61921217_D3118822-64EE-4892-91D3-9EB38B2CDD30.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/61921217/D3118822-64EE-4892-91D3-9EB38B2CDD30.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/61921320_1DC86169-1A43-4AE5-A0D0-9C07302580BD.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/61921320/1DC86169-1A43-4AE5-A0D0-9C07302580BD.jpeg.html)
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Hey sunsine good to see u doing so well....btw what is your current height.
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Hey Alamin,
I haven’t measured myself post-op yet. The only indicator I have right now is my older sweatpants that are now shorter when I wear them lol
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No i mean how much did u lengthen and what was ur pre OP height....and do u think guys who are 190 feel very tall for u if u have met any1 yet with tht height.
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Oh I was 173cm pre-op and lengthened 8cm. I’ve been locked down since surgery and haven’t met any of my friends since then. I haven’t been out neither since I ordered everything online for delivery. It will be fun next year 2021 when I emerge from this pandemic and meet my friends again lol. I’m curious to see their reaction as none of them knows about my situation. Also there are plenty of 190+ guys at my gym so it will be funny too when I compare to them once my local gym reopens..
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So currently u r 6 ft tall.... congratulations on becoming captain america😆....btw are ur arms very long with is ur wingspan....and wld u mind posting full body standing pictures here....that will be very helpful for some of us to know wht to expect after 8 cm femur..and were ur legs long or short for ur body pre OP..thnks for d replies....all the best for recovery.
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I’m not quiet 6’ lol. Theoretically I should be a smidgen under at 5’11” but I haven’t measured myself yet post-op. I’ll try post a full body standing pic once I can stand straight and nice post-consolidation. I can definitely say my legs were on the shorter end for my body ratio pre-op and though I never measured my wingspan I’m pretty confident it was longer than my pre-op height. You can check my pre-op pics on the first page of my diary which will give you an idea of my older proportions..
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Hey All,
so I just realized I didn't turn on link sharing on my Google Drive, just fixed now! I shortlisted Doctors Giotikas and Buldu for precice, price looks similar with Buldu offering additional 10 days hotel after 5 days hospitalization and the option of distracting-lengthening at home after that! Giotikas looks good with years of experience, Buldu is supposedly the best in Turkey but there are so few patients diaries about him and though he's not anymore part of wannabetaller, I heard so many horror stories on that matter that I don't know what to think about Turkey option. Anyone had done precice with either doctor could chime in and share your experience and opinion? Should I stop running and just stretch before surgery or is it ok to keep running ?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
(https://s7d6.turboimg.net/t1/55494328_86961C78-1EA6-4928-BD19-FFB6EADBCF0A.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/55494328/86961C78-1EA6-4928-BD19-FFB6EADBCF0A.png.html)
Congratulation my friend!! Your pre-op height is in my opinion the best pre-op height to receive the most cost benefit out of this surgery. At 5'11, you will be quite tall compared to the rest of the World and most likely to be able keep your athleticism as well. I am already back to running, and playing mild sports like tennis at 1 year and 9 months mark post-op. And I skipped training for like 8 months!!! So I believe that if you are active before the surgery, and did a fair amount on femurs, you would be back very close to your athleticism pre-op ( considering that you train hard for it!) I will keep an eye on your diary. Best of luck!!!
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Thanks my Friend!
Funny coz my native sport was actually tennis before I started running! Your 178cm height is definitely above average in Asia and I’m sure your surgery has transformed your life.
All the best!
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Hey Sunshine, how’s everything going with consolidation? I bet you’re more than half way through. Were you able to take a picture of your current proportions and/or measure your new height? If so, please let us know your new height. For some reason people that undergo the surgery don’t post their new measured height in their diary. I want to know is they actually grow as much as they assume they did, or if they lose some mms/cms. Best of luck with your progress, hope to hear soon from you! So far, you’re the most detailed and interactive diary I know from this doctor.
Sky
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Hi, Any update on your progress?
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Hey,
Been a while since last update! I haven’t measured myself yet. My consolidation is slow as I can’t walk unaided yet. I expect to start walking on my own in spring as soon as my callus allows it.
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Best wishes Sunshine,amazing diary,hope everything is good for you man :)
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Thanks Apollo676!
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Man ur consolidation is super slow if ur not able to walk unaided even now after like 8 mnths tht too with stryde nails🙄..anyways good luck i hope u recover very well and soon.
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Man ur consolidation is super slow if ur not able to walk unaided even now after like 8 mnths tht too with stryde nails🙄..anyways good luck i hope u recover very well and soon.
I think he did precise nails.
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Thanks my Friend!
Funny coz my native sport was actually tennis before I started running! Your 178cm height is definitely above average in Asia and I’m sure your surgery has transformed your life.
All the best!
Sunshine can I please ask how much you paid for P2? I’m confused because the doctors promoter said 35k euros then he said 30k euros?
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@Activatedxx
35k €
@Kal el
it’s been a little over 5.5 months post-op today. I’m not on full weight bearing Stryde thus my callus can’t grow and consolidate as fast as say SNC who did surgery 2 weeks before me and is now fully consolidated on Stryde!
@Tokito_Ohma
yes indeed!
Some updates: I just took x-rays a couple days ago after a long hiatus due to the lockdown! Here’s a timeline of my callus growth since surgery day!
08/05/20 - Surgery day
couple mm lengthened right after surgery to test ERC controller and prevent premature consolidation!
(https://s8d5.turboimg.net/t1/62962227_74F51062-C3E7-4C46-9B58-630B878BED5F.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962227/74F51062-C3E7-4C46-9B58-630B878BED5F.jpeg.html)
08/27/20 - 1.5cm
(https://s8d2.turboimg.net/t1/62962234_1B1B21E3-4BAD-4B00-B9CD-5A39BA3DE3B0.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962234/1B1B21E3-4BAD-4B00-B9CD-5A39BA3DE3B0.jpeg.html)
09/14/20 - 3.3cm
(https://s8d8.turboimg.net/t1/62962269_CF38F954-5371-46A0-8057-6DCD435402BF.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962269/CF38F954-5371-46A0-8057-6DCD435402BF.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/62962277_5233A033-4AA1-4485-A908-9BDA81AC1CD6.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962277/5233A033-4AA1-4485-A908-9BDA81AC1CD6.jpeg.html)
10/01/20 - 5cm
(https://s8d8.turboimg.net/t1/62962278_4F871E9D-D004-44EB-A2FD-0F50592DD545.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962278/4F871E9D-D004-44EB-A2FD-0F50592DD545.jpeg.html)
(https://s8d5.turboimg.net/t1/62962281_FDD451A5-164B-4AF9-A68F-24D88161D379.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962281/FDD451A5-164B-4AF9-A68F-24D88161D379.png.html)
10/19/20 - 6.9cm
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/62962336_02E3648D-B8AC-4E7E-9526-695A24BADBDD.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962336/02E3648D-B8AC-4E7E-9526-695A24BADBDD.png.html)
(https://s8d7.turboimg.net/t1/62962371_8C6335C5-7B92-466B-99FE-0947C04A33BF.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962371/8C6335C5-7B92-466B-99FE-0947C04A33BF.png.html)
10/30/20 - 8cm
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/62962384_BBD0E52E-442F-4C4F-87D3-5FDAA64B863A.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962384/BBD0E52E-442F-4C4F-87D3-5FDAA64B863A.png.html)
(https://s8d7.turboimg.net/t1/62962385_42245CC2-1744-41A8-991D-DA471AC9EAE3.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962385/42245CC2-1744-41A8-991D-DA471AC9EAE3.png.html)
11/16/20 - consolidation day 18
(https://s8d7.turboimg.net/t1/62962386_69E37393-9F0D-4F82-B164-801EF2138519.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962386/69E37393-9F0D-4F82-B164-801EF2138519.png.html)
(https://s8d2.turboimg.net/t1/62962387_2EE017C6-E16B-4856-BDC8-CCF5D8E72D12.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962387/2EE017C6-E16B-4856-BDC8-CCF5D8E72D12.png.html)
01/26/21 - consolidation day 88
(https://s8d7.turboimg.net/t1/62962587_A18F5A8A-A906-479D-B256-16BBAF26B77D.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962587/A18F5A8A-A906-479D-B256-16BBAF26B77D.png.html)
(https://s8d6.turboimg.net/t1/62962588_FFD4D08F-DF02-4C4A-9A38-53F651B80751.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62962588/FFD4D08F-DF02-4C4A-9A38-53F651B80751.jpeg.html)
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Hi Sunshine,
I feel so bad that after doing everything right, the consolidation didn’t go as expected.
May I ask, what did Dr Halil suggest? my understanding of these x-rays is not good, but I see all that callus over the bone gap. So this can not be a case of non - union right? It's just delayed consolidation?
I am sure that you will overcome this minor hurdle. Take care and all the best.
Regards,
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Is it not possible to check at every stage during distraction whether bone is growing or not?I hope your consolidation is successful
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxzFdgiDkHM
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@AnotherShorty
I think there’s a misunderstanding here lol. My callus growth at day 88 post-distraction on Precice is actually good according to Dr. Halil! It’s just not comparable to someone who’s been able to put full weight on their legs and who’s been walking unaided since day 1 on Stryde! My callus has been growing consistently throughout my journey but since I’ve only been able to stand and walk with a walker only since day 1, I simply can’t expect to have same consolidation speed as someone who’s on Stryde!
@Realistic
Yes if you don’t have callus at all in your bone gap at 8 months post-op as shown in Donghoon’s video then yes this is effectively non-union. But I’m not there yet lol. My callus has been visible throughout my lengthening and is bridging the gap, slowly but surely lol
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/62963416_567C27EA-EF2F-40C7-83B1-748E26165377.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/62963416/567C27EA-EF2F-40C7-83B1-748E26165377.jpeg.html)
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Phew! Alright, this makes sense. I was under the impression that you have hit a complication. Take care and give us a piece of good news real soon.
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this is not non union
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@sunshine
Sorry man..I thought it was..I wish you a very speedy and safe lengthening...
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Sunshine, I don’t see the lateral view but your right femur is already healed, just need to wait 1-2 months for the left one.
Your bone is strong, even a bit more than average I’d say 8)
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What are the best ways to speed up callus growth during consolidation?
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Looks good Sunshine ! Hope you'll get 100% recovery soon enough,but that strange,i thought even guys who did like LON femurs could be full weight bearing after the consolidation phase
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What are the best ways to speed up callus growth during consolidation?
Standing and other weight bearing activities. For sunshine though because it's precice and non weight bearing, standing is dangerous until at least significant callus which is not quite there yet. So for sunshine, best is just time. Bone Supplements help marginally like jarrows bone up. Eating well and alot calories also.
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No problem Realistic!
Tartar, I too think my right femur has stronger callus than my left one.
ghkid2021, yeah non-union is not really something I worry about. I’m more concerned about preserving the integrity of my Precice nails. There are so many things I’d like to do and I’m burning to walk again but I simply don’t wanna upset these Precice as the last thing I need right now is a catastrophic failure of the nails, ie. a bend or a break!
Vibes, the best way to speed up callus growth during consolidation is walking unaided if your lengthening device allows full weight bearing. Walking and putting pressure on your bones and callus stimulate blood circulation thus callus growth.
Apollo676, I believe LON femurs is more weight bearing than Precice!
174 days post-op
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/63050863_9B0D1039-B5DE-4158-9365-45F56775EFBF.jpeg) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/63050863/9B0D1039-B5DE-4158-9365-45F56775EFBF.jpeg.html)
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Hi Sunshine, i sent you a pm. Can you please check your inbox. Thnx
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Hey fritz, just replied! Hope you received it!
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Hey fritz, just replied! Hope you received it!
Yes, I did. Thanks :)
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Right one looks good. Just time now for the left one. Almost there. Very good patience mentality Sunshine, you will succeed with that safeness
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Hey Sunshine,
How are you doing? Tell me life is back to normal and you are enjoying your new height feeling absolutely healthy.
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Hey AnotherShorty,
long time no update lol. Yeah life’s slowly getting back, albeit with a slight difference. Under face mask and sunglasses, I’m totally unrecognizable from the old me. Sometimes I feel like I’ve been given a new chance to be reborn into a new life, new world! Reality is the world around me is still the same and I am still me but different at the same time! My brain hasn’t adjusted to my eyes’ perspective yet! People that appear tall from afar are actually my height or shorter when I get close! My 175cm colleague who was definitely taller than me before still appears tall from afar. But we were both shocked how I towered over her when face to face lol.
@ghkid,
thanks Man! I’m overly cautious and not taking any chance with my nails. Would be a shame if a situation arises now that I’m so close to full consolidation!
Some updates since my last post…
02/17/2021 - 6 months post-op
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/66112607_6F956B82-7F42-4DFD-B12A-02544680CF9F.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66112607/6F956B82-7F42-4DFD-B12A-02544680CF9F.png.html)
04/16/2021 - 8 months post-op
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/66112667_4FBF1030-0C86-4C58-B876-FFAA60CA65E4.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66112667/4FBF1030-0C86-4C58-B876-FFAA60CA65E4.png.html)
(https://s8d6.turboimg.net/t1/66112669_4489A798-038F-40A1-9B45-45E6EBF36291.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66112669/4489A798-038F-40A1-9B45-45E6EBF36291.png.html)
(https://s8d5.turboimg.net/t1/66112670_8CDE2BD5-948C-48EC-92C4-474A3B140916.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66112670/8CDE2BD5-948C-48EC-92C4-474A3B140916.png.html)
(https://s8d8.turboimg.net/t1/66112686_87EB60B8-231C-4124-B8EE-CEDB909CE6C5.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66112686/87EB60B8-231C-4124-B8EE-CEDB909CE6C5.png.html)
05/21/2021 - 9 months post-op
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/66114342_E5E65139-B276-4C41-87CC-44895D3DE45D.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66114342/E5E65139-B276-4C41-87CC-44895D3DE45D.png.html)
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/66114355_92AADE41-8CAC-4C62-A785-866C153CDD2A.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66114355/92AADE41-8CAC-4C62-A785-866C153CDD2A.png.html)
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Congrats dude! Nice bone formation..
How is your gait?Do you still have a limp?
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Thanks Limbfan2020!
So I started walking unaided earlier this month of May 2021, 9 months post-op! I crutch most of the times especially on long distance. I only walk unaided at home on short distances as I don’t feel comfortable walking on my own too long too much with my callus not fully hardened! So yes my gait is swaying. I feel like I’m learning to walk again with new biomechanics and weaker soft tissues!
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Congratz 🎉🎊💪🏼😉
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So happy to see you're doing really well.
Congrats!
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I
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Giotikas does alot of stryde patients he is more qualified and cheaper then anyone in turkey. the only doctor who has done stryde in turkey almost crippled me and i am suing. and has absolultely no experience except on me. i had to go to giotikas to fix up my serious injuries i got in turkey.
its a no brainer in my eyes. stryde or precise with giotikas, he is more qualified more professional, he is cheaper also, physio is included in the price. you can stay at the physio centre if you want as well. giotikas speaks to his physios and directs them. dont go to turkey its russian roullette
Re: chasing a lifetime dream
« Reply #206 on: Today at 08:08:11 PM »
ReplyReplyQuoteModifyModify
I used to think the same way but I saw Dr.Inan from Turkey has fixed a problem of a patient recently which Dr.Giotikas did not even care too much about. Well Dr.G is one of the best, but they do not give the deposits back even though I couldn't go there to have my surgery because of visa issue, not something i can solve. And a lot of fellows who went there complain about many things and they say the doctor even doesn't check on them after the surgery.
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Hey AnotherShorty,
long time no update lol. Yeah life’s slowly getting back, albeit with a slight difference. Under face mask and sunglasses, I’m totally unrecognizable from the old me. Sometimes I feel like I’ve been given a new chance to be reborn into a new life, new world! Reality is the world around me is still the same and I am still me but different at the same time! My brain hasn’t adjusted to my eyes’ perspective yet! People that appear tall from afar are actually my height or shorter when I get close! My 175cm colleague who was definitely taller than me before still appears tall from afar. But we were both shocked how I towered over her when face to face lol.
@ghkid,
thanks Man! I’m overly cautious and not taking any chance with my nails. Would be a shame if a situation arises now that I’m so close to full consolidation!
Some updates since my last post…
02/17/2021 - 6 months post-op
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/66112607_6F956B82-7F42-4DFD-B12A-02544680CF9F.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66112607/6F956B82-7F42-4DFD-B12A-02544680CF9F.png.html)
04/16/2021 - 8 months post-op
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/66112667_4FBF1030-0C86-4C58-B876-FFAA60CA65E4.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66112667/4FBF1030-0C86-4C58-B876-FFAA60CA65E4.png.html)
(https://s8d6.turboimg.net/t1/66112669_4489A798-038F-40A1-9B45-45E6EBF36291.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66112669/4489A798-038F-40A1-9B45-45E6EBF36291.png.html)
(https://s8d5.turboimg.net/t1/66112670_8CDE2BD5-948C-48EC-92C4-474A3B140916.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66112670/8CDE2BD5-948C-48EC-92C4-474A3B140916.png.html)
(https://s8d8.turboimg.net/t1/66112686_87EB60B8-231C-4124-B8EE-CEDB909CE6C5.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66112686/87EB60B8-231C-4124-B8EE-CEDB909CE6C5.png.html)
05/21/2021 - 9 months post-op
(https://s8d3.turboimg.net/t1/66114342_E5E65139-B276-4C41-87CC-44895D3DE45D.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66114342/E5E65139-B276-4C41-87CC-44895D3DE45D.png.html)
(https://s8d1.turboimg.net/t1/66114355_92AADE41-8CAC-4C62-A785-866C153CDD2A.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/66114355/92AADE41-8CAC-4C62-A785-866C153CDD2A.png.html)
Could you get back to me , will be more than happy thank you.
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Hey @Sunshine any update? You'd be past the year mark at this point right? Any walking or hight comparison videos?
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@exo
Thanks Man! We have such similar stats lol
@MuratEkinci
Thanks Bro!
@Growing
Long time no update lol. I rarely check the forum now, life goes on, I slowly assimilate and get used to my new height! I just met my friends and family after 2 years and it was amusing! Some asked if I grew up lol, others said they don’t remember I was so tall before lol. I just replied it must be the US beef I eat in America that made me taller lol. I’m on vacation right now at the beach and I was happily surprised to see pictures of myself taken by family members. My silhouette is slender and my legs especially thighs look obviously longer! Even my shins look longer than I remember they were! Looks like distraction of femurs had an impact on lower legs at the same time! I remember I had shin’s numbness during femurs distraction, felt like nerve pains. Someone said all our limbs are inter-connected in one way or another. I now can attest this is true lol.
To answer your question, next week will be 1 year since my surgery! I walked full weight bearing pretty late at 8 months due to my precice limitations and my fear of compromising bending or breaking them! In the beginning I didn’t dare walking unaided too long too much. But I had terrifying missteps where I almost tripped and almost fell! I caught up my falls by putting full weight on 1 single leg and accidentally pressed really hard on that single leg! I really thought I was done lol. But to my big surprise nothing happened! I felt no pain and didn’t hear any crack from my nail lol. From there my confidence shoot up exponentially and I started to walk longer distances on my own. My last x-rays are from may, 9 months post-op. Today I’m pretty confident my callus should be almost fully hardened. I now walk every day and have no fear going upstairs or downstairs.
However my walk is not smooth at all. I sway and waddle quiet a bit. I think this is due to me walking unaided pretty late at 8 months due to these precice.
I don’t have walking or height comparison videos but I can tell you I now visibly tower my friends and family members who were taller than me at 175-176 cms! I even compared ourselves side by side in the mirror and boy what a difference lol.
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What's your final height dude?
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I've been following this diary from the very beginning, hope all is well. Has your bone healed completely? How is your walk?
I hope you are enjoying taller height
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This is actually giving us hope for the precice 2
I mean you have travelled and moved around with those nails , man this is crazy ;) ;)
Now I have second thoughts as I was considering G-nail (obviously due to weight bearing limitation) but seeing your diary I may consider the Precice again , so confused ..
Thanks Buddy , hope that all is working well now for you
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@JimmyJW
I haven’t measured my current exact height but one of my house’s door is 179 cm tall and every time I cross that door if I forget to slightly bend my head I would hit that door frame with the top of my skull and it kinda hurts lol. So I know I’m at least 180 cm.
@drxboom,
Thanks Bro! My last x-rays are from 4 months ago and I don’t even mind taking new ones again. I’ve been crutchless since last summer and been walking driving swimming carrying heavy loads, standing on 1 leg etc…I don’t even pay attention or fear for my precice nails to break or bend anymore! My walking is almost normal now. My gait is not back to 100% of what it was pre-op. There’s something robotic in my walk lol and my pelvis is still slightly tilting forward.
Regarding the new height I definitely live a new life now. It’s like I’m on the other side of the bridge now. The new height soothed my mind. I’m in peace with myself now.
@Achieverr
Thanks Man! This surgery gave me a second life! I’ve been waiting for this my whole life.
On a side note, weight is the enemy of precice. I’ve been super careful and paranoid with my precice nails. I’ve been on walker till month 9 then on crutches from month 10 to 11. I only got rid of the crutches on month 11 once I felt confident my callus was strong enough to support my whole weight on 1 leg at a time. And I can’t even count how many kilograms of dairy products and calcium I ate during lengthening and consolidation.
09/08/2021
(https://s8d6.turboimg.net/t1/71861690_B2287708-C2DB-4621-8874-BFDE1062E03A.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/71861690/B2287708-C2DB-4621-8874-BFDE1062E03A.png.html)
(https://s8d8.turboimg.net/t1/71861691_38FCDA8E-6B8B-46CA-9FBA-E2ADD1E3E923.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/71861691/38FCDA8E-6B8B-46CA-9FBA-E2ADD1E3E923.png.html)
(https://s8d2.turboimg.net/t1/71861693_2887AB8B-446C-4F41-A8FF-7B1FB5F4B063.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/71861693/2887AB8B-446C-4F41-A8FF-7B1FB5F4B063.png.html)
(https://s8d5.turboimg.net/t1/71861701_B05A83AE-87AE-4EDC-9E6B-2DD817C6048D.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/71861701/B05A83AE-87AE-4EDC-9E6B-2DD817C6048D.png.html)
(https://s8d4.turboimg.net/t1/71861703_47AB457B-E6F3-489B-9813-01F7455A342F.png) (https://www.turboimagehost.com/p/71861703/47AB457B-E6F3-489B-9813-01F7455A342F.png.html)
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Hi Sunshine! How is your recovery going now? How are you performing in terms of exercise? Any more photos or videos?