Limb Lengthening Forum
Limb Lengthening Surgery => Limb Lengthening Patients Experiences => Topic started by: star-ray on March 03, 2019, 08:52:29 PM
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I wanted to write this, so I can share my experience. Over the years I have read other people’s diary and it has always given me hope that one day I can do this surgery. I want to do the surgery and finally, just be happy with my self and comfortable in my own skin. For me, this surgery means no more wearing shoes with insoles, wearing insoles means I did say no to a lot of fun activities, like football with mates and any activities involved taking shoes off, I missed a lot of family events as I didn't want to be in a room with no shoes. It is silly I know, but the 2 inches the insole gave me was unbelievable and it's crazy how much I know having it will change my life. Anyone on here who wears insoles knows how much trouble we go to hide it.
When I was 20, I came across anold forum that talked about limb lengthening. I was in uni and in my second year, I was an average student and knew I would not be able to afford it. I borrowed a lot of money to fund uni and was in a lot of debt. fast forward to 24/25 and decided to save up by getting a higher paid job. It was much harder than I expected, however, I felt super motivated, I manage to take my career to the next level and started to think outside the box. in the process, I ended up not only making more money, I passed all these additional exams and actually became passionate about my career. My work became more than just a job and getting money for the surgery. And now I am good at something. At 30, I have finally cleared all my debt and have enough saving to do this surgery whiles not going broke.
To note, I have always been bad at managing money and wasted a lot so I could have been here a few years before, but I choose not to dwell on things that can’t be undone.
So last year early 2018, I started to speak to a few surgeons. My options were UK or Europe based. I met 2 doctors before meeting Dr Monegal.
I met Dr Monegal in person in November 2018. I felt like he was a very caring person, and he was super friendly. he seemed to be dedicated to his craft and passionate about his work and it wasn't just about the money. I can relate to that. He gave a presentation on Fitbone and the surgery itself and answered all my queries.
after, Dr Monegal did introduce me to his patients there. First, one I met was in the hospital and just finished his second leg surgery a few days ago. He was from Israel and was a super nice guy, a medical student and knew a lot. Monegal left me alone with him, and I did ask him many questions and asked him on Dr monegal. overall- he was positive. Dr monegal then came back and took me to the MIC, where people stay after the surgery, I met 2 more of his other patients, both were from China. Monegal took them to get there X-rays and then when we returned, Monegal was ok with me staying with them. so I spoke to them, got more tips and advice and learnt more about Dr Monegal.
For me, Monegal patients were positive on him, I was very impressed with how Monegal always responded to my emails/WhatsApp before I met him and after. he has always been open and honest to me. If the surgery goes well (fingers crossed), Dr monegal will change my life for the better in so many ways, i won't ever be able to thank him.
To Add, all the other surgeons I met, were all fantastic and they all do an amazing job in helping guys like me.
Oh, Dr Mongeal does support Barcelona FC (second-best team), obviously, the best football is Liverpool :)
Here are the basics:
30 years old
From the UK
Currently 166CM
Aim: 6CM
2 surgeries
Surgery No 1 -Right leg -booked for Monday 4th March
I arrived to Barcelona on Friday 1st March. I met with Monegal on Saturday. I am glad I met him as I didn't mention to him but I was extremely anxious and nervous. I felt super scared and felt like not going ahead. after I met him, I did feel ok again and calm.
Tomorrow (Monday 4th March) is the first surgery. I have the pre-checks in the morning. i have been told to have my last meal by 1030 AM and no liquid after 1 and then the surgery is at 7 pm. I plan to get the right leg done first.
The hardest part of all of this so far is how none of my family or friends knows about this surgery. it's a lonely process. I wish I could have at least one friend that I could share this with. Especially right now, I could do with my mum or dad by my side.
I will keep everyone reading updated on my journey, pray for me please.
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Best of luck to you star-ray! I admire your dedication.
Is there any reason you’re not telling any family or friends? I think as you say, it would be very useful to have some support.
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Thanks mannn,
I have a big family and love em all. But the two primary reasons I couldnt tell them:
1) they are all tall and don't get what being short is. They don't understand all the short jokes they make actually affects me. They think it banter ofc. To be fair they are not being malicious but its something they can't understand. They also won't be up for me doing this surgery.
2) I would love to tell at least one of them. But lol my family is all buch of blabber mouths. it will mean they will eventually tell someone and I just don't want all my family and friends knowing.
This was kinda simplified. I do love my family and part of is my fault for never creating that trust relationship.
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Good luck, man! I hope all goes great for you.
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I wish you good luck in all your process.Also we hope that you are informing us abour the surgeron and your recuperation.
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Good luck to you
Be careful though Dr Monegal is known to have botched several patients and also paid many advertisers. You talk about him with a lot of admiration so I think you're just unaware about it
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Good luck with your surgery and please report us the ongoing of this procedure ;)
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Firstly, thank you all for the well wishes. Means alot.
Day 0 - didn't manage to get any decent sleep. I couldn't stop thinking about life when am finally 6cm taller on both legs. The idea seems like a distant reality at the moment. I went down stairs to get some breakfast. The menu here is simple. Toast with jam and OJ. I knew this was my only meal for a long time today so I wanted a bit more but monegal did advice me to have a light breakfast.
DR Monegal came to the MIC to pick me up and we went to the hospital. We spoke alot on the way.
So the first they had to first do is ECG, I think it's to measure your heart rate or something like that. Then I had to do a blood test. I won't lie, this part had me nervous but to my surprise it was quick and easy. Finally we did some xrays.
I then met the anaesthetist and she gave all the green lights.
Finally you have to make the payments. Part of me was like hmmm would my bank block this, as its a large transaction.
And then I was taking to my room where I'll be right after surgery. The idea is so you can unpack anything you brought with you. As you will be here for 5 - 7 days. A nurse did stop by to shave my right leg and then two nurses came to check my blood pressure.
All in all, the pre check experience was
good and very professional.
I wrote all the above before the actual surgery sitting in my hospital room. The time when writing this is 16:48 and I am Super hungry lol.
The surgery, this is like some weird dream. Am lying on the bed. Monegal is greeting me. Tbh, seeing him there I felt OK and safe. And then someone gives me oxygen mask and I don't think it was oxygen now lol.
I woke up at 3 am in my room, I wasn't confused I knew I just had surgery. And not sure how the nurse knew but popped in similar time. My only concern was pass my phone please lol.
Day 1 -
At approx6 ish am and I was asked if I can pee. I did try to pee in this box thing but I really couldn't. They they had to use a catheder. Not as bad as I assumed as you can't feel anything.
I am writing this whiles day 1 is not done. No pain thus far and it becauce am still on anthestics. Just lower body is totally numb. Food wise, breakfast has been OK, I am not as hungry as I would nornally be.
All the nurses have been super friendly and caring.
Wish you all well
My journey now truly starts
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I have added two images on the link below.
I will over time add more to this album. I have created this album purely to add my LL progress/journey and hopefully any future LL guys can get a better picture of what LL is :)
https://ibb.co/vhqjCj7
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I am very happy for you. Excuse me my english but my native lenguaje is the spanish. How u doing man, hou u feel now?. Are you doing internar femurs or also tibias?
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Thanks bro,
I feel happy that the first surgery is finally done. 10 years waiting to do limb lengthening.
Right now there is not much I can do besides lay on my bed. So I am Keeping my self entertained using my phone.
I am doing femur, internal.
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Thanks u man. I have a question, do you thinhk do tibias later? and What was your long of femur and tibia before of the surgery?
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Hey,
I have one more surgery after this and that is for the left leg. That might be in July/August. Getting time of work is always tricky. I wont be doing any more surgery after that. I was happy wearing insoles and my insoles were always 5 cm. So 6 cm for me is a bonus.
I don't know the exact length of my tibas or femur before the surgery. I know my height fluxuated alot between 166 and 168.
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How much did you pay for this procedure?
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Since I only got the right leg done. I paid the hospital (clinicadiagnol) 19000 euros.
I will have to pay 19000 again for left leg.
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why you doing only 6cm?
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For me 6cm is a lot and being just over 2 inches taller would make me sooooo happy.
Quick update - still day 1
Met Dr monegal earlier. It was a great catch up and hearing more about my surgery and sharing stories. We did few strechthes and it was great getting some control of my right leg and foot. My first PT session is tomorrow so looking forward to that.
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For me 6cm is a lot and being just over 2 inches taller would make me sooooo happy.
Quick update - still day 1
Met Dr monegal earlier. It was a great catch up and hearing more about my surgery and sharing stories. We did few strechthes and it was great getting some control of my right leg and foot. My first PT session is tomorrow so looking forward to that.
6 cm is a lot! almost 2.5 inches AND not only that; it is a pretty safe lengthening. I just hit 2 inches and its a huge difference.
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Hey Star Ray,
first of all , good luck on your L.L journey. I hope and I'm sure everything is going well. I will be next week there and stay a few day in Mic, it s good to see new people there, Upps meanwhile I'm nicknamed americanfootballer , maybe you read my diary. Say hello to Monegal for me. Bye, take care!
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Hello americanfootballer, thanks and ofc I read your diary :)
I will be moving into mic next week so do message me when you are down.
I will say hi on your behalf to Dr monegal.
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day 2 - today has been a good day.
So we did my xrays (images added to my album https://ibb.co/Db1yWxb)
Dr Monegal stopped by, he did some checks and we laughed how poor Madrid were yesterday.
Had my first PT session. The PT used the CPM Machine, this bent my knee 52° for just over an hour.
https://ibb.co/Db1yWxb
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Hi Star ray, how are you?
How much did you pay?
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Hi Star ray, how are you?
How much did you pay?
He already answer this question above 18000 per leg
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day 4 -
Did two PT sessions. Manage to get 95 degrees on the CPM Machine. Dr monegal showed me how to use the walker as well. Can now move around my self which is a huge relief.
Also I am glad I only did one leg. Being able to do some stuff means alot. Like just be able to stand up and grab the phone charger lol.
Yesterday was a tough day as I found this all emotionally challenging. I know I sound like a big wuss but this process is tough. I am happy that I have chosen a surgeon who is there all the time when you need him and visits every day.
Pain wise, I have none, this is becauce you do get some pain killer drips.
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Hey am am good today, thanks for asking, price wise, I did post it above. It does vary if you do two legs at the same time.
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Sorry Miss that part
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day 6 -
Today should be my last night in the hospital (clinicadiagnol). I have to say I am very impressed how nice and helpfull all the nurses and staff have been.
Dr Monegal has come to visit me every day so far, Inc today. So far, I am Super glad he's my surgeon.
I should be starting lengthening tomorrow.
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day 10 -
Firstly, I feel so happy that am in day 10 of LL.
I have been in the MIC (residency) for 4 days now. The first few days were tough, just getting use to the crutches and how limited I became. Simple task like putting socks on or carrying a plate required serious output and planning lol.
It's still relatively early, so I don't have much flexibility but I am improving day by day.
Pain wise, it's low. I am stretching and training everyday and been doing PT everyday as well. I am very cautious and I always ask Dr monegal or the PT what I should be doing and what not be doing. Also I only lengthening .8mm a day and not 1mm.
Highlight of my day today was chilling with American footballer. It was kinda unreal because I been following his diary since his first post last year. I must say, he looks and is super tall! He chilled with me before he left today, and gave me some good tips and advice and it's was just nice meeting him. He's definitely a LL champ so his advice meant alot.
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day 15 -
Got my first x-ray since I started lengthening, I am just a bit above 13mm :) Dr Monegal was very happy with the x-ray too.
I met him at the Uni hospital. I must say, he is a very popular person at the hospital, and it was nice to see that kind of positive energy.
For me, this first xray was a big deal, its nice to see everything is going according to how I was feeling with my recovery.
https://ibb.co/PxV0WDN
I did officially start remote working yesterday from the residency (MIC), the WiFi is good enough for me to VPN in and work. I do mainly sit on the bed so my leg remains straight. I plan to fly back to the UK end of this month and return to the office, Don't look forward to making up an excuse for my broken leg.
training wise, I been seeing Alberto (PT dude) every Mon - Fri so far and it really has helped. I do at night train my self, I do 45 min walking, 25 min stretching.
My flexibility is returning and has come along way in the last few days, I can now easily bend my knee so i can sit on a chair and be comfortable and put my shoes on. I know these sound like trivial things but the first few days after the surgery, these became big milestones lol.
so far, pain wise, I haven't experienced much pain, during the day, I don't take any pain killers. at night before bed, I do take one paracetamol.
Only thing I cant do yet, is sleep on my side, it does feel uncomfortable.
I did bring all the Vitamin pills i needed, calcium and protein shake etc. so i do take that daily, however my diet hasnt been as good as i would like, been relying on deliveroo way to much.
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Bending my knees beyond 90 is when I feel the tension.
Still a long way to go.
https://vimeo.com/325494228
The password to open the video is
1234
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Hey man, I'm 16 year old and same height as you. Gonna wait about 4-5 years before I do the surgery ;D
But a few questions, is going 8-9cm realistic in femur? How long does dr monegal allow? Also my femur and tibia is like the same length 50:50 ratio.
Can I realistically be able to run, weight lifting, after 2 years post surgery?
You're a true inspiration man! Hope everything goes well. If I grow 2-3 inches(doubt i will:/) i wlnt do it but if i remain the same height for 4-5 years the nope !
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Hey man, thanks for the well wishes.
becauce your 16, you can still grow alot naturally. I had a very poor diet at the age and I belive it did affect my final height.
I know it's akward, but go and see your doctor and tell him you are serious, try to maximise your natural height. I hope you do get the 2 3 inches naturally.
I can't speak from experience as of yet, but I do believe 2 years after the surgery it's fully back to normal. The internal nails are removed and you can run and do squats etc.
Americanfootballer who has a diary on here, he's coming towards end of his lengthening, He's lengthened upto 8cm.so yea I think it 8 is achievable.
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Day 24 -
Dr Monegal and I went to the Clinica to get my Xray done. My right leg is now 1.84 cm taller :)
https://ibb.co/5KKBcVv
So far, my routine has been:
-Wake up @ 09:50
-Log in for work @ 10:00 (remote working),They have no idea I am in Barcelona lol
-Lengthen at 10:30
-See Alberto | PT Session @ 13:00
-Lengthen at 15:30
-Finish remote working @1800
-Go to ground zero to Cycle for 25 mins and walk for 45 mins @ 20:00
-Finish the day with some stretching, typically spend 20-30 mins.
-Final Lengthen at 11:30
My life has become very boring. Since leaving the hospital I only been out twice and that was for the Xrays. I know I can go out anytime I want but with crutches I am scared. I am scared someone will bump into me.
I have 2 more nights here before i fly back. Only mistake i made is i brought a cabin size suitcase with me, with crutches this is going to be a difficult task, i should have packed lighter so it all fitted in a backpack. I will do that for the second leg.
I am looking forward to returning back to the UK, so I can drive 😊
Pain wise, During the day i dont have any pain, i dont take any pain killers either during the day.
but sleeping wise, I take a paracetamol before I sleep, I typically get 5-6 hours before I wake up with discomfort in my knee, I then take another paracetamol and get good few more hours.
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Day 26 -
Back to Manchester :)
I did call vueling Airlines few days before and made them aware I needed assistance. Even tho I can use crutches, they place you on a wheel chair and I was pretty much on a wheel chair during the whole time in the airport. The airport assistance was excellent annd I would have found this extremely difficult if I didn't have this assistance. They make you skip all the lines too :) help you check in and get your bags etc.
https://ibb.co/Sw1TjwH
https://ibb.co/KyG8TZZ
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Nice Diary, It may take longer but i like the idea of lengthening 1 leg at a time.
Good work mate, Chase your Dreams.
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Thanks 4cm. yea it does take longer :-[ I wanted to do both legs at once and just get it all said and done in 4/5 months. but it meant quitting my job and I can't do that. Weirdly height meant everything to me years ago but now my work means more. I will be going back to work tomorrow and this is approx 3 weeks after surgery. It wouldn't have been possible if I did both legs.
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Just a heads up on your pain meds, Dont take anything with Diclofenac in it at the early stages like now as its shown to slow bone healing.
You could probably take it after first 4 months in small amounts but just beware because i used to take it while lengthening and my callus formation didnt progress til after i stopped Flexura D another name is Voltaren - ( diclofenac )
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Thanks for the heads up bro. So far, I have only been taking paracetamol, and at night. I did get all the other pain killers from the pharmacy but intentionally just sticking to paracetamol for the reasons you mentioned.
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Hi star-ray
Congrats on starting your journey! It is hard to get it started, but once it starts, you will get to the end.
Stay focused and strong!!
Good luck!
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Hi Stay-ray,
I had a question when you say you walk for 45 minutes, do you mean on a treadmill without the crutches or do you just walk with crutches on the ground? Because the nail is not fully weight bearing right?
Regards,
Frank
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Thanks ghost fish :) and yea it took me forever to get here and I really can't wait until am close to the finish line.
@frank, walking with crutches. It is not fully weight bearing. I can only press down upto 20 kg. I am meant to walk much as I can with crutches, it is meant to be good for consolidation. Now that am back in UK, I do a bit more walking. My work place is super close and I walk there and back.
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Day 62 -
I did an Xray on Saturday and my right leg has increased by 4.5 cm so far :)
Since my last update, i have been in the UK and lengthening at home. I do still go into work (Mon-Fri). The first few weeks on crutches, everyone was shocked and asked loads of questions.
I went to Barcelona on Friday (3rd May) for my Xray and a general check up with Dr Monegal. Dr Monegal was happy with my results and advised me on what to do next.
Since beginning of May, i have stop taken all Pain killers as the pain has been very low (Thank God).
The plan is do continue lengthening till 23rd May and then stop. This should get me a bit over the 6cm mark.
https://ibb.co/34hFmTg
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Day 80 -
I have reached 6.3 CM on my right leg. I have just done my last click and won't be lengthening any more. I feel sooooooooooooooo happy and relieved. I know this is only half way as I got to do this all again for the left leg, but seeing the difference between my left and right leg is amazing and the difference is crazy!
I have increased my walking with crutches. i am walking slightly weird, something i will need to improve on. i have brought special shoes which have hidden insoles, I didnt want to wear outsoles.
My Right leg has lost some muscle, as it looks a bit skinnier than my left. For me, this wasn't physically painful at all. Its a lot psychologically, being on crutches, means your not able to just go for a long walk. Co-workers all wanted to know what happened and its the draining because you can't tell them exactly why you are on crutches. Also, you can't do simple things like carrying a plate, grab a coffee on the go. and you do feel your being seen as somewhat disabled. This has given me a new perspective and made me realise how tough life is for someone who is actually permanently disabled.
My next target is to keep improving my walking on crutches, i want to be able to get to 30 mins without stopping. I will book a flight in June time to see Dr Monegal. I will try to before that, attempt to walk with out crutches or even go to one, as long as the Dr approves.
Wish you all well and if your right now doing LL, Proud of you :)
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Day 85 -
Having one leg 2 inches longer then the other is something am still getting use to. You can't really walk around with out insoles.
So far the main advantage I see with one leg at a time, is that I haven't quit my job. I wouldn't have been able to afford all of this if I had to quit. The disadvantage, it does feel like double the time.
https://ibb.co/sRYcJTH
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Congrats. Did dr. Monegal do the nail insertion from the knee(retrograde)?
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Thanks concernedmom.
And yes from the knee.
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So you did your right leg first？
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Yea, only done my right left so far. I plan to do my left leg hopefully late July, as long my consolidation is OK.
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You wait till July. You're a cautious boy not a greedy one. You deserve the best. Hope this isn't ur case but some patients ended up with a permanent discrepancy after 2 stage LL. Beware
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Thanks for the well wishes :) regarding discrepancy, i do plan to do few telemetries as I get past 5cm mark. However, Still a lonnng way to go for that.
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Bro , before do telemetry, work on knee extension ( especially AIS method that ı showed you)to get accurate result. your Legs are looking good.Nice work, keep going!
Stay Strong!
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Thanks man :) I do appreciate all the tips and support.esp on stretching. You did send me alot of good stuff man.I try to strecth daily but naturally, there are days when I feel exhausted from work.
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Day 98 -
I stopped lengthening my right leg last month on the 23rd. Since then i have been slowly trying to use one crutch but its been difficult. However today, it all just came together, my balance, the strength, and i was able to fully walk with no crutches. I actually didn't even need the crutches. Also i am walking on my new height (ish) and feels aaammmmmmamazzzingggggggg !!! :) Really cant describe how good i felt. I have not been comfortable in my own skin since secondary school. I will continue to use one crutch only and built up the distance. I am planning to see Dr Monegal on the 29th for general checkup and hoping my Xrays are good as how i feel.
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Did you reach 7 cm on this journey?
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Hey Otavio, no just bit above 6cm.
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Day 118 -
Just a quick update, just got back from Barcelona, i was there for the weekend. It was short trip to see Dr Monegal for a routine check up. My xrays shows my bone consolidation is good so far:)
I can now walk with out crutches and even stand on my right leg fully. The plan is now to get 2/3 weeks off from work in late July to do the surgery for my left leg.
https://ibb.co/gm8vpmM
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Day 141 -
Can't believe its been 141 days ! its been a boring journey and mentally a tough one. Tomorrow is my second surgery, this is to do my left leg. I am nowhere near as nervous when I did the surgery the first time. the first time I was extremely anxious, scared and almost backed out (thank God I didn't).
Recap:
-March 4th Surgery on the right leg
-May 23rd Stopped lengthening
-Gained 6.3 cm on the right leg
-Tomorrow, 24th July is the surgery on the left leg
I got to Barca this weekend. I've been walking around much as possible as i know i will be back on crutches and that means bye bye freedom for a bit. That said, walking isn't as easy, for few reasons; The insole I need to use for my left shoe is 7 cm, and the second reason, my right leg is still in the consolidation phase.
The thing i am weirdly looking forward to the most is buying some nice pair of trainers, i haven't purchased anything nice since i start wearing insoles 9 or more years ago. I have kept my eye on few, and can't wait till my left leg is done, So I can walk in my new height and buy them :) However, I do not like to get my hopes up early. Only 50 % of the journey is done. so i do visualize the things i can do once its completed but then pipe the idea out.
Some Info on the main man himself, Dr Monegal so far has been very helpful and most importantly, he makes time for me. I can't express how important that is. always respond to my messages pretty much within hours or 2, When i go to visit him for my Xrays, he does sit down and has a good catch up and doesn't rush anything. Also, there have been times when i have gone to see the Dr and there have been students that are shadowing him who are mostly aspiring surgeons and have a lot of respect for him.
The first time i made a big mistake of bringing a suitcase, I was not able to carry/wheel that when i was crutches. This time i have just packed everything in a backpack. I dont plan to stay in barca for a whole month this time either, i am hoping 14 days in total i can head back home.
One last thing, the only thing i disliked, is travelling on the plane, being wheelchaired through the airport and waiting on the plane for a chair to come and holding back all the aircrew and passengers, all these little time-consuming things caused by me, It does make me feel a bit stressed out. The very first time i travelled on a wheelchair, it was an OK and smooth experience, but the times after, I did have one bad experience.
I have mentioned this in a previous post, but this process has made me find a new perspective of what it must be like for someone with a disability and the difficulties they face daily. I realized what I can do to make it easier for them.
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Quick update:
Woke up at 6am to have water as that was my cut off time, had my last meal at 8 am. Now am waiting for my blood test. My surgery is scheduled for today at 5pm. If anyone has seen that GTA meme, 'ahh s***,here we go again'. That is how I feel lol.
https://ibb.co/WzhV5Pz
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Last update for today:
Just propley woke up, the surgery was a success :), praise the Lord and huge thanks to Dr Monegal for making my dreams to become reality.
I am freaking starving though and been told I can't eat for Few another more hours. Mannn I can really do with a KFC lol. I am very surprised on how much I can move my left leg literally hours after the surgery. They do take payment before the surgery at it was 19200 euros and so happy this is the last major payment I need to make towards gaining height. Took a long time to save up and so glad that I can now save up for other things in life. Dr. Monegal did remove the antenna from the right leg too :)
Wish you all well and good luck to any one who's about to embark the LL journey.
https://vimeo.com/349979196
Password is 1234
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day 144 -
Second day in Clinica Diagonal: I don't have much power to move my left leg. Weirdly right after the surgery I was able to move it alot. Maybe it was all the anaesthetic that hid the pain. Yesterday I did feel a bit sick, however today I am OK. As I am writing this I am using the cpm machine whiles listening to the one and only biggie :) I have requested to remove the epidural as I want to start using the walker, so, hopefully that can happen today. I do need to go back to work in 2 weeks so majority of lengthening will be done in UK.
My xrays shows that the Dr did an amazing job and amazing bone grafting.
https://ibb.co/P69n7dV
https://vimeo.com/350322911
Password is 1234
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day 152 -
Its been 10 days since I did the second surgery. I left Clinica Diagonal on Wednesday. The first few nights at MIC I didn't have my pain killers with me and boyyyyy oh boy, I tried to tough it out but then pain was 10/10.
The real challenge now is walking with this temporary discrepancy. See am meant to put parital amount of weight on the left leg (upto 15 kg) and walk with crutches. But one being 6 cm longer and using insoles shoes on the operated leg, makes it tricky. I don't want to wear 6cm platform for obv reasons. However I can walk when with no shoes, I might try walking with just normal shoes (no insoles). I go back to work next week so I will use one leg (right) to move around. Exercise both when I get home from work.
https://vimeo.com/351783217
Password is 1234
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Day 198 -
Its been 56 days since the second surgery (left leg). I did go and see Dr Monegal this weekend gone. My recovery has gone good so far. It feels so amazing standing tall on my right leg, my confidence level has gone up, i am extremely happy and i feel like i got my life back. I haven't stressed about my height in the last 2 months and finally feel comfortable in my own skin. i can focus on other things now and I feel so free :) oh and am wearing shoes that i actually like as i dont need to buy big bulky ones with insoles.
Dr Monegal was pleased with my consolidation and said 25 more days to go (0.8MM a day) to complete lengthening for my left leg.
https://ibb.co/ncYPYBR
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AND AM FINISHED !!! 8) 8) 8) Its been 74 days since the second surgery (left leg). I have done my last pulse today and no more lengthening required :) I can stand straight, and walk but been advised to use one crutch for a bit like a week until am comfortable without it.
in total it has been 216 days since the first surgery (right leg). I will post a video of me walking. Dr Monegal has been Ace, the surgery couldn't have been any better and my recovery has been good too (I thank God as well).
Now, I just want to see my friends and family again as i have been actively avoiding them as i didnt want anyone to know or see me during this phase.
Good luck to everyone doing LL !
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very happy to here that ، good luck dude
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well done star ray!
one question, is monegal going stryde in future?
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Thank you Atron and bushguy :)
Yupp, when I went for my check up last month, there was one guy there who just had stryde done.
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Great diary. I had missed this.
Doing one leg at a time is an interesting option. Apart from the stress of having to do surgery twice, apart from the extra time spent on LL, apart from feeling pain twice this seems like a safer option in general.
My biggest fear is doing one leg x cm and failing to complete the other leg x cm. That would mean a length discrepancy. Did you discuss this fear with Monegal?
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Thanks Cena, and yes, that was a fear of mine too before the surgery. When I went for my initial consultation, that was something Dr Monegal and I discussed and the liklihood was very low and I believed any complications like that would have been resolved.
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Hello Everyone!
Its been a while since I posted or been on here.
Recap to anyone whos seeing my Diary first time, I had my first surgery on March 5th 2019 (Right Leg) and then Second on July 24th 2019 )Left Left).
I have been walking and working normally for over a year now. It still feels unreal that I did all of this and gained height. I feel so much more confident in my skin and no longer obsess over height.
The Lockdown has made it impossible to get regular checks up but I have been in contact with the main man himself (Dr Monegal) and am hoping I can get the Nails removed in April.
Good luck to all my fellow Limb lengthers!!
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Best wishes for you new height!
Can I ask you why have you had a bone graft?
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AND AM FINISHED !!! 8) 8) 8) Its been 74 days since the second surgery (left leg). I have done my last pulse today and no more lengthening required :) I can stand straight, and walk but been advised to use one crutch for a bit like a week until am comfortable without it.
in total it has been 216 days since the first surgery (right leg). I will post a video of me walking. Dr Monegal has been Ace, the surgery couldn't have been any better and my recovery has been good too (I thank God as well).
Now, I just want to see my friends and family again as i have been actively avoiding them as i didnt want anyone to know or see me during this phase.
Good luck to everyone doing LL !
Congratulations for your new height, enjoy it so much.
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I have my Nail removal surgery today at 6pm :) !!!!
I've had my Fit Bone nails in for over 2 years and today hopefully they will be removed from both legs by Dr Monegal.
I wanted to get this removed last year but because of Covid/Traveling restrictions, it's not been easy to arrange to get to Barcelona from the UK.
My Journey so far has been smooth and I am very thankful for all the great work Dr Monegal has done for me. From the very first day and throughout my Journey, Dr Monegal has always been in constant contact and every time I see him in person, he seems so happy to see me. He has truly changed my life for the better.
If all goes well today, My journey which started in March 2019 to achieve 6cm has been successfully completed :)
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Nice to see a journey done one side at a time. I am considering this option or pure externals since Stryde is now out of the picture.
Were you fully recovered before nail removal? Did you face any limitations in any activities?
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The removal surgery was completed successfully :)
I do have to stay in Clinica Diagonal untill tomorrow morning and then will be discharged.
Now the Journey is truly completed.
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Hello "Want-3-inches",
Yes I was fully healed before this removal surgery. I was doing all exercises with the exception of sprinting and any squatting with weights and able to do all normal activities.
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Congrats star-ray! Now I think with the nails out you would recover completely (sprinting and all that)!
You mention you went to work while lengthening one side at a time. Wasn't it obvious to the others that you were doing this? A 6cm discrepancy would be very apparent especially with the knees being at different heights.