Limb Lengthening Forum
Limb Lengthening Surgery => Limb Lengthening Discussions => Topic started by: SpeedDialer on March 09, 2022, 02:27:13 AM
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Questions for LL veterans, especially for internals or went with Giotikas
Dr. Giotikas has the option of allowing his patients to leave for home after 6 weeks to finish the lengthening at home. I could do this or I could stay longer in Athens (which might cost more, I can't tell). I can't tell because if I come home early, I need to pay for x rays every 2-3 weeks and am uncertain what the expenses would be if I had a complication. I'm a bit afraid of a complication or leg length discrepancy but I'm also afraid of the costs of staying longer in Athens unnecessarily
I can go back home and will be able to be within 2 hours driving distance of Baltimore, which has some leg lengthening doctors, though I don't know if my insurance would cover complications.
I'm having a bit of a mental block on what to do. What would you recommend, what do you know about the costs, and what else would you consider?
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Also, what areas are worth cutting costs on what areas are not worth cutting costs on for doing LL with Giotikas?
It seems to me that there are a few areas to consider:
1. How long to stay in Athens (he lets patients leave after 6 weeks I believe)
2. Using the hotel's food vs looking for another food delivery service in Athens
3. Whether to pay to see a physical therapist in person after coming home after leaving Athens
4. Expenses if get a complication after coming home after the 6 weeks
I have alot of thoughts swirling through my head and some decision paralysis. I am trying to find an LL veteran to talk to for advice
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Did anyone go back home after 6 weeks to USA to finish the lengthening? How much should you budget for the doctors/physical therapy at home during that time period and what arrangements/info should you give them to be able to see them and make sure they are not booked?
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While you lengthen, and even after, you need PT, so that's a cost you shouldn't avoid.
I have a feeling that the doctor can assess the discrepancy just from x-rays, but you should ask.
Personally I am staying even after lengthening, to learn the PT exercises that I need to do to start walking again.
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Which doctor are you going with? I think with Dr. Giotikas he requires minimum 4 weeks at one of two hotels (the cheaper one being Montaza)