Limb Lengthening Forum
Limb Lengthening Surgery => Limb Lengthening Patients Experiences => Topic started by: Growth.journey on September 09, 2022, 02:34:48 AM
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Hi all,
I have surgery booked in with Betz in September 2022.
I thought I would prepare a diary in order to share my story, thoughts, feelings, journey and learnings along the way (with the idea that they may help someone else).
If you have questions, please send me a DM and i will try to answer, just to there is somewhat of a consistent flow of my posts vs off topic discussion.
If you have advice of the back of a particular topic, please post below so that it has a chronological order that can help people (including myself).
Days from surgery - Minus 10
About myself:
- 173cm
- Australian (most people, especially newer generation, are very tall here, often 180cm) from Melbourne.
- Early 30's
- I have done very well career wise for my age. The money for the surgery is huge (& will hurt my bank) but it will not set me back long-term in my financial goals as i already own an apartment which is 60-70% paid off, have a few small online businesses and will be maybe 7 months post tax salary for me. I also think my next job will be around 1.5x - 2x this salary so in tomorrow's money it is not as much. I do worry about interest rates going up though as I am using this money from excess mortgage that i have paid down already.
- I currently work in the office 75% of the month (we have to at minimum).
- I have a girlfriend who lives with me.
- I have a long upper body and shortish lower body. I am relatively muscular but don't do much cardio or sports, just mostly upper body weights but am flexible.
Why do the surgery:
- I have always had bad height neurosis, ever since high school. I was around my height tall in year 7-8 but everyone outgrew me from year 8 onwards. I started wearing thick shoes, shoe lifts. This made me embarrassed to take off my shoes which meant i avoided beaches, peoples houses where i had to take off shoes and even around the home by myself i would wear shoe lifts in my inside shoes. Whenever i went somewhere i compared my height and it was literally always on my mind, like a cancer eating away at my happiness.
- My father is taller than me and my cousins are all 6 foot 2 or above. It is embarrassing going to family events.
- I have always researched from a young age how to get taller. There are a lot of things that don't work which are advertised, like drinking milk,
Why Betz
- Only remaining weight bearing nail in market.
- Ability to do lengthening process from my home country.
- Recent journals in the last 2-3 years have all been overwhelmingly positive with great outcomes. I had some serious concerns about earlier journals but it seems like he has improved his nail material, improved his surgery technique (with very clean breaks and being more conservative now on rates of lengthening), has a new assistant doctor (who might be bringing a fresh and youthful perspective on the above matters) and Betz is even now doing ITB releases, which he was not doing previously. I think all of these factors are leading to some really good outcomes, but i am still very nervous about this as it is a major surgery. Am i crazy for wanting to do this? I would never tell another person in real life about this, i know for sure they would think i am crazy, especially since i hide my real height.
- Initially i wanted to do tibia lengthening, as i communicated before i think my tibias look shortest (albeit my whole lower body is much shorter than upper body). But after doing more research i realised this surgery was quite risky, couldn't lengthen as long and Betz was known for Femurs. Whilst i would still prefer longer tibias i have decided the most practical approach is to do femur lengthening.
- The advice of others is not to target a specific length, rather to aim for a conservative number, listen to your body and if you are performing well to do more. The length recommended to stay under is 8cm. Personally if i got 7cm i would be incredibly happy. It is a good number, would get to me to 180cm and is under the 8cm danger mark. That being said if i need to stop at 6cm i would also be ok with this and also if things are going great, then i am also ok to push to 8cm, but not more than that.
The booking / surgery planning
- I booked the trip several months ago, i cant remember exactly, maybe 9 months ago. I wanted to have my lengthening completed by Christmas so i could be ok when i see family and go into 2023 a new man. July or August would have been ideal but the earliest i could do was September.
- The strategy is for me to spend 3 weeks with betz (i booked 3 weeks of leave), fly back, and communicate to my work at this point in time that i will need to work from home, spend 3 months (or ideally less) lengthening whilst working from home, and then maybe for consolidation start going back into the office everyday.
How i am feeling / mental preparation
- I have been relatively nonchalant going into the process (didn't seem quite real) up until about 3 weeks ago , when it started becoming more real by the day. I have been madly researching previous diaries, trying to learn as much as possible, visualise every step of the trip and every question or problem that might arise. To be honest i am probably still unprepared. I don't think i can properly comprehend what i am getting into until i actually arrive. That being said, logically i know this is something that i need to do, but emotionally i am absolutely terrified. I am afraid of making the wrong decision, the huge guilt of what i am putting my girlfriend through, of lying to people about the surgery, of the upcoming pain and huge inconvenience to my life that will come up, what if severely impact my career/work/reputation, what if someone finds out. What if i have a physical issue like non-consolidation, pre consolidation, or have a nail or screw break and have to fly back.
- I am dreading the 3 week process, including the flights, the surgery, the pain, being away from friends and family. But i know once i get past this 3 week process things will only get better from there. It is like a V shape, where it is at its worst initially, then a long steady improvement, and then for the rest of remaining 50-70 years of my life will be significantly better than my life before (i.e. removing neurosis)
- If anyone has any supporting advice or went through the same thing but now they are really glad they made the decision, please let me know, it will be helpful and reduce the chance that i don't freak out at the last minute and pull out.
- I also haven't paid yet but will need to pay next week, so i am also worried about making the payment, then pulling out, whether i can get this money back. But i am trying to see it through for a better life for me long-term.
That's all i've got for this post, but i am not flying out for another week, so i am starting quite early. I will try and keep this updated with a greater level of detail than i have seen in other posts.
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You're off to a good start buddy.
It is as you say. Worst part are the first 2 weeks IMO.
Try not to stress too much about it. Betz or other good doctor (im at week 2 post op with Giotikas) are good surgeon with good teams behind them.
Surgery day will come soon and in a matter of hours you'll be done and dusted with the hardest part. Try to focus on the present moment at rach stage and in some (perhaps weird) way, enjoy the process. That helped me mentally through the first week (hardest by a long shot).
Good luck!
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Best of luck, Growth.journey! I look forward to reading your diary.
Your post says you haven't told anybody so I'm assuming you haven't told your girlfriend either. Does she think you're going on holiday for three weeks?
Also just curious why you chose Dr Betz over Guichet or Giotikas with the g-nail?
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Thanks @Ozboy39 - actually this is really good advice. Taking it day by day, not stressing and trying to enjoy the process (as much as one can). I am trying to adopt this mindset as much as possible, i can see the excitement in a trip, something different, a completely unique life experience. I think my stress definitely subsided a lot this week because of this, but maybe i am just distracted or being naïve.
Thanks @thanksscience, that's correct, something like that. Re Betz over Guichet/Giotikas, i guess it was reading through diaries and seeing some really great patient experiences with Betz recently (as well as the points I have written in my post above, though I'm sure some could apply to all of them.
Anyway, i will keep going with my diary.
Days from surgery - T minus 8 days
My fear has subsided slightly (thanks OzBoy) but still very nervous and it is like a huge weight on my chest. I find writing in this diary helps to get some off my chest too since i feel like i cannot talk to anyone about this.
I have shifted into planning and packing mode. I have bought a exercise bike as I read another article which had really good outcome and they used a bike a lot. I think exercise promotes bone growth. I have also bought exercise stretch bands heavy duty and started doing some stretches with them, like pulling leg towards me, pulling leg towards me and to the side (ITB stretch), putting the bands around my thights and pushing outwards wiht my legs as well as practising the movement i have seen in Betz videos for the clicking. I think whilst i am quite flexible i have tight hips which might be a problem.
In terms of packing, i read somewhere that people brought too much stuff before. I also realise i am coming home on a long journey, i will not be able to walk on crutches and bring a suitcase, that will just not work for me, so i have decided to bring a backpack. I guess the question is how big of a backpack and how many clothes i will need. I have emailed Betz but if anyone can provide some guidance here (i.e. can they wash your clothes which will mean i can bring less). I am thinking of bringing 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of shorts, 2 weeks worth of undies and shirts. Hoping they can wash it. I think i can fit all of this, a laptop, charger, power converter and a few other things in a backpack. Let me know if you think otherwise.
I am trying to think about what other things i need to do to prepare, e.g. stretching now, certain exercises, practising clicking movement, thinking about items to pack etc. I am also thinking about when i get back if i can get physio covered under private health insurance, but i am trying to do as much as possible myself i.e. disciplined stretching and exercise on the bike machine.
Questions for others based on my current stage of journey:
1. What should i be packing (e.g. key things i might forget) and how much should i be bringing (e.g. 1.5 -2 weeks of clothes in a backpack work?)
2. Any things i should be doing before i go, e.g. certain stretches or exercises
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No worries GrowthJourney,
Feel free to reach out anytime if you feel like it (sent you DM). Many of us are doing this thing "solo" so it's helpful to be bale to talk openly to someone during the process.
My 2 cents on what to bring
- long USB cable (2mt). Thst saved me in the hospital where the charging port was kind of distant from my bed
- if you haven't done so , purchase a e-sim with plenty of data. Inknow it's only 3 weeks but staying connected is what helped me most and wifis here are crap. I found one with 60Gb per month and it was around 50 euro or so.
- Download whatever food delivery app is available there in your region. That's a a game changer if you haven't done so yet. If there's any good restaurant that'll help you mentally (last night I got myself a tub of artisan ice cream.... soo good). Sometimes you need that.
-if you can afford it, please upgrade the return fight to business class. My but/hips hurt a lot if I stay seated for more than 20 mins.
Lastndont worry too much. If you forget anything I'm sure the team at Betz will help you out in no time.
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Good Luck, you should be fine with Dr.Betz as long as you dont overlengthen! Dont do more than 8cm on femurs!
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Wow, wish you good luck. This will be the first diary I get to keep up with consistently. Just wondering, how long do you think you can hide this from your gf? Not to be negative but I don't think you'll be able to hide this from her for long. It's months of recovery.
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Thanks everyone for your support. If i haven't answered your question it means it is too personal, no offence, just prefer to keep some things private. Here is an update.
Last week before i flew out was a rollercoaster of emotions. I was so stressed, couldn't think straight at work, felt enormous guilt for leaving my gf/family/friends/job etc. for something which i am sure if told anyone they either wouldn't believe or me or would think i was crazy. So i basically held off making the deposit until the last minute just in case i had any late changes of mind. It was a really tough week mentally. Anyway, i decided to proceed and I made the payment. Because i had to make an international payment, my bank actually used a 3rd party called OFX. So i was already late and then they wanted to use another third party - i said no way, especially since OFX has like a 2/5 rating on google. SO i ended up transferring the amount to my other bank account and paying from there. I had to visit the branch in person and make the payment, they made me fill out forms to ensure i knew i wasn't being scammed etc. Also they totally screwed me on the forex spread. Ended up costing a lot more than i thought.
Anyway i flew out and my god the journey was so long and difficult. It was 8 hours, then 7 hours layover, then 11 hour flight. All in one day. I made up in my mind that there is no way i am flying back again unless it is for the final nail removal. It is just too painful. I arrived and Thomas, the driver picked me up from the airport. It was very surreal arriving in a foreign country, not knowing anyone and speaking to someone who knew what i was about to do. It was weird but Thomas made it feel a bit more normal as a i spoke to him and after a while i was comfortable speaking with him and asking him lots of questions etc.
It was a long drive, surprisingly long, i didn't realise how long it was. It took about 2 hours, but looking out the window the countryside was very beautiful, but i missed my home country (Melbourne where I am from). Eventually we arrived, i was feeling positive after the conversation with Thomas. He dropped me at an ATM to get cash for his trip as I did not have any (i assumed the driver was part of the package, but it is not, it is actually 200 EURO which i thought was a bit too high of a price but what choice did i have).
When I arrive, i checked into my hotel. I chose a cheap option, i would not recommend this, spend more to get the more expensive option. As soon as I checked in, Thomas came and told me the Xray machine at the hospital was not working today and that we would need to go to another hospital they had lined up. Thomas drove me there, helped me get the xrays (it was quite quick - though i haven't done this before, its quite weird, they get you to stand in different positions with an xray cover over your balls) and drove me to a PCR test ($100 EURO). No-one really spoke english, everyone only spoke german but Thomas helped me communicate. At the end, Thomas asked me for another $50 Euro for this extra driving around and help which was not scheduled. I paid him but i wasn't really happy about this as it was not my fault. But it is fine / done now.
At 1pm i was meant to have an initial consult with Betz. However Daniela messaged me and said this was too early, so I walked around, got lunch, bought a sim card (7gb) and waited in my hotel room. At 3pm Daniela came to pick me up. To my surprise, there was another patient in the car. He had done the surgery a month ago. When i was speaking to him, i found out that he left the hospital after 7 days (not usual 14) and was having trouble clicking and had to come back to have it under anaesthesia. When i heard this my heart sunk and felt that fear/panick feeling coming up through my stomache. My god, if this happens to me i cannot imagine having to fly back to here AGAIN.
At 3.10pm i went into betz office, they measured me (171cm actually, i got it wrong) and weighed me (74kg), and took photos of me in different angles. I filled out a bunch of forms and then I went into Betz's office. We had a conversation, i was still feeling panicked after what i saw. Betz told me that only about 6% of patients have this issue and need to fly back under anaesthesia, he also said it was more of a mental problem and that he could have pushed through it. Finally he mentioned this patient left hospital after 7 days (not 14 recommended) and that it was not good to do this, this also contributed to the problem. You need to stay until you are confident in clicking and they can monitor you etc. Still, this is my biggest fear. Any tips here on how to mitigate this risk, e.g. can i practice clicking early / do any particular stretches which will make clicking a breeze? I have been taking a stretch band, wrapping it around my foot and pulling it out to the side similar to the click motion. I also saw in a video the m doing the motion whilst sitting down so i have been practising it. Any help here would be appreciated.
Betz was fantastic in his meeting, he was caring, patient, knowledgeable and intelligent. He stayed with me 5 hours going through everything and answering every possible question. I might do a post below in more detail about some of the questions i had and his responses, to save others time. He definitely made me feel comfortable i had made the right choice in terms of other nails etc. Betznail just makes so much sense, none of the other nails really compare. The only downside is manual clicking motion but you have to accept this as otherwise it means iron/magnetism/risk of corrosion. I signed all of BEtz's documents, he drove me home in his car. I went straight to bed as i was exhausted.
I have anaesthesia booked today. Surgery is booked for day after. I will be in hospital 14 days, then back at hotel for 3 days then fly back. I was going to stay at Elke's but Betz correctly identified that it was 60km away, not worth it for this time and i would be better of using the time at the gym, plus i will be close to hospital and betz. Betz said this was enough time, no issues, but i hope everything goes smoothly, especially the clicking and i also hope time goes quickly as I really want to be back home in Melbourne as soon as possible. I am very nervous, please wish me well.
Thats all for this diary.
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who will do the surgery? betz or becker?
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Good luck Growth.journey! Hope everything goes smoothly.
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@ten - betz will do surgery supported by Becker. He said wonderful things about Becker.
@thankscience / Thankyou for kind worlds
Further to the above post, here are some questions and discussion points from the consultation with betz (which I spent 5 hours with him)
- betz talked about all the different nails and why betz nail is the superior nail. Eg not made of iron so cannot corrode which there are some nasty cases of, can control clicks exactly so you always know the exact length you have measured, making X-rays less
Important. Lengthening mechanism is obviously challenging with manual but it prevents many problems as magnetism requires iron.
- talked about Becker. Betz spoke so very highly of Becker. He said many heads of departments has applied but he hasn’t found anyone who could control the tools like Becker.
- I asked betz if I could try and bend the nail with my hand. I did full force tried to bend and it did not budge.
- talked about screws, this was a concern for me in terms of breakages as I have heard some people had broken nails and needed to get it replaced. Betz was certain as long as you don’t engage in jumping or risky behaviour like running up 3 stairs at a time you will be fine.
- talked about any long term issues from other cases, he said none.
- talked about IT band release. He said is doing soft release for all
Surgeries and you don’t need to request it. He isn’t super happy about it but he does it for everyone now.
- you can work out as long as you’re sitting down. You can’t pick up weights.
- asked if I could cook in the kitchen he said that’s fine .
- asked if I could walk a dog and bend over and pick up it’s poops. He said it’s fine.
- asked about working from home. He said his best patients are the ones that go back to work almost immediately. This is because the daily stresses like catching a train, walking to meetings etc force you to be on your feet, your muscles adapt faster your bones grow faster. He said sitting down is really bad and you should avoid it. Yes if you work from home you get more time for stretches etc but he said he is worried about peopl just ending up sitting down all day and that’s worse than going into your office. If you have a standing desk at work this is perfect he said.
- I asked about if the crutches were more to prevent falls etc or if needed for weight bearing. He said the nails beat up to 100kg so they can fully support you immediately but for long walks should bring crutches but probably more to prevent falls etc
- talked about if some exercises are better than others eg hydro walking, gym, cycling, walking, stretches. He said they are all good and should try to do multiple not one is better.
- talked about other patient who’s in for clocking under anaesthesia. He said this was less than 6% of cases and rare. Also more of a psychological factor and also this patient left hospital early before they were ready. So this gave me comfort but was still nervous.
- talked about to betz would still be there for my nail removal. He said he will reduce hours but will be there especially if requested.
- no problem to have sxx , part of the healing process if anything.
- can help with shopping , can pick up shopping bags but not more than say 10kg
- bike is dangerous if you fall but some patients do it and they are fine. But if you fall it’s your own risk. Better to sue stationery.
- sleeping position, said side is ok but may be sore from entry wounds. Will hve access to pain meds. Prefers not to give sleeping pills but will give one if requested. Melatonin ok.
- importance of physiotherapist if you are doing all exercises stretches etc. he said difficult question to answer as depends on many things but can be helpful to have a therapist jist looking over what you are doing and correct from a high level, even if you are doing everything.
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Good choice, man!
Betz/Becker are exzellent. Try to get beckers mobile after your hospital as he is very quick in his answers. Betz will also reply to your messages but it will take sometimes a couple of hours/days. Nevertheless I have not regret to do this surgery with them and taking the betzbone. His advantages are unique and makes him to the best nail at the Moment and the majority find a workaround with clicking
I can only suggest to follow stricktly Betz advice. For example dont think that 3-4 hours stretching are enough, if they suggest to do 5 hours. It is very likely that you will succeed, if you do what they say. So good luck and stay optimistic!
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Congratulations on embarking on your journey and good luck with it all
I am actually in a remarkably similar position to you - from Australia, same exact height, looking to book with Betz so particularly interested to hear your thoughts on how it all goes.
Just wondering what the timeline from initially contacting them to booking a surgery date is, I have prepared for the last year to be in a position to take time off work, financially, stretching etc,. and reached out to their office via email a few days ago, but it seems to be fairly slow replies and the earliest they are even available for a zoom into chat is in November (I was hoping to book surgery in for November)
Was that your experience/what is the usual availability like from the initial consultation to surgery is it weeks or months? I know you said you booked it in 9 months ago just not sure if that's because of planning/timeline on your end and how it panned out or their availability.
Also do you mind if I DM you some questions?
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@Taller90: Thankyou for your advice. i agree, we need to listen to exactly what betz/becker say, they are incredibly experienced. Then if you go above this (but not so much you are hurting yourself, just a little abit above your comfort zone) you will do well.
@Vincent: Yes you can DM me, i think it took about 6-9 months booking in advance. I think they are getting more busy as Betzbone is the best option on market and Betz is approaching retirement.
Diary update - 3 days post surgery
It is harder for me to update the diary as i am now in recovery mode but i will try. I get tired easily now and cannot always reach my laptop
Day after my consult with Betz my only task was to speak with anaesthia, as forms need to be filled out day before surgery. It was an admin day. Daniela drove me to hospital and i walked with her to hospital ward where we would stay post operation (same as anaesthia). Whilst waiting, Daniela introduced me to my roommate, who was 3 days ahead of me in the process. He was a really nice guy and he spoke fluent german and english which is incredibly helpful as most of the staff do not speak English. I watched him walk on crutches for the first time since surgery, it was amazing. I had a positive feeling about him and knew we would get along well as roommates already. I waited for a few hours, met the anaesthia doctor then went back to hotel. You cannot drink or eat before anaesthia as it is dangerous, so i read through betz stretching guide, did more stretches then had an early night. It is a good idea to bring some melatonin to help you sleep as well as a stretching band.
Next day was surgery day, i had to check out of my hotel and check into the hospital by 7am. I walked there myself with my luggage as the hotel is only 15 mins walk from the hospital. It was a bit confusing trying to communicate with the hospital staff but i eventually found my room and settled. My roommate was awake so we made small talk and i asked more questions. It was a surreal feeling and a bit scared but i was also mentally resolved as i had come this far. I got dressed into a surgery gown, got into bed and a nurse came in to shave my legs for surgery. I was then wheeled to a hospital room, had a drip put on and talked with doctor. i then had the mask on and went under general anaesthia.
Next minute i was in a room awaking up out of a deep slumber. I had pain 4.5 / 10. I told the nurse and they gave me something in a drip and it felt much better, maybe 1.5. Betz came round and told me the surgery was success and quick, only 2 hours as my bones were very straight, no curvature. He used size 12 nails. I came back to my room though i was in and out of consciousness. They give you very good painkillers and there is an opiate you can press on the side of the bed to get painkillers under your tongue every 20 minutes. i didn't need it too much, i maybe pressed it 3 x per day and per night for the first 1.5 days.
After surgery, same day, betz and daniela came to my room and we started walking immediately. I felt very happy and elevated to be doing this, but it was probably because of the drugs. I was very dizzy from the anaesthesia, your face feels very hot and you get a big dizzry rush. They said not to over do it, so i went back and went to sleep. It is amazing how quickly you can start walking, truly amazing.
The next day i was very tight and sore, i could barely move my legs. There is definitely a step backwards from the first day but everyday you feel some progress. But i could barely move and my legs were inflamed, so i just slept and spoke to my roommate a lot, who is a great guy. We talked about our past, history, jobs, partners, reasons for doing surgery and many other things. The food is typical hospital food, not very good but not terrible either. I brought with my some protein powder from the local supermarket which i have been eating as well to supplement the nutrition. IT is hard to eat this but i think it is helpful.
Day 2 post surgery the physio came and she did some stretching with me. I was very tight. I also tried walking but when i got to the side of my bed i felt very dizzy and nauseous so i had to stop. this was disappointing as i wanted to walk, but it is important not to overdo anything. Instead, i stretched the rest of the day with my stretch band (very important you bring one). Already in one day I feel a lot of difference in my ability to move my leg. They tell you to do a stretching movement like pulling your femur towards your chest (i would ahve practiced this stretch more before i came) as well as using a band to lift up your tibia and move it left and right.
Day 3 - my sleep has been ok. I dont feel too disrupted. my lower back is starting to hurt, i tried sleeping on my side and it was possible. Today i spent all morning stretching, my movement is getting better but i still struggle to move my lower legs by themselves. the phsyio told me to practice trying to sit on the side of the bed in advance of my session today, where i will try and walk on crutches. Wish me luck. Otherwise i am in okay spirits. It is an incredibly difficult journey but it is nothing compared to what our ancestors went through in terms of wars etc. I am also watching netflix and stretching, messaging friends etc. so it is not terrible. Plus i have a great roommate. so my spirits are decent but there is still a long journey ahead of us, including clicking and travelling home, but the best strategy is take it 1 day at a time and it will be easier. Hopefully my walking goes ok.
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Day 4
Short update from my phones
My last entry I had just tried walking (probably a bit later than others, probably because of the timing of the weekend as the physio isn’t here). I have probably been a bit conservative and made sure I’ve been stretching for several hours each day.
I finally used the crutches and I actually walked all the way down the hall and went on the bike on my first day. Daniela said my walking was excellent. I think it is because I didn’t try to push myself too hard (I think it’s about finding the point where you are outside your comfort zone but not so far that you hurt yourself the next day) plus always stretching using my bands.
I was soo tired after this walking. I stretched the rest of the day and went for another walk that night but it’s painful. I also tried doing a new stretch in bed, basically a quadriceps stretch using my band, and I had the best sleep I’ve had since coming here. I highly Recommend this stretch.
I did my first as well since coming here as the medication makes you really consitpated. Other posts from people hve said that they needed a drug to clear their stomachs but fortunately I was able to go by myself and felt so much better.
Next day, day 5 (incl surgery)
I woke up feeling great after my deep sleep. Standing is always hard / painful in the morning but goes away by morning after your stretches and painkillers. I had my first shower, it’s kind of challenging but you get there in the end. I did another so sounds like my body is recovering, and I also brushed my teeth.
After my shower I had my bandages replaced and I feel so much fresher. I have been stretching a lot , especially adding in an ITB stretch where you cross your leg over and pull it toward you.
My walking is getting exponentially better, I will try to do a lot of walking today and cycling too.
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Glad to hear you're doing well. Do you start clicking on Day 7?
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That’s right - clicking starts at day 7.
Does anyone have any tips for clicking? Ie stretches to do in advance that will reduce the pain or any particular movements like focussing on hip rotation first then moving tibia / using a stretch band or chair?
I am Nervous for it
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That’s right - clicking starts at day 7.
Does anyone have any tips for clicking? Ie stretches to do in advance that will reduce the pain or any particular movements like focussing on hip rotation first then moving tibia / using a stretch band or chair?
I am Nervous for it
Don‘t worry about clicking they will spent as much time with you as you need. I started clicking on day 4 I had pain on my incision site when I rotated my hips for the first 2 weeks but my tip is, if it‘s hurting too much on the hips, ask for the rope method were you put your foot into a rope/band (your leg dangling in the air) and then move your knee / tibia horizontally instead of letting it drop. It rotates the hip less and is less painful. I still use the same method even back home. In general I wouldn‘t be too anxious about clicking. It‘s going to be alright you will have a good feeling for it.
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best of luck !! I am currently 2 months into consolidation . feeling great !
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Thanks all
@reallostsoull - thanks for your tips on clicking. Can I ask why you started clicking so early? I understand betz does it on day 7
Day 5
Woke up very stiff. Stretched lots. Biked lots. My walking on crutches has improved dramatically. The physio came today (after weekend break) she said my walking was very impressive (my technique is to lift knee high when walking plus lots of stretching. She showed myself and roommate new stretches. Then she took me to the stairs to practice walking up and down stairs for the first time. It is not that difficult.
Afterwards I went to the gym for the first time. It is a long walk about 200m and I was exhausted walking there, especially after my session in morning and stair climbs. But I made it and I didn’t feel any pain other than soreness in my arms from the long walk with crutches. At the gym we did several machines like leg press, bike, adductors and leg extension. It was fine but tiring. Then we walked back - I was exhausted.
It was my roommates first day clicking, so after Daniela came and showed him the process. We were both nervous as we had heard some bad stories about pain. But he did it like a champ and didn’t really feel pain. His technique was to put bed rest up on back then spread legs to edge of bed (knees raised) then push knee towards inside of bed. There is a loud pop then you reset the Mechanims. I was very happy for him that it was not difficult but seeing it in person made me nervous for my own clicking in 2 days.
Also a patient who had left 1-2 days ago had to return because he could not click at home, this made me even more nervous because maybe you can click okay at the beginning but it can change. We suspect the person who came back did not stretch enough - he walked a lot but I don’t think he stretched as much as we do - stretching is critical and my roommate and I do this a lot.
Any other tips for clicking would be much appreciated and I really hope my clicking is not too painful too. I am practising the motion to stretch the muscle without applying any force in anticipation.
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my 2 cents , eat a lot , rest a lot .
good luck !!!
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Day 6
I asked Daniela if i could start clicking 1 day early as things were progressing well. She agreed. I had to ask the nurses 3 times for muscle relaxer which starts on day 7 - a really important drug. I went to the gym at 11am and increased my weight on all machines. My walking is getting better, i am walking with speed and stamina.
After the gym, Daniela came to do clicking with me. I was nervous as i had been testing it myself but couldnt get a click, so was getting worried. Daniela is truly an expert though, she knows exactly all the tips and tricks. I got it and the clicking was actually quite easy. I did 6 clicks each leg in about 5-10 mins total. No pain, just a weird sensation in my leg as the mechanism resets and pops.
The first click she said to do the traditional way which is to lie on your back, put leg in air and twist. Neither my roommate or i liked this method, but perhaps you need to do it for the first one to 'release' it better. After that Dani showed us the better / easier technique, which is to lie in bed, put on leg to the side and pull the leg inwards. it is much more comfortable and easy to do.
My tips for clicking technique (for right leg, do the opposite for left leg)
- Warm up for 15-20 minutes like walking, bike and stretching. Best done after the gym and or long stretching session. Also take a muscle relaxer so there is no tension.
- Sit on the left hand 30% of the bed to give you room. Sit up, maybe 60 degree.
- Put your right leg to the side of the bed, quite wide, so the toes are almost dangling off. The foot should be a 45 degree to the bed. Your leg is straight, knee is bent upwards maybe 45 degrees. Your other leg is just lying straight on the bed.
- Twist your upper body to the right, ideally with your right arm, grab on to the bed side/handle. Shift your body weight to your right side/hip/buttock.
- Lean in a bit to your right (this was what i was missing for it to work easy)
- Place left arm on knee and gently pull down. Be gentle, any sign of stress just hold it until it gives away like a muscle. Relaxation and breathing is key.
- Click!
- To reset the movement, pick up your foot with left hand and knee with right hand and pull towards you. You should get a pop.
- important to write down every click somewhere as it is easy to lose count.
Anyway time for more stretching, what a relief it is done.
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Thanks all
@reallostsoull - thanks for your tips on clicking. Can I ask why you started clicking so early? I understand betz does it on day 7
Because I had a very good start with 0 swelling and 0 inflammation and I was walking really well from the beginning.
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Hi Growth.journey,
is it always the same anesthesiologist who does the anaesthesia at the Betz Institute?
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can you walk without any support?
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How many LL surgeries has becker performed in total? Did you ask this?
Since when are Betz and Becker working together?
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Limbfan / yes same one
Bagga / yes for short distances but prefer to use crutches
Becker / he has only been working with betz for 2 years I think but he has already done hundreds of surgeries with him.
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thanks for the reply!! do you know if becker does any deformity cases also?
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Did you ask Dr. Becker/Dr. Betz if they've ever had a patient death?
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Day 11
- things are generally going well. The thing that is really bothering me is that clicking on my right leg is getting really hard to find the click. Fortunately I don’t feel a lot of pain but I find it quite hard to get the clicking mechanism working. Left lag is actually quite easy for me but I feel like it’s taken me hours to get 15 on the right and many seem to be accidental or not a traditional click. It starts to hurt my leg after awhile simply from pushing it in all different directions trying to get a click.
Given the left is so easy for me I wonder if it’s something wrong with the nail. Or maybe my legs just vary a lot in flexibility, either way it is causing me stress , particularly when I fly back to my country in a few days. I cannot fly back here it is just too far, and is making me unhappy/sad.
I’ve started clicking on the floor too instead of the bed because I wanted to get accustomed to something I have at home, which is a floor, I don’t have a hospital bed at
Home. I noticed having a shower made it really
Easy to do the clicks on the left side too, but just can’t the technique on the right.
Can anyone share more tips / knowledge to help me out?
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Growth.Journey:
I read another discussion about mechanical nail like Betzbone. Before doing the clicking, the guy covered himself with hot water in a bath tub, it takes him 10 minutes for the muscles to loosen in order to make the click.
See the video at 1:19 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uame5znQ_sI&t=148s
"I wonder if it’s something wrong with the nail". If you don't mind, Could you upload your x-ray
Sorry for my bad English. It's not my first language
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Thank you Lim lengthening warrior this is great advice I think the bath is a great tip I’m at I’m still at the hospital so there is no bath available but when I get back to my home country I will definitely be having a lot of baths to get around this at the hospital I’ve been having a lot of showers like three or four per day because the warm water really loosens up the muscles I always have a warm shower before I do my my clicks.
As an update on my clicking I think I’ve found a technique that works for me finally after so much trial and error the bad technique that Danny teaches it’s okay but it didn’t work super well for me because I had to try so many different positions and twist my knee a lot and shift my body weight around that it didn’t hurt in of itself but the fact that I had to try semi positions to find the click which was really difficult for me meant that my muscles were sore my knee was sore etc so I found a much better technique for me was the one that gets his straight to the motion that you need for the click and for me that is the one in Betz videos which is the one where you are lying down you have your foot in the air and you’re holding one your left hand is holding your ankle or your shin and your right hand is holding any and then you slowly twist the lower leg outward until you feel a click.
I thought this motion would be very uncomfortable and it is it feels quite a natural but as I said before I get you to the the the motion straight away so if you don’t feel pain from your muscles then it’s a great technique now I did this and I have my left leg I was able to get a click really really easy and then I did 20 clicks in like less than five minutes it was amazing I was so happy so relieved unfortunately my right leg I was still having a lot of problems the technique originally didn’t work for me on my right leg I couldn’t get the bed technique to work on my right leg I had done 10 clicks today using the Danny method on the bed but it was now 3 pm and I hadn’t finished the rest of my 10 clicks cause I’ve been busy at like the gym and getting x-rays and other things and I was feeling very stressed out.
The issue is for whatever reason my right leg in order to get the click requires almost a 90° twist where is my left leg only requires like a 45 or 50 maybe 60° twist which is much easier I can twist my right leg 6070° but as soon as you start going more than that it becomes my muscles my muscles start feeling stretched in fact I pulled my quad trying to get the click it was very difficult painful frustrating and scary. What if I couldn’t click. So then in desperation I tried a slightly different technique I put the bed all the way down so I was lying on my back and I put my stretch band around my knee and held up my leg so it was dangling in the air so that way I could just focus on the twisting motion this is a great tip it really allows you to focus on the angle arm and I finally did it I got to the point of basically pain or uncomfort and I kept pushing and pushing and pushing and finally I got the click I was such a big relief it’s really uncomfortable process but at least I know I can do it now and I have a technique that works which is a huge huge relief for me but yeah clicking is a really really unpleasant process I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone but unfortunately we have to do it magnetism causes corrosion as we know from other devices so if you want to live in length and this is what you have to do the whole time I was doing it I was thinking of my girlfriend at home I said I’m doing this for you I don’t wanna be stuck here in this other country I want to come home to you I’m gonna fight through this I’m gonna do it for you and I did it so this is a huge relief for me to end the day and gives me confidence that I finally have a solution.
Apologies for any spelling mistakes above I am using my voice typing tool.
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Your journey is so Inspiring!
I am so glad you found the right technique! How do you know if you're not pushing too much to bend / break something? But what a relief it must be. Where is the pain coming from exactly, and how bad is it out of ten?
Did you get an ITB release with Dr Betz? Was this ITB release the same as any other ITB release? I heard ITB release should cause major relief of any pain.
You are already doing so well. My Surgery will be sometime next year, and i am so nervous, but Dr Betz is a good man, and i trust him personally. He is utterly passionate in what he does, and the team around him are fantastic.
His stadiometer i think might be 1-2cm less in measuring. If you are 173cm and measured 171, it's likely the stadiometer. I also had a bit of a shock as i have obsessively measured and hit at least 174/174.5cm evening height (12 hours after waking/walking around etc) but it measured me at 173cm!
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Hi Growthjourney,
Great to hear that you find that twisting technique working. I had a very similar story with clicking where with the initial "conventional" technique it was hard to find the click.
One piece of advice that helped me tremendously to achieve a super easy clicking.
So, when I started this technique with the leg dangling, I was still having to twist one leg (the left one for me) almost 90 degrees before the click. It was doable but that put some strain on my knee.
Since then, because the right leg instead required perhaps 30degrees to click, I thought... These nails aren't dissimilar in design. If one is 30 degrees the other must be the same.
So i actually noticed that because of the angle of the lower part of my leg, the 90 degree rotation of the lower leg weren't translating to a 90 degree rotation of the "lower part of the quad" leg which is the one that twists. Do you get what I mean?
My lower leg was yes twisting a lot, but because the angle compared to my lower leg was big (like 100 or 110 degrees i estimate), and because I wasn't actually squared to the portion of the leg above the knee which is the one attached to the rotator part of the nail, it then required the much angle in order to click.
If you want t try something, next time you click, look at your femur, hold your lower leg at about 90 degrees and start twisting gently.
Notice how the quad rotates. Picture the nail inside your femur and make sure that "the portion of leg right above the knee" is actually rotating around the femur axis. You can get a sense of that if you look at the quad while doing it. Adjust both segments of your leg as you see (feel) necessary
See if it works. It helped me basically bring back the rotation to soemthing that looks like 30 degrees. Not even 45.
Cheers
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Six foot and a half:
- good luck for your surgery next year
- I was worried like you at the beginning of breaking the nail or a screw but once you are actually walking around on it and you see how strong it is I’m not really worried. When you are stretching at extreme angles I think the main concern is pulling a muscle but fortunately i have only done that once so far, it clicks before you get there (but past the point of comfort)
- betz does soft iT band release which is basically making small cuts in itb. He does this for all new patients , I think it is a new thing, because every patient asked him for it. I’m glad I got it but not sure it is the same as a full it band release or not.
- betz is very passionate and good but he will appear very caring in the interview but you won’t hear from him much after that. You will get responses from Dani and Becker (thouhh I still haven’t met Becker)
- you might be right about stadiometer, or alternatively maybe other measures are overstating height. Either way there are too many caveats like night / morning, shoes no shoes, whether you are standing up straight, how close your legs are together and how the user is measuring the height ie are they pushing it down on your head.
- it has been a tough process so far, hope you are mentally ready.
OZboy:
- hope your journey is going well for you. How many cm now?
- thanks for your advice on clicking, it is much appreciated. I think I kind of understand but just to make sure, are you saying that the extreme rotation of the tibia is because I am not rotating the knee/ lower femur enough? For example on the right leg I should focus on trying to gently pull the knee inwards at the same time as the tibia rotation and therefore this will mean less rotation of tibia is actually required to achieve the click?
- thanks for your help
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OZboy:
- hope your journey is going well for you. How many cm now?
- thanks for your advice on clicking, it is much appreciated. I think I kind of understand but just to make sure, are you saying that the extreme rotation of the tibia is because I am not rotating the knee/ lower femur enough? For example on the right leg I should focus on trying to gently pull the knee inwards at the same time as the tibia rotation and therefore this will mean less rotation of tibia is actually required to achieve the click?
- thanks for your help
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Hey GrowthJourney,
All good overall here through many ups and downs. I'm today at 4cms.
Regarding your question. Yes, exactly as you said. I use the knee as a reference.. as a pivot.point and yes I use my opposite leg ony knew to try and keep that pivot point "aligned" with the femur to achieve proper rotation. Harder to explain in words than doing it but I think you got the gist. Try it out see if it helps.
And yes to me it meant much less rotation. I eyeball 30ndegrees roughly.
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Fully agree that hell on earth is called clicking. It's the worst thing that's ever happened to me, no exaggeration. I'm 2 and a half months post op and I truly regret it. Everyday is a horror movie because I know I have to click. Clicking hasn't given me a day's rest since August. On top of that, I have wide legs, my walk is , my sleep is , my mood is , all my other stuff on the side are suffering because of this too (work and etc). Not to mention I'm 70k poorer too. If this clicking hell and the horrible walk aren't enough, don't forget you have to stretch 3-5 hours a day. I thought it would be terrible but not this terrible. Everytime I go outside, I'm hoping a car smashes me on the pavement to save me from all of this. To anyone reading this and contemplating LL, don't do it. Height insoles, boots, whatever. Don't put yourself through this medieval torture where every second is hell. Before doing it, I was seeing these people advising others it's not worth it and thinking to myself ''yeah whatever as if I can't endure a few months of pain''. Now I'm being punished for my stupidity. Good luck to the poster and hope he has it better than me because even as the pessimist I am, I could have never imagined it going so badly.
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Keep going man! I went with Betz in June
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Fully agree that hell on earth is called clicking. It's the worst thing that's ever happened to me, no exaggeration. I'm 2 and a half months post op and I truly regret it. Everyday is a horror movie because I know I have to click. Clicking hasn't given me a day's rest since August. On top of that, I have wide legs, my walk is , my sleep is , my mood is , all my other stuff on the side are suffering because of this too (work and etc). Not to mention I'm 70k poorer too. If this clicking hell and the horrible walk aren't enough, don't forget you have to stretch 3-5 hours a day. I thought it would be terrible but not this terrible. Everytime I go outside, I'm hoping a car smashes me on the pavement to save me from all of this. To anyone reading this and contemplating LL, don't do it. Height insoles, boots, whatever. Don't put yourself through this medieval torture where every second is hell. Before doing it, I was seeing these people advising others it's not worth it and thinking to myself ''yeah whatever as if I can't endure a few months of pain''. Now I'm being punished for my stupidity. Good luck to the poster and hope he has it better than me because even as the pessimist I am, I could have never imagined it going so badly.
I believe you went home early though during the lengthening period, so it would be more difficult for you
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Fully agree that hell on earth is called clicking. It's the worst thing that's ever happened to me, no exaggeration. I'm 2 and a half months post op and I truly regret it. Everyday is a horror movie because I know I have to click. Clicking hasn't given me a day's rest since August. On top of that, I have wide legs, my walk is , my sleep is , my mood is , all my other stuff on the side are suffering because of this too (work and etc). Not to mention I'm 70k poorer too. If this clicking hell and the horrible walk aren't enough, don't forget you have to stretch 3-5 hours a day. I thought it would be terrible but not this terrible. Everytime I go outside, I'm hoping a car smashes me on the pavement to save me from all of this. To anyone reading this and contemplating LL, don't do it. Height insoles, boots, whatever. Don't put yourself through this medieval torture where every second is hell. Before doing it, I was seeing these people advising others it's not worth it and thinking to myself ''yeah whatever as if I can't endure a few months of pain''. Now I'm being punished for my stupidity. Good luck to the poster and hope he has it better than me because even as the pessimist I am, I could have never imagined it going so badly.
Did you get a soft , or a proper ITB release?
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@Djimbo - really sorry to hear that. Sounds like a really rough time, but sounds like from your other posts you are almost done with it as well. Can i suggest maybe speaking to a psychologist? Hope things get better.
@ozboy - thanks for your tips. Clicking is still hard for me but i get through it. I have trouble finding the 1st click on each leg, i have to keep stretching constantly and build up to it, then push to the point of discomfort and i often stop and rest, then build up to it again. Eventually i get the click and its relatively easy after that. but it seems to take me like 15-20 mins each leg to get that first click, its really tiring. I hate that 1st click. Any other tips?
@6 foot and half - if he was with betz then he probably would have got soft release.
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Update - 26 days post surgery
I haven't posted here much since getting back. I've just been focussing on getting back to life and developing a routine.
It was such an overwhelming relief to be back in my country. It really makes you appreciate little things. But i also had a sinking feeling that if i couldn't get my clicking right from so far away i would be in trouble and i had absolutely no intention of flying back.
Everything feels surreal coming back to daily life, but i had the best sleep of my entire trip. The familiarity brings a lot of comfort. The next challenge is making sure you can do the clicks and building up a routine around this as well.
I started WFH pretty much 2 days after arriving. So i only had limited time to figure out how and when i would do clicking, drugs, exercise stretching and all that. There is a lot of trial and error. I did my clicks at home and fortunately it was ok. I signed up for my local gym and started working out there similar to physio overseas.
I've decided my process will be going to the gym early in the morning, doing my clicks there, getting a little bit of a workout in then coming home and working from home for 8 hours, whilst stretching throughout the day. Then after work maybe go for a walk in the pool, go to gym or rest.
There's a lot of basic things which are simple normally but hard without help. like shopping, cooking, washing etc. Hopefully you have someone to help you, otherwise its very difficult. I've also noticed people on the street and in my neighbourhood are a lot nicer as they see you on crutches.
Overall, my mornings suck. The clicks are taking a really long time, probably because its early morning and not warmed up properly, plus im doing it immediately after a bath which warms up the muscles. but this is how i want to do it. So it takes me like 30 mins of warmup exercise like bike and machines. Then i stretch for 20 mins. Then i do clicks, and it takes me maybe 15-20 mins each leg to get the first click. Then it takes me about 20 mins each leg to finish the clicks. Then i do a warmdown sesion. Overall this takes a really long time to do and hence why i need to wake up super early to get all this done. but it allows me to get the stuff out of the way first thing and the rest of my day is pretty good and my spirits are high. But yeah mornings really suck.
My approach for clicks at the gym are, get a stretch mat, get a bounce ball and lie against it, get my stretch band and hold up my leg, use my other arm to twist my tibia. With the stretch band i try to rotate my lower knee as well, so you have each arm going in a different direction. Recently i've realised to go a bit faster, but not too fast. i think before i was going too slow and i was hitting that point where you;re just about to click, but i wasn't pushing it and i hit discomfort and stopped. But now im kind of pushing trhough it to get their faster to get the click and the relief. But i think if you go too fast you risk tensing up and then you get pain, so its a balance of staying calm and relaxed but also not taking too long. It's slightly different for the first click because i think i kind of have to warm up the muscles first so i kind of do increasing movements and restting clicks and gradually increasing swing/movement, then eventually once i've warmed up (maybe 15 mins) then i go for the full click. Unfortunately there is usually 1 or 2 where i go right to the point of discomfort and stop and then it hurts more, but i feel like maybe for the first click i can't push too hard or i actually will hurt/sprain, whereas later when im warmed up i can push and its fine. It's a weird feeling to describe but thats my gut feeling, let me know if you have any tips or a different view.
My sleep is decent, only typically waking up maybe 1-2 times per night. I usually just save 1 painkiller from nighttime and take it in the middle of the night if needed. If im really bad and stiff ill take a shower in the middle of the night.
Overall my walking is good, no duckass or widelegs. My stetching is good. My emotions are good (except for mornings). overall im happy but it feels like a major marathon, wheras the initial hospital felt like a sprint. You also have down moments, sometimes when you are feeling useless or have pain and you just feel about it, or in the morning or night when thinking about morning, but for most of the day im happy and that goes a long way. We are going into spring too and the weather is beautiful, sun is shining and birds are chirping, which really helps with elevating my mood. I also think after the pain in the morning, the highs thereafter are extra high.
Overall i've lengthened 2.3cm which isnt much, i can't really tell the height difference at all. But i'll keep going and take it day by day. I really hope clicking gets easier, especially on the first click. i've read in old forums the clicking starts to get easier. Does this happen after a certain length like 3cm? and is it because the nail is longer therefore easier to extend? or is it because people just improve their technique?
Also when is duckass meant to start? I haven't got anything yet but would be good to know so i can keep an eye on it. I haven't gone to physio yet, but I've booked one for next week. honestly i think gym, stretching, walking and hydrotherapy are more important than going to a physio who just teaches you stretches you already know. but ill give it a shot.
I have a lot of baths as it eases my muscles and pain. Hopefully you have a bathtub too.
Overall, if it wasn't for clicking it would be a great process, but its manageable. Will give you an update later.
- Let me know when clicking gets easier and why
- When duckass/widelegs often starts
- Any other tips for clicking, particularly for the 1st click (like should i take an extra muscle relaxer at the gym to help? i might try this)
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Hi Growth.journey,
are you still on anticoagulant therapy? Which drugs do you take at the moment?
All the best!
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Update - 26 days post surgery
I haven't posted here much since getting back. I've just been focussing on getting back to life and developing a routine.
It was such an overwhelming relief to be back in my country. It really makes you appreciate little things. But i also had a sinking feeling that if i couldn't get my clicking right from so far away i would be in trouble and i had absolutely no intention of flying back.
Everything feels surreal coming back to daily life, but i had the best sleep of my entire trip. The familiarity brings a lot of comfort. The next challenge is making sure you can do the clicks and building up a routine around this as well.
I started WFH pretty much 2 days after arriving. So i only had limited time to figure out how and when i would do clicking, drugs, exercise stretching and all that. There is a lot of trial and error. I did my clicks at home and fortunately it was ok. I signed up for my local gym and started working out there similar to physio overseas.
I've decided my process will be going to the gym early in the morning, doing my clicks there, getting a little bit of a workout in then coming home and working from home for 8 hours, whilst stretching throughout the day. Then after work maybe go for a walk in the pool, go to gym or rest.
There's a lot of basic things which are simple normally but hard without help. like shopping, cooking, washing etc. Hopefully you have someone to help you, otherwise its very difficult. I've also noticed people on the street and in my neighbourhood are a lot nicer as they see you on crutches.
Overall, my mornings suck. The clicks are taking a really long time, probably because its early morning and not warmed up properly, plus im doing it immediately after a bath which warms up the muscles. but this is how i want to do it. So it takes me like 30 mins of warmup exercise like bike and machines. Then i stretch for 20 mins. Then i do clicks, and it takes me maybe 15-20 mins each leg to get the first click. Then it takes me about 20 mins each leg to finish the clicks. Then i do a warmdown sesion. Overall this takes a really long time to do and hence why i need to wake up super early to get all this done. but it allows me to get the stuff out of the way first thing and the rest of my day is pretty good and my spirits are high. But yeah mornings really suck.
My approach for clicks at the gym are, get a stretch mat, get a bounce ball and lie against it, get my stretch band and hold up my leg, use my other arm to twist my tibia. With the stretch band i try to rotate my lower knee as well, so you have each arm going in a different direction. Recently i've realised to go a bit faster, but not too fast. i think before i was going too slow and i was hitting that point where you;re just about to click, but i wasn't pushing it and i hit discomfort and stopped. But now im kind of pushing trhough it to get their faster to get the click and the relief. But i think if you go too fast you risk tensing up and then you get pain, so its a balance of staying calm and relaxed but also not taking too long. It's slightly different for the first click because i think i kind of have to warm up the muscles first so i kind of do increasing movements and restting clicks and gradually increasing swing/movement, then eventually once i've warmed up (maybe 15 mins) then i go for the full click. Unfortunately there is usually 1 or 2 where i go right to the point of discomfort and stop and then it hurts more, but i feel like maybe for the first click i can't push too hard or i actually will hurt/sprain, whereas later when im warmed up i can push and its fine. It's a weird feeling to describe but thats my gut feeling, let me know if you have any tips or a different view.
My sleep is decent, only typically waking up maybe 1-2 times per night. I usually just save 1 painkiller from nighttime and take it in the middle of the night if needed. If im really bad and stiff ill take a shower in the middle of the night.
Overall my walking is good, no duckass or widelegs. My stetching is good. My emotions are good (except for mornings). overall im happy but it feels like a major marathon, wheras the initial hospital felt like a sprint. You also have down moments, sometimes when you are feeling useless or have pain and you just feel about it, or in the morning or night when thinking about morning, but for most of the day im happy and that goes a long way. We are going into spring too and the weather is beautiful, sun is shining and birds are chirping, which really helps with elevating my mood. I also think after the pain in the morning, the highs thereafter are extra high.
Overall i've lengthened 2.3cm which isnt much, i can't really tell the height difference at all. But i'll keep going and take it day by day. I really hope clicking gets easier, especially on the first click. i've read in old forums the clicking starts to get easier. Does this happen after a certain length like 3cm? and is it because the nail is longer therefore easier to extend? or is it because people just improve their technique?
Also when is duckass meant to start? I haven't got anything yet but would be good to know so i can keep an eye on it. I haven't gone to physio yet, but I've booked one for next week. honestly i think gym, stretching, walking and hydrotherapy are more important than going to a physio who just teaches you stretches you already know. but ill give it a shot.
I have a lot of baths as it eases my muscles and pain. Hopefully you have a bathtub too.
Overall, if it wasn't for clicking it would be a great process, but its manageable. Will give you an update later.
- Let me know when clicking gets easier and why
- When duckass/widelegs often starts
- Any other tips for clicking, particularly for the 1st click (like should i take an extra muscle relaxer at the gym to help? i might try this)
Keep strong, we all know it is a hard journey you are going through but it is worth!
Regarding your questions:
1. In my case it got easier after 3-4 cm before that it took me 1 hour intensive stretching and 1 Hour clicking.
2. I got strong duckass after 4-5 cm. I Never had strong wide legs but I wasnt able to cross them during lenghtening. Now 50 days post clicking I am back to normal. However, i believe this might apply but does not have to do for everyone as everybody is different. I for example only had Betz regular soft release and have done almost 11cm without any Problems.
3. I dont have any trick. It is really try and error. You need to find a workaround which fits best for you.
Hope that helps
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Hi all as an update I have just passed 3cm.
Things are going well.
I have mastered the clicking technique and clicking is becoming a breeze. I do it every morning in the gym. I warm up for 30 mins then click for 30-40 mins and I’m done. I am to get this down even further. Maybe 20 mins warm up and 20 mins total clicking. Clicking is painless but it is still tiring and hard, but it’s only 5% as hard as it was. I no longer dread going to sleep to click on the morning, it’s just another task. I owe a lot of thanks to OZboy for his tips on the clicking, it definitely helped me and I know how to do it well with the jangling leg technique.
I have a good routine now and I am working hard on gym, pool walking, stretching , massage and physio, although working 8+ hours a day makes it hard to find time to do as much stretching as I should. Consequently I am starting to feel more stiff and my IT band is feeling quite right, but yet I have no duckass or wide legs yet, just stiffness. Although when I’ve been sitting down for a while when I first get up I’m kind of stopped over until I stretch out my tight body.
I don’t feel a lot taller yet, though I’ve had a few moments going oh wow I’m taller, but it hasn’t really come yet. Thomas the driver said I start to fee it after 5cm - what are others experience? When did you start to feel tall and notice the difference!
My biggest worry is no longer clicking it’s stiffness, it band , duck ass and tight legs coming for me! Any good it band stretches that people can share that really helped? The tightness is really
Uncomfortable sometimes, particularly given I am working from home and sitting many times due to it.
I’m open to questions in my forum now as I don’t think there will be many updates from now , just more of the same stuff and a marathon run form 3cm to 8cm. Wish me luck
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Are you walking normally without any support?
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Hi
I am really impressed by your posts.
I have meeting with doctor Bitz on 23.11.22 for consultation.
I am male, 168cm height, 37 yrs old.
They told me next available surgery will be on March 2023.
I have a question for you, when did you start to walk without crutches and for how many meters you can walk without them?
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I’m open to questions in my forum now as I don’t think there will be many updates from now , just more of the same stuff and a marathon run form 3cm to 8cm. Wish me luck
Thanks for the mention. Happy I could be of help.
Man, you're gonna feel it at 5cm for sure. I giggle (can't help it) everytime I meet somebody I knew and notice that I'm now even or slightly taller.
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Hi Moonrise (& baga)
Wow such a long booking time / 6 months. I can imagine it will only get longer as betz steps back , so few options in market and high demand for the services . Plus positive diaries of late can only help. Good luck. To answer your questions , I can walk short distances without crutches but I prefer not to do it. I know of others who ditched their crutches a few months after but I would recommend it.
OZboy - thanks again and looking forward to hitting 5cm! At 0.75mm per day I should hit it mid November. How’s your journey going? Are yo back in oz? Would you have chosen betz or gnail if you could do it again?
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Yes, back in Oz.
It feels great. It's good to be away from all those crippled (lol...joking).
I'm doing great. The change in lifestyle, the new challenges to trying to get back to normal life (but with crutches) are making time fly by relatively quick.
I'm also in the process of briefing my GP (done yesterday) about the procedure I've been through and soon I'll go meet the new PT. Starting hydrotherapy and back to the gym.
Still slacking a bit on the work front.
I'm happy with the G-nail still. Never had an issue with clicking. I don't think is that different from the Betz nail. Probably the approach the 2 doctors have is (Betz and Giotikas). I was super happy with Giotikas perhaps more conservative approach and full after care, but it sounds that also many Betz patients are doing just fine.
Man, I think overall they're 2 perfectly valid options. I personally also enjoyed the Greek weather this time of year so, yeah if I had to do it again, I would still choose the G-nail in Greece.
But to be honest, once I'm done with this thing, I don't wanna see an operating table, crutches, pills and what not for a loooonnnngg time.
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Update, just under 4cm (3.8cm). I've been doing 15 clicks for sometime now (0.78mm per day)
Excited to hit 4-5cm.
Everything is going well. No duckass or widelegs. My muscles are quite tight but i bought a foam roller and a massage gun, which are great investments, i'd recommend. I am going to the gym everyday and walking in the pool every 2nd day. I am only going to physio once a week as i didnt think it was super helpful, he just gives me a massage, but ill maybe look to increase this to 2 days a week.
My sleep is decent but i still get up 3-4 times per night and have to roll around. That being said, im sleeping from about 9.30pm to 5.30am most days so probably like 7-8 hours after you take into account getting up etc, but its not deep sleep either.
Taking a lot of baths during the day and working in there, i am still working 8 hours or more per day, but i just rotate positions like standing up, stretching, sitting down, bathtub, outside etc.
My IT band is tight but not as as tight as before, just get random aches, stiffness and pains throughout the day but its bearable.
I will get my first xray since coming back next week.
Clicking in my left leg is an absolute dream. Its so easy now, i get it done in literally ten minutes or less and it almost feels good to do. So happy with that leg.
:)
My only issue, which seems to have arisen in the last 2-3 days is that my right quad seems to have become very tight. So that means when i start twisting my leg for the clicking, i get to a tension point in my quad that feels like pain and then i stop. It's kind of middle/lower quad and adductor, its not super painful i just am scared of pushing through pain and tear the muscle so i stop at the point, massage my quad in the pain area until the tension releases, then i can keep doing this until its 'warmed up'. Its not crazy difficult or painful (like 3/10) but it just takes a long time to do because i have to warm up for much much longer (by comparison i barely need to warm up my left) and clicking on my right has a lot more resistance, like i need way more physical exertion to twist my leg and any discomfort/time cost from that.
Today it took me about 45 mins to an hour on my right leg including warmup. My left leg took 10 mins. I'm fairly certain the issue is a tight quadricep as the clicking gets easier after massaging the quad whilst rotating.
I need you guys' help with this:
- Is this a common problem?
- What do you think is causing it? Is it just the muscle reaching its limit and just needs to 'break through'?
- Is it something that will probably go away soon as I either stretch the muscle more or the nail lengthens and gets easier?
- Do you have any tips for addressing it, e.g. using massage gun whilst clicking, getting a thai massage on the quad, loads of stretching, reducing clicks temporarily etc.
- Should i be doing more strength training (leg ext/leg press/bike) or should i be giving my muscles a rest instead? As i am doing them but lightly (bike 20 mins everyday, leg workout if i have time every 2-3 days before or after clicking)
I read in someones journal, i forgot who, a similar issue (i think) and it went away as the nail got longer. I think they said its almost like the muscle gets tight from resisting to protect itself, but after a certain length it just kind of gives up and lets you lengthen it. Actually i think i read it in Ozboy diary too that the nurse said this happens around 4cm which is where i am approximately.
Experienced Betz / gnail patients - i would love your input!
@rb / @stretchalot / @ozboy etc.
Aside from the current right quad, very happy with how everything is going.
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I'm pretty sure you might have read it from mine :)
Congrats on getting to 4cm. It's all downhill from here (until you hit 6 lol).
I remember the Pat lady told me that around 3 or 4ncm is where you loose all the slack you had in your muscles and reach the maximum tension within them. The muscle and the body try to react to it making it tighter and therefore causing you discomfort and pain.
But then you keep pushing through (maybe slow down a notch whilst you increase stretching) and then yes I agree, things get looser. Can't remember exactly when but I do remember what be helped me a LOT.nasically I changed the way I use to do stretching.
I've always followed the same approach our PT had which is basically fast and hard (to the point of screaming).
I instead started doing long.... Long stretches but at just a point of mild mild discomfort. I felt this helped me get my muscle back to a "normal" tightness level.
See if it works, hold the usual quad, hams, hips stretches for like 3-4-5 minutes at a time.... See what happens after a couple of days.
Also, another thing PT always told us (and I disagree now very strongly) was to NOT do strengthening excercises or any excercises on the legs at all. Just walking with crutches.
Their fear is that a "strong" muscles will get tighter and make things harder later.on (clicks, stretching.....).
Whilst I understand where they are coming from I also believe that that caused myself immense knee pain which I only resolved recently here in Australia when I started doing let presses.
So yeah.. I'm sure everything in this process is a big balancing act, but it's also good to see we're all progressing towards our goal (BTW, at the gym I go to here I'm not the shortest anymore... By a good amount. I'm bloody stoked as I still have 3cm to gain)
Good luck and let us know how U go
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Thanks OZboy - great advice as usual! I will try the five minute stretching too and hopefully that helps my right quad , fingers crossed it naturally loosens up soon too.
That feeling of being taller is amazing isn’t it, you probabyl have had more of these moments given you’re 2cm ahead. I am taller but I also changed my shoes to be flatter than before so I feel the same haha.
Ps your Pt seems to be giving some dodgy advice! Is the one overseas?
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Update, just under 4cm (3.8cm). I've been doing 15 clicks for sometime now (0.78mm per day)
Excited to hit 4-5cm.
Everything is going well. No duckass or widelegs. My muscles are quite tight but i bought a foam roller and a massage gun, which are great investments, i'd recommend. I am going to the gym everyday and walking in the pool every 2nd day. I am only going to physio once a week as i didnt think it was super helpful, he just gives me a massage, but ill maybe look to increase this to 2 days a week.
My sleep is decent but i still get up 3-4 times per night and have to roll around. That being said, im sleeping from about 9.30pm to 5.30am most days so probably like 7-8 hours after you take into account getting up etc, but its not deep sleep either.
Taking a lot of baths during the day and working in there, i am still working 8 hours or more per day, but i just rotate positions like standing up, stretching, sitting down, bathtub, outside etc.
My IT band is tight but not as as tight as before, just get random aches, stiffness and pains throughout the day but its bearable.
I will get my first xray since coming back next week.
Clicking in my left leg is an absolute dream. Its so easy now, i get it done in literally ten minutes or less and it almost feels good to do. So happy with that leg.
:)
My only issue, which seems to have arisen in the last 2-3 days is that my right quad seems to have become very tight. So that means when i start twisting my leg for the clicking, i get to a tension point in my quad that feels like pain and then i stop. It's kind of middle/lower quad and adductor, its not super painful i just am scared of pushing through pain and tear the muscle so i stop at the point, massage my quad in the pain area until the tension releases, then i can keep doing this until its 'warmed up'. Its not crazy difficult or painful (like 3/10) but it just takes a long time to do because i have to warm up for much much longer (by comparison i barely need to warm up my left) and clicking on my right has a lot more resistance, like i need way more physical exertion to twist my leg and any discomfort/time cost from that.
Today it took me about 45 mins to an hour on my right leg including warmup. My left leg took 10 mins. I'm fairly certain the issue is a tight quadricep as the clicking gets easier after massaging the quad whilst rotating.
I need you guys' help with this:
- Is this a common problem?
- What do you think is causing it? Is it just the muscle reaching its limit and just needs to 'break through'?
- Is it something that will probably go away soon as I either stretch the muscle more or the nail lengthens and gets easier?
- Do you have any tips for addressing it, e.g. using massage gun whilst clicking, getting a thai massage on the quad, loads of stretching, reducing clicks temporarily etc.
- Should i be doing more strength training (leg ext/leg press/bike) or should i be giving my muscles a rest instead? As i am doing them but lightly (bike 20 mins everyday, leg workout if i have time every 2-3 days before or after clicking)
I read in someones journal, i forgot who, a similar issue (i think) and it went away as the nail got longer. I think they said its almost like the muscle gets tight from resisting to protect itself, but after a certain length it just kind of gives up and lets you lengthen it. Actually i think i read it in Ozboy diary too that the nurse said this happens around 4cm which is where i am approximately.
Experienced Betz / gnail patients - i would love your input!
@rb / @stretchalot / @ozboy etc.
Aside from the current right quad, very happy with how everything is going.
Do I understand correctly that it is very tight to do the actual click? So tight that you need 45 minutes to complete clicking on your right leg? If so what helped me when this was the case, I always "stretched" the first click on each leg. What I mean is that doing the first click I would hold my leg in that rotated position and stretch past that first click and hold it there for around a minute. I did this a lot during the clicking phase and for me at least it did help. If you read my diary because of this technique I was able to click both legs in a few minutes throughout the whole process. I would also recommend if this does not improve clicking at a lower rate each day. I would sometimes do these so my body could "catch up" and then clicking became much easier. It was only when I reached almost 11cm that clicking started to get hard.
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Thanks OZboy - great advice as usual! I will try the five minute stretching too and hopefully that helps my right quad , fingers crossed it naturally loosens up soon too.
That feeling of being taller is amazing isn’t it, you probabyl have had more of these moments given you’re 2cm ahead. I am taller but I also changed my shoes to be flatter than before so I feel the same haha.
Ps your Pt seems to be giving some dodgy advice! Is the one overseas?
No problems at all.
Yeah this is like PT we used to have in Athens. Honestly I don't understand their point, I feel so much more "mobile" now although yes I can feel the clicks are harder (not painful though).
I guess perhaps both approaches are right,..but I hate the feeling of not being able to stand from a chair. So I'll keep doing light strengthening excercises until the end
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Do I understand correctly that it is very tight to do the actual click? So tight that you need 45 minutes to complete clicking on your right leg? If so what helped me when this was the case, I always "stretched" the first click on each leg. What I mean is that doing the first click I would hold my leg in that rotated position and stretch past that first click and hold it there for around a minute. I did this a lot during the clicking phase and for me at least it did help. If you read my diary because of this technique I was able to click both legs in a few minutes throughout the whole process. I would also recommend if this does not improve clicking at a lower rate each day. I would sometimes do these so my body could "catch up" and then clicking became much easier. It was only when I reached almost 11cm that clicking started to get hard.
Hi Standtaller. Yes that is correct, it is caused by quad tightness in right leg. This is a great tip / idea , though I didn’t see this in your diary. I just re read it now and couldn’t find it. But I am going to try it today for clicks and let you know how I go! I can see how that makes sense though
Edit: tried it this morning and it was actually an amazing tip. A few questions:
1. Did you do this on every click or just the first few?
2. Did you just hold it at the point it clicks? Or did you try and stretch the angle even further?
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Got my first X-ray since being back home. 6 weeks xray at 4.2cm. Can people please let me know if the growth is good? I cannot tell and I don’t think betz will reply lol. I sent it to him on WhatsApp but not expecting much.
(https://i.ibb.co/k0vs0XN/4-F1269-E0-BA3-D-4-CF0-A8-D3-A78-BF7-E07-C79.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k0vs0XN)
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Got my first X-ray since being back home. 6 weeks xray at 4.2cm. Can people please let me know if the growth is good? I cannot tell and I don’t think betz will reply lol. I sent it to him on WhatsApp but not expecting much.
(https://i.ibb.co/k0vs0XN/4-F1269-E0-BA3-D-4-CF0-A8-D3-A78-BF7-E07-C79.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k0vs0XN)
not bad
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Showed Daniela who showed Becker.
Response was everything is perfect.
I also asked about the increased resistance I’ve found recently when clicking, is that because of muscle tightness or possible bone growth. Becker said if I am still getting resistance to increase clicking to 20 for 3 days, I suppose to increase the distance of the gap. Today I did 17 clicks and may increase to 20 tomorrow to see how it goes but damn even an increase of 2 today makes such a big difference, I’m so tight today!
Side note: I haven’t noticed the height difference that much, probably because I’ve thrown away my old thick shoes and bought new sleeker shoes which mostly offsets if not all of the height increase and then some. So I think I’m about the same but I look so much better with longer legs and sleeker shoe profile. I used to hate the way my thick shoes looked, like clown shoes! So it’s only upside from here and I look good 8). The other side note is that my pants fit me much better. I used to hate the way my jeans / track pants bunched up and made me look shorter. Now they stretch long and make my legs look long. Love it.
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Side note: I haven’t noticed the height difference that much, probably because I’ve thrown away my old thick shoes and bought new sleeker shoes which mostly offsets if not all of the height increase and then some. So I think I’m about the same but I look so much better with longer legs and sleeker shoe profile. I used to hate the way my thick shoes looked, like clown shoes! So it’s only upside from here and I look good 8). The other side note is that my pants fit me much better. I used to hate the way my jeans / track pants bunched up and made me look shorter. Now they stretch long and make my legs look long. Love it.
Love the comments on the pants. I now have a very similar problem where pretty much ALL pants that I had shortened in the past.... Gotta go into the bin.
And I'm not even sorry!!! ;D
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5cm - day 59 post surgery
Finally hit the big 5cm threshold. Feels good.
Clicking has become easier , those muscle pains and tightness appear to have mostly disappeared around the low 4cms. It’s still a tiring and annoying process but I don’t dread it it’s just another activity I need to do in the morning.
I don’t have wide legs or duckass or nerve pain. My walking is decent but I can’t walk very far without getting tired. I have been working hard in gym pool etc to prevent this.
I’m feeling as good as any other point on the process, if not the best, but the exhaustion of the process is catching up to me I just feel very tired and over it but not in a painful way.
I don’t feel super tall yet. I wouldn’t say my neurosis is gone but it’s definitely subsided substantially. But I still notice heights and occasionally feel self conscious. I think it should be gone after another 2-3cm.
My body is tight but after using massage gun and stretching or pool it’s fine. My sleep is fine I only wake up to piss and quick stretches a few times but otherwise good sleep quality. I take melatonin before I sleep.
I guess the next consideration is how far I actually lengthen. I was going for 8cm but if things were going well and I felt fine I was going to maybe add 1-2cm but just listening to my body and dimensions. I think 8cm is probably fine but for a once in a lifetime operation and change I don’t want to feel like I could have done more later.
I have a lot of respect to those who have done this surgery and got through it successfully. It’s incredibly difficult and tiring but the outcome is worth it.
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Really inspiring reading this. I have the same surgery with Betz next month. Very helpful reading through your anxiety leading up to the surgery because I too am extremely nervous. You've come so far and I'm really jealous of your position in getting past the hardest parts. Im going to blank out on the plane trip and probably be in shock 24 hours before the surgery. But im going to force myself to do this. Its basically a year of hell through nail removal but the upside is the rest of your life as you pointed out.
My one anxiety remains if my family will call me out after surgery. Do you plan on telling yours (other than your gf)?
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Really inspiring reading this. I have the same surgery with Betz next month. Very helpful reading through your anxiety leading up to the surgery because I too am extremely nervous. You've come so far and I'm really jealous of your position in getting past the hardest parts. Im going to blank out on the plane trip and probably be in shock 24 hours before the surgery. But im going to force myself to do this. Its basically a year of hell through nail removal but the upside is the rest of your life as you pointed out.
My one anxiety remains if my family will call me out after surgery. Do you plan on telling yours (other than your gf)?
Thanks good to know it’s been helpful to others. If it’s any help, I was also in your exact position but I got through it. It’s really tough but I’m so glad I did it. Life is already better. To answer your question I will never tell another soul what happened. As mentioned people won’t notice because I wore lifts before and don’t anymore so the extra height gain is small. Plus people change heights all the time depending on stance floor shoes etc.
Anyway good luck for your journey happy to answer questions.
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Thanks man I just might have some for you once things get rolling next month. Really appreciate it. Ill probably start a journal myself to pay it forward. Keep doing well.
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Day 77 - 6.4cm / height 178.4cm
Diary update 5 to 6cm
I've been a bit busy so haven't updated recently, but ill give an update on 5 to 6cm as every cm seems to be a different journey. I have read that post 5cm it gets exponentially harder every cm but that hasnt been my experience so far, though aware things may change going forward. Actually 5 to 6cm was the easiest cm i've done so far, as my sleep has been perfect only waking up to pee, no pain, no duckass, no wide legs and generally feeling pretty good.
I continue to go to the gym everyday, this is a critical step in my good result so far. Recently i have been focussing on glute exercises (floor bridges with weights), side leg lifts and leg press. I have also started going on the treadmill recently, i wish i did this earlier. I have been practicing my walk and also practising doing 1 or no hands walking as this is helpful for my gait.
Overall my gait with crutches is perfect, however my gait with 1 or no crutches is terrible, i sway and dont walk properly. its weird, i walk perfectly then take away a crutch and all of a sudden it goes to . This is my main focus atm, as well as glutes.
I am feeling taller and starting to notice myself towering over some people e.g. at the gym, but i am only 178cm + shoes maybe 181cm. I am planning to go to maybe 8-9c which should take me to around 181cm without shoes which im happy with. ill just tell people im 6 foot, same same. but who knows i might get to 9cm and decide to do an extra cm because im doing so well. I guess the main issue when i get to this point is dimensions as well as i can already see my femurs (when i wear underpants) are looking quite long - not unnaturally so but quite long. However when i wear shorts it doesn't look weird or anything, looks very normal, but wearing underpants it highlights the length because they cut off high. But my legs look good.
A couple of times ive looked in a mirror when walking and saw my ass sticking out a bit, like small duckass, which makes me worried but then i just correct my posture and it all looks normal - i guess this is something i need to watch carefully. Can someone remind me what causes duckass so i can work preventatively on it? from memory i think it was weak glutes. I think also doing quad stretch on chair and bending back a bit can help. Any advice here would be great.
I've also notice more looks at the gym from women - possibly my new height, possibly because im also adding a lot of upper body muscle at the same time since ive been gymming everyday. But i wouldnt be surprised if my height is contributing as im starting to feel/look tall now.
I go out on weekends all day, including driving, cafes, walks etc which is good but quite tiring. Building stamina is a key focus as well - i think glute muscles, calf muscles and longer walks on treadmill will all help.
Thats all for my update now - hopefully 6-8cm is just as good.
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I thought tight IT bands caused duck ass. But yours should have had a release with Betz.
"I've also notice more looks at the gym from women" Im picturing you walking like a drunken sailor getting "looks from women" lmao. Joking - Im sure its in a positive way.
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Hey. IT band does not directly cause duckass. It pulls on your side and makes your legs go apart and you will get that weird cowboy walk = wide legs.
Duckass is from quads (and hip flexors too). They pull on the anterior part of the pelvis if they are too short which will pull your torso forward resulting in duckass.
Focus on quads and hip flexor stretches to fight duckass.
The one where you lie on your stomach and use a band to pull the lower leg to your back is the best exercise imo.
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Day 77 - 6.4cm / height 178.4cm
Diary update 5 to 6cm
I've been a bit busy so haven't updated recently, but ill give an update on 5 to 6cm as every cm seems to be a different journey. I have read that post 5cm it gets exponentially harder every cm but that hasnt been my experience so far, though aware things may change going forward. Actually 5 to 6cm was the easiest cm i've done so far, as my sleep has been perfect only waking up to pee, no pain, no duckass, no wide legs and generally feeling pretty good.
I continue to go to the gym everyday, this is a critical step in my good result so far. Recently i have been focussing on glute exercises (floor bridges with weights), side leg lifts and leg press. I have also started going on the treadmill recently, i wish i did this earlier. I have been practicing my walk and also practising doing 1 or no hands walking as this is helpful for my gait.
Overall my gait with crutches is perfect, however my gait with 1 or no crutches is terrible, i sway and dont walk properly. its weird, i walk perfectly then take away a crutch and all of a sudden it goes to . This is my main focus atm, as well as glutes.
I am feeling taller and starting to notice myself towering over some people e.g. at the gym, but i am only 178cm + shoes maybe 181cm. I am planning to go to maybe 8-9c which should take me to around 181cm without shoes which im happy with. ill just tell people im 6 foot, same same. but who knows i might get to 9cm and decide to do an extra cm because im doing so well. I guess the main issue when i get to this point is dimensions as well as i can already see my femurs (when i wear underpants) are looking quite long - not unnaturally so but quite long. However when i wear shorts it doesn't look weird or anything, looks very normal, but wearing underpants it highlights the length because they cut off high. But my legs look good.
A couple of times ive looked in a mirror when walking and saw my ass sticking out a bit, like small duckass, which makes me worried but then i just correct my posture and it all looks normal - i guess this is something i need to watch carefully. Can someone remind me what causes duckass so i can work preventatively on it? from memory i think it was weak glutes. I think also doing quad stretch on chair and bending back a bit can help. Any advice here would be great.
I've also notice more looks at the gym from women - possibly my new height, possibly because im also adding a lot of upper body muscle at the same time since ive been gymming everyday. But i wouldnt be surprised if my height is contributing as im starting to feel/look tall now.
I go out on weekends all day, including driving, cafes, walks etc which is good but quite tiring. Building stamina is a key focus as well - i think glute muscles, calf muscles and longer walks on treadmill will all help.
Thats all for my update now - hopefully 6-8cm is just as good.
Dont worry the duck ass will get away but not during the lengthening. Regarding your questions for exercises. It is enough, if you do those stretching exercises which are mentioned in the documents from Betz.
You need to wait until the lengthening is over before you are gonna notice larger improvements.
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Your journey is so inspiring!
What medications are you on by the way?
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Thanks! Novalgin and tramadol for painkillers but reducing slowly.
Xarelto blood thinners.
Magnesium, calcium, vitamin k2
Tizanidin muscle relaxers
Pantozol for the stomache.
The muscle relaxers don’t give you as much to get to a toilet when you gotta go!
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Update - hitting 7cm
Yestrday I hit 7cm. You start to feel quite tall around this level but I still want more. I will be at 179cm.
I have been battling covid for almost a week which was scary as I was worried it would affect my bone growth and make clicking difficult. I did the clicking anyway despite being exhausted and Daniela said not to worry about the bone growth. I’m mostly over it and feeling better which is good.
Overall no issues at all although I did get my first feeling of nerve pain. I’m not sure that’s what it was but I started getting tingly feelings in my right leg one day. I slept and it went away and hasn’t come back since but that was a bit scary.
Walking strength continues to get better. Keep working on glutea. I am practicing now walking without crutches when I go on walks, like I’ll hold
The crutches as if they weren’t there. I can walk a good distance without the crutches but I have hip sway. Does anyone have any tips on how to work on getting rid of sway? Is it core exercises?
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"Overall no issues at all although I did get my first feeling of nerve pain"
It seems this is where some people mess up and wish they stopped. Pay careful attention to this. But you know your situation far better than I.
Congrats on the 7CM, that is an absolute game changer. Very jealous.
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"Overall no issues at all although I did get my first feeling of nerve pain"
It seems this is where some people mess up and wish they stopped. Pay careful attention to this. But you know your situation far better than I.
Congrats on the 7CM, that is an absolute game changer. Very jealous.
Thankyou! It’s been hard but honest 5cm to 7cm has been pretty easy overall. It was the first 5cm that was very challenging for me at least.
On your point above about people messing up about nerve pain - I haven’t read about this at all, I have seen several where they had nerve pain, took drugs for it and went away after lengthening finished. For me I haven’t had any nerve pain just 1 moment of tingling feeing in my leg, other than that nothing.
Are you able to point me towards any journals where they have had issues from this so I can read up more in case I’ve missed it? Thanks!
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How much did you pay? Did he change price for Femus?
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52000 euro , slightly cheaper than tibia .
Plus 600 euro on meds and maybe 2k flights and other misc costs.
When I return in 2 years gotta py another 8k I think it is for removing nail. Check their website for accurate numbers this is just from memory.
It’s not cheap but like I’d rather use the money to invest in myself. That’s money no one can take away from you and it’s going to dramatically improve your life.
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Update: 98 days post surgery - hit 8cm today
Hit my original goal of 8cm today. This brings me to 180cm height total. It feels really amazing and I'm so happy to hit this goal. I legitimately feel like my life has significantly changed for the better. Neurosis gone, i can happily walk around without lifts, i can happily go to peoples houses without shoes on, i feel more attractive and i just feel significantly happier and like im seeing the world through fresh lens.
Whilst Betz has completely cut off contact with me which is totally unacceptable, i am still very grateful to him. Why? Because this is a high risk high liability surgery for him to have pursued as a career. If he didn't provide this option to us then we wouldn't have the option of transforming our lives for the better without him - we'd be stuck in our old ty bodies if he didnt take the risk. So for me its not really an issue that he's not talking to us, cos has given me the gift of a new life.
That being said, the journey to get here was incredibly difficult and you really need super human discipline and focus to get to this stage, i wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, but it is still completely worth it.
I have no wide legs, no duck ass and no other health conditions. I occasionally get a short tiny bit of numbness in an extremity body part (e.g toe) but it goes away and there is no nerve pain to speak of. Walking is the main area i would like to see improvement but everyday i am seeing progress. I walk around my house all day without crutches and while i am swaying side to side, it gets better everyday. Outside i can walk longer distances with crutches but still get tired earlier than normal people. I still need crutches outside but i will take turns walking without crutches then using my crutches, but i turn them around so they provide less support. I haven't been going to the physio for last month or so because i didnt find it useful but i might get them back to work on getting my gait right/normal again.
Weirdly no one has noticed my height increase, i guess because people are not aware of the surgery and therefore someone getting taller just doesn't make sense. Plus changes are incremental so hard to notice if you see them regularly. Plus i wore lifts before and i don't now and a few other reasons. but ive definitely noticed it.
Its crazy to think that i could legitimately stop today and i would be finished before the end of 2023. But i think i want to try for 1 more cm, but i will listen to my body very closely and stop at the earliest sign of pain or any bad news. But my view is that this is a one in lifetime opportunity that will stay with me rest of my life, so lets no give up too soon and try and maximise the benefit. My proportions look fine, i thought my long femurs would look weird by now but they look fine to me as my upper body is long.
Thoughts on going to 9cm vs stopping now?
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Super happy for you and congrats on this accomplishment.
I would say stop if you are just going for 1 more cm. I say that just for precautionary reasons. Again, good luck and I hope that all keeps on going well for you.
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Was the cost up front, did you have to pay all of it at once. Or could you split it into payment plan sort of
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Super happy for you and congrats on this accomplishment.
I would say stop if you are just going for 1 more cm. I say that just for precautionary reasons. Again, good luck and I hope that all keeps on going well for you.
Thankyou! I hope my diary has helped others as others have helped me. I am undecided yet but thanks for input.
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Was the cost up front, did you have to pay all of it at once. Or could you split it into payment plan sort of
All upfront for me, paid before I flew over
I talk about this on page 1
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Any pain at the moment GJ? When did the clicking pain subsides?
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No pain at the moment. I’ve gone off novalgin pain killers , only the opiate remains. But when I tried going off opiate clicking in morning was painful so I am waiti until consolidation to go off opiates. With opiates I feel no pain. Clicking is always gonna be uncomfortable but it hasn’t been painful since beginning. And also the last 4 days I’ve been taking a bath first and then doing clicking, and this makes clicking ridiculously easy , I do both sides in 5 minutes
I wish I did the bath thing a lot earlier as this makes clicking a breeze. Just soak your legs in hot water for 10 mins, then take your muscle relaxer and pain killer and it becomes 5x easier.
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I would say shut it down man. You hit your goal. Walk away from this with no complications and a happy ending. Glad to hear you're doing well.
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Hi all
Thanks for your advice.
Today i decided i would no longer click any further. I.e yesterday was my last clicking day.
I have achieved my goal - ultimately finishing at 8.2cm lengthened.
I feel like i could have got to 9cm if i wanted to but i feel like it wouldn't make much different at this point and don't want to risk anything.
IT is a hard thing to walk away from free extra height though, but i am happy with my dimensions at 180.5cm height (i plan on telling people im 6 foot anyway - im not going to get to 183cm on this surgery anyway, plus i will be with shoes on) and my proportions of femur look good.
I am also finishing on the last day of 2022 so i can walk into 2023 with an immediate fresh start and celebrate my new height. What a happy new year.
Honestly it has been a life changing journey and one that i would 100% do again if i could go back in time.
Anyway, ill stay on the forum and give advice or answer questions as well as give updates for the final remaining stages of i) getting off my drugs completely ii) final xray iii) learning to walk properly iv) consolidation period (noting per betz schdeule i have only had 1 xray since coming back home, so there is a risk there if it hasnt bee consolidating well, though this is very unlikely since first x-ray was good)
WOOHOO we are done.
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Congrats to you man!
What supplements have you been taking to help, if any?
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👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Congrats
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Congrats, now go enjoy your new life and forget about this experience.
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Congratulations I’m really happy for you🙌🏼 I’ve been trying to get in contact with the betz institute, left several emails but no reply. Can I ask how you get into contact with them please?
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Congrats man. Lots to look forward to next year. My goal is to have done the entire surgery including getting my nails out by the end of 2023.
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Congrats to you man!
What supplements have you been taking to help, if any?
Thankyou! I haven't been taking much, just an extra multvitamin everyday + protein powder. Betz gives you lots of the key supplements.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Congrats
Thankyou! :D :D :D
Congrats, now go enjoy your new life and forget about this experience.
Thankyou! & absolutely, i can pretend to myself i didnt have to go through hell for 3-4 months and can just enjoy the outcome!
Congratulations I’m really happy for you🙌🏼 I’ve been trying to get in contact with the betz institute, left several emails but no reply. Can I ask how you get into contact with them please?
Thankyou!! :D I think they are going through a big transition period given betz is retiring right now. Staff, hospital, processes and all in transition. I can maybe ask becker what is the best way for people to reach out, or i can give you danni's number who was betz assistant working for becker now. ill find out.
Congrats man. Lots to look forward to next year. My goal is to have done the entire surgery including getting my nails out by the end of 2023.
Thankyou!!! :D 2023 will be a great year. You can definitely do the whole surgery and recover back to normal within 5-6 months total i would say. However you cant get your nails out same year. I will not be doing this within 2 years of surgery - bone needs to be full strength otherwise you risk breaking it.
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Hi thank you so much I really appreciate it, yes please if you could give me the number and I will mention how you recommended it to me.
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X-rays few days post clicking
(https://i.ibb.co/yd45L1P/A1-D8-B880-2-E17-4-D57-AAF0-569-D39-C121-D3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yd45L1P) (https://i.ibb.co/LRSdJ1G/554-DFBDD-C703-4-F1-C-B72-F-69-B362012-FF4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LRSdJ1G) (https://i.ibb.co/fFvHBbt/7597-A0-B1-D615-4509-9-B55-0-BBD31-A8-EF56.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fFvHBbt)
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looking good
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X-rays few days post clicking
(https://i.ibb.co/yd45L1P/A1-D8-B880-2-E17-4-D57-AAF0-569-D39-C121-D3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yd45L1P) (https://i.ibb.co/LRSdJ1G/554-DFBDD-C703-4-F1-C-B72-F-69-B362012-FF4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LRSdJ1G) (https://i.ibb.co/fFvHBbt/7597-A0-B1-D615-4509-9-B55-0-BBD31-A8-EF56.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fFvHBbt)
Does the rotation/movement stop when youre done clicking? Like does your leg lock in place?
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Does the rotation/movement stop when youre done clicking? Like does your leg lock in place?
The bones consolidates which prevents clicking (at a certain point of consolidation you’d need to break the bone again to click. So no accidental clicking but I never did accidental clicks anyway so moot point for me.
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Hi all sorry for the lack of posts.
I’ve been moving on with my life and enjoying my new height. I can leave height neurosis and this forum behind me. But I still want to check in to see how others are going and offer any assistance where I can.
As a brief update for consolidation. I’m now 1 month post clicking. The initial challenge was getting off opioids - holy moly I wasn’t expecting it we weren’t really briefed on this but you need to get off these early and transition off them slowly. I mostly went cold Turkey and I was depressed , restless could t sleep and generally felt like for about a week. After that symptoms left me and I was fine but I’ve read online of others who took much longer to get off them.
Other developments are my walking had gotten dramatically better. I was still using crutches at beginning for long distances walking but I got rid of them altogether . Once you do that your walking goes from pretty to amazing in like 2-4 weeks as you get your muscles back. I’ve been doing gym everyday and physio exercises and it’s helping a lot.
I still have a little bit of hip sway on my walk which is kind of embarrassing but Becker said that is partially muscles atrophy and partially because of micro movements in the device which goes away as the bone consolidated . So you get improvements over time in both muscle and consolidation . I can almost walk in a way that people won’t notice.
Overall I feel very happy . I am so happy with my new legs height , confidence is up, comfort is up, more looks from girls and I am healthiest I’ve been in a long time. Hopefully I don’t take this for granted in time.
Anyway that’s all i can think of. Fee free to ask questions but I may not come back who knows
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Congrats man!
When are you getting your next x-rays? How's bone consolidation looking? I believe you stopped lengthening around New Year's so you would be about 5 weeks into consolidation now.
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Congrats man!
When are you getting your next x-rays? How's bone consolidation looking? I believe you stopped lengthening around New Year's so you would be about 5 weeks into consolidation now.
Thankyou! The only one other X-ray I need to go is 3 months control post lengthening. But after my last X-ray was perfect I don’t think it’s really necessary - bone consolidation going well and hardest part behind me
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Question for you all
Can I tell people I’m 6 foot?
I’m now 181cm without shoes which is technically 2cm under but with shoes I would be?
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Why not? Just tell that you are 6'0. No one gonna come and measure you, lmao.
Stop thinking so much, my dude
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Why not? Just tell that you are 6'0. No one gonna come and measure you, lmao.
Stop thinking so much, my dude
I think so too. Don't think too much ;D
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I'm going to be 182cm , 6 foot is 182.8cm
You are probably closer to six than most guys who claim it lol
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If you have recent imaging data please put it at this thread. Redact any information that could be used to dox you.
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Did you have to go to Goitikas to get an ITB release, as the soft poke ITB release doesn't actually do much for leg lengthening. A soft itb release is not even an ITB release according to the world's top surgeons
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How's recovery ?
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How's recovery ?
Great, no issue at all. I rarely come on here because I’ve moved on with my life . Loving it
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How's recovery ?
I noticed you put your height with glucosamine sulfate. Do you feel like it gives you that much of a boost? Also what’s the best way to get the most out of the supplement?
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Great, no issue at all. I rarely come on here because I’ve moved on with my life . Loving it
This is awesome im also getting into this vibe.