I was lucky. I was able to use FMLA leave even during the lengthening phase. After my FMLA days expired, they put me part time for the rest of my lengthening (I did over 8cm, so lengthening took a while). For my consolidation phase, I was on crutches for a good 4-6 months I believe. I lost a little height because of a bone disease, so I just told them I did it because of that. I'm sure some probably talked behind my back, but it's been nothing but career success since then. So no real impact. People really don't give too much of a about your life as you may think. But you'd be amazed what lengths an employer and coworkers will go if you provide tremendous value.
