Hello everybody. I really appreciate this forum and the open attitudes here, so I was hoping I could have some advice.
This spring or summer, I'd like to lengthen my legs 2-3 cm. There are a number of reasons I don't want additional extension:
1) I enjoy going on long walks and the like. From what I understand, the more you extend, the higher the risk of nerve damage, limited ROM, etc. I'd like to minimize this.
2) My funds are limited.
3) My time is limited (more on this later).
4) I honestly only want 2-3 cm extra. While I don't want as much growth as some other people here, let me assure, I want this just as bad. I have a host of personal reasons for wanting this surgery, and they are VERY strong. I realize that this is painful. I realize that the rehabilitation is nightmarish. I realize that there is a significant risk of complications. I know this, and I am ready to proceed. I have no illusions about the difficulty, but I've dealt with hell before.
As I am trying to organize this logistically, I do have a few questions. I plan on doing a very conventional procedure, single-cut with Ilzarov external fixator. I need something of a timescale for about 2.5 cm of growth. I realize that there are many sample timescales available, but they are all for 5 cm increments or so. I don't think I can simply cut in half--there seems to be too many other variables. I'd like to know if anyone can offer a rough estimate of how long it will take for fixator removal, for walking with crutches, and walking unassisted.
I ask this because I have two time windows, one 2.5 months, the other 3 months. If the surgery cannot be performed in either time window, then I may need to look into postponing.
I know these are general questions and that there is a large range. I would greatly appreciate some general info, however. Thank you in advance.