Limb Lengthening Forum

Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Advanced search  
Pages: [1] 2 3 4   Go Down

Author Topic: Phoenix.. Rising !! External Tibias with TSF Frames @ Dr. Dhawan, New Delhi  (Read 43867 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75

Surgery Type: External Tibias with TSF Frames
Doctor: Dr. Manish Dhawan
Location: New Delhi, INDIA

Diagnosis: Bow leg Correction and Limb Lengthening
Age: 29 yrs

Pre-Op height: 165 cms (Night) , 167 cms (Morning)
Target height: +5cms

Cost Of Surgery: Rs 9.5 Lakhs / $15000 (approx)  (For surgery and stay in hospital for a week)

Date of Surgery: April 16th 2015

Distraction Start Date: April 26th 2015

Special Thanks to itzRammi for the tremendous support during this crucial phase of my life.

Also, I want to thank KiloKhan for his diary, which helped me in choosing the doctor, and giving me the confidence that India is a good destination for LL.

Finally I want to thank the Admin and creator of this forum for giving me a platform to share my experiences and get help in turn.
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
How it all started:
« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2015, 05:25:26 PM »

From my childhood, I knew there is something wrong with my legs. I always wondered why my knees don’t touch each other, like many of my friends’. When I grew up, I came to know they are called bowlegs, and studying about it a bit more, I could now understand the reason for all the leg pain I have every night, knee pains if I walk a lot, why I couldn’t do skating for long when all my friends were doing it easily, and why my friends used to comment on my crooked walk.

After doing a lot of study, I went to a local doctor to determine if my bowlegs are severe, and if there is any other way of correction. He confirmed my doubt that my legs are a bit crooked, and I will need a correction surgery, and as I don’t really have any big immediate problems with my knees, I could delay the surgery, but ultimately that might lead to knee replacement surgery or other issues if untreated. So, I decided to go ahead with the bowleg correction surgery before my knee turns completely useless.

If I go with bowleg correction, generally it is done one leg at a time; 3 months for each leg, and a month break in between. So, It will be 7 months all together and I will be partially crippled most of the time. And I am sure I will not go out and work, or be active in that period, with a frame on my leg. I was not really ready to go through all that hell of breaking leg and all, just to get straight legs.

I figured, the better way is to do two legs at the same time, and also lengthen 4 to 5 cms in the same 7 to 8 months. This way I have some kind of incentive to go through this procedure, and still be happy at the end for doing it.

From the time I have mentally decided to do CLL, my life is on hold. Every decision I take, every path I go is affected by a possible future LL. I cannot reveal my personal matters, but my decision to do LL will also decide my complete future, whether or not I will have my life as I planned from long back, or possibly go back to square one, which I have to rebuild. This made my decision more difficult.

But I ultimately decided it is now or never, and started to wait for the right moment. From a couple of years I was tied down due to family commitments and my own inability to take a firm stand. A point came, when the frustration peaked, and in a moments decision I just left the job, booked the tickets, and I was at the doorstep of my parents’ home. Yea, they were surprised and happy to find me there. My friends too liked the surprise. Then came the question from every one.. “WHY?” For which I don’t have any answer.

I just got rid of my professional life commitments, but it’s hard to put my personal life on hold. I knew that, so I wanted to make sure none of my personal life needs me during my CLL hibernation. I was not going to tell about my CLL to anyone. So, I waited, just waited for a month at my parents’ doing all the stuff, tying loose ends, planning my CLL, working on the possible doctors, devising strategies to hide my career break from others, and make it as convincing as possible. Once I am sure my personal life will wait for me for a year, then it started.. My LL Journey.
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
My LL Journey: (Mumbai)
« Reply #2 on: May 08, 2015, 05:27:48 PM »

I took off to Mumbai on March 14th. Felt a bit emotional when I was leaving my parents. I used AirBnb to find an accommodation, when I went to the apartment, it was on 3rd floor, and no lift. I had 2 big Bags; I had to carry them upstairs. That was when I realized, how crowded Mumbai is, and how small the apartments are. Apartment was good though.

As it was not really planned ahead, I did not take Dr. Parihar’s appointment. So, next day early morning, I went to the hospital directly. I came to know he comes only in the evening, and the next day he is going out of country for a week. It happens to me all the time, I am generally lazy, so I am used to such last minute surprises. I did what I do best, knocked all the possible doors and managed to get an appointment same day evening.
Evening, I waited outside, and initially I was called into Dr. Divya’s cabin. He was a nice guy. I told him about my bow leg, and why I need CLL. He tried to correct me saying bow leg correction and CLL are two different things. I said I know, and I came here to know the extent of my defect and if surgery is the only alternative. If so, I am ready for it, If not, I am OK to think about the alternatives too.

He checked my legs, tapped them on the knees and around, to see extent of existing damage, then asked me to walk across the room, to see if it is crooked, then requested me to take few X-Rays.

I went downstairs to get the X-Rays, this is the first time in my life I ever got an X-Ray, and he took not one, but in 5 or 6 different positions (My legs and knees in multiple positions). After that, I waited, they called me in again, but this time into DR. Parihar’s cabin. Dr. Parihar was sitting in the chair, and he offered me a patient chair. Sitting before him, I realized, he was towering over me, he should be really tall. He again asked me everything and I repeated what ever I told Dr. Divya. Dr. Parihar had a soft copy of my X-Rays on his computer. He looked at them, and confirmed I have Bowlegs, but he was pointing to the fact that both my legs are not equally deformed. My left leg has 8 degree curvature, and my right leg has 5 degrees. That explains the fact that I have more pain in right leg than the left, may be because I tend to put all my weight on my right leg when I stand, due to its lesser deformity.

Ultimately, he suggested me to go through the surgery, but he didn’t give me a deadline. He asked me to do it when I am ready, and only after I tell my parents about it, as he explained, LL is not a very easy journey, and we need loved ones through ups and downs.

I was already decided not to tell my parents or any others about my LL, and want to do it alone, so I didn’t ask him if he will allow me to still do it without my parents. If it comes to that, I just wanted to keep that option open to just lie to him that I informed my parents, but they cannot come here during my surgery dates due to some blah blah reason..   :)

After that I went back to the apartment. Next day I wanted to meet LowerVilliers from this forum. He was in Mumbai at that time, and we had a chat before, and I told him I will meet him when I come to Mumbai. But as we all want to be anonymous, we didn’t really exchange names or contact numbers. He informed me before that he is in a hotel nearby the hospital.

But, I couldn’t contact him from the time I came to Mumbai, he didn’t respond to my messages, so I thought of giving it a try. I went to his hotel, and tried to talk to the hotel staff, to find me a foreigner… LOL. I explained them how I am Dr. Parihar’s patient, and I am here to meet another patient, and I don’t know his name or contact number or his room number. As expected, it was a flop. . I couldn’t meet him.

Next day, I started figuring out what to do. I was determined to do the surgery. I had confidence in Dr. Parihar, he was going above my budget, but I was still ok to do my surgery with him, especially after reading kilokhan’s diary. But, I was somehow not so comfortable in a very big city like Mumbai. I wanted to do it together with some other LLer, and LowerVilliers was the only one planning to do his surgery in Mumbai then, but he was not responding to my messages, and I was not comfortable doing it all alone.

I started checking for Hotels or apartments for stay during LL and the cost of living is too much, as I wanted to stay near doctor for the whole lengthening and consolidation.

Because of these multiple issues, my own undecided mind, and on itzRammi’s suggestion, I decided to meet someother doctor too, before taking a decision. I ruled out Dr. Shah, So I decided to go to Delhi to meet Dr. Dhawan.
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
My LL Journey: (Delhi)
« Reply #3 on: May 08, 2015, 05:29:09 PM »

Again, overnight, I booked air tickets to delhi and landed in the airport next day morning. Didn’t yet decide on accommodation, so I booked a hotel online. It was a bit far from Sir Gangaram Hospital, where Dr. Dhawan works. I then tried to take Dr. Dhawan’s appointment, and called on his mobile directly. As usual, no surprise, He said he is away, and so I have to wait two more days to get his appointment. Great!! History repeats.

I took the opportunity to look around the city. I liked Delhi instantly. It is not as big and crowded as Mumbai, and there is a feel of history where ever I go. Lot of parks, lot of activity.. Not that I will be able to enjoy any of them during my LL phase.

Next day morning, I contacted itzrammi and he came to meet me at the hotel. He was very excited to meet a fellow LLer. I was happy too, as I was feeling lost and alone in my LL journey already, and I just got some one who can understand my issues. He is very silent at first, but quickly we became friends. You will know in future how lucky I am to just stumble upon him.

I shifted from the hotel, and moved near the hospital, and itzrammi helped me with the luggage, and also took me around the city, I was happy to use the Delhi Metro, and visit places like cannaught place, palika bazar  etc.,
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
Consultation with Dr. Dhawan
« Reply #4 on: May 08, 2015, 05:30:35 PM »

March 25th morning, I took an appointment with Dr. Dhawan. Waited for itzrammi, and after meeting we went to consultation together. It is a very big corporate hospital, with lot of blocks, that made it difficult to find Dr. Dhawan’s cabin.

Unlike Dr Parihar’s hospital, here Dr. Dhawan is one among many doctors, so there are thousands of patients; there is always a line outside Dr. Dhawan’s cabin. We waited our turn, and we went in. We sat down before Dr. Dhawan. He was looking at someother patient, then he came to us.

Dr : Tell me what is your problem?
Me :  bow leg correction and lengthening.

Dr: where are you from? 
Me: I answered him.

He was surprised ..

Dr: Why did you come this far? And how did you get to know about me?
Me: I told him about the Forum, the ASAMI Board, etc, and how I shortlisted Dr. Parihar and him.

I showed him the XRays taken at DR. Parihar’s clinic. He checked them, and asked me to come with him. We went to a different room which was a bit spacious. He ordered everyone else to go outside, and after closing the door, he asked me to take off the pants and walk across the room. I kept walking. He stopped me..

Dr: your walking pattern is crooked, and your legs need correction.
Me: Is there any alternative other than surgery? I don’t want to go through the ilizarov surgery if there are any alternatives.

Dr: No, Correction surgery is the only way. We put frames around your leg one at a time. Each leg takes 3 months to heal, and there will be a 1 month break in between. So all together it will take 3+1+3 i.e., 7 months.
Me: If that is the case, I will go with leg lengthening too, and do both the legs together, so I can get some height too in the same time period.

Dr. OK, that can be done. We use Hexapod frames in that case. They use software to get proper angular correction, so they will be accurate. In your case externals is the only possible way.

Me: How much will it cost?
Dr: It might cost around 4.5L.

Discussion again went towards forum. He was happy to know that there is a forum, and something good is written about him in it. He enquired about other doctors on forum. I told him about Dr. Talwar, Dr. Parihar, Dr. Milind Chaudhay, Dr. Sarin, and Dr. Sringari.

As expected, many of Dr. Sarin’s and Dr. Sringari’s patients came to him with issues, and he knows enough about their business model. He is not happy about them. Apart from that he made no comments on other doctors.

Later itzRammi too told him about his issue, and Dr. Dhawan immediately confirmed that his height can be increased easily.
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
Decisions! Decisions!
« Reply #5 on: May 08, 2015, 05:31:49 PM »

We went back to the hotel. By now LowerVilliers had confirmed his surgery is delayed, so there is no fellow LLer in Mumbai, and I was hesitant to do LL in Mumbai alone as it is a big crazy city and people are too busy to care about one another. But I was Ok with being alone in Delhi during LL as the city is comparatively small and people are a bit nice. And itzRammi would be here for a month or so, so he will be around during my surgery, which was crucial for me. Apart from that, I was comfortable with both Dr. Dhawan and Dr. Parihar for externals.

I thought for a while and decided to go ahead with the surgery with Dr. Dhawan, as my situation is now or never..  In the meanwhile, I informed my younger brother about my decision, and asked him not to tell anyone else. He laughed at first, thought I was crazy, then he realized I am serious, so he tried to convince me not to do it now, or at least inform my parents, but ultimately he realized that this is a done decision, and he cannot change me, so he agreed.

I did not want to live in a hotel during my LL, I wanted a freedom of my own apartment, So I spent the whole next week checking apartments and talking to dealers, seeing the apartments. Every dealer was giving me good offers, but on second or third floor, without elevator, which doesn’t suit me. I had to explain my situation to everyone, so that they can understand my problem, and show apartments accordingly.

Finally I finalized on an apartment, which is on the ground floor; No steps what so ever. Rent was Rs 20,000 per month and electricity extra. Rent is more considering the location and the facilities offered, but I didn’t have many choices. Also, the owners’ family was friendly and they offered to help me in any way they can during my LL. That was a big thing in itself for me.

Next, I moved-in to the apartment, and then purchased an orthopedic mattress, a TV, and some kitchen utensils. Also, went around the locality and collected contact numbers of all the restaurants, pharmacy stores etc., which offer home delivery. Also I hired a maid for Rs 3000 per month, who cleans the apartment daily, washes my clothes, and do the dishes, and cook food for me. She will also go get groceries if needed.

Once I am settled–in, I called Dr. Dhawan to setup a surgery date. He gave me the date on April 16th. Also he asked me to come and meet him at the hospital. I went, and he asked me to give my X-Ray. He checked it again, and asked me if I am willing to go with TSF instead of Hexapod. He explained me the pros are, immediate full weight bearing, less rings, compact and strong. The only issue is it will be costly; the total might come to Rs. 6.5 Lakhs. That is 2 Lakhs more than Hexapod. But, I didn’t hesitate and confirmed that I will go with TSF.
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
Pre-Surgery:
« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2015, 05:33:02 PM »

On April 15th, a day before surgery, itzRammi and I went to Sir Gangaram Hospital, to get admitted. It is a very big corporate hospital. They made us wait for 2 hrs before allotting a room. The room was clean, all the facilities are top notch. We just waited for them to come and take blood and urine samples for a lot of tests which are mandatory before the surgery.

Once it is done, I got a feeling that I will not be able to walk again properly for a year or so, and I wanted to go out and roam on the roads for one last time. I am usually not that kind of a person, but something happened, and I want to go out at any cost. As I was admitted, and I am the patient, I am not supposed to go out technically till I am discharged. But, as I am still in my regular clothes, I first tried to sneak out, but the guard somehow suspected, and stopped me, then I tried to talk to nurse, to let me out, which she didn’t allow. I got pissed off, and called Dr. Dhawan, he said I can go out if I want. But nurses were clearly not happy at me for putting them in that position, which require taking a decision on their own. They clearly follow the rulebook, no free will. So she found an easy way out for herself; I can go only if the duty doctor for that night allows me to. I waited, and when duty doctor arrived, I told him all the stories I can, with a fair bit of emotions and compelled him to allow me to go out. At last he gave me permission, and we went out. I was so happy to be out there, I walked a bit on the roads for an hour or so, and came back to the hospital. Immediately after coming back, they gave me the patient clothes, and they put a band around my wrist so that I can’t try to sneak out again.
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
Surgery Day:
« Reply #7 on: May 08, 2015, 05:35:58 PM »

On Surgery day, they woke me up early in the morning, for an X-Ray. Though I could have walked there myself, the ward boy insisted I go in a wheel chair. He is just following his rulebook; any patient should be taken in a wheel chair. I felt funny, but I obliged. itzRammi came with us too. The guy took an X-Ray of my chest. I was confused, and I was sure he took a wrong X-Ray. I told him I have a leg surgery and not a heart surgery. He smiled, and told me this was required for giving Anesthesia to me. I felt like a kid, who doesn’t know anything. After the X-Rays, we returned to the room. At around 10:30am nurse and the ward boy came for me to take me to the operation theatre. They put me on a stretcher, and took me to the waiting room, where we came to know my surgery is still 2 hrs away, I was asked to wait. I used the time to go to the restroom and clear my stomach before the surgery. Then I waited, almost slept for a while. Then a guy came and checked my reports. I figured he came to knock me out before surgery. I was right. He just took me into a room, it looked nothing like an operation theater which I only saw in the movies. I was still admiring the beauty of the room; when he suddenly held my arm, put a strip around it, something like they do for BP check up. Then he took a pipe from the nearest machine, and put it under my sheets, and then held my wrist, found a nerve, and inserted a needle, which was connected to a bottle with some mysterious liquid in it. No idea what it was, but in hardly 10 mins I felt dizzy.

I opened my eyes, and I was no longer in that room, I was back at the same place from where the anesthesia guy took me. I didn’t understand at first, but I know the only way to check if my surgery is already done, or I am still waiting for my turn, is to check my legs.  I immediately removed the sheets from my body, Vola!! The first thing I notice is I am nude waist down! Great! I immediately covered my self again, as fast as I could. My reflexes made sure I didn’t loose my modesty in front of a room full of patients and nurses. Also I still didn’t get a peek at my legs. Now, I removed the sheets from my legs instead. Its like what they show in movies; the slow motion shot. There they were, in all their glory, black and shining, around my legs. They looked good in fact, but I knew they are not jewels, but very expensive leg cuffs. I am unable to move my legs or toes. That seems to be my fate for an year or so..

Next thing I noticed is the Urine Pack. Upon some groping I found a tube hanging from my precious private part. That made me really annoyed, some one doing that to me when I was unconscious, without even letting me know before hand. Now I know it is a part of the surgery, but then at that moment I felt like I was abused.. ☺


Also, I was not able to put my legs properly due to those rings, there is no good way, my ankle was in air and it was paining. I had to call the nurse, and she did fold some sheets, and put it under my ankles for support. It was better after that.

After they brought me back to the room, at 6:30pm, I found itzRammi sitting there. From him I came to know that I was away for 8 hrs, the surgery itself was for 6 hrs. itzRammi was sitting in the room all that time, as the nurses told him to be in the room just in case they might need him during surgery. He was even ready to give his blood if needed during surgery. Thankfully extra blood was not needed, But the fact that he was ready to give blood made me realize how lucky I am and how much I owe him. You will see this is just the beginning, and I cannot repay all that he has done to me in the next 15 days. I didn’t see Dr. Dhawan the whole day. But the nurses started giving medications 4 times a day. 

My left ankle was stiff and painful, and few of my pinsites were bleeding. They said its normal.
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
Second Day :
« Reply #8 on: May 08, 2015, 05:37:56 PM »

Second day (17th Apil), liquid diet was given, while continuing the medication. No sign of Dr. Dhawan, but many doctors who are part of Dr. Dhawan’s team are coming to me regularly to check my status. But I am getting a feeling that they are just coming out of curiosity to know my story and check my frames. I am becoming more like a caged animal in a zoo for all the patients, ward boys, attenders, nurses, and everyone to see.

Finally Dr. Dhawan came to me. He was so happy looking at me, and said my surgery is a grand success. He suddenly pulled off the sheets from my legs. My reflexes again saved my modesty, I was still not wearing anything waist down. I did purchase few loose fitting shorts before, but I am sure they will not fit over those rings, and I was not in a position to move my legs, let alone wear anything. He checked the legs, and with one finger around the ring, he suddenly lifted my whole leg, to show how light-weight the ring is. My leg is in air, and I am like, what the F**k! And before I realize, he just left it from there, and my leg fell on the bed. I was so angry, but surprised that I didn’t get any pain. Then he went to my ankles, and started moving them in all the directions possible, with all the pressure he could apply. It pained a bit, but not really as much as I feared. Next he told me, a physiotherapist will come to make you walk now. I said no way I am going to walk today, I am not ready for it mentally and physically. He told me not to worry, and said, TSF frames are tough enough to handle your weight, and you should walk as much as you can daily, else if you are just bed ridden, you will be like that for the rest of your life. I am sure he did all that just to give me confidence to walk and show that my leg is lot tougher than I think. It actually did help! I was not even moving my toes till then, and after that visit, I started moving my leg a bit, and folding the leg at the knee. Later, a physio came to make me walk, but I just lied to him that Dr. Dhawan asked me to walk from tomorrow (Dr. Dhawan did say if you are not really ready, walk from tomorrow, but you should start walking ASAP! so technically its not a lie). He went away, and I was happy to have averted that walking thing for a day!

From morning I was not so comfortable. First I wanted to go to the toilet, but they wouldn’t let me. They offered a bed pan instead, But I declined, not ready for such a thing. They had a mobile potty kind of thing, a chair with a potty attached to it. I said I just want to use a real toilet. Nurses were worried if anything happens while helping me to the toilet, they will loose their jobs. A ward boy came forward to help, but once he saw my frames, he never came back. Taking a sh*t was not the priority, the main problem was with the Urine Pack. The feeling of having a Urine pack is itself very unnerving, you loose control on your piss and it becomes involuntary, over that, it was kinda getting messy, sticky around private parts, and I had to clean the area with water. The whole day nothing else was on my mind. I even tried to check if its possible to pull it off, but was afraid of doing it without permission.


Slight bleeding in pinsites continued, but ankle pain resided, but still it was stiff.
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
Third Day:
« Reply #9 on: May 08, 2015, 05:39:10 PM »

Third day (18th April) onwards normal diet was given to me. I was getting used to my frames, and I was able to move my toes, and legs a bit. itzRammi was helping me a lot in arranging support for my ankle, moving my legs when ever I misplaced them, pay the hospital bills with my card, do all the other stuff required.

First thing I did in the morning was I called Dr. Dhawan, like a kid in a day care, I asked him permission to go to toilet, and also complained about the nurses for not letting me use, what seemed like my basic human right.. He just laughed, and said he is giving me all the permissions in the world to do everything I want. He is so confident on my frames. But still nurses and ward boys were not helpful. Infact they were even avoiding me. So, I decided, I don’t need anyone’s approval for it, and I should do it myself. Discussed the plan with itzRammi, and as he was looking at how desperate I was from two days, he agreed.


Then came the physio again, now with a beautiful girl, she is a trainee I suppose. I kinda hated them for coming so early, but seriously, I was very afraid to walk. As I told you, I am not wearing anything except a shirt, so I put a towel around my waist and tied it together before they came. So, when they asked me to get up, I removed the sheets, and tried to sit on the edge of the bed, but couldn’t really move my legs all the way. So, the physio helped me put my legs on the floor, helped me wear some slippers on. Then both of them on each side held my arms, and lifted me. I was holding the walker. I was standing with their support on both sides. Now I realized my towel was slipping slowly, and the knot I made was apparently loose. I suddenly left the walker, and held the towel in place. If they were not holding me properly, it would have been a disaster. The physio told me not to worry about the towel, and said it’s a hospital, so that’s nothing, just leave it, or if I wanted he will hold it for me. Apparently, he was asking me to walk nude, as no one cares if a patient is wearing anything at all.. lol

I asked him to just hold my towel in place. Then I held the walker again. They made me stand properly. Legs were paining, but I managed. With the whole body weight on my hands, they made me take my first step. It was very painful. I couldn’t do it, but some how I managed two steps forward, then two steps backwards and some steps side ways, and then sat down on the bed. It was like I went to a war and won. It drained all my energy away, I couldn’t do anything else for atleast a couple of hours. I just slept.

Dressing is done today, and they showed me pinsite care. We paid hospital bills, as nurse gave my discharge date for tomorrow.

In the meanwhile Physio came again in evening. This time I made sure my towel doesn’t need any external help. I used a pin to hold it together. but realized its too early to be able to walk  all the way to the toilet, so got back and sat down on the bed. I sat there fo 15 mins, with foot on the floor. After that I forgot about going to the toilet, and was just happy at my new found ability to walk.

But later Dr. Dhawan visited me, and told me he needs to take an X-Ray on Monday, which will be used to feed information to the TSF Software, and get distraction sheet. So, effectively my discharge date was delayed by 2 days. We didn’t understand why there was a misunderstanding.
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
Night Crawler:
« Reply #10 on: May 08, 2015, 05:39:46 PM »

After the initial discharge news, I thought, I need not use the toilet here, and instead go home and be at peace. But, after it is postponed, its finally time to go to the toilet. I was sure I cannot walk to the toilet. Getting a wheel chair was out of question without support from Nurses or ward boys. So, we waited for everyone to sleep, so nurses would be done with their duty and will not disturb us. Then I sent itzRammi to check if the path is clear, we waited for around an hour to make sure no one is watching. Then I got up, sat on the edge of the bed. itzRammi brought a wooden chair near me. That was my vehicle for the day. I was worried if there will be any noise, so itzRammi sat on the chair, and I pushed it to check its noise level. It was well with in the limits, so with his help, I slowly sat in the chair. Now itzRammi pushed the chair slowly across the room. It was making a lot of squeaking noise, but we pushed it anyway. Then opened the toilet door, and pushed it in. We realized the chair has a handle, so I cant just slide across onto the commode, and due to limited space, I have to almost stand up and turn and sit down on the commode. It took some time to figure out how to do it, after a lot of planning, and considering all the angles, and support I will require in the future steps, we calculated a optimum solution, and using his shoulder and chair handle as supports, I successfully sat on the commode safely. It felt as the best moment of my life after the surgery. I was so happy. I cleaned up myself; there was a lot of betadine all over my thighs and legs from surgery. And after everything, I called itzRammi from my phone, and he came back and helped me back into the chair. When we opened the toilet door, our neighbor was standing outside, and he was looking at us like we are two weird people, doing a stunt. But he stood there and held the door open, and waited till we reached the bed. Then I got into bed, and was so relieved.. The toilet was hardly 7 steps away, but I had to do all this just to reach it. I was determined to learn walking asap and be independent.


I had backache whole day possibly due to wrong bed position, or lying in same position all day. I realized that and changed the bed position often, using the remote, so the backache reduced.

I had a sound sleep that night. No pain .
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
Fourth Day:
« Reply #11 on: May 08, 2015, 05:40:16 PM »

Fourth day (19th April),  today physio came in the morning, After my toilet episode yesterday, I was so desperate to be independent ASAP. So, I brought up all my energy, and courage, and I actually asked him to make me walk till the toilet, and instructed him not to support me unless needed. I want to do it on my own. That was in a way my measure for freedom and independence. I was surprised when I actually did reach the toilet, with no one supporting me. He was just standing beside me to catch me just in case I couldn’t hold myself. I came back, and sat down on the bed.

I learnt the technique to properly support myself and distribute weight between my hands and legs, to walk properly. I didn’t really get it yesterday when they were trying to teach me. But, once I really wanted to do it, I miraculously know how to do it. It did use up all my energy, but I was so happy, I didn’t really feel that helpless feeling I got yesterday after walking.

I spent almost the whole day sleeping. Nurses were disturbing me in the sleep every now and then, giving me salines, injections, and what not. But, I kept sleeping nothing can disturb me today. I was getting all kinds of weird dreams, mostly I am very powerful in those dreams with some kinds of super powers. I accept, I watch a lot of sci-fi and fantasy movies, but I never usually get such dreams where I am the hero. I think its mostly my mind trying to console itself and come out of the helpless feeling it is in. It is nature’s way of at least giving me false hope.

itzRammi was sleeping whole day too, he was tired and exhausted. He had to be there with me all day, and also do all the other tasks outside, when I was just lying on bed sleeping or watching TV.
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
Fifth Day:
« Reply #12 on: May 08, 2015, 05:41:02 PM »

Fifth Day (20th April), I went to take X-Ray in the morning. Dr. Dhawan came there and helped us take the X-Rays in the proper format, as they will be used to calculate the exact distraction sheet. Later we spent the whole day paying hospital bills and waiting to get discharged. But, as the X-Ray got delayed and we already had to pay that day’s charges too, so on doctor’s advise, we decided to get discharged on the next day.
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
Sixth Day: Discharge!!
« Reply #13 on: May 08, 2015, 05:41:31 PM »

Sixth Day (21st April), we realized that doctor has added TSF frame cost to the hospital bill, and the final bill came to Rs 9.5Lakhs. That was 3 Lakhs more than that was informed by the doctor. I am sure paid everything and finalized in the morning. Once we got a go ahead for discharge from finance department, we booked an ambulance, to go home. Coming out of the hospital felt so awesome. When we reached home, it was difficult to carry the stretcher inside the house. But, ambulance driver, itzrammi, my house owners helped in carrying me inside and dumped me on the bed.

I felt so happy being at home finally.
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75
My LL Brother: itzRammi
« Reply #14 on: May 08, 2015, 05:46:29 PM »

itzRammi, the man whom I can’t thank enough. He is a good person, a friend and my LL Brother. He was there with me when I needed a person the most in my life. When I started my LL journey, I was alone, there was no one to share my issues with. I somehow contacted him in this forum, and I need to thank this forum for that. He was kind enough to share his contact number, listen to my problems, and then guide me in the right direction. He is a veteran on LL, he knows a lot of stuff, and that helped me a lot. When I came to delhi, he met me, took me around the city, helped me in setting up my apartment, he was there through out my surgery, 7 whole days in hospital with me.

He did everything a family could do to someone in a hospital. He was even ready to donate his blood for me if needed during surgery. He helped me set up my food tray everyday, he helped me position my ankle properly in times when they used to get stuck in weird positions, and I could not move them. He helped me in going to the toilet, when the whole hospital staff was not willing to help. He collected the information of all the medicines the nurses were giving me, googled them, and used to tell me what they were for. He used to make me forget the pain by being funny and giving me company. He literally wrote a diary of my day-to-day activities in a book, so that it would be easy for me to remember when I am writing a diary on this forum. He is the one who is making sure I write this diary by reminding me regularly. Even after coming back from hospital, he helped me for 10 more days at my apartment, before moving out of the city for his personal work. Even after, he keeps calling me, to know how my pain is, how I am handling things, if I am taking medicines etc. and gives me any tips that can help me.

He did everything I could ask for at this time of my life and more. I was literally begging him to stop being that good to me, as every passing day, I was going into his debt, which I am sure, I will never be able to repay.

I am just happy I found a good friend for life..!!

I did not make this post to idolize some one, or to show my respect towards itzRammi. I am posting this to show how much we can help each other as a group and how helpful this forum can be in our life, especially during LL phase. My special thanks to the admin and moderators of this forum for creating this platform.
Logged

TRS

  • Moderator
  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 451

Informative and a awesome start to your diary!
I'm surprised that the TSF only cost you around $15K.
I might be in India mid-2015 to consult both Dr.Dhawan and Dr.Parihar for external tibias. However I'm still undecided whether I want another surgery.
It's nice to read that Itzrammi has been helping you during the process.
Anyway, thanks for sharing the first Dr.Dhawan diary and I wish you all the best in achieving your target.


Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75

Thank you TRS.

The surgery cost depends on a lot of factors. Dr. Dhawan did not give me any standard package. I just got admitted in the hospital, and all the charges summed up to that amount. So, it will change depending on the type of room you choose, number of days you are in hospital and number of visits a doctor makes to your bed per day, physiotherapy, and if you are a Indian citizen or a foreign national. But, whatever, the final tally will be plus or minus $2k I suppose.

If possible, let me know when you come to Delhi.
Logged

KiloKAHN

  • Moderator
  • Premier Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 2296
  • Digital Devil

Great start to your diary, Phoenix. That's pretty cool that you were able to get TSF's at that price. If you were to go with the hexapod it might have been around $10,000 but TSF's seem to be more sturdy for weight bearing. Dr Parihar didn't have any TSF's when I was there, although he's used them before when friends of his in the UK donated some to him. I suppose that's the benefit of having your surgery done in a large public hospital like Sir Ganga Ram instead of a small private hospital like Mangal Anand.

How often do you see Dr Dhawan for followups? And when you see him, do you do so at his private clinic or at Sir Ganga Ram? I'm assuming you've started distraction now. Are you going at a rate of .75 mm per day or 1 mm per day?

It would be cool to see some pictures of your apartment or the hospital and x-rays if you have any. You're sure saving a lot of money by getting an apartment to stay in. $300 a month sure beats the close to $1500 a month I spent on the hotel in Mumbai lol.
Logged
Initial height: 164 cm / ~5'5" (Surgery on 6/25/2014)
Current height: 170 cm / 5'7" (Frames removed 6/29/2015)
External Tibia lengthening performed by Dr Mangal Parihar in Mumbai, India.
My Cosmetic Leg Lengthening Experience

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75

I need to thank you KiloKahn.. Your diary was the inspiration. Without that I might not have dared to do LL in India!!

Dr. Dhawan seems to have directly got the TSF frames from the company. Before surgery, he told me he was discussing with the manufacturers to get me the exact quote. And as my legs were thin, I requested for smaller frames, and he got me smaller 155mm frames, which are good for me.

I saw Dr. Dhawan 15 days after my discharge, when I went to take my X-Rays. He asked me to come back after around 10 days. So, the frequency of visit is every 10 to 15 days. And, as I took my apartment near Sir Gangaram Hospital, I go there for consultation. I never visited his private clinic.

I am distracting at 1mm per day. I started it on April 26th. so I am 1 cm taller already :) Pain is bearable till now. I am not taking pain killers from a week. Having physiotherapy everyday, so that might be helping too. Not sure how long I can keep that up..

Sure, I have some pictures, I will post in a few days.

Delhi is cheaper than Mumbai any day.. But, the key is, I stayed here for 20 days before surgery, and I checked hotel and apartment rates, and took the decision.

For my Apartment, Rent, other expenses, grocery, maid etc.,  together cost me around $500 per month
When I checked Hotel stay, they offered me Rs 25000 per month, and Rs 9000 for food, which comes to around $600 per month.

Not a big difference, But, as I will stay here for 8 to 9 months, I felt apartment is better, feels like home!!


Great start to your diary, Phoenix. That's pretty cool that you were able to get TSF's at that price. If you were to go with the hexapod it might have been around $10,000 but TSF's seem to be more sturdy for weight bearing. Dr Parihar didn't have any TSF's when I was there, although he's used them before when friends of his in the UK donated some to him. I suppose that's the benefit of having your surgery done in a large public hospital like Sir Ganga Ram instead of a small private hospital like Mangal Anand.

How often do you see Dr Dhawan for followups? And when you see him, do you do so at his private clinic or at Sir Ganga Ram? I'm assuming you've started distraction now. Are you going at a rate of .75 mm per day or 1 mm per day?

It would be cool to see some pictures of your apartment or the hospital and x-rays if you have any. You're sure saving a lot of money by getting an apartment to stay in. $300 a month sure beats the close to $1500 a month I spent on the hotel in Mumbai lol.
Logged

itzrammi

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 88
  • TrailBlazer inspired | TRS my Height Twin

 :) God Bless You Son ;) lol  :P

I actually need to be more thankful to you now I don't fear even a bit to undergo LL , They are really so proud moments to me you trusted me a lot from the day we met tbh I felt myself so special and happy to help an LL Legend , I have never wondered i would meet up with an LL aspirant so quick but it's you who made my dream come true  ;D  :D :) and happy to say that I have got a chance to visit Delhi again in the next week yay HIP HIP HURRAAAAH we're meeting again !!


Me after 20 years :: Phoenix has been acknowledged as a legend in my lifetime.
Logged
TrailBlazer inspired | TRS my Height Twin

smaller2small

  • Visitor
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4

Hey phoenix!
Great to read your diary....I live near Delhi... was also considering doing ll with either Dr. parihar or dhawan in india... would be great if i could meet you and learn more from your experience.. could help you if you need something aswell.. do tell... send me a PM... looking forward to hear from you....
Logged

KrP1

  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 938

Hey phoenix thank you for share your experience with us. I think that TSF is a really good option . Hope your journey goes perfect ;)
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75

Thank you bro..

Cool .. I am eagerly waiting to meet you in a few days..  !!

Legend.. LOL.. That's a big word.. I didn't win a war.. I just got my legs broken..  :D :D


:) God Bless You Son ;) lol  :P

I actually need to be more thankful to you now I don't fear even a bit to undergo LL , They are really so proud moments to me you trusted me a lot from the day we met tbh I felt myself so special and happy to help an LL Legend , I have never wondered i would meet up with an LL aspirant so quick but it's you who made my dream come true  ;D  :D :) and happy to say that I have got a chance to visit Delhi again in the next week yay HIP HIP HURRAAAAH we're meeting again !!


Me after 20 years :: Phoenix has been acknowledged as a legend in my lifetime.

Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75

Wow.. Nice.. I would like to meet you too bro..

I will PM you my contact number.

Hey phoenix!
Great to read your diary....I live near Delhi... was also considering doing ll with either Dr. parihar or dhawan in india... would be great if i could meet you and learn more from your experience.. could help you if you need something aswell.. do tell... send me a PM... looking forward to hear from you....
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75

Yea, I think TSF is good option too. Atleast it is bit more comfortable than classic ilizarov or hexapod.

Hey phoenix thank you for share your experience with us. I think that TSF is a really good option . Hope your journey goes perfect ;)
Logged

Boxer4748

  • Visitor
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4

Hi Phoenix , how are u and thanks for sharing your experience with us ....
Logged

crimsontide

  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1162

why was it so hard to get in contact with parihar when you got to india?? 
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75

Hi Phoenix , how are u and thanks for sharing your experience with us ....

Hey Boxer, I am good. There is a bit of pain, but that is mostly due to me, as I don't take pain killers unless it is really necessary.
Apart from that everything is as expected.

why was it so hard to get in contact with parihar when you got to india?? 

Hi crimsontide, I did not really plan this ahead, and was not sure about my exact mumbai travel date, so did not take Dr. Parihar's appointment before hand. Otherwise, they respond to emails quickly. I don't think it is a problem contacting him.

Logged

crimsontide

  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1162

phoenix, ty

btw, how many rings on the tsf? i think for correction, only 2 rings.

thats a very good price for tsf, really good
Logged

--

  • Newbie
  • Offline Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • Posts: 75

phoenix, ty

btw, how many rings on the tsf? i think for correction, only 2 rings.

thats a very good price for tsf, really good

Its for correction and 5 cms lengthening. There are only 2 rings, in the upper half of my tibia. I will post some pictures shortly.
Logged

Boxer4748

  • Visitor
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4

Hi Phoenix ,How are you these days , What is your daily routine generally and can you post some pics of your legs bro?
Logged
Pages: [1] 2 3 4   Go Up