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[lon chaney]

totally, 6feet, i know i'm being overeager and, yeah, that the forums can be hellish and useless much of the time. like i said, something recently fell into place that's making this more of a sure thing for me, so i want to take advantage of that and secure this before things change. that's why my tits are not so cooled! anyway, could we message though? no pressure but would be super helpful. not a troll, just an earnest LL hopeful. promise not to spam or overload u, just would go a long way getting some detailed answers from someone who's really equipped to speak on the subject

[6FeetSoon]

totally, 6feet, i know i'm being overeager and, yeah, that the forums can be hellish and useless much of the time. like i said, something recently fell into place that's making this more of a sure thing for me, so i want to take advantage of that and secure this before things change. that's why my tits are not so cooled! anyway, could we message though? no pressure but would be super helpful. not a troll, just an earnest LL hopeful. promise not to spam or overload u, just would go a long way getting some detailed answers from someone who's really equipped to speak on the subject

to answer:

1) the wait time between consultation and surgery is probably 4-8 weeks. You just have to schedule the psych exam, have dr. westrich discuss the results with dr Rozbruch and then schedule a surgery date.

2) it'd be silly for me to objectively compare Paley and Rozbruch because i've never done a procedure with Paley and i dont know what he does differently. all i can say is, i'm not surprised that the Hospital for Special Surgery's Chief of LL and Complex Reconstruction has managed to give his patients a relatively pain free experience. I'm sure Paley is a fine doctor, but let's be real, he has his own "institute" in west palm beach, whereas Rozbruch is in New York fckin City repairing NFL and NBA players. I maintain that the crux of pain management comes down to the quality of the osteotomy: if someone cuts your bone poorly, you're going to feel it more. If they cut it well, you'll feel it less.

I'm going to see Dr Rozbruch tomorrow for post-op check up. Will let you know how that goes.

[lon chaney]

thanks, buddy, and i hope your post-op checkup goes well. u rule, looking forward to hearing more whenever you're ready

also, does anyone have anything to say about finastride and LL? i don't have bdd, i'm not obsessed with balding and other cosmetic disadvantages. i wouldn't really mind being bald, it's just that ultimately yeah i'd rather keep my hair, and finastride / rogaine are generally thought of as safe and easy, so i've been using them for 3 months now, after my dermatologist verified that i'm showing the first signs of baldness.

probably more of a question for a doctor but... should i stop finastride? it raises your estrogen levels a bit, would that make the lengthening and consolidation difficult for bones? i hope it's not too late, because i'd much prefer height increase over precluding balding. like i said, balding hardly bothers me, but the finastride / rogaine regimen isn't like LL, it's inexpensive (relatively at least) and essentially risk-free. doesn't take 5 months either. so i've been doing that, but will forget about it if it interferes with LL

[lon chaney]

ah, when u get a chance 6feet, i also have a question about the psych eval.
were you supposed to put rozbruch's psychiatrist in contact with therapists you've worked with before? i ask because my mom, who was very much so against my getting the surgery for a while because of her motherly paranoia regarding the potential risks, was adamant about my seeing a bdd specialist. her idea was that if i had bdd and just treated it with cognitive behavioral therapy and SSRIs, i wouldn't be bothered by my height anymore, thus precluding the surgery.

bdd specialists are categorically against cosmetic surgeries like this. it's in their best interest career-wise, because someone could undergo a cosmetic surgery rather than working with a bdd theraprist. the one i worked with acknowledged that a select few people will benefit from these surgeries, but that in her experience the vast majority of people have something like bdd and will return for other cosmetic surgeries. anyway, as expected, the bdd treatment didn't work for me. i was open to it and approached it with real effort, but i have dysphoria, not dysmorphia. the woman i worked with was thoughtful and very nice, but she works within the bdd framework exclusively, which makes no room for someone like me who has sex partners, career prospects, a good life generally, but quite wants the surgery as long as it's safe and legit.

i have a regular therapist whom i have a great relationship with, and she agrees with me that i don't have bdd, and that lengthening isn't a bad idea as long as i know it's what i really want. my parents like her too, and that's largely why they've come around. she's a doctor, has done her research, and acknowledged that while it's not without risk, if you work with the right surgeon, you'll be good.

anyway, i'm sure rozbruch doesn't much like the bdd people either, as like i said, they categorically reject cosmetic surgeries like his. but the idea of having to get back in contact with thd bdd specialist i met with and her like thwarting my shot at surgery is a total bummer. so i wanted to check with you that you just see rozbruch's psychiatrist. i mean, before rozbruch's psychiatrist could talk to any of my former doctors, i'd have to give them explicit permission. but i'd rather not lie to rozbruch of course, or withhold info about me that he asks for, i want to be totally forthcoming with him.

[6FeetSoon]

I honestly don't know because i've never spoken to a therapist. But i don't think he cares. Dr Ellen Katz-Westrich is the only gatekeeper.

[lon chaney]

sounds good, thanks for replying! looking forward to update on your post-op. i'll have some more questions, lol, hope that's ok

[lon chaney]

how'd the post-op checkup go?

[lon chaney]

checkup go well, 6feet? promise not to b a bother from here on out, lol. just have had a slow few days school-wise and am feeling good about rozbruch... last i'd checked before a few days ago, he only did cosmetic on super short people, so it's been cool knowing i might be a good candidate, cause ultimately he seems much better than paley.

anyway, hope i haven't scared u off, like u said yourself, the forum is mostly pointless, so to find someone like u has been really cool and helpful. i'm a "chill" guy tho, lol, just super curious about all this cause part of me is still saying rozbruch is too good to be true, but all that you've said has checked out ultimately. anyway, hope checkup went well and that u report back on it, but i guess no worries if you're completely done with the forum tho

[6FeetSoon]

Update:

Post-op visit went well. Distraction currently at 16mm. Good callus formation at osteotomy site on both legs. Very impressed with flexibility and range of motion.

[lon chaney]

Update:

Post-op visit went well. Distraction currently at 16mm. Good callus formation at osteotomy site on both legs. Very impressed with flexibility and range of motion.

that's so good to hear, man! i hope, and i guess predict, that your recovery will continue to go smoothly. you've been super helpful these last few days. i can't think of any other questions that can't just wait for my eventual consultation with rozbruch himself. but i may think of something along the way and ask here in the thread.

would be really cool if you continued to update us, even if it's mostly just slice of life, daily routine stuff.

and if u want any movie, tv, music, or book recommendations, let me know and i'll reply with some good stuff

[682]

Update:

Post-op visit went well. Distraction currently at 16mm. Good callus formation at osteotomy site on both legs. Very impressed with flexibility and range of motion.

Good to hear, it seems the lengthening is going easily and complication free, it must be encouraging to hear Rozbruch confirm it. I assume the pain is as muted as it has been throughout - are you still taking pain medication? Any concerns of pre-consolidation before reaching your goal of 8CM?

Thanks for the update, wishing your lengthening carries on as well as it has.

682.

[Mdream]

Hi 6fs
I'm Happy that everything is ok with you.
When are you going to move to crutches? After 3 months only?

[6FeetSoon]

Hi 6fs
I'm Happy that everything is ok with you.
When are you going to move to crutches? After 3 months only?

I don't need to move to crutches. The walker is fine. I'm not really putting that much weight on my arms, 30 lbs approx. I have the largest diameter rod in so my legs can bear most of my weight. I'm walking pretty quickly  around the apartment now.
Dr. Rozbruch expects me to be walking unaided between month 4 and 5.

[yyes]

6feetsoon,

Were you able to find out how much insurance covered?

[onemorefoot]

Is the amount lengthened the same as the amount gained or there is a Lost for the curvatura of the fémur?

[6FeetSoon]

6feetsoon,

Were you able to find out how much insurance covered?

Insurance basically covered all other fees.
anesthesiologist, hospital fees, room cost, etc. totalled about $35,000. i paid $300 out of pocket.

[6FeetSoon]

Is the amount lengthened the same as the amount gained or there is a Lost for the curvatura of the fémur?

Depends on the individual person. some people's femurs are closer to 90 degrees than others. In my case, basically nothing will be lost.

[onemorefoot]

If a person weights over 80kg which should be the protocol for moving to the bathroom And that stuff.

[Iamready]

thanks, buddy, and i hope your post-op checkup goes well. u rule, looking forward to hearing more whenever you're ready

also, does anyone have anything to say about finastride and LL? i don't have bdd, i'm not obsessed with balding and other cosmetic disadvantages. i wouldn't really mind being bald, it's just that ultimately yeah i'd rather keep my hair, and finastride / rogaine are generally thought of as safe and easy, so i've been using them for 3 months now, after my dermatologist verified that i'm showing the first signs of baldness.

probably more of a question for a doctor but... should i stop finastride? it raises your estrogen levels a bit, would that make the lengthening and consolidation difficult for bones? i hope it's not too late, because i'd much prefer height increase over precluding balding. like i said, balding hardly bothers me, but the finastride / rogaine regimen isn't like LL, it's inexpensive (relatively at least) and essentially risk-free. doesn't take 5 months either. so i've been doing that, but will forget about it if it interferes with LL

I took finesteride through all 3 lengthening and  consolidated quicker than just about anyone.

[Mdream]

Hi 6fs
How are you doing? I hope you are doing well and lengthening well!
For those who are going to do the surgery with Rozbruch, what do you suggest? Anything you have been learning from your experience that is worth sharing? I'll schedule for the end of July ...

[6FeetSoon]

Sometimes, i feel sorta bad writing updates here. The experience continues to be relatively painless, but all i've come across lately on the forum is anguish and misery in other LL patient experiences. My heart goes out to them.

Reached an inch (2.5cm) of distraction today. Rozbruch had me on a slightly accelerated course for a few days. Can proudly say i'm now 5'10. Have another check up in 2 weeks to see how we're looking. Pain holding steady at 2/10. What i find myself doing a lot is stretching and moving all the time to keep myself loose. So even though i stretch religiously 4 times a day, i'll still find myself doing the exercises when i'm just laying in bed, it's helped quite a bit as flexibility and range of motion have been maintained throughout.

 

[doomsday]

I think its just the nail that's why most doc now prefer precise. Anyway im glad everything goes well, keep stretching and stay positive. In next 60 days you will be 6' feet. Hopefully you will show off with some photos. Keep up.

[yyes]

Sometimes, i feel sorta bad writing updates here. The experience continues to be relatively painless, but all i've come across lately on the forum is anguish and misery in other LL patient experiences. My heart goes out to them.

Reached an inch (2.5cm) of distraction today. Rozbruch had me on a slightly accelerated course for a few days. Can proudly say i'm now 5'10. Have another check up in 2 weeks to see how we're looking. Pain holding steady at 2/10. What i find myself doing a lot is stretching and moving all the time to keep myself loose. So even though i stretch religiously 4 times a day, i'll still find myself doing the exercises when i'm just laying in bed, it's helped quite a bit as flexibility and range of motion have been maintained throughout.

You shouldnt feel bad at all. If anything, this is a perfect example of what LL should be like. Great results with minimum pain. And maybe it will teach many of us that you cant put a price on a surgery like this. There are exceptions but for the most part, you get what you pay for.

[tinytim]

hey 6f,

already 5'10 wow! So your out of pocket cost was only $40k? or was it $75k out of pocket and $35k insurance for a total of about $110k?

~TT

[6FeetSoon]

hey 6f,

already 5'10 wow! So your out of pocket cost was only $40k? or was it $75k out of pocket and $35k insurance for a total of about $110k?

~TT

Total out of pocket cost was about 50k USD.

[google42]

Total out of pocket cost was about 50k USD.

So insurance covered 50 thousand?

[onemorefoot]

So insurance covered 50 thousand?

He mentioned earlier that he paid 75k, if you are from another country you have to pay everything because your insurance wont cover anything And accommodation; pt can be done for yourself easily, It Will help if you are as flexible as 6'. 100k- insurance is 75 k.

[6FeetSoon]

He mentioned earlier that he paid 75k, if you are from another country you have to pay everything because your insurance wont cover anything And accommodation; pt can be done for yourself easily, It Will help if you are as flexible as 6'. 100k- insurance is 75 k.

No, what i'm saying is:

Dr Rozbruch fees: 75k (insurance paid 25k, i found this out today)
Hospital fees: 35k (insurance paid all of it, except for like $300)

Total cost to me: 50k

[google42]

No, what i'm saying is:

Dr Rozbruch fees: 75k (insurance paid 25k, i found this out today)
Hospital fees: 35k (insurance paid all of it, except for like $300)

Total cost to me: 50k

Wow that's not as much as I thought it would be. I assumed it was 100k at least and all of it out of pocket. Good to know insurance covers a good chunk of it for American citizens. I'm not that far from New York but I live in Canada so no coverage of any kind for me.

[notimportant]

Really amazing prices for American citizens with one of the best doctors

[yyes]

No, what i'm saying is:

Dr Rozbruch fees: 75k (insurance paid 25k, i found this out today)
Hospital fees: 35k (insurance paid all of it, except for like $300)

Total cost to me: 50k

This is amazing.

Would they be able to tell me beforehand how much my insurance will cover and what it will cover?