Topic: Cooper Precise Femur Journey with Dr. Birkholtz (Incomplete) (Read 40061 times)

Cooper · « **Reply #31 on:** March 23, 2014, 02:09:37 PM »

Quote from: short_and_depressed on March 23, 2014, 01:03:03 PM

Hey Cooper,
Can you tell me what you went through in your 20s and 30s.
Has your height complex gotten worse through the years?

It was worst in 20 than 30s. I am good looking guy and often time friend compare me with movie star. They used to say I can date any girl if I was only few inches taller. Some friends called me shorty which really bother me. I might have height neurosis but did not tell anyone. Sometime I was so depressed I would not go out anywhere for days. It was tough. Had I know this surgery earlier I will be all over it.

I may have born shorter but will live taller and die taller

this a fantasy and i get high just thinking about it. I am grateful and with Dr. B help I will achieve my dream. His package is so reasonable do not have to spend fortune for the surgery. I also need a break looking to go different country.

Cooper · « **Reply #32 on:** March 23, 2014, 02:23:39 PM »

I asked Dr. B how he will break my bone? Can't believe asking someone to break your own bone...hehe. He will use drill and osteotome like Dr. Paley. That was a relief

On Karate Chop his response was: He is black belt in Karate and finds the karate chop interesting but worries it may shatter the bone completely. Thought share this to you guys.

HelloThere · « **Reply #33 on:** March 23, 2014, 03:44:33 PM »

Quote from: Cooper on March 23, 2014, 02:23:39 PM

I asked Dr. B how he will break my bone? Can't believe asking someone to break your own bone...hehe. He will use drill and osteotome like Dr. Paley. That was a relief

On Karate Chop his response was: He is black belt in Karate and finds the karate chop interesting but worries it may shatter the bone completely. Thought share this to you guys.

I lol'd at the karate chop comment.

HK · « **Reply #34 on:** March 23, 2014, 05:21:21 PM »

Cooper,
did you talk to this doctor's former patients ? I think he seems quite polite and patient on this forum but from the beginning, I'm just amazed at the power of Internet. He came here, answered questions and now he's suddenly the best man of the world...I'm accustomed to doctors and I have never seen someone choosing his surgeon via a forum. It's serious stuff, guys. We are not talking about breast implants...Though Betz and Guichet have their own horror stories from what I've heard but at least you can meet former patients.
No offense to this doctor, but I also laughed at his "rule". 165 cm maximum. Oh wait...let's say if you're taller and know about all the risks I might still break your bones. A rule should be a rule, especially for LL..and now he's talking about a discount. It's interesting that dr. Birkholtz uses Internet to communicate and convince potential patients; I understand this but it's still questionable, in my opinion.
Am I really the only one here who is a bit suspicious about this behaviour ?

HK

paco1 · « **Reply #35 on:** March 23, 2014, 06:01:43 PM »

HK,
You are right. we don't know too much about this doctor, and he doesn't have experience in cosmetic limblengthening, only two cases.
it looks like good person, but only by internet isn't enough. It is very difficult to choose one doctor for this surgery. All would choose doctor paley but it is impossible for his price, american doctors are too expensives. A very good option is doctor donghoo lee, but he has somes problems with precice, perhaps he is good options for LON or LATN tibias. Doctor betz and guichet i think they are on TOP LIST with the americans and perhaps donghoo lee too. Then the rest of the doctors i think are below. you need somebody who he is specialist in cosmetic limb lengthening, not deformities. This is my opinión. we are here to help us

Cooper · « **Reply #36 on:** March 23, 2014, 06:18:06 PM »

HK,
Your first comment does make sense but I did not made my decision solely based on this forum. I did extensive research on him. Found US doctors that did fellowship under him. There are lots of independent articles about his practice and also few YouTube videos.

He has done four precise nails and you google image on him you will see the patient with ERC device. He is coming to US to teach other doctors. Plus I will be doing consultation on the 2nd. If I see anything than I may opt out for the surgery.

He did not persuaded me and I select him based on my research. The height limitation is doctors choice. Now with the precise some doctor are relaxed on this.

Thanks

paco1 · « **Reply #37 on:** March 23, 2014, 06:35:47 PM »

Ok I see that you have made yours homeworks, good job.

paco1 · « **Reply #38 on:** March 23, 2014, 06:37:35 PM »

i would like to write more but my english is limited. I am from spain.
i am thinking doctor Frank, but doctor dong lee and doctor salameh too.

HK · « **Reply #39 on:** March 23, 2014, 06:42:21 PM »

Paco ==> Agree.

Cooper ==> In fact while writing "persuading people" I was thinking about his idea to create a discount. Anyway, he's probably a smart person, he must have known his coming here and answering questions would have a certain impact. Another thing: teaching other doctors is quite common, even if they are americans (american doctors didn't create medicine...). Of course, I did not want to frighten you. It's just such a serious and dangerous surgery. In France, a doctor called Musy decided to do bilateral LL and selected some pioneers. The guy made GREAT mistakes and had to face a lot of lawsuits. This worshipping which happened recently about dr. Birkholtz is, imo, quite dangerous. Now if you have done your researches, I will just support you and I hope everything will be fine. Keep us informed : )

Franz · « **Reply #40 on:** March 23, 2014, 06:48:07 PM »

Sorry Cooper, I promised I won't post in your thread, but I think this is the most appropriate place to respond.

The criticism and scepticism is valid. I am unknown in traditional CLL circles.
Nobody is under pressure to have surgery with me. The flow is as follows: private email contact(free), followed by skype consult(free), followed by personal consultation. Up until the day of surgery the patient has the freedom to cancel or postpone if something bothers them or if I don't live up to expectation...
The discount mentioned was based on a group discount for the first three cases, as they all wanted to come around the same time. This is not in order to draw more patients and it unfortunately cannot be repeated, as the discount amount means we are working at cost (no profit).
If you read the posts re my 'rule' of 165cm, I strongly discourage people to commence CLL if they are taller than this, but, at my discretion, I may consider people who are taller, provided they understand and have realistic goals. This is done at my sole discretion and does not really need explaining, as this decision will be between myself and the patient.
I hope this clarifies the issues.
With regards to talking to patients: when you come for a consult, you will see a variety of my patients in the waiting room, at xrays etc. You are welcome to talk to them at any time and discuss anything with them.
With regards to the insinuation that CLL is more complex than deformity work: This is simply not true. The type of reconstructive work we do on patients daily is extremely challenging technically and is absolutely excellent experience for CLL. If you don't agree, of course you're welcome to look elsewhere.
Sermon over.

On a lighter note: I am hoping to post some pictures of the hospital, team, offices etc soon in my own thread.

HK · « **Reply #41 on:** March 23, 2014, 07:00:40 PM »

Hello doctor,
I'm glad you answered, but please don't use the word "sermon". You're not a priest, and I'm not a child. I understand why you answered but I was warning Cooper; I did not use defamation (I don't even know you) and I was not writing stupid things. Please let me feel free to discuss without fearing you will interfere each time we question a danger, an aspect of the surgery, and even a doctor.
In fact, I hope you didn't think I was personally attacking you (apart from my sarcasm about your "rule"). It is more about the dangers of Internet and I still believe you may have create something dangerous, and which will be difficult to control. I'm also still amazed: people here are so blind with their height neurosis, it is very, very easy to become the new best doctor. This is what happened on anold forum, with dr. Sarin, and it happened also in Paris with dr. Musy.

Franz · « **Reply #42 on:** March 23, 2014, 07:12:23 PM »

Quote from: HK on March 23, 2014, 07:00:40 PM

Hello doctor,
I'm glad you answered, but please don't use the word "sermon". You're not a priest, and I'm not a child. I understand why you answered but I was warning Cooper; I did not use defamation (I don't even know you) and I was not writing stupid things. Please let me feel free to discuss without fearing you will interfere each time we question a danger, an aspect of the surgery, and even a doctor.
In fact, I hope you didn't think I was personally attacking you (apart from my sarcasm about your "rule"). It is more about the dangers of Internet and I still believe you may have create something dangerous, and which will be difficult to control. I'm also still amazed: people here are so blind with their height neurosis, it is very, very easy to become the new best doctor. This is what happened on anold forum, with dr. Sarin, and it happened also in Paris with dr. Musy.

HK, the 'sermon over' comment was an attempt at sarcastic humour. I am sorry if it offended you.
You are most welcome to post what you like and warnings are welcome and important.
Me being on this forum is new and may be seen as dangerous. I have been dealing with patients via electronic media for years, so am comfortable with this.
I did deem it necessary to reply, but let's agree to leave it at that? I do not want this to escalate.

You make a very valid point about 'hero worshipping' a doctor that nobody here has met in person. I agree that making decisions solely on the forum is not the way to go.
Point taken.

HK · « **Reply #43 on:** March 23, 2014, 07:20:28 PM »

Don't worry: nothing will escalate, you did not offend me and I'm not the kind of persons who would create a scandal on a forum. I'm just uncomfortable with paternalism.
Apparently, we agree about some points. I hope I'm wrong anyway. Cooper, good luck and keep us informed !

Cooper · « **Reply #44 on:** March 23, 2014, 07:29:53 PM »

HK,
Your warnings are very true. I genuinely appreciate it. This is not a nose job or jaw lifts. We are talking about breaking one of the biggest bone and not one but two. This is already scary and picking a doctor without any type of consultation is even dangerous.

My plan is to visit Pretoria in end of May with possibility for the surgery on June 4th. I will check the hospital facility, talk to current patients and meet most of the staff. As I mentioned before if I am not satisfied 100% than I will take train to Johannesburg and have fun for few days and fly back home.

Thanks

Cooper · « **Reply #45 on:** March 23, 2014, 07:31:36 PM »

Quote from: paco1 on March 23, 2014, 06:35:47 PM

Ok I see that you have made yours homeworks, good job.

I have done some but not enough as I want to. Therefore I am going bit early to check out the places before laying down in theatre room.

theuprising · « **Reply #46 on:** March 24, 2014, 03:17:01 AM »

Hey cooper just to make it as transparent as possible are you getting any discounts for
any surgeries with Dr Birkholtz?

Secondly what are your lengthening goals?

Cooper · « **Reply #47 on:** March 24, 2014, 03:40:47 AM »

Quote from: theuprising on March 24, 2014, 03:17:01 AM

Hey cooper just to make it as transparent as possible are you getting any discounts for
any surgeries with Dr Birkholtz?

Secondly what are your lengthening goals?

No discounts that I know of. I believe it will be going to be more because I might insert titanium nail after lengthening.

My goals is 6.5cm

Cooper · « **Reply #48 on:** March 24, 2014, 03:42:38 AM »

Quote from: Franz on March 23, 2014, 06:48:07 PM

Sorry Cooper, I promised I won't post in your thread, but I think this is the most appropriate place to respond.
On a lighter note: I am hoping to post some pictures of the hospital, team, offices etc soon in my own thread.

No problem Dr. Franz. I will love to see the pictures though.

Cooper · « **Reply #49 on:** March 24, 2014, 03:48:17 AM »

If any one has any concerns about my tentative surgery than please feel free to post here. I want to hear your opinion; hence all criticism are welcome. This is better for the forum and more importantly for me.

I might learn a thing or two. Plus I want to know everything I can now than later

I am not offended or disappointed when you have question or critical of my decision. So please feel free to chime in, keep it coming!

Muse · « **Reply #50 on:** March 24, 2014, 10:22:58 AM »

Quote from: Cooper on March 23, 2014, 07:29:53 PM

My plan is to visit Pretoria in end of May with possibility for the surgery on June 4th. I will check the hospital facility, talk to current patients and meet most of the staff. As I mentioned before if I am not satisfied 100% than I will take train to Johannesburg and have fun for few days and fly back home.

Hey Cooper, I think this is a very sensible approach that should be advocated for consulting any Doctors

1) Having a Back Out Plan if you don't feel confident or comfortable after the consultation with the Doctor.
2) Having a Cooling Down Period of a few days after the consultation before committing to any final decision.

On the other hand, what should be avoided are the following scenarios.

- Patients who went ahead despite the red flags, because they had consultation the day before the surgery and did not have alternative plan to back out.
- Other patients would wired the surgery fee to a Doctor they never even met, out of desperation and naivety.

______________________

HK made a good point earlier on about not choosing a Doctor solely base on what we read from the internet. Online information should only be used as a starting point, prior to checking Doctors out in person. Be ready to clarify any doubts with the Doctors in online or in person consultations.

Cooper · « **Reply #51 on:** March 27, 2014, 08:39:30 PM »

I had a Skype consultation with Dr. B. Talked about an hour and asked plenty of questions. He answered each question thoroughly and to my satisfaction. He has done 6 Precise case to date, 1 tibia and rest are femurs. The lengthening ranges from 3 to 6cms on Precise. All in total he has performed about one thousand limb lengthening and bone generation procedure. Out of which 20% are femurs cases.

The hospital is privately owned by NETCARE UNITAS CARE and he practices at Walk a Mile. Safety is #1 priority for the doctor but he is will to go over 6cm if the flexibility and soft tissues are in favorable conditions. This depends on patient variant and is unpredictable. The patients can cancel 1 day prior to surgery with no hospital charge. The hotel might charge for the early cancellation fees.

I am trying to fit the surgery based on my work schedule. I have very tight and rough schedule not sympathetic to this kind of surgery. Not sure if I can be out for 75 days as I want to, still checking on that. Option #2 is to be there for 5-6 weeks and come back home with ERC device. Dr. B will check with Ellipse technology whether they let me travel with ERC to US.

As of now my date is June 4th but that might change. I may go around same time as Rising Shortly that will help to support each other and fight the loneliness and boredom. He is working on to post the hospital pictures...stay tune.

amatan · « **Reply #52 on:** March 28, 2014, 06:09:33 AM »

Word of advice - having company will make the process much, much easier and I strongly recommend it. The first month I was in South Korea there were about 10 other patients staying in the hospital and I actually *happy* there because of all the company I had and friends I made, it did wonders for making the procedure easier. Once patients left and new patients stopped coming in because Dr. Lee moved to a different hospital, the depression started kicking in.

theuprising · « **Reply #53 on:** March 29, 2014, 05:09:15 AM »

Hey cooper will you be his first CLL patient?

Cooper · « **Reply #54 on:** March 29, 2014, 05:42:06 AM »

Nope, he had done two externals CLL before.

Cooper · « **Reply #55 on:** March 30, 2014, 04:33:35 AM »

Got a word from Dr. B that I can return home with ERC device after six weeks. Ellipse is ok with it. Was glad to receive the message, thought share to the forum.

theuprising · « **Reply #56 on:** March 30, 2014, 07:41:01 AM »

Cooper how will Dr B monitor your progress if you are back home lengthening? It seems odd he'd agree to this
as he was all about safety, making sure people only lengthen within a certain range etc. There is no way he could
control how much you lengthen or deal with any problems if you are to return home during lengthening.

Cooper · « **Reply #57 on:** March 30, 2014, 01:14:39 PM »

I will be sending x-rays every week should I return home. Most doctor allows patient to return home after 4-5 weeks post surgery. This in not the best way of doing LL but may be the only solutions for some patient. The recommendation was to stay in through out. Dr. B is hesitant and very reluctant about this but my situation is different.

Cooper · « **Reply #58 on:** March 30, 2014, 05:27:28 PM »

Dr. B just posted the pictures of the hospital. How do you guys rate compare to India, China, Russia, Germany, US and other. I like to hear opinions. Please speak out with openness. Thanks!

theuprising · « **Reply #59 on:** March 30, 2014, 08:43:39 PM »

Only the very best hospitals in the US and Germany look better. Far superior to anything in India
and China, I cant believe people who went to India were giving South Africa hospitals such a hard time.

Looks world class. I'm sold on it.

ShortyMcShort · « **Reply #60 on:** March 31, 2014, 05:05:44 AM »

Quote from: Cooper on March 30, 2014, 05:27:28 PM

Dr. B just posted the pictures of the hospital. How do you guys rate compare to India, China, Russia, Germany, US and other. I like to hear opinions. Please speak out with openness. Thanks!

Where can I view this?
Also interested in Dr. Birkholtz, will be paying close attention to your diary along with the other guy whose username I have forgotten sorry.
You mentioned that your goal is 6.5cm, I thought Dr. Birkholtz only allowed 5 for tibias and 6 for femur and nothing more. Could you ask him of the prospects of doing 6 and 6 on both segments as those are my goals for a total of 12cm for someone who is 165cm. Other doctors deem 6 as 'safe' for tibias considering Dr Donghoon does 6 and 7cm as a norm it seems

I hope you can post as many pictures as possible when the time comes if its not too hard for you, never been to South Africa and would like to see how clean and professional it looks as Dr. Birkholtz seems rather professional and Im very interested in doing both segments with him. So sick of all the Indian and Dr Betz diaries on old forum which imo all seems like complete utter bs unless its a female diary, how do we know which diaries are genuine and which are Apo/Sysop writing another novel. How someone can lengthen 20cm and not look disproportionate is beyond me, but thats another story and one thats not needed here

Good luck mate

jerry · « **Reply #61 on:** March 31, 2014, 10:04:25 AM »

Hey McShort, Dr Birkholtz posted the pictures here

http://www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=137.msg7998#msg7998

Limb Lengthening Forum

Author Topic: Cooper Precise Femur Journey with Dr. Birkholtz (Incomplete) (Read 40061 times)

Muse