Hi! I am 49 year old and 5’4 (163 cm). I am in direct front office relation with my clients and my height is a suffering for me. I documented for 7 years then decided for it. I met before surgery patients. I chose Dr Guichet for the fast recovery and his long experience with weight-bearing nails (he told me over 30 years including his previous device, the Albizzia). At my age, security comes first.
I had the surgery late January in London. Two hours after surgery, I already recovered full motion, could walk and bike 20 minutes. However, I could not do stairs (it is part of the standard recovery program) because of nausea and vomiting.
I wanted to leave in the evening; Dr Guichet encouraged me but told me it may be difficult. In fact, I was fine but a bit scarred and finally I stayed till the next day. I found out that exercises suppress pain. Next morning, I could do stairs. I could leave the hospital 26 hours after surgery. However it was extremely difficult. I have a flat on the second floor with no elevator and a narrow stairway, and I could not be well enough to go up with crutches. I managed it in steps, part on the buttock. I have help and of course, I preferred to be home.
Now, using crutches is easy and I recovered entirely autonomy. I can walk fast. I go everyday at the training centre (Isokinetic) and they are very professional and compassionate.
Clicking was stressful initially, mainly for the noise, but there is no pain. After lengthening, muscles contract a bit and that is why exercising is good. I do between 1.5 and 2 hours of bike per day.
The major problem I experience is a lack of sleep. I awake a lot, and sometimes I need to go on the bike and do exercises to get back to sleep. I am sleeping normally 6 hours per day, but after surgery barely 3 hours. I am trying few things and prescribed pills for finding the best way to sleep.
Pain is little, but I still take some painkillers. Interestingly, exercising is not a stupid ‘competition’ thing, it relieves pain!
Dr Guichet forces me to fill out everyday several forms on Internet and even I found it difficult, it helps to see results I can get. I register all the exercises I do, all medicine I take, clicks, pain, etc. The good thing is that I lost only in about 2 weeks 1.5 cm of thigh circumference! I am increasing resistance bike.
Motivation is not enough. Not listening to our tiredness, and perseverance are the most important targets.