It depends where you go to do your CLL.
In turkey, for me, the first two days are a 10/10 in terms of pain. It drops to 8/10 for the next two weeks then all the way down to a 4-2 for the 2-5cm stretch, IF you don't get infections. This is for LON, this is my experience. Some patients can handle this bravely - I cannot. Be honest with yourself in terms of how you manage pain. I thought I was a big tough dude (I wasn't LOL).
My thoughts are between Dr.Lee,Dr.Rozbruch and Dr.Assayag .
I don't evaluate any other doctor at this point .
Given that they all are good doctors performing in great Hospitals/institutes I wonder if that can make a difference in term of pain management.
I don't feel I have a big pain tolerance because I never experienced bad fractures or traumas (thankfully) ,So having pain under control might be key not only for my physical well being ,but for the mental hit post-OP.
Dealing with the the fear,the money spent, the stress ,the pain and then (at least) temporary regret in a moment where you are mentally and physically weak might really have a HUGE hit , no matter how bad you wanted the height .
So the pain control I feel is key for the mental health post-OP and once you have gone trough those weeks with pain under control I feel you are good to go if under the right hands .
Given that I don't aim to 7 or 8 cm ,not even full 6 cm tbh , stretching will probably hit me last days of lengthening so that doesen't concern me much .