Hey Everyone,
Been browsing this forum for the last 4 years, and as I draw closer to finally get LL, I thought it's time I start. interacting with the community. I want to give. a brief introduction and ask a few questions that will help me make. the right decisions.
IntroductionBeen considering LL for the past few years, and have always planned to do it as soon as graduating. I am very fortunate to have my parent's support, and have the option to go with any doctor I choose (no budget constraint). Unfortunately with the STRYDE recall, that has left me in a strange spot, since I am only considering weight-bearing nails. I would like to get 6-7 cm on femurs internally. Currently I am 171 cm, early 20's, and have been stretching and working out intensely every day for the past 4 months. I plan to get into twice a day stretching, an hour each session, around 2 months prior to operation day. The goal is to get as close to full splits as I can, and stretching hip flexors, while also building strength in the core and glutes.
Originally I planned to go with Paley STRYDE, but given that is no longer an option, I am considering Dr. Betz. I have contacted Paley, Mahboubian, and Debiparshad, and they all say to expect STRYDE back in 2023. I can technically wait that long, but if Betz can do the job, I might as well go for it (a few questions further down about this). I graduate in April, and would like to start the process in either June or August (questions below).
Questions- For those that did LL with Betz, do you recommend him? I have read the diaries of SirStretchAlot, chasing_higher_dream, and RB, and while there are some complications, it does not seem unrecoverable. I am having a hard time deciding since I only know of the process through these diaries. Would I be able to talk to any current patients (If you are a patient PLEASE DM me)?
- Is stryde FAR superior to Betzbone? In all technicality I would need to wait around another year most likely, and I am only considering weight-bearing nails, so if it is just a matter of clicking pain and some risk of non-union I can handle that. The stryde diaries are a joy to read though, and seeing results like Movie and StrydeNailChallenge is definitely swaying my opinion.
- How would you tell your girlfriend/partner, if you would even do so? I am fairly confident she would be supportive, but I don't want to be an absolute cripple for like 5 months and have her deal with that. Looking at the walking abilities of Betzbone and stryde patients, I don't think it would be horrible, especially since a lot of these patients
go to work occasionally. - How difficult is it to start working one month post-op? I run a startup, and we work remotely, so I am able to work my own hours and at home. We were planning to set up an office in the summer, but I can have that set up and start attending it near the end of my lengthening period.
SummaryI look forward to starting this journey as soon as possible, but I want to have the best odds of success and minimize downtime. I am indeed fortunate to have the support of my parents, and they are willing to travel with me should I stay abroad while lengthening. I very much appreciate the incite you guys can offer, and I will give occasional updates as they become relevant.