Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[OzBoy39]

Haha, yeah it's gone fast. I'm glad too because I also think (hope) that the worst is behind me.

Definitely used the crutches. And it was ok. Not super easy but doable. I had to go up and down a lot of stairs which was a good training, but then I enjoyed the reward of spending a few hours sunbathing on a sunbed watching beautiful....people" around me.

Man, my little 2 cents on the hotel. If you can afford the higher rate, go to Novotel 100%. Being in a hotel that is big, clean and fully serviced....with a swim pool on the roof top, gym and bars... And super nice staff it's priceless. Keeping a good mood is super important through this journey and from what I hear from other patients, the Montaza got none of these extras that make life easier and more enjoyable. Plus also the food here is great whereas I hear there is very limited in choice at Montaza. Maybe some other patient staying there can comment more, but that's what I understood so far.
One patient already moved from there to here so we're having a good time together.

[SpeedDialer]

I did some very rough math for Novotel, did I make any obvious mistakes?

If I do internal tibias, I think I'd need to decide between Novotel and between the handicap room at Montaza

Novotel 86*7=602 euros but then subtract out 4*13 euros for money saved on shorter taxi trip
602 - 4*13 = 550 euros per week when factoring in money saved from a shorter taxi trip

montaza hotel I think is like 61 or 62 ish per day for a handicap room, which seems like 427 ish Euros per week

Across 6 months for internal tibias, that could be like 123*4*6 = very roughly 3000 more to be at Novotel versus the montaza hotel handicap room

1. How often do the nurses come to Novotel? I think you said earlier it was they come just when some has a specific problem and also early on their journey?

The other x factors are the noise at Montaza from the strip clubs and also whether the upcoming potential arranged travel option will go to Novotel (I have to think it would, given how close Novotel is to Montaza though)

2. How big are the desks in the room at Novotel? They are pretty tiny at Montaza

3. How's the noise at Novotel?

Thanks!!!!

[SpeedDialer]

er typo, shoulda been "how close novotel is to the PT center"

[SpeedDialer]

I feel like the biggest problem with Montaza is that there is a bit of a dice roll of whether you happen to end up close to the strip club noise or not (then sleep from 11pm - 5 am ish is potentially screwed)

How much does the food cost at Novotel and what dishes do you like there?

[SpeedDialer]

One patient already moved from there to here so we're having a good time together.

For that patient's privacy, I won't use the name, but I think that is the girl right? She is the only one who has been to both right? And she prefers novotel despite the lower frequency of times the nurses come?

[OzBoy39]

Yeah it's that one patient. She's loving it apparently.
The reduced frequency of the nurses is not because of being at Novotel, but just because both of us have absolutely no need for them to come.

From what they told me at the beginning, I understood they would come indefinitely if there were problems with clicking or to conduct some indispensable task.

[OzBoy39]

I did some very rough math for Novotel, did I make any obvious mistakes?

If I do internal tibias, I think I'd need to decide between Novotel and between the handicap room at Montaza

Novotel 86*7=602 euros but then subtract out 4*13 euros for money saved on shorter taxi trip
602 - 4*13 = 550 euros per week when factoring in money saved from a shorter taxi trip

montaza hotel I think is like 61 or 62 ish per day for a handicap room, which seems like 427 ish Euros per week

Across 6 months for internal tibias, that could be like 123*4*6 = very roughly 3000 more to be at Novotel versus the montaza hotel handicap room

1. How often do the nurses come to Novotel? I think you said earlier it was they come just when some has a specific problem and also early on their journey?

The other x factors are the noise at Montaza from the strip clubs and also whether the upcoming potential arranged travel option will go to Novotel (I have to think it would, given how close Novotel is to Montaza though)

2. How big are the desks in the room at Novotel? They are pretty tiny at Montaza

3. How's the noise at Novotel?

Thanks!!!!

I think your calls are about right.
For the food menu, I'll take a photo and try to upload in a later post. In general the menu is great. Lots of salad with proteins (chicken, Ceasar, Halloumi and more). Various burgers (beef, chicken, vegan), a number of pasta dishes, salmon, scallops, pork chops and a few others I can't remember. They also have nice cheese platters and other finger food options.

The high point though (for me) it's the breakfast. I mean it's a buffet with a huge variety of options. From greens, veggies, eggs made in various ways, cheese, hams... Then move onto sweet stuff with croissants, cakes... Won't continue there's too many things. Perhaps if you guys navigate to google reviews of this hotel I'm sure there'll be plenty of images that describe the breakfast variety here.

I usually go there pretty early (like 630am for a big morning feast after my clicking) and then top it off around 1030am for an early lunch.

Then, answers to your queetions
1- the nurses told me it doesn't matter whether it's Novotel or montaza. They will.come visit you until it's needed. Most patients tend to become independent in about two weeks or so (which is also the turn over time for new surgeries). So naturally they tend to show up less and start focusing on the new patients. However, they did told me that if I were to have problems with clicking or any specific chore they will be helping for the entire lengthening. Obviously, if one tries to abuse of this service, they'd probably figure it out and be less available, but so far I felt they've definitely overachiever my expectations.

2- see image attached. They're big enough to do work on them. I'd say 1.2mt by 0.5mt. plus they swivel so you get a double surface.

3- absolutely no noise whatsoever.

[OzBoy39]

Desk image here
https://i.imgur.com/lIDhdV4.jpg

[SpeedDialer]

Thanks!!! Could you post a picture of the bathroom? I couldn't find any handicap room on their website https://www.novotelathens.gr/

Just curious if there are any hand rails or anything

[SpeedDialer]

Desk image here
https://i.imgur.com/lIDhdV4.jpg

Offhand, it seems like novotel wins in these catgories:

- has a gym w/ an easier to use bicycle
- nicer
- bigger
- pool, but maybe has some dangerous steps? Not sure if internal tibia user can use
- desk bigger -> better for gamers
- closer to PT center
- better selection for breakfast buffet and other meals
- less noise / don't have a dice roll of whether you happen to be near montaza's nearby strip clubs
- ? not sure if it has a handicap option w/ rails?
- ? is it near a busy road? i'm assuming not if noise is not a problem

And montaza has:
- more frequent nurse visits
- cheaper
- has a handicap option with wall rails, though my current handicap room is pretty close to the strip club noise
- even if you are not near the strip club noise, the car noise outside is significant just like for the hyatt option, both hyatt and montaza near a busy road

hyatt
- don't know anyone who has gone with this option yet, but its across the street from montaza, most expensive option I think, has the busy street noise but should be farther away from the strip club noise

I'd say both have friendly staff it seems and good room service

1. Something I'm wondering about though is do you know of anyone who did internal tibia only? I'm a bit curious about how much help they need to enter the taxi

At Montaza, I've had Bill or Evi every PT day help me get into the taxi. Although technically with gnail femur now, I don't need their help anymore, it was extremely useful like maybe the first 11 days or so to have their help for that transfer

I'm a bit curious for internal tibia how much help someone needs to transfer into the taxi from the wheelchair and how much the novotel hotel staff help with that

2. How's the internet at Novotel? Its OK at Montaza

3. How are the food prices at Novotel? Oh wait sorry nevermind I see you said you will take a picture of the menu

I'm starting to wonder for internal tibia if a few weeks at Montaza's handicap room (for increased nurse support) followed by moving to Novotel like the girl did is the best option if someone can afford it or if that midway hotel transfer is not  that useful

[SpeedDialer]

I'm guessing your room type is "Superior" room type?
https://www.novotelathens.gr/%cf%84%ce%b1-%ce%b4%cf%89%ce%bc%ce%ac%cf%84%ce%b9%ce%b1-%ce%bc%ce%b1%cf%82/superior/

They seem to have superior, superior with double couch (don't see the use of a double couch tbh), superior twin (don't see the use of having two small beds), executive room (don't know what it has), and suite (which gives the impression from the image they posted of being very large, but I am not sure)

I'm guessing that Evi the nurse has the 86 euro per night deal w/ the "superior" style room? Which appears to be their basic room type

[SpeedDialer]

So I realized in another thread my math might be wrong

If someone goes to physical therapy 4 times per week, then there are actually 8 taxi rides per week (to and back 4 times)

So actually someone will save like 13*4*2 = 104 euros ish per week I think? not sure if I screwed up the math again but if true, this would mean that novotel is much closer in price to montaza than I thought. Though I'm not sure if this will change when the prearranged transport kicks in that Evi (a nurse) mentioned

I think if someone is in externals though I wonder if that more constant nurse support is just really helpful, exposed wounds, pin infections, having the nurse look at the pin sites more frequently, more help getting into the taxi consistently from the nurse not sure

[OzBoy39]

Man, CHILL down!!!

You can't just dump any thought you have in your head on multiple diaries. It makes them hard to read for everyone.

Plus many of the questions you have made have been answered before.

 I already said about the nurses coming here as frequently as the other hotels. They go where the patients need. They stay at Montaza these days because you guys needed them there.

[Height Journey]

Man, CHILL down!!!

You can't just dump any thought you have in your head on multiple diaries. It makes them hard to read for everyone.

Plus many of the questions you have made have been answered before.

 I already said about the nurses coming here as frequently as the other hotels. They go where the patients need. They stay at Montaza these days because you guys needed them there.

That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to say to SpeedDialer.

SpeedDialer, you’ve been on this forum for 3 years. You are not a newbie to leg lengthening, but you still act like it by asking every basic question about LL that has been answered before or which you can easily find out by doing a little research.

[thankscience]

Evi advised me via email when they start using the SUV to transport patients the average ride will cost between 7 - 15 euros depending on the distance. This seems like a substantial saving, particularly if you're staying at Montaza. I hope they roll it out quickly for you guys so you can confirm 

[bara123]

Hi Ozboy39
Congrats on your LL journey!! . I arrived  at the Montaza recently and will be doing my surgery tomorrow with Dr Giotikas

Thinking of moving to the Novotel after 3-4 weeks given the amenities as I don't really like the idea of being confined to a small room for a long period of time.

How often do you find yourself using the hotel amenities like the pool, gym etc and how does their laundry service work at the Novotel? Thanks

[OzBoy39]

Hi Ozboy39
Congrats on your LL journey!! . I arrived  at the Montaza recently and will be doing my surgery tomorrow with Dr Giotikas

Thinking of moving to the Novotel after 3-4 weeks given the amenities as I don't really like the idea of being confined to a small room for a long period of time.

How often do you find yourself using the hotel amenities like the pool, gym etc and how does their laundry service work at the Novotel? Thanks

Congrats to you too. And good luck on the surgery tomorrow.

I use them all the time I feel I can get there. Especially the gym. I use a lot their rooftop area as a way to chill during the day. The pool not so often yet but I hope I'll go more as I regain more mobility.

I do not use their laundry because it is expensive (don't remember the price but it was ridiculously expensive). But you can book a laundry service for 9 euro on Wolf l. They come pick it up, do the laundry and deliver it back so... Pretty convenient.

Let us know how you go tomorrow.
 I'm sure you'll be super stoked after waking up.

[OzBoy39]

Novotel dinner menu for the folks who are interested

https://i.imgur.com/4OuS9jZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IKzSsjW.jpg

There's a variety of drinks obviously but didn't take any photo

[thankscience]

Thanks for a picture of the menu. Looks like there's a good variety of food/drinks there. How much are you spending on food each week atm?

[bara123]

Surgery completed! And feeling is somewhat surreal and amazing. Can't describe how excited when I woke up and found myself realizing I'm ACTUALLY doing this
https://imgur.com/a/gW81SJB

Will be talking to Evi in the next couple of days about the novotel as the rooftop looks stunning and would be great to me you and other LL patients to share our experiences

Thanks for the pictures.did you book your stay of Novotel the entire 2 months in advance? Or do you inform the hotel that you wish to further we extend your stay?

Made a mistake booking two months in advance(paid)with Montaza and will see what options are if I could swap over to Novotel 

[thankscience]

Surgery completed! And feeling is somewhat surreal and amazing. Can't describe how excited when I woke up and found myself realizing I'm ACTUALLY doing this
https://imgur.com/a/gW81SJB

Will be talking to Evi in the next couple of days about the novotel as the rooftop looks stunning and would be great to me you and other LL patients to share our experiences

Thanks for the pictures.did you book your stay of Novotel the entire 2 months in advance? Or do you inform the hotel that you wish to further we extend your stay?

Made a mistake booking two months in advance(paid)with Montaza and will see what options are if I could swap over to Novotel

Congrats on having the surgery! How do you feel? Will you make your own diary about your experience?

[OzBoy39]

Thanks for a picture of the menu. Looks like there's a good variety of food/drinks there. How much are you spending on food each week atm?

I'd say about 150 to 200Euro per week. That is because I don't have breakfast included in the hotel cost (I opened up the dances at Novotel sort of speak so I didn't have the deal that the doctor has cut now for all future patients).

So, 15 euro per day on breakfast which also makes my lunch as they open until 1030am and I am an early riser and so my first breakky usually happens at 630 to 700am.
Then dinner varies from 10 to 20 euro each.

[OzBoy39]

Surgery completed! And feeling is somewhat surreal and amazing. Can't describe how excited when I woke up and found myself realizing I'm ACTUALLY doing this
https://imgur.com/a/gW81SJB

Will be talking to Evi in the next couple of days about the novotel as the rooftop looks stunning and would be great to me you and other LL patients to share our experiences

Thanks for the pictures.did you book your stay of Novotel the entire 2 months in advance? Or do you inform the hotel that you wish to further we extend your stay?

Made a mistake booking two months in advance(paid)with Montaza and will see what options are if I could swap over to Novotel

Man I'm so happy for you and looking forward to meet up soon when you get outta there. Glad to hear you are in a good mood now.

Please my 2 cents suggestion. The mood might swing up and down these days especially when you're off the IV painkillers and back to the hotel.
keep that in mind and always remember that it's normal. The first 2.weeks are a bit rough for everyone but we all get through it fine.

Then if you're having issue cancelling and refunding from montaza, get Evi to talk to them directly. they bring montaza tons of patients so I'm sure she'd have a good leverage on them.

And also She's really good at pushing a point with peoplr and very helpful in general.

I had booked Novotel in two stages so to have the option to change in case I didn't like it. But I did like it so....I'm still here.

[bara123]

Your advice and diary has honestly helped me a lot in terms of what to expect and man I get what you mean about mood swings.

This morning woke up feeling like my legs were logs and had pain with movements/stretches. Just trying to keep a good mental mindset and might possibly start my own diary. Vision was blurry yesterday so difficulty typing

Did some walks on the walker but any tips on what I can do to be less afraid since I feel super wobbly from the knees? Does this stop after a while?

[OzBoy39]

Happy to hear that. Thanks!!!

One thing the physiotherapist told me the first day that really resonated with me was:

"Expect every day to feel a different pain, different type and different areas of your legs". Some days these pains are milder and you can sort of disregard them. Some other days, they are more intense and they last the whole day. There's not much we can do about it, but at least know that this is how it's gonna be. And it's normal. Some guys have it better some guys worse than others.

For the Walker, I just tried to make sure my legs were locked out straight when dropping on them. And pretty much used my upper body only to move around.

Another suggestion (strong suggestion) at this stage you're at is to NOT overdo it. When I was there I was reading many diaries from either older G-nail or Betz or guichet patients. Some of them describing walking after a few days.. walking 500mt on day 7 or so... So I tried to push myself.

Wrong. I just set myself back with knee and hip pains. And this happens to me everytime I feel good and the joint pain recedes... I overdo it and then I screw myself up for the next 3 or 4 days. Listen to your body. When it start hurting too much, stop and chill.

 We are lucky enough that we do 4 days a week of specialised PT for this thing. On top of that, yes we need to do stretching at home (at a lower intensity) and some movement...but always conservative (5, 10 minutes every now and then which is basically doing basic chores, and moving around the hotel). As soon as the joints feel a bit sore or fatigued please stop.

If not, the muscle and everything else becomes stiffer and sore and that will affect everything else (clicks, PT, mobility)for the next 3 or 4 days.and it feels awful.

So... Take it easy, move a lot in bed (raise your legs, move them up and down, stretch them as they showed you, feel how weird they feel when you rotate them or move sideways.... You know what I mean right?) but don't feel the pressure of having to do "hours" of work.

Just that.

[ten]

Have you seen any petite people (especially females) using the Gnail there?

[OzBoy39]

No. Not at the moment at least.
There are women doing precice now (femur) and I heard of a lot of older patients (female) but they all seemed to have done precice.

Not sure if anybody else can comment further.

[Hatch]

No. Not at the moment at least.
There are women doing precice now (femur) and I heard of a lot of older patients (female) but they all seemed to have done precice.

Not sure if anybody else can comment further.

Is there how many women compared to men? Still so hard to understand why women would do this procedure 

[Limbfan2020]

No. Not at the moment at least.
There are women doing precice now (femur) and I heard of a lot of older patients (female) but they all seemed to have done precice.

Not sure if anybody else can comment further.

How old are the women?

[OzBoy39]

Yeah i am with you. Don't really understand why, but apparently they somehow feel like we do.

Anyway, right now there's 1 girl here at Novotel doing precice.
Just before I arrived another one went home who was also doing precice

This in comparison to current 8 or 9 male patients (additional 2 have leftt in my first and second week here).

A rough ratio of 10 to 1 male to female.

[ten]

I think it's because Gnail is thicker (11mm) and won't suit petite peoples bones.