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[SpeedDialer]

What are your thoughts about the nail removal timing?

I think I will most likely do gnail femur nail removal 1 year after the surgery, wait a 1-3 weeks, then do the tibia surgery, then stay in Athens for 5-6 months for precise tibias for 4-5cm, but I'll see what the doctor says.

So the other option I was considering was having the gnail femurs removed + have the tibia nails inserted on the exact same day

But basically, I don't know how easy/difficult it is to deal with both a recovering upper leg (from femur nail removal) and lower leg (newly insert precise into tibias) at the same time or if its not a big deal. I can't seem to find anyone on the forum who knows. 

The thing about doing tibias is that it seems like someone can just stretch the tibias with the brace/splints so it may be alright, I'm not sure. I'm gonna ask the doctor about this + I'll ask the doctor on Monday about how much upper leg stretching needs to be done after the femur nail removal surgery

[OzBoy39]

Man, these are questions that are probably better asked to the doctor.
How do I know?

It may just not be possible to do 2 surgeries in the same day. As 6ounsaid, ask the doc

[SpeedDialer]

What are your thoughts about the nail removal timing?

I think I will most likely do gnail femur nail removal 1 year after the surgery, wait a 1-3 weeks, then do the tibia surgery, then stay in Athens for 5-6 months for precise tibias for 4-5cm, but I'll see what the doctor says.

So the other option I was considering was having the gnail femurs removed + have the tibia nails inserted on the exact same day

But basically, I don't know how easy/difficult it is to deal with both a recovering upper leg (from femur nail removal) and lower leg (newly insert precise into tibias) at the same time or if its not a big deal. I can't seem to find anyone on the forum who knows. 

The thing about doing tibias is that it seems like someone can just stretch the tibias with the brace/splints so it may be alright, I'm not sure. I'm gonna ask the doctor about this + I'll ask the doctor on Monday about how much upper leg stretching needs to be done after the femur nail removal surgery

yup, my old message says I'll ask the doc too

[RealLostSoul]

What are your thoughts about the nail removal timing?

I think I will most likely do gnail femur nail removal 1 year after the surgery, wait a 1-3 weeks, then do the tibia surgery, then stay in Athens for 5-6 months for precise tibias for 4-5cm, but I'll see what the doctor says.

So the other option I was considering was having the gnail femurs removed + have the tibia nails inserted on the exact same day

But basically, I don't know how easy/difficult it is to deal with both a recovering upper leg (from femur nail removal) and lower leg (newly insert precise into tibias) at the same time or if its not a big deal. I can't seem to find anyone on the forum who knows. 

The thing about doing tibias is that it seems like someone can just stretch the tibias with the brace/splints so it may be alright, I'm not sure. I'm gonna ask the doctor about this + I'll ask the doctor on Monday about how much upper leg stretching needs to be done after the femur nail removal surgery

You really want to be under anesthesia for 6 hours?
Just do tibia 1 or 2 years after femurs and then if you are done with tibia get the nails out like 4 years after initial femur LL

[taLLer4]

You really want to be under anesthesia for 6 hours?
Just do tibia 1 or 2 years after femurs and then if you are done with tibia get the nails out like 4 years after initial femur LL

Once time Anesthesia for 6 hours is better or

2 times anesthesia for 3 hours is better

asking a general question

[RealLostSoul]

Once time Anesthesia for 6 hours is better or

2 times anesthesia for 3 hours is better

asking a general question

Definitely the second one. Especially if it‘s a longer time apart. Which nail removal and insertion will be.   

[Rockstarz5]

Hey ozboy whant to do gnail too.. do tou think is posible if I do it my myself , just alone, planing to do 10 cm travel 2 weeks and back to my country probably with 15 hours trip.. what do you think?

[OzBoy39]

You can do it by yourself, yes.
You CANNOT just stay 2 weeks and go away back to your country. Absolutely not recommended and I don't think the doctor allows it too

[Rockstarz5]

 
 Why is that?,  Not sure, but before when stryde was on market I visited a doctor and told me that in two weeks is ok to back to your country, betz I think allows you in 3 weeks or less. Do you think that with doctor G is diferent because of nail or any other situation?

[OzBoy39]

 Why is that?,  Not sure, but before when stryde was on market I visited a doctor and told me that in two weeks is ok to back to your country, betz I think allows you in 3 weeks or less. Do you think that with doctor G is diferent because of nail or any other situation?

Because you're still at risk of major complications, you're not gonna be mobile almost at all (you can only use the walker at 2 weeks post op), your wounds will probably still be half opened, and your legs swollen and you're gonna need the nurses help for various (many) tasks. and you're not gonna have the energy to do pretty much anything all day long.

Perhaps if you have somebody to take care of you 24/7 or at least frequently... Maybe after 3 or 4 weeks if you have no complications... It may be doable.

That was my experience. Maybe someone else had it easier, but ALL patients I've seen in Greece were exactly like me (if not worse).

[OzBoy39]

T90 Post-op. 7cm lengthening

It's getting tough. I mean I'm getting stiff. No matter the stretching, pt or walking. After 6cm everything started to tighten up.

- can't walk without crutches. I can limp around a room, but then my quads and knees start to burn.

- nerve pain is there always... It's become like a companion. It's basically like an annoying mother in law. Always present, you can't get rid of her. It always bothers you but it's family and you gotta live with it.

- unfortunately having gotten back to the many jobs I do, my focus isn't anymore on the process and I'm scrambling to do clicks, stretching , hydrotherapy and what not. Brut at least clicks are easy and sometimes I do them in the car in between destinations.

-7 cm are great but my duckass has gotten worst and I think I'm at the same height as I was at 6cm. It doesn't really bother me though. I'll catch up.

- now the big question is. Where do I stop?
     - in 2 weeks I'll get to 8cm
     - in 4 weeks (precisely at Christmas day) I could get to 9cm.

Physically I can do it, mentally too, but i feel like I'm abusing of the patience of my wife.shes doing a lot to compensate for my "disability".

Tomorrow new X-rays and then another consult with dr G.

I see the light at the end of the tunnel but the road to there is now become very steep. Let's keep grinding

[Will955]

Do you wanna keep legnthening? If so I say go for it. I've heard of so many people who regret not lengthening more.

But 7cm is still a great increase. I would not go more than 8 tho, as the complications arise exponentially from there.

[OzBoy39]

You're right. I've read the same too and while I also think 7cm is great and I feel very good about myself already, I know that I may have a little piece of regret if I don't reach 8cm.

Yes I'm going for it. It's only 2 weeks more of lengthening from now

[elanxr]

T90 Post-op. 7cm lengthening

It's getting tough. I mean I'm getting stiff. No matter the stretching, pt or walking. After 6cm everything started to tighten up.

- can't walk without crutches. I can limp around a room, but then my quads and knees start to burn.

- nerve pain is there always... It's become like a companion. It's basically like an annoying mother in law. Always present, you can't get rid of her. It always bothers you but it's family and you gotta live with it.

- unfortunately having gotten back to the many jobs I do, my focus isn't anymore on the process and I'm scrambling to do clicks, stretching , hydrotherapy and what not. Brut at least clicks are easy and sometimes I do them in the car in between destinations.

-7 cm are great but my duckass has gotten worst and I think I'm at the same height as I was at 6cm. It doesn't really bother me though. I'll catch up.

- now the big question is. Where do I stop?
     - in 2 weeks I'll get to 8cm
     - in 4 weeks (precisely at Christmas day) I could get to 9cm.

Physically I can do it, mentally too, but i feel like I'm abusing of the patience of my wife.shes doing a lot to compensate for my "disability".

Tomorrow new X-rays and then another consult with dr G.

I see the light at the end of the tunnel but the road to there is now become very steep. Let's keep grinding

Have you considered getting nerve decompression surgery? How is your consolidation going?

[Will955]

You're right. I've read the same too and while I also think 7cm is great and I feel very good about myself already, I know that I may have a little piece of regret if I don't reach 8cm.

Yes I'm going for it. It's only 2 weeks more of lengthening from now

I say that's a great idea. It's always good to know that once you stop lengthening you will feel significantly better each day.

The height is permanent. So another 2 weeks of suffering is easily justifiable.

Kudos on your strong spirit!

[OzBoy39]

Have you considered getting nerve decompression surgery? How is your consolidation going?

No, not really at this stage. Other than the lingering burning, tingling and annoying shootout of pain I have all my functions and feelings still intact. I've checkd this both with Dr G. In Greece and with my GP here and both agree that there doesn't seem to be any... damage and that it should resolve once I stop lengthening. So I'll get there first an dthen see what happens.

Like for example yesterday I took a break from clicking and even just today, the level of paresthesia that I have is much lower then yesterday.

Fingers crossed it'll go away after I stop

[OzBoy39]

I say that's a great idea. It's always good to know that once you stop lengthening you will feel significantly better each day.

The height is permanent. So another 2 weeks of suffering is easily justifiable.

Kudos on your strong spirit!

Yes I have that thought in my mind too. It's just seeing the people around me having to struggle doing all the chores and also taking somewhat care of me it's really  hard to see. It makes me feel very selfish for what I'm doing (although she's not absolutely putting any pressure on me).

So, we'll just keep going until the end. Whether it's be 8 or 9 I don't know yet. But I'll get to 8cm for sure... Then re assess.

And btw. Life above 170cm... (For the ones that are starting this below) is amazing. It may not be the great 6 foot target, but who cares. I finally feel normal in the height domain. And all trousers fit ok.

I'm so keen to restart proper training and get super freaking fit. One (another) good thing of going through all this is the magnitude of appreciation that I have gained towards having a healthy body. Agility, strength, ROM. As we all need to prioritise our time among various responsibilities in life, I'll make sure that physical health is on top of the ladder together with family. Work can take a few steps down.

[Will955]

Yes I have that thought in my mind too. It's just seeing the people around me having to struggle doing all the chores and also taking somewhat care of me it's really  hard to see. It makes me feel very selfish for what I'm doing (although she's not absolutely putting any pressure on me).

So, we'll just keep going until the end. Whether it's be 8 or 9 I don't know yet. But I'll get to 8cm for sure... Then re assess.

And btw. Life above 170cm... (For the ones that are starting this below) is amazing. It may not be the great 6 foot target, but who cares. I finally feel normal in the height domain. And all trousers fit ok.

I'm so keen to restart proper training and get super freaking fit. One (another) good thing of going through all this is the magnitude of appreciation that I have gained towards having a healthy body. Agility, strength, ROM. As we all need to prioritise our time among various responsibilities in life, I'll make sure that physical health is on top of the ladder together with family. Work can take a few steps down.

Sounds good.

I'm glad you're happy with your new height. Long legs look great in general.

Going to do 8cm Femur myself in a year or two. Saving up. Been planning on Giotikas for some time.

Do you still vouch for Giotikas having almost gone through with it all? He interest me the most outside of Paley.

He seems very competent. The only thing that worried me was the death case at his clinic. Did you ask him about this?

Must feel crazy having grown 8cm just within a few weeks. Sounds like a dream come true.

[OzBoy39]

Thanks.

Yes i definitely still vouch for him after having gone through. I think he himself and the team of nurses/pt provide a comprehensive package that covers all the criticalities related to the process.

Plus if you do it in summer, the nice warm weather helps you mentally.

I didn't end up asking him about the death case, but one of the nurses who now left slipped some info as in this guy was difficult to deal with as in was sort of refusing meds (or not taking them....not sure) and that's all he sort of told me half mouthed.

So yeah, it's definitely an unfortunate event but from my experience, I couldn't fault them to be honest.

I found their approach to be very super conservative in any aspect a of the process... Sometimes too conservative I believe. But I guess I see their points of better being safe than sorry.

8cm... Yes life changing. I can't describe in words. You will understand when you get there. It erases all the pains, struggles,   that we go through in a second. Among the best decisions of my life so far.

[Will955]

Thanks.

Yes i definitely still vouch for him after having gone through. I think he himself and the team of nurses/pt provide a comprehensive package that covers all the criticalities related to the process.

Plus if you do it in summer, the nice warm weather helps you mentally.

I didn't end up asking him about the death case, but one of the nurses who now left slipped some info as in this guy was difficult to deal with as in was sort of refusing meds (or not taking them....not sure) and that's all he sort of told me half mouthed.

So yeah, it's definitely an unfortunate event but from my experience, I couldn't fault them to be honest.

I found their approach to be very super conservative in any aspect a of the process... Sometimes too conservative I believe. But I guess I see their points of better being safe than sorry.

8cm... Yes life changing. I can't describe in words. You will understand when you get there. It erases all the pains, struggles,   that we go through in a second. Among the best decisions of my life so far.

That's really nice to hear. I am definitely aiming to do this in the Summer whenever I am doing it over there. I can't wait...!

I really appreciate the details you provided on Giotikas and his team. I am even more assured of his competence now.

Now that you're almost done with femurs. Do you think Tibia surgery will ever be on the table for you?

I myself am considering quadrilateral. But will fully finish the femur surgery before even considering moving onto Tibias.

And the way you describe the height gain sounds awesome, bro. I'm happy for you. I will soon be there in Greece in the same shoes as you are now.

This post is making me consider 9cm femurs even.

[Hatch]

What kind payments option Giotikas Offers? I mean did you have to pay whole amount 4x xxx€ beforehand? Or possible to pay part of it later? Possible to pay in cash (i mean paper money) in hotel?

[OzBoy39]

Maybe better ask him through the website email.
I paid all in advance as requested on the website.

I would be surprised if he'd allow anyone to pay in installments after the surgery. But by all means, feel free to ask him.

Paying 48K euro or so in cash at the hotel, as much as it makes me think of all the most badass movies from the early 200, (thinking ocean11 or similar), I would say is at the least unadvisable.

Anyway, good luck with all this.
I

[OzBoy39]

8.2cm lengthening DONE. 105 days Post Op. Let's start recovering now

Today is my last day of lengthening. My last few clicks to get me at around 8.2cm.

I just come back from dinner outside with wife and kid.
I definitely don't feel short anymore. I am perfectly blending with the rest of the men in the restaurant.

It would probably get even better when I fix my duck ass problem which seems to eat away about 1 to 1.5cm.

But I must say, as many before me, that this has definitely cured my thoughts about my height.

I'm not tall by any mean (with sneakers I'm about 174cm) but just being average from the previous 164cm, it  simply removed the thought.

It's funny how my brain still hasn't adjusted to the comparison with other people. I mean, when I'm about to cross someone who looks tall, from a distance I would guess that I'm shorter, but then as I approach and cross the other person, I realise that I'm at the same height. And that is really rewarding of all the pains and struggles.

Anyway, I'm stopping at 8.2cm although I could have easily gone to 9 and perhaps more, but my life here is so busy between work and family that I can't afford anymore time for this.

String suggestion: if you can, don't take any serious commitment for the entire lengthening duration. You'll regret it as I am doing now having to juggle myself between 2 jobs.

Moving on, my physical condition is as such:

- I can walk well with crutches. I can endure quite a bit of walking at once (perhaps 200 300 metres. I can go grocery shopping holding on a trolley.

- I can do baby steps without crutches, but my TFL and glutes are so weak that are stopping me from walking properly. Plus if I do too much unaided walking, my quads hurt and I'll then be bed or chair ridden for a day or two slowing down my recovery. This happened by not doing much excercises during the day because of working long long hours . Keep this in mind when you go through this procedure. Start working on your muscles from day 1 after the op. Not only stretching, but strengthening is key.

- my duckass is quite pronounced,.but I don't see 8t as a big issue. I feel it will be ok now that I'll stop lengthening.

- I am somewhat addicted to tramadol. No, I don't crave it, but when I skip a dose (I take 2x 50mg per day which is not too much), my mood goes down down.

- nerve pain (my biggest issue since reaching 3cm)...all of sudden disappeared after I passed 7cm. I have done anything specific for it. It just subsided on its own in the last couple of weeks. Doctor said... " The body has an incredible capacity to heal...".

- my sleep and energy levels are not great even though I am finally starting to sleep on my side.

On the social side...

My wife...having a big bloody mouth, she told pretty much all of her (our) friends about it. So... I owned it and tried to be super forth coming.

Tell you what? Guys don't really care to be honest. Once I mentioned it and gave a bit of a summary (couple of sentences only..) then we moved talking of other things. But all the girls have given me what I felt were very genuine compliments and we're wayore interested in the procedure, the details, the feeling, struggles. I had good conversations with all of them and never felt any sort of negative of judgemental feelings from any of them.

So yeah, let's now move on to the consolidation phase and see how long it will take to reach a level of unaided walking.

Based on how I feel now my best guess it's that it'll take me at least 4 weeks.

[Limbfan2020]

Hi Ozboy39,

have you ever experienced knee pain during your lengthening period?

Alle the best!

[1team]

Congrats on reaching the end of your journey. Do you feel that if you only had one job it would have been more manageable?

Some people need to be explicitly told that certain things are secret. Did you tell you wife to keep it quiet and she talked anyway?

[OzBoy39]

Yes 100%.

I had severe knee pain I think it was around 4 or 5 cm that stopped me from walking at all for a week or two.

And I do get some "milder" knee pain now as well especially during the morning when I wake up. But it disappears as the day goes on

[OzBoy39]

Congrats on reaching the end of your journey. Do you feel that if you only had one job it would have been more manageable?

Some people need to be explicitly told that certain things are secret. Did you tell you wife to keep it quiet and she talked anyway?

Thank you.

Yes, one job easier for sure. But it really depends on the commitment you have to put in and whether or not you can give yourself the free time (physically and mentally todo your routines of stretching, clicking, excercises ...)

Yes you're right. I should have been very very explicit. I was not, I thought it was obvious considered I hadn't 5old anybody and considered we had spoken about , but...now it happened and I can just deal with it.

[thankscience]

Congrats on finishing lengthening! The hardest part is now over for you 

Thank you so much for the well done diary - it's very useful for all future LLers especially those who want to go to Athens. Hope you keep updating us on your recovery.

[OzBoy39]

Thank you Thankscience for the kind words.

I'll keep updating as the recovery journey unfolds.
Time to go to Physio now.

Btw, yesterday felt pretty good and walked in the house for the entire afternoon without crutches (limped around but still ...progress).

Today I'm sore af (a good sore though)

[Mini0510]

so looks like Montaza hotel is the way to go? i'm just a gamer. Give me a room i'm good. 
And i like the buffet breakfast and dinner after.

[OzBoy39]

Where have I ever said that?
If something I would tell you the opposite. Stay away from Montaza if you can afford it.