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[Growing Experience]

Hello Everyone!

Got my surgery on 2nd August 2022 with Dr. Mangal Parihar.

Starting height was 162cm and planning for min. 6cm lengthening.

I was taking notes daily so I'll just post them here in my next message.

[Growing Experience]

DAY 1

My surgery was done in the morning. Went from 9AM till 2PM. If there is a bilateral precise surgery, docs usually dont keep any other surgery on the same day.
Was shifted to ICU after surgery. Finally got to drink some water and juice in the evening (was feeling very thirsty since afternoon)
Did the toes, feet movement and sensation test and passed (phew!) Mostly slept till morning.


DAY 2

Woke early at 6 AM for sponging.
Physio session at 10am (yes, from day 2 itself!) - very basic only - ankle movements and quad tightening.
It was very difficult for me to move my legs at all and was more difficult than I expected. Compression bandage was also very tight.
At night I was in a world of pain! soreness, burning in stitches, currents down the tibia and what not! got injections so I could sleep.


DAY 3

Finally was able to defecate using laxative. Using bed commode was a new experience.
Bandage got removed today - legs felt light
got blood trasfusion
got my 1st x-ray done at the hospital itself (x-ray room is on the groud floor)
got shifted to my room in the hospital
So overall a very eventful day!
TIP: CONSULT THE PHYSIO THERAPIST WHO ARE WORKING WITH YOUR LIMB LENGTHENING DOCS ATLEAST 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE SURGERY. THERE ARE SOME MUSCLE GROUPS WHICH NEED A LOT OF PRE-OP STRENGTHENING. YOU'LL HAVE TOUGH DAYS AFTER SURGERY IF YOU MISS THIS.
XRAY - https://imgur.com/a/Xfbh1mj


DAY 4 - 6

Feeling better in the room. Physio therapist visiting twice daily (1 hr session each)
Started eating properly
Having pains (level 4/10) thoughout the day - unable to sleep for more than 1-2 hours at night.


DAY 7

Got bruises on left leg (doesn't hurt) - docs got some blood tests done
Learning a new exercise every day now. Today learnt prone lying (my natural sleeping position, so felt good!)


DAY 8

Blood tests were normal so nothing to worry about - doc says bruises will go away.
Overall I feel much better today and bit more confident. I believe its the 1 week mark post op that you start entering your normal state of mind.
Using bed pan is the new normal (still you will never get used to it!!! )
Started working - was on my laptop and phone for 2-3 hours today.
TIP: BEFORE SURGERY, BUY YOUR OWN BEDPAN AND URINAL BOTTLE FOR HYGIENE. CHOOSE THE RIGHT BED PAN FOR YOURSELF - I SUGGEST A PLASTIC ONE WITH WIDE SEAT SO ITS CONFORTABLE TO SIT ON. DO NOT TRY TO USE THE BEDPAN BY YOURSELF! ITS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE I DID - SPENT 1 HOUR AND ENDED UP IN PAIN!
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51JaRK+jShL._SL1000_.jpg

Day 9

First day of distraction!! 
Also removed air bed and DVT  pump today as I am comfortable shifting and moving on the bed.


DAY 10

Will talk about mobility today as its the last day in hospital -
knee extension to 180 degree while sitting
knee bending to 90 degree while prone lying
can stand (more like hang) on walker for 30-40 seconds, 3 times in a row
So, in short I am good to be discharged.


DAY 11

Got discharged and moved to hotel which is just 100m away from hospital. Will stay here for next 5 days until 1st x-ray of distraction and stitches removal.
I have moved to level 2 today -
- I am mobile using the wheelchair
- Can go to toilet like a normal person (using commode chair)
- Can move around in the room and use wash basin, fridge etc.
Did physio at night and was extremely exhausted!
TIP: YOU MUST PURCHASE A WHEELCHAIR WHICH HAS REMOVABLE SIDE ARMS AND CAN BE CONVERTED INTO A COMMODE SEAT. HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT WILL BE AN ADDITIONAL BONUS. I BOUGHT THIS WHEELCHAIR - https://arcatron.com/products/arcatron-prime-sss100-shower-commode-wheelchair


DAY 12-14

Got adjusted well to the hotel room. Hotel has a patio where they also serve the breakfast buffet. Sitting there on my wheelchair, watching the rain while eating donuts is a blessing!
My physio comes once in the afternoon for 1.5 hours - making me learn some new exercises that I can do while I am at home.


DAY 15

Went for 1st checkup and x-ray at Mangal Anand Hospital.
Distraction looks good - 7mm +
Got new marking for next phase of distraction
Stitches are mostly dissolvable so got only couple of them removed. Can leave the wounds open now.
Got medical certificate for air travel
Got super exhausted after coming back to hotel. Booked the flight tickets - leaving for home tomorrow.
XRAY - https://imgur.com/a/5jBpGZk

DAY 16

Used Mobicabs (wheelchair friendly) for travelling to airport - https://mobicab.in/
I was sitting for total 8 hours today!! shifting from wheelchair to wheelchair but finally reached home safe and sound.
It was difficult to sleep at night - was in quite some pain!
TIP: WE BOOKED AIR INDIA FLIGHT AND THE EXPERIENCE WAS SUPERB! THEIR STAFF WAS VERY HELPFUL AND POLITE. THEY DID NOT CHARGE US ANYTHING EXTRA FOR WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE OR THE EXTRA BAGGAGE (ERC MACHINE, PERSONAL WHEELCHAIR, WALKER ETC). TRY TO BOOK THE 1ST ROW SEATS BY PAYING LITTLE EXTRA - THERE WAS ROOM FOR FULL KNEE EXTENSIONS AND SOME MORE!


DAY 17-20

Life at home is great! Nothing beats comfort of your own bed and home cooked food.
Sleep is improving but minor pains and discomfort (level 3/10) still there but not throughout the day.
My routine is still not set completely. Trying to maintain proper daily hygiene (bathing, brushing twice etc.), eat meals on time, distraction thrice at fixed times, physio and stretching atleast twice, hot and cold packs, trying to manage office work. Right now I feel there is not enough time in the day but hopefully my routine will improve!


FROM NOW ON, WILL BE UPDATING THE DIARY EVERY WEEKEND.

[Dirona]

Awesome stuff man! Can you tell me the type of procedure(internal femurs?) and your age ? Are you taking any blood thinners?

[Vogel]

Happy to hear that all is going well with you. I will be having my surgery with Dr. Parihar so I’m very excited for your diary and your height growing journey. Hope all keeps going smooth and take care.

[Dash]

Congratulations. What method is this precice2.2? How much the surgery cost.

[Growing Experience]

Yes, Precise is an internal nail.

My age is in the late 20's.

Blood thinner - Aspirin once a day.

[Dirona]

Cool man..How did your parents? Any tips ?

[Dirona]

convince your parents*

[Growing Experience]

Cool man..How did your parents? Any tips ?

That in itself is a process. It took me years to convince them and show that I am mentally and physically ready for CLL. Also, we saved for a couple of years to get Precise done.

One thing is for sure - it will take herculean effort from your parents/ caretaker to assist you post op in your daily activities. They have to be prepared for what's coming and be 100% mentally aligned with your goal. You not being able to move around IS going to change their life for the next 3-4 months.

[Growing Experience]

Day 21-23

My routine has improved and I am able to manage my daily activities on time.
Developed sharp currents like pain at right knee - lateral side that travels down the calves. Docs suggested to start Pregabalin + I started using pain balm to numb it. Its worst in the morning and reoccurs when meds wear off.


Day 24-25

The knee currents situation is under control but not gone.
On day 24-25, started developing extreme soreness on the sides of my hips. Couldn't sleep at all!


Day 26

Did only 2 distractions today and only stretching exercises. Tried to rest all day and by night my side hips soreness reduced a bit. I think when things get really painful, its okay to take an easy day - less lengthening and break from strengthening exercises.

As per ERC machine, gained 17.5 mm/ leg. Will get x-ray done this week - wish me luck!
 

[Vogel]

Sounds good man. Stay consistent with your work and wish you best of luck.

[tallmen]

Day 21-23

My routine has improved and I am able to manage my daily activities on time.
Developed sharp currents like pain at right knee - lateral side that travels down the calves. Docs suggested to start Pregabalin + I started using pain balm to numb it. Its worst in the morning and reoccurs when meds wear off.


Day 24-25

The knee currents situation is under control but not gone.
On day 24-25, started developing extreme soreness on the sides of my hips. Couldn't sleep at all!


Day 26

Did only 2 distractions today and only stretching exercises. Tried to rest all day and by night my side hips soreness reduced a bit. I think when things get really painful, its okay to take an easy day - less lengthening and break from strengthening exercises.

As per ERC machine, gained 17.5 mm/ leg. Will get x-ray done this week - wish me luck!

Standing without putting any weight should help with the knee pain.Best of luck.

[Growing Experience]

Sounds good man. Stay consistent with your work and wish you best of luck.

Thanks, Vogel for your kind wishes.

[Growing Experience]

Standing without putting any weight should help with the knee pain.Best of luck.

Thanks mate! I have increased my walker hanging time during the day. I personally think its the best exercise for loosening the leg muscles. I hang, then -
1. walk on air
2. twist my hips left and right
3. criss cross legs

[Growing Experience]

DAY 27-33

Hip Abductors soreness is still there! Docs have asked to continue doing side raises and take more pain killers if need be.

Right Knee 'currents' situation is manageable but when they occur randomly, I automatically scream!   

Sleep is abrupt and I wake up for 10 mins in between because of pain but it has improved in the sense that I am able to get total 5-6 hours of sleep daily.

Went for xray on day 30 and it shows that I have achieved 2CM (confirmed by Mangal Anand doctors)  -
XRAY - https://imgur.com/a/gnfhBgK

[Dirona]

Hey Bro,

How did consent happen?

[Geez]

Bro what was the price? for precice 2.2 with Dr parihar

[Growing Experience]

Bro what was the price? for precice 2.2 with Dr parihar

About 12-13k USD. This includes surgery, OT & ICU charges, meds, 2 weeks stay & PT at hospital.

Precise nails in India will cost you another 35k, including the ERC security deposit.

+ Travel & Miscellaneous expenses (subjective to patients) about 2-5k

TOTAL COST OF PRECISE 2.2 (Bilateral) IN INDIA TODAY WILL BE AROUND 50K USD (post op hotel stay & nail removal cost not included)

[Growing Experience]

DAY 33-46

LENGTHENING
Got my xray done on day 43 @3.2CM. I am currently at 3.6CM.
XRAY - https://imgur.com/a/kKBVvrs

PAIN
It is like I am experiencing a rollercoaster ride !
- I am going through all sorts of pains - some are 24/7 constant, some pains come and go in a day or two.
- Same with muscle tightness - feel extreme tightness in upper and lateral quads OR above the knee then it goes away in a day or two.
- New problem I have developed is that my left tibia is partially numb. Feeling is exactly like how muscles wake up after sleeping.
- Even emotionally! happy to think that I am getting taller but some moments get really depressing.

MOBILITY AND EXERCISES
Since I came back to my hometown, I am doing all physio therapy on my own with little help from my parents. I am able to do all movements but have become little lazy on the strengthening exercises. I try to do more of stretching (15 mins session, 3 times a day) and walker hanging.
My left knee is losing little ROM after 3.5cm of lengthening.

WORK
Working from home during lengthening is very much manageable. But, I have noticed that I am unable to work to my full potential and tend to get tired in 2-3 hours of sitting on the desk. Some days when pain is really bad and when I haven't slept the last night, work does take a toll.

TIP: GET A CUSHIONY OFFICE CHAIR (WITH WHEELS) TO MOVE AROUND IN YOUR ROOM AND IF YOU ARE GOING TO SIT ON THE DESK FOR LONG HOURS. YOU WILL SAVE YOUR THIGHS AND HIPS FROM GETTING SORE! I BELIEVE ALL WHEELCHAIRS ARE SOMEWHAT UNCOMFOTABLE TO SIT ON.

[tallmen]

DAY 33-46

LENGTHENING
Got my xray done on day 43 @3.2CM. I am currently at 3.6CM.
XRAY - https://imgur.com/a/kKBVvrs

PAIN
It is like I am experiencing a rollercoaster ride !
- I am going through all sorts of pains - some are 24/7 constant, some pains come and go in a day or two.
- Same with muscle tightness - feel extreme tightness in upper and lateral quads OR above the knee then it goes away in a day or two.
- New problem I have developed is that my left tibia is partially numb. Feeling is exactly like how muscles wake up after sleeping.
- Even emotionally! happy to think that I am getting taller but some moments get really depressing.

MOBILITY AND EXERCISES
Since I came back to my hometown, I am doing all physio therapy on my own with little help from my parents. I am able to do all movements but have become little lazy on the strengthening exercises. I try to do more of stretching (15 mins session, 3 times a day) and walker hanging.
My left knee is losing little ROM after 3.5cm of lengthening.

WORK
Working from home during lengthening is very much manageable. But, I have noticed that I am unable to work to my full potential and tend to get tired in 2-3 hours of sitting on the desk. Some days when pain is really bad and when I haven't slept the last night, work does take a toll.

TIP: GET A CUSHIONY OFFICE CHAIR (WITH WHEELS) TO MOVE AROUND IN YOUR ROOM AND IF YOU ARE GOING TO SIT ON THE DESK FOR LONG HOURS. YOU WILL SAVE YOUR THIGHS AND HIPS FROM GETTING SORE! I BELIEVE ALL WHEELCHAIRS ARE SOMEWHAT UNCOMFOTABLE TO SIT ON.

Buy a compression leg massager for tibia numbness and nerve pain. It helps a lot will also prevent risk of blood clot.

[Growing Experience]

DAY 47-60

LENGTHENING
Got my xray done on day 56 @4.4CM. I am currently at 4.8CM.
XRAY - https://imgur.com/a/bqACFr8

PAIN
- Feeling much better as compared to last 2 weeks!
- Partial numbness in left tibia is still there...Docs saying it shall go away after lengthening.
- Got extreme burning sensation one night in my left tibia - it was nerve pain and was not going away. Docs prescribed Pregablin 2-3 times a day and to stop lengthening for 24 hours. Since then, pain is under control.

MOBILITY AND EXERCISES
Developed slight bent in both knees - Docs suggested to hire physiotherapist and I got one. Doing proper, supervised physio is helping me regain my ROM. Also, pains have reduced with regular strengthening exercises.

WORK
Was very busy with work these 2 weeks. I was working 7-8 hours everyday without much problem.

TIP: DO NOT MISS OUT ON ASSISTED PHYSIO THERAPY EVEN FOR A WEEK! A TRAINED PHYSIO WILL PUSH YOU BEYOND YOUR LIMITS AND WILL HELP YOU AVOID COMPLICATIONS. P.S. PHYSIO IS NOT OVERRATED - ITS CRITICAL FOR THIS PROCEDURE!!

[tallmen]

DAY 47-60

LENGTHENING
Got my xray done on day 56 @4.4CM. I am currently at 4.8CM.
XRAY - https://imgur.com/a/bqACFr8

PAIN
- Feeling much better as compared to last 2 weeks!
- Partial numbness in left tibia is still there...Docs saying it shall go away after lengthening.
- Got extreme burning sensation one night in my left tibia - it was nerve pain and was not going away. Docs prescribed Pregablin 2-3 times a day and to stop lengthening for 24 hours. Since then, pain is under control.

MOBILITY AND EXERCISES
Developed slight bent in both knees - Docs suggested to hire physiotherapist and I got one. Doing proper, supervised physio is helping me regain my ROM. Also, pains have reduced with regular strengthening exercises.

WORK
Was very busy with work these 2 weeks. I was working 7-8 hours everyday without much problem.

TIP: DO NOT MISS OUT ON ASSISTED PHYSIO THERAPY EVEN FOR A WEEK! A TRAINED PHYSIO WILL PUSH YOU BEYOND YOUR LIMITS AND WILL HELP YOU AVOID COMPLICATIONS. P.S. PHYSIO IS NOT OVERRATED - ITS CRITICAL FOR THIS PROCEDURE!!

Pausing lengthening works best for nerve pain. Early consolidation looks unlikely based on your x-rays so you can pause every now and then for a day if you get nerve pain.

[Growing Experience]

Right! Pausing for a day really helped my nerves to catch up with the lengthening. I am worried about my bone growth though

[john21]

Hey congrats man! keep us posted!

[Growing Experience]

DAY 61-71

Shifted to Mumbai on Day 70. Will be completing my final phase of distraction here.

LENGTHENING
Got my xray done at Mangal Anand on day 71 @5.8CM.
XRAY - https://imgur.com/a/dVBsASN

PAIN
- After 5CM, my pains improved significantly! 
- Partial numbness in left tibia still persists.
- Started feeling REAL TIGHTNESS after 5 CM. Its different from 'pain', more like muscles are comparable to rubber band! During exercises, I try to increase the ROM but they immediately go back to their comfortable position.
- Due to tightness in hamstrings, I have developed bent knees - there is no escaping it now 

MOBILITY AND EXERCISES
Continuing to do assisted physiotherapy once a day. In Mumbai, I am calling Mangal Anand's PT to the hotel.

WORK
Working is a little uncomfortable now because I'm trying to reduce my sitting time. Instead, lying on bed and using portable table to keep laptop.
On days 70-71, couldn't work at all due to travelling and tiredness.

P.S. - I am updating about my work routine so that readers can get an idea of how work life can be affected at different phases during the procedure.

[Growing Experience]

Guys, I am updating after a long break so will be sharing the latest update as well today, in my next post!

[Growing Experience]

DAY 72-82

Had my final appointment with Dr. Parihar on Day 77. He confirmed that I have achieved 6.5cms!   
Dr. Divya also did the measurements again and re-confirmed it.
To my surprise, I got full length from the ERC machine - there was no discrepancy at all. Both legs were equal and doctors matched the ankles, knees and pelvis alignment to ensure everything is perfect!

Dr. Parihar also told me to continue lengthening for 4 more days just to ensure I get full 6.5cms as there can be some compression/ height loss during weight bearing phase.

LENGTHENING
Got my full length xray done at Mangal Anand on day 77 @6.5CM. It was also the first time I stood on my legs after surgery!
XRAY - https://imgur.com/a/6mAtjKh

After that I did 4mm more so I actually lengthened 6.9CM 

PAIN
- No muscle pains at all !
- Super tightness is there
- Knees are bent but Docs are not worried though.
Knees at end of distraction - https://imgur.com/a/VhWTWFI

MOBILITY AND EXERCISES
Mangal Anand's physio is coming to see me everyday and focusing more on knee straightening exercises/ stretching. Doing some of those exercises on my own as well.

WORK
Couldn't focus much on work because most of my time was going in PT.


CONSOLIDATION PHASE STARTS!!!

[Vogel]

Really happy that you achieved your goal. Keep grinding and stay consistent with PT 💪🏽

[toyz]

Hi Growing

were you forced to get CT scan done before surgery?? and is it really necessary?

the doctor forces patients to get consent from a relative.. is there a way around it even you are quite old?? how did you manage this? should your relative sign a letter or something like that?

and you mentioned you got blood transfusion. why was that necessary?? did you donated your own blood before surgery or did you take it from the blood bank?

[Vogel]

Hi Growing

were you forced to get CT scan done before surgery?? and is it really necessary?

the doctor forces patients to get consent from a relative.. is there a way around it even you are quite old?? how did you manage this? should your relative sign a letter or something like that?

and you mentioned you got blood transfusion. why was that necessary?? did you donated your own blood before surgery or did you take it from the blood bank?

They do a CT scan to measure the diameter of your bone canal, in order to choose the right nail size for you.   

[toyz]

They do a CT scan to measure the diameter of your bone canal, in order to choose the right nail size for you.

how come other doctors do not requires this?