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[erenyeager1]

Update: I've been walking and things are improving pretty well. I can walk 2 miles before my legs become stiff and getting too tired.

[jerrytheman]

Update: I've been walking and things are improving pretty well. I can walk 2 miles before my legs become stiff and getting too tired.

Are these normal walks without too much of a weird gait? Considering you just started weight bearing a couple weeks ago that's pretty nice progress.

I'm about 10 weeks out of surgery on 5.5cm (lengthening 0.75/day femur) but other than that, pretty much exact same specs as you in terms of height and ethnicity etc. I'm hoping 7 months post surgery is enough to have a normal walking gait cause I have a friend's wedding then. Would you say 7 months post surgery will be enough for YOU to travel around without an issue (with occasional sitting breaks)?

[Yau]

Update: I've been walking and things are improving pretty well. I can walk 2 miles before my legs become stiff and getting too tired.

I am glad to know things are improving well with u.
How about your proportion now? Are your longer femurs natural? I prefer bilateral femurs surgery because it is safer, less complications and easier healing, but I worry about the proportion.

Best Wishes! Hope u can regain your athletic ability very soon.

[youyin12]

After the femur is lengthened by 8cm, how is your leg line of alignment? I heard that the change of leg alignment will affect the joints. Did the doctor and pt do anything to manage and adjust it?

[erenyeager1]

Are these normal walks without too much of a weird gait? Considering you just started weight bearing a couple weeks ago that's pretty nice progress.

I'm about 10 weeks out of surgery on 5.5cm (lengthening 0.75/day femur) but other than that, pretty much exact same specs as you in terms of height and ethnicity etc. I'm hoping 7 months post surgery is enough to have a normal walking gait cause I have a friend's wedding then. Would you say 7 months post surgery will be enough for YOU to travel around without an issue (with occasional sitting breaks)?

It is definitely not normal all the time but if I try I can look normal for like a few minutes. It is easy to just tell other people that you were in an accident or something. It is not too bad. It is like wearing heels for the first time. I can travel without an issue. I’ve been doing trips back and forth between Boston and nyc. Going down stairs is a little challenging still. I have to be slow and hold on to something (rails most of the time or my friend).

[erenyeager1]

After the femur is lengthened by 8cm, how is your leg line of alignment? I heard that the change of leg alignment will affect the joints. Did the doctor and pt do anything to manage and adjust it?

Joints are fine for me. None of the patients I know have joint problems.

[youyin12]

It looks like you're recovering well. Waiting for the next update.

[erenyeager1]

It looks like you're recovering well. Waiting for the next update.

I was told that X-ray is not needed until 3 months later. So next update probably in August.

[youyin12]

I would love to know about any improvement in your walking and life and the disappearance of pain and discomfort. Your diary is very helpful, I also plan to find Dr Paley for surgery, if you have any opinions about this surgery, please post it in the post. Good luck again.

[Yau]

I was told that X-ray is not needed until 3 months later. So next update probably in August.

Congratulation!
Please keep updating your improvement. Many LLers disappeared in this forum when they recovered and went back to their normal life. Hope u can tell us your recovery until the nails removal. Showing us the entire process. Really appreciate if u tell us all pros and cons of this surgery. Best wishes!

[youyin12]

May I ask how is your urination and defecation after the operation? Have you used a catheter?

[erenyeager1]

I would love to know about any improvement in your walking and life and the disappearance of pain and discomfort. Your diary is very helpful, I also plan to find Dr Paley for surgery, if you have any opinions about this surgery, please post it in the post. Good luck again.

It is a big surgery and takes a lot of mental commitment. I am very happy that I did it.

May I ask how is your urination and defecation after the operation? Have you used a catheter?

No. It was normal after like 3 days. For peeing, they will give you a few plastic containers for it. You may experience constipation because of the general anesthesia.

[youyin12]

Thanks! Which stage of the surgery do you think is the most painful? Can you describe what it feels like?

[Yau]

Your diary is one of my favourite diary. Please keep to update.
How about your consolidation and walking gait?

[otaviognu]

Do you gain 8 cm in height as well? Some people said that lengthened 8cm but the gain in height were less.

[erenyeager1]

Thanks! Which stage of the surgery do you think is the most painful? Can you describe what it feels like?

The first 3 weeks post-op. Surgical pain and getting used to not being able to walk.

Your diary is one of my favourite diary. Please keep to update.
How about your consolidation and walking gait?

My walking gait is great after 2 months of walking. I've asked a few people recently, and they couldn't tell I had surgery. I try to walk as much as I can. I walk on average about 1 mile per day and have been practicing climbing stairs in the gym. My life is pretty much back to normal.

Do you gain 8 cm in height as well? Some people said that lengthened 8cm but the gain in height were less.

I sometimes feel that I shrunk and then would go and measure my height. It is paranoia. My height is the same as it was when I was discharged. I started around 175 cm and ended around 182.8 cm, so I'd say it is 8cm.

[erenyeager1]

Update: I am doing well. I even travelled to Seattle a few weeks ago, and things are back to normal for me. I was surprised that I can still do the regular raise-both-of-your-hands security check at the airport. They just need to pat down my pants afterwards. I can lift light weights like full trash bags etc. I have not lifted any weight standing up yet. My next Xray is in a month. Will ask the doctor if I can do that then. Also PA says I can drink. They only warned me not to drink too much and fell on the ground.

[youyin12]

Well done. Looking forward to seeing your X-ray.

[erenyeager1]

Update: I can jog now. No X-ray. Robins told me based on May’s X-ray that I can start jogging in June. I’ve also been going to the gym. I am careful with the weights but I feel comfortable carrying 20lbs plates.

[jerrytheman]

Are you comfortable with going to the bar yet and doing light drinking on a night out?

I did my surgery 4 months after yours, but my lengthening took an extra month. So prob 5 months behind where you are now. But I'm 142 pounds (155 prior to surgery) so maybe that'll allow me to start walking earlier than you.

[Stretcher]

Have you had your surgery? Did you find your therapist?

[erenyeager1]

Are you comfortable with going to the bar yet and doing light drinking on a night out?

I did my surgery 4 months after yours, but my lengthening took an extra month. So prob 5 months behind where you are now. But I'm 142 pounds (155 prior to surgery) so maybe that'll allow me to start walking earlier than you.

My life is completely back to normal as far as I am concerned. I haven’t checked this forum for a while now. Doing very well!

[youyin12]

Seeing that you are doing a good job, I am genuinely happy for you. Remember to check back to the forums often to update you on your recent performance, such as jogging, sprinting, or other sports. I enjoyed your diary.

[erenyeager1]

Seeing that you are doing a good job, I am genuinely happy for you. Remember to check back to the forums often to update you on your recent performance, such as jogging, sprinting, or other sports. I enjoyed your diary.

Thanks! Haven’t jogged for long distance yet. Gym is fine. I can lift 25 lbs each hand. I’ve been using the stair machine too to train leg muscle

[SG]

Hi I'm glad you're doing fine, I did my surgery with Paley in February 23 and on August 7th I got the green light to walk, however, I feel a disconfort in my right knee, does this happen to you?

SG =)

[erenyeager1]

I feel very light knee discomfort occasionally, also sometimes light numbness in my left lower leg, but they all go away within a few minutes.

[erenyeager1]

Update: I ended up not taking an Xray for August because they told me I'd have to take one again at one year time anyways, so I don't want to waste time and money. I can run and jump now, comfortably. Yesterday I tried pilate for the first time and one of the position was standing on one leg with both arms in the air. Only after I've done the move then I realized that I am standing on only one leg, which is unthinkable half a year ago. I don't think about the surgery much now. My proportion is good. I am very grateful that this whole thing turned out fine.

[youyin12]

Good to see that. Congratulations.

[CuteIsNotWhatWeAimFor]

Hey! I just wanted to chime in and say thank you for the AMAZING diary.

I'm looking to do 7+cm femur with Paley as well (169cm->176cm). I'm starting preparing NOW for a surgery sometime next year. I've got the money already set up for it (also in tech), I just need to figure out logistics, improve my flexibility, and lose weight (~187-190lbs, also into weight lifting). Family will host me in west palm beach for as long as I need (3-4 months right?).

You've inspired me. Thank you so much for this.

[CuteIsNotWhatWeAimFor]

For exercising, it sounds like I should:
- Stretch the crap out of my legs (specifically hams, quads, hip flexors)
- Get great at dips and pull ups
- Lose a ton of weight.

Any other highlights I'm missing?

[markr09]

Good work, what's your current proportion btw?