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[oldiebuttbaddie]

Hi all,

I just scheduled my surgery with Dr. Giotikas for what is about 5 weeks away now.  Any pieces of advice or wisdom? 
I can't believe I'm going to do this.  One year ago, I didn't even know this existed. 

[IceTrae38]

Congrats on making the big commitment! I’ll be there for surgery in early January. What’s your goal in cm’s?

[oldiebuttbaddie]

Will see how it goes. I’d love to do 7-8, but I’m incredibly inflexible and a bit old so not sure how my body will hold up.

[oldiebuttbaddie]

How about you? Did you book accommodation? How long you planning on staying?

[IceTrae38]

Does anyone know which airport for landing is closest to Dr G in Athens? Is it ATH ?

Thanks!

[IceTrae38]

No I haven’t booked my accommodation, I will soon though. My plan is to stay for 3 months and try for 7-8cm. I believe we need a Visa after 90 days right? I’m in Canada btw. How about you?

[oldiebuttbaddie]

I’m in the states. I’m staying 7 weeks. Let me know when you book your accommodation. Curios about advantages of each.

[IceTrae38]

It’s part of the reason why I haven’t booked accommodations yet. I heard Grand Hyatt is much better than the other two. But of course, it’s a lot more. The 3 star hotel ain’t cheap either for a 3 star. Like $55 euros. They should have a monthly deal instead.

[akali]

How about rehabilitation? Is it also expensive there? And also will you stay alone?

[increase]

I will also be in January. surgery on the 17th. I will stay at the Novotel

[IceTrae38]

Good Luck on your journey ! What’s your lengthening goal? And have you booked with Novotel yet? How long are you planning on staying?

[increase]

I intend to stay 6 weeks, I want to go to 7cm at least.

[Hatch]

So did you already meet Dr Giotikas? Or is meeting before surgery (I mean weeks/months before) even needed?

What kind queue Giotikas has? Is that 5 weeks fastest possible schedule?

[oldiebuttbaddie]

Looks like we got a little winter Athens crew in this thread.  Since I'm assuming this is new to everyone, let's list things that we think might be helpful.  I saw in a couple other threads that having a grabber to be able to reach things is helpful. 

[oldiebuttbaddie]

The rehab in included while you're in Athens. I plan to stay alone, although some of my friends want to visit.  I think I'll wait until the second month so it's a little less embarrassing. 

[oldiebuttbaddie]

There is a free initial 15 minute consultation and then a 45 minute consultation that costs 200 Euro.  Both can be done by zoom.  I just booked mine for mid January and they offered me a few dates so doesn't seem like there would be a huge wait.  They recommend you book at least 6 weeks in advance of the surgery date.  Not sure if that's be cause they want you to do the stretching for 6 weeks or to ensure availability.  My guess is that you could probably do it with a lot less notice, but honestly, I think you probably need a few weeks just to make sure it's not an impulsive decision. 

[thankscience]

Have you already paid the full deposit?

[oldiebuttbaddie]

Have you already paid the full deposit?

Paid today.

[1team]

Will see how it goes. I’d love to do 7-8, but I’m incredibly inflexible and a bit old so not sure how my body will hold up.

There have been some guys in 40s and 50s who have had good results so it isn't set in stone that age will be a hindrance. Unless you are one of those guys who is like 33 but refers to themselves as old.

[IceTrae38]

What is average age for LL then ?

[1team]

What is average age for LL then ?

Mid to late 20s. Earlier if parents are paying for it.

[IceTrae38]

Have you done LL yourself or planning to? I’m heading to Athens myself, next month!

[oldiebuttbaddie]

There have been some guys in 40s and 50s who have had good results so it isn't set in stone that age will be a hindrance. Unless you are one of those guys who is like 33 but refers to themselves as old.

I haven't seen 33 in over a decade. I'm in great shape, don't look my age, and often hang out with younger people so I don't feel old at all.  It's only in times like this when it becomes a consideration.  In all honesty, I'm not too worried about my age but am a little concerned about my lack of flexibility.  Anyway--we'll see how it goes.  I'll do the best I can and will be satisfied with the result. 

[Hatch]

So no need to meet DR Giotikas before the surgery date? How he can order right nails or make measurements etc.? Or you just meet him first time when you are laying on surgery table?

Did you pay whole amount about 47k€ already? And you paid to hotel also? Does he offer insurance  if something bad happens?

[oldiebuttbaddie]

So no need to meet DR Giotikas before the surgery date? How he can order right nails or make measurements etc.? Or you just meet him first time when you are laying on surgery table?

Did you pay whole amount about 47k€ already? And you paid to hotel also? Does he offer insurance  if something bad happens?

You have a pre-op appointment the day before the surgery. 

There is a 1600 Euro deposit due when you schedule the surgery.  The balance is due before the surgery occures. 

[thankscience]

If you're on the heavier side, Dr G will also ask you to get x-rays and send them to him before your surgery so that he can confirm whether the largest weightbearing nail will fit your bones.

[IceTrae38]

If you're on the heavier side, Dr G will also ask you to get x-rays and send them to him before your surgery so that he can confirm whether the largest weightbearing nail will fit your bones.

Have you done LL with G-Nail?

[Mini0510]

are you doing it with g nail or precice? g nail is weight bearing so more convenient. If you are flexible, some patients have gone beyond 8cm

[Hatch]

If you're on the heavier side, Dr G will also ask you to get x-rays and send them to him before your surgery so that he can confirm whether the largest weightbearing nail will fit your bones.

What are the weight limits for different size g-nails?

[thankscience]

Have you done LL with G-Nail?

Nope but my surgery is booked for Feb and the doctor advised me this

[thankscience]

What are the weight limits for different size g-nails?

I'm not sure about the others but I believe the largest g-nail weight-bears 95kg (although Dr G said he knows they can weight-bear more but this is a conservative limit)