Quote from: fivetenneeded2016 on October 22, 2017, 09:00:38 AMI dont understand why people dont consider dr pili/catagni when on a low budget. Their fees is low and skills are better than others in that range.
Please join in and discuss in detail, don't let our oversight deter you.
Quote from: Android on October 22, 2017, 06:31:40 AM
Internals will leave smaller and fewer scars. Pin site infection rate is also lower with internals; common with externals, but it's not a big deal.
Both internal and external will take about an inch a month during the lengthening phase, so yes -- amount lengthened will increase time. If you go with pure externals, you'll also have to leave the frames on during the consolidation phase, basically doubling the discomfort time. The advantage of only going purely external is that it's generally cheaper and is easier to fix complications. But you can go for LON or LATN to lock in nails after lengthening, which means you can remove the frames; much more comfortable. You can read the different methods here.
You'll need crutches and/or wheelchair during consolidation as well. This depends on your bone regrowth speed, weight, and method of CLL chosen. You could be walking unassisted in just four to five months depending on a combination of factors (e.g. fast growth, light weight, PRECISE internal nail, etc.).
Generally you can lengthen a little more on the femurs, and depending on your doctor and your body, they may suggest you to lengthen more (or less). You might even decide yourself that it's time to stop if you start to feel pain.
If you want to do all four segments (both femurs and both tibias), you have a few options:
Note that aside from #1, you'll need to find a doctor that is willing to do all segments for you. In the end, what you read on the internet and what your doctor will say will depend on many variables, so take this with a grain of salt.
Thanks for the link.
External fixator wouldn't be as much of an issue for consolidation phase if I used one of the smaller fixators instead of the full Ilizarov Apparatus.
Now it's time to start researching doctors and prices.
Quote from: fivetenneeded2016 on October 22, 2017, 09:00:38 AMI dont understand why people dont consider dr pili/catagni when on a low budget. Their fees is low and skills are better than others in that range.
Who says I wasn't considering him? I haven't started contacting doctors yet. I don't even know who he is.
What methods does he use and what are his prices? Where is he located?
Quote from: farmerjohn1324 on October 22, 2017, 09:44:16 AMWhat methods does he use and what are his prices? Where is he located?
Save you a few clicks: Dr. Catagni and Dr. Pili.
Quote from: Android on October 22, 2017, 09:50:56 AMSave you a few clicks: Dr. Catagni and Dr. Pili.
They both use the bulky external frame for their cheapest option. I'm trying to avoid that.
Quote from: farmerjohn1324 on October 22, 2017, 07:28:03 PMThey both use the bulky external frame for their cheapest option. I'm trying to avoid that.
If you want to avoid bulky frames, you have a few options:
Quote from: Android on October 22, 2017, 09:58:07 PMIf you want to avoid bulky frames, you have a few options:
Thanks. I emailed him. I wonder if he's raised his price of 9300 EUR since 2014.
Also, remember beyond the cost of lengthening itself, usually any cost of complication is paid for by the patient (god forbid) plus unknown costs living in a foreign country. Make sure you have a sufficient reserve of funds above what is required to pay for surgery before you proceed. In the meantime, try the shoe lifts to get a feel for being taller. I know it feels like fraud, etc b/c that's how I felt but this is a big, expensive surgery so it is best to have a good realistic expectation for outcome.
Just one thing to add - make sure if you are going to do femurs as part of your surgery to go to a surgeon with lots of experience. It's a small chance but the deaths that have been associated with LL had mostly been due to fat embolism. Make sure you read the diaries and take your time to make your decision. Being tall is good but make sure you are safe, especially since once your legs are broken you are limited. Best of luck!
Quote from: jerkey on October 23, 2017, 01:56:07 AMAlso, remember beyond the cost of lengthening itself, usually any cost of complication is paid for by the patient (god forbid) plus unknown costs living in a foreign country. Make sure you have a sufficient reserve of funds above what is required to pay for surgery before you proceed. In the meantime, try the shoe lifts to get a feel for being taller. I know it feels like fraud, etc b/c that's how I felt but this is a big, expensive surgery so it is best to have a good realistic expectation for outcome.
Just one thing to add - make sure if you are going to do femurs as part of your surgery to go to a surgeon with lots of experience. It's a small chance but the deaths that have been associated with LL had mostly been due to fat embolism. Make sure you read the diaries and take your time to make your decision. Being tall is good but make sure you are safe, especially since once your legs are broken you are limited. Best of luck!
Where can I buy the best shoe lifts?
What's so great about being tall?
jerkey makes a good point, always have extra cash in the bank, since it's hard to estimate living costs and potential complications.
Quote from: farmerjohn1324 on October 23, 2017, 03:14:32 AMWhere can I buy the best shoe lifts?
You can look on places like Amazon for something like "height increase insole." They're inserts for shoes that add anywhere from half an inch to who knows how much. It's a decent way to preview how tall you'll be post-recovery, and also a good way to slowly transition to your new height without people noticing. You'll need shoes that can accommodate these however (e.g. shoes with shallow heels won't work). I regularly wear ankle-high leather boots with insoles since my workplace is a bit more formal.
Another option is getting elevator shoes. They have extra height built into them, but they obviously cost more since you get an entire new set of shoes.
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