Android's Cross Lengthening with Dr. Solomin & Dr. Kulesh (2018)

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Quote from: myloginacc on August 17, 2018, 09:56:19 PMI've finally thought about the perfect questions to ask you. However, it'll have to wait until you're done with the first phase of cross-lengthening.

I hope you've been doing good (as far as LL is concerned), man.

Hey, Android!

I've thought about it for a bit, and I think it may be wiser if I post those questions now? This way you have more time to think about them, while you are still planning/writing/getting well for the next big update. I hope you've been doing as fine as you can be! Again, take as much time as you need.

I wanted to start with the obvious:

• You're obviously the member who has done the most research on distraction osteogenesis on this forum. Even more than that: you actually went through it, and are just finished with the first phase of cross-lengthening. Having all of this in mind, would you say that all your research gave you a good picture of what CLL really is like? Or, as some vets say, you're never truly prepared for, or truly knows, what CLL entails until you actually go through it?
• Has your opinion about height thresholds and CLL changed?
• Was the first phase harder, easier, or just about what you expected it to be, based on all of your research?
• I know it's still early to ask and you have a second phase to go through still, but have you felt the extra 5cms you have are already worth it?

I have a few other more minor and major questions. I'll wait for a more appropriate time to post them. 

All the best, man.

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Oh, I knew I was forgetting one question. (I ended up asking another question in its place...) This is the last one, I swear. I also don't mind if you only reply to these questions at a much later date! You're, understandably, not in an optimal situation for Q&As, and these are not simple questions.

The other question I wanted to ask was:

• Once, you replied with "Sound advice." to the comment of "Take a deep breath, and look forward to the LL." in a certain thread. Many here seem to struggle with self-hating or suicidal thoughts. How did you take your "deep breath"? What is your advice to stay calm, and look forward to a brighter future, rather than overthink a dire present? It seems you may have had dealt with such emotions in the past, but they don't show through your posting. It's like you reached a higher state of mind. I realize this is a very vague question, so feel free to answer this question however you want to - or to just skip it completely, in case it feels too personal.

Again, wishing you all the best!!

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Thank you Android for all the effort you put to this diary that surely will help others as well as myself. I really hope all is going well with you because LL is not an easy process not to mention in a distant foreign country.

I am an old user from the last forum (2012 I think), I just recently came back with the idea to proceed with LL perhaps this year or the next one and I am very interested in doing it with Dr. Solomin and Dr. Kulesh.

Since you have been very detailed with your diary and you update it quite frequently and because you may have heard it from both doctors or seen patients in similar conditions, I decided to ask you all these questions (sorry) instead of the not so active user diaries from the same doctors, nor I want to spam the forum...




Here are my questions:

- Do you think its possible to remove the Ilizarov frames totally awake without anesthesia? (arms and legs). Do you think any of the 2 doctors may complain about it?

- Do you think its possible to remove the Ilizarov frames once one reaches consolidation stage? even if its not recommended at all, do you know if someone has done it before over there? I know its a bad idea because the bone could break but so is I believe do lengthening at home in your country and some people go that way and end up being ok, at least I assume that is not the ideal thing...

- Correct me if I am wrong but I think the only consequences are for the bone to break and/or losing height because of pressure.

- Now the most extreme one to add to this great combo...do you think it would be possible to do cross lengthening and at the same time do one humerus and after all is done (consolidation) proceed with the other half?



I know you are no doctor to answer all of this to a 100% because there are too many variables, I just want your opinion as well of knowledge that you may have heard from the doctors or seen from other current or past patients like yourself over there or MEDEM.

My dream would be to grow 14-15 cm in height and 7-10 cm in wingspan but I am open to adapt.

And as you may figured it out already, my biggest priority is time, grow, take the frames off and recover on my own with a lot of help back home. Although I guess I wouldn't mind having the frames on for consolidation on the first stage of cross lengthening just take them off on the second stage after distraction...

I would like to length at home because I could eat much better, be more comfortable and do much more, not to mention save money and avoid visa problems...




A little about me so maybe it helps you when answering them...

- EU citizenship.

- Male.

- This year I will turn 26.

- 1.66-67 tall (I guess 5'5-6) and a wingspan of 1.70 (5'7).

- I do not know my sitting height at all, maybe 90 cm (35 inches I think). More or less I guess...but not too many people tower me when I sit, even when compared to much taller men (6+).

- I am pretty sure my body type is of a Mesomorph but I really don't do much exercise or go to the gym, I have very strong and muscular legs, like that of the footballers, naturally because I do nothing. As well as strong arms and forearms. Literally I wouldnt need protein shakes or anything of the sort to grow muscle quickly, I know from experience and comments from fitness friends, I hope it doesnt sound like I am bragging...




Sorry for the long message and the number of questions...and thanks once again!

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Hello Zion ,
If you and android don't mind let me ( not answer your questions ) but post my opinion .

- It's not recommended at all to remove the frame without anesthesia. If u can handle the pain and be calm to remove the wires and screws from ur bone u won't handle ur skin being cut and open to remove the inner screws that dr kulesh uses to support the fibula ( check android tibia x ray ) at the end part of the bone u will find small inner screw that connects the fibula to tibia for better support (Dr kulesh is building more than required stable frame , he wants to play it safer )

- the second quesion : you want to remove the frame after lengthening without even add nails : no dr would do that . In the best case you will be in cast and won't move at all and u will risk more than break bone u will risk non union because of the lack of un stability.

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Hello Zion ,
If you and android don't mind let me ( not answer your questions ) but post my opinion .

- It's not recommended at all to remove the frame without anesthesia. If u can handle the pain and be calm to remove the wires and screws from ur bone u won't handle ur skin being cut and open to remove the inner screws that dr kulesh uses to support the fibula ( check android tibia x ray ) at the end part of the bone u will find small inner screw that connects the fibula to tibia for better support (Dr kulesh is building more than required stable frame , he wants to play it safer )

- the second quesion : you want to remove the frame after lengthening without even add nails : no dr would do that . In the best case you will be in cast and won't move at all and u will risk more than break bone u will risk non union because of the lack of un stability.

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Quote from: AR on September 10, 2018, 09:07:29 PMHello Zion ,
If you and android don't mind let me ( not answer your questions ) but post my opinion .

- It's not recommended at all to remove the frame without anesthesia. If u can handle the pain and be calm to remove the wires and screws from ur bone u won't handle ur skin being cut and open to remove the inner screws that dr kulesh uses to support the fibula ( check android tibia x ray ) at the end part of the bone u will find small inner screw that connects the fibula to tibia for better support (Dr kulesh is building more than required stable frame , he wants to play it safer )

- the second quesion : you want to remove the frame after lengthening without even add nails : no dr would do that . In the best case you will be in cast and won't move at all and u will risk more than break bone u will risk non union because of the lack of un stability.

So I’m guessing best bet is we be unconscious when they put the nails in and out

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Hello AR,

No problem man, if other users have the knowledge I am more than happy to know it and know other opinions.

Well I wasnt planning on removing them on my own but I did not know that, thanks!

Right, I guess I shouldnt overestimate my weak bones in such state and one functional arm (possibly)...I think it would be a blessing to be able to do one arm at a time (humerus), that alone could save so much time...dividing exactly everything for 2 instead of many...

Thanks!

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Zion,
My own personal opinion regarding doing cross lengthening and one arm . U are limiting ur mobility . You won't be able to use walkers or crutches just imagine 2 broken legs and one broken hand . You won't be able to walk. Walking and standing is very important for muscles and regaining flexibility so you are delaying your recovery for a very long time. LL requires patience and time. And always always play it safe. LL is life changing so make this change to better life not the opposite.

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Hello Android, hope all good. Just a quick one: I remember you said your goal was 12/13cm, what made you change your mind thus settling down to 10cm?

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I'm not surprised you developed a complication, externals is just not safe at all and really painful especially on your femur, internals is the way to go.. whoever wants to do externals to save money just do it on your tibias