Bilateral Femur with Dr. Paley 11/2022

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Posted on Jan 30, 2023, 5:45 pm

#91

Quote from: erenyeager1 on January 27, 2023, 11:04:37 PMProbably not X-rays. These are too private. Maybe some pictures of my wounds, but there’s nothing to see there because they all healed up pretty well. There are four wounds per leg for femur. I can post videos of me walking once I can start walking in a few months. I need to buy a theatre mask to cover my face but that’s okay.

Did you use anything for your scars?

You can also hide your face / upper body and film some exercises etc., but don't stress over it because some people here decide it's a fake diary if
you don't

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erenyeager1

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Posted on Jan 30, 2023, 10:05 pm

#92

Quote from: Captain Bone on January 30, 2023, 10:11:21 AMGood luck on your journey

Thanks! It has been very smooth so far.

Quote from: hippo60 on January 30, 2023, 05:45:41 PMDid you use anything for your scars?

You can also hide your face / upper body and film some exercises etc., but don't stress over it because some people here decide it's a fake diary if
you don't

One PA suggested using some ointment after the wound has healed (probably three weeks post-op), but I didn't use anything. I am not worried about scars because I usually don't scar. I had a serious cut a few years back, and it is almost invisible. Plus, I have pretty thick leg hair. I would use scar ointment for sure if I have no leg hair or need to shave them off. The scars are honestly pretty small, and people won't be able to tell. When you wear shorts, it is the same as if you only did an IT band release because the other scars are either very small or covered by your shorts. The biggest scars are on the butt where they put the rod in.

Thanks for raising that hippo60. Yeah I am aware of people deciding it's fake if the author don't post things. I've seen those comments in other folks' diaries. At the end of the day, it goes like this - if they don't ever decide to come and do it, this diary is of no use to them. If they at least go for a consultation, the minute they visit all these facilities and the hotel, they will 100% trust what I've posted is true. I am just trying to help people who decide to do it so they can go through it easier and with more confidence. Many other diaries did the same for me. I will post things if I feel like it. I am not going to post things just to prove things to some people.

Also, I am at 5.7 cm today. Robbins warned me that the last 3 cm would be much more difficult. So far it has not been the case for me. I remain about the same flexibility and nerve pain is lower, probably because I am taking 3 capsules of gaba a day now. It probably has to do with that my femurs are pretty long to begin with, so 8 cm is less of a percentage of the bone.

Edit Post

Quote from: Captain Bone on January 30, 2023, 10:11:21 AMGood luck on your journey

Thanks! It has been very smooth so far.

Quote from: hippo60 on January 30, 2023, 05:45:41 PMDid you use anything for your scars?

You can also hide your face / upper body and film some exercises etc., but don't stress over it because some people here decide it's a fake diary if
you don't

One PA suggested using some ointment after the wound has healed (probably three weeks post-op), but I didn't use anything. I am not worried about scars because I usually don't scar. I had a serious cut a few years back, and it is almost invisible. Plus, I have pretty thick leg hair. I would use scar ointment for sure if I have no leg hair or need to shave them off. The scars are honestly pretty small, and people won't be able to tell. When you wear shorts, it is the same as if you only did an IT band release because the other scars are either very small or covered by your shorts. The biggest scars are on the butt where they put the rod in.

Thanks for raising that hippo60. Yeah I am aware of people deciding it's fake if the author don't post things. I've seen those comments in other folks' diaries. At the end of the day, it goes like this - if they don't ever decide to come and do it, this diary is of no use to them. If they at least go for a consultation, the minute they visit all these facilities and the hotel, they will 100% trust what I've posted is true. I am just trying to help people who decide to do it so they can go through it easier and with more confidence. Many other diaries did the same for me. I will post things if I feel like it. I am not going to post things just to prove things to some people.

Also, I am at 5.7 cm today. Robbins warned me that the last 3 cm would be much more difficult. So far it has not been the case for me. I remain about the same flexibility and nerve pain is lower, probably because I am taking 3 capsules of gaba a day now. It probably has to do with that my femurs are pretty long to begin with, so 8 cm is less of a percentage of the bone.

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hippo60

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Posted on Jan 30, 2023, 10:36 pm

#93

Quote from: erenyeager1 on January 30, 2023, 10:05:24 PMThanks! It has been very smooth so far.

One PA suggested using some ointment after the wound has healed (probably three weeks post-op), but I didn't use anything. I am not worried about scars because I usually don't scar. I had a serious cut a few years back, and it is almost invisible. Plus, I have pretty thick leg hair. I would use scar ointment for sure if I have no leg hair or need to shave them off. The scars are honestly pretty small, and people won't be able to tell. When you wear shorts, it is the same as if you only did an IT band release because the other scars are either very small or covered by your shorts. The biggest scars are on the butt where they put the rod in.

Thanks for raising that hippo60. Yeah I am aware of people deciding it's fake if the author don't post things. I've seen those comments in other folks' diaries. At the end of the day, it goes like this - if they don't ever decide to come and do it, this diary is of no use to them. If they at least go for a consultation, the minute they visit all these facilities and the hotel, they will 100% trust what I've posted is true. I am just trying to help people who decide to do it so they can go through it easier and with more confidence. Many other diaries did the same for me. I will post things if I feel like it. I am not going to post things just to prove things to some people.

Also, I am at 5.7 cm today. Robbins warned me that the last 3 cm would be much more difficult. So far it has not been the case for me. I remain about the same flexibility and nerve pain is lower, probably because I am taking 3 capsules of gaba a day now. It probably has to do with that my femurs are pretty long to begin with, so 8 cm is less of a percentage of the bone.

I have a pretty thick leg hair as well so not that worried about the scars but still trying to understand if it's worth anything or not. The top scar where they insert the rod isn't a big deal since it's seen only if you're nked but what about the lower one? They're pretty similar for me.

You really don't need to "explain" yourself at all for these trolls asking for pictures/videos. Good chance their posts will be removed as well, if they weren't already. When someone isn't authentic and write a 10 sentences dairy over 3 days it's pretty easy to spot.

Do you feel any difference now from 2-3cm? I'm getting closer to 3cm and started to feel tighter around 2cm.
Btw, why 3 gabapentin? I'm taking one in the morning and one in the evening. And are you taking any other pain meds?

Edit Post

Quote from: erenyeager1 on January 30, 2023, 10:05:24 PMThanks! It has been very smooth so far.

One PA suggested using some ointment after the wound has healed (probably three weeks post-op), but I didn't use anything. I am not worried about scars because I usually don't scar. I had a serious cut a few years back, and it is almost invisible. Plus, I have pretty thick leg hair. I would use scar ointment for sure if I have no leg hair or need to shave them off. The scars are honestly pretty small, and people won't be able to tell. When you wear shorts, it is the same as if you only did an IT band release because the other scars are either very small or covered by your shorts. The biggest scars are on the butt where they put the rod in.

Thanks for raising that hippo60. Yeah I am aware of people deciding it's fake if the author don't post things. I've seen those comments in other folks' diaries. At the end of the day, it goes like this - if they don't ever decide to come and do it, this diary is of no use to them. If they at least go for a consultation, the minute they visit all these facilities and the hotel, they will 100% trust what I've posted is true. I am just trying to help people who decide to do it so they can go through it easier and with more confidence. Many other diaries did the same for me. I will post things if I feel like it. I am not going to post things just to prove things to some people.

Also, I am at 5.7 cm today. Robbins warned me that the last 3 cm would be much more difficult. So far it has not been the case for me. I remain about the same flexibility and nerve pain is lower, probably because I am taking 3 capsules of gaba a day now. It probably has to do with that my femurs are pretty long to begin with, so 8 cm is less of a percentage of the bone.

I have a pretty thick leg hair as well so not that worried about the scars but still trying to understand if it's worth anything or not. The top scar where they insert the rod isn't a big deal since it's seen only if you're nked but what about the lower one? They're pretty similar for me.

You really don't need to "explain" yourself at all for these trolls asking for pictures/videos. Good chance their posts will be removed as well, if they weren't already. When someone isn't authentic and write a 10 sentences dairy over 3 days it's pretty easy to spot.

Do you feel any difference now from 2-3cm? I'm getting closer to 3cm and started to feel tighter around 2cm.
Btw, why 3 gabapentin? I'm taking one in the morning and one in the evening. And are you taking any other pain meds?

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erenyeager1

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Posts: 151

Joined: Sep 2022

Posted on Jan 31, 2023, 1:17 am

#94

Quote from: hippo60 on January 30, 2023, 10:36:49 PMI have a pretty thick leg hair as well so not that worried about the scars but still trying to understand if it's worth anything or not. The top scar where they insert the rod isn't a big deal since it's seen only if you're nked but what about the lower one? They're pretty similar for me.

You really don't need to "explain" yourself at all for these trolls asking for pictures/videos. Good chance their posts will be removed as well, if they weren't already. When someone isn't authentic and write a 10 sentences dairy over 3 days it's pretty easy to spot.

Do you feel any difference now from 2-3cm? I'm getting closer to 3cm and started to feel tighter around 2cm.
Btw, why 3 gabapentin? I'm taking one in the morning and one in the evening. And are you taking any other pain meds?

Thanks man! I didn’t realize you are going through this too. Good luck!

If I were you I would buy the scar ointment. It’s not expensive. If it doesn’t work, hey at least you tried. If you didn’t do it and eventually got a pretty visible scar, you may regret not trying it. But that’s not the end of the day still because you can always do laser resurfacing to make the scars lighter. When you take out the rods, they will try their best to do it through the same scars, so they will be open again. You will need to do it again. I am not using any ointment because I don’t usually scar so I am taking an educated bet. A good percentage of patient here, especially women, do use scar ointment.

3 cm is where I begin to feel a little tight. And I got nerve pain in my left lower leg around 3.6 cm. A week after that I started taking gaba. I am doing pretty similar routine as you, just taking one more around noon. I need 3 capsules mostly because I am working long hours and sitting for that long gives me pretty bad nerve pain without gaba. It’s been a lot better since I started gaba. I started with 1 a day. Then around 4.x I was taking 2. Then starting last weekend I begin taking 3. Robbins sort of encouraged me to take more if needed as he said that even 7 a day is normal dosage and 1-2 per day is baby dose. I do feel a little more tired than before when on gaba. Btw 1 gaba here is 300mg.

For pain meds, I am taking Tylenol occasionally. I used to take them regularly but it’s no longer necessary. I saved 23 pills of 10mg oxycodone. I will take them if the pain gets really bad. Remember don’t take 10mg in one go. It will be way too strong. Take 5mg a time. The PA told me that oxy and gaba are fine taking together, but did warn me not to start oxy again in fear of addiction. I am not too worried about that but still I am using it carefully and sparingly.

Honestly, i don’t feel much a difference now compared to when I was at 3.6 cm when the nerve pain first kicked in. I met a few other patients who had the same experience, with some even telling me it got easier towards the end. Of course, a few had a hard time towards the end but they managed to push through and reached max. I expect that I will need to take more gaba soon, but so far so good.

Edit Post

Quote from: hippo60 on January 30, 2023, 10:36:49 PMI have a pretty thick leg hair as well so not that worried about the scars but still trying to understand if it's worth anything or not. The top scar where they insert the rod isn't a big deal since it's seen only if you're nked but what about the lower one? They're pretty similar for me.

You really don't need to "explain" yourself at all for these trolls asking for pictures/videos. Good chance their posts will be removed as well, if they weren't already. When someone isn't authentic and write a 10 sentences dairy over 3 days it's pretty easy to spot.

Do you feel any difference now from 2-3cm? I'm getting closer to 3cm and started to feel tighter around 2cm.
Btw, why 3 gabapentin? I'm taking one in the morning and one in the evening. And are you taking any other pain meds?

Thanks man! I didn’t realize you are going through this too. Good luck!

If I were you I would buy the scar ointment. It’s not expensive. If it doesn’t work, hey at least you tried. If you didn’t do it and eventually got a pretty visible scar, you may regret not trying it. But that’s not the end of the day still because you can always do laser resurfacing to make the scars lighter. When you take out the rods, they will try their best to do it through the same scars, so they will be open again. You will need to do it again. I am not using any ointment because I don’t usually scar so I am taking an educated bet. A good percentage of patient here, especially women, do use scar ointment.

3 cm is where I begin to feel a little tight. And I got nerve pain in my left lower leg around 3.6 cm. A week after that I started taking gaba. I am doing pretty similar routine as you, just taking one more around noon. I need 3 capsules mostly because I am working long hours and sitting for that long gives me pretty bad nerve pain without gaba. It’s been a lot better since I started gaba. I started with 1 a day. Then around 4.x I was taking 2. Then starting last weekend I begin taking 3. Robbins sort of encouraged me to take more if needed as he said that even 7 a day is normal dosage and 1-2 per day is baby dose. I do feel a little more tired than before when on gaba. Btw 1 gaba here is 300mg.

For pain meds, I am taking Tylenol occasionally. I used to take them regularly but it’s no longer necessary. I saved 23 pills of 10mg oxycodone. I will take them if the pain gets really bad. Remember don’t take 10mg in one go. It will be way too strong. Take 5mg a time. The PA told me that oxy and gaba are fine taking together, but did warn me not to start oxy again in fear of addiction. I am not too worried about that but still I am using it carefully and sparingly.

Honestly, i don’t feel much a difference now compared to when I was at 3.6 cm when the nerve pain first kicked in. I met a few other patients who had the same experience, with some even telling me it got easier towards the end. Of course, a few had a hard time towards the end but they managed to push through and reached max. I expect that I will need to take more gaba soon, but so far so good.

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hippo60

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Posted on Jan 31, 2023, 1:45 am

#95

Quote from: erenyeager1 on January 31, 2023, 01:17:32 AMHonestly, i don’t feel much a difference now compared to when I was at 3.6 cm when the nerve pain first kicked in. I met a few other patients who had the same experience, with some even telling me it got easier towards the end. Of course, a few had a hard time towards the end but they managed to push through and reached max. I expect that I will need to take more gaba soon, but so far so good.

Yeah I got the silicone scar tape so I'm using it but honestly not entirely clear how much it helps.
I have a bunch of oxy left as well, since I stopped taking it on the first week. Hopefully I won't need it but it's nice to have just in case

Interesting that you don't feel any difference. Are you stretching a lot?
Also how long can you actually sit and work? Are your legs elevated? Personally I'm getting quite uncomfortable sitting in a wheelchair/chair for more than 30m, especially around my knees.

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erenyeager1

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Posted on Jan 31, 2023, 3:32 am

#96

Quote from: hippo60 on January 31, 2023, 01:45:57 AMYeah I got the silicone scar tape so I'm using it but honestly not entirely clear how much it helps.
I have a bunch of oxy left as well, since I stopped taking it on the first week. Hopefully I won't need it but it's nice to have just in case

Interesting that you don't feel any difference. Are you stretching a lot?
Also how long can you actually sit and work? Are your legs elevated? Personally I'm getting quite uncomfortable sitting in a wheelchair/chair for more than 30m, especially around my knees.

I am stretching 3 times a day, including the daily PT. For the at-home exercise, I am just repeating what I did at PT. I sit for about 2-3 hours at a time, with my legs bent just normal. I tried having my legs elevated by sitting on the wheelchair but it’s difficult to type that way. I can sit for a very very long time on wheelchair with my legs elevated though. Before I start taking 3 gaba a day, I felt the same as you. I start feel numb and have striking pain after 30 minutes in my left lower leg. Surprisingly, I am actually feeling much better now than I did at 4.x cm. Back then I had knee pain on my right side and more nerve pain in my lower left leg.

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hippo60

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Posted on Jan 31, 2023, 9:45 pm

#97

Quote from: erenyeager1 on January 31, 2023, 03:32:41 AMI am stretching 3 times a day, including the daily PT. For the at-home exercise, I am just repeating what I did at PT. I sit for about 2-3 hours at a time, with my legs bent just normal. I tried having my legs elevated by sitting on the wheelchair but it’s difficult to type that way. I can sit for a very very long time on wheelchair with my legs elevated though. Before I start taking 3 gaba a day, I felt the same as you. I start feel numb and have striking pain after 30 minutes in my left lower leg. Surprisingly, I am actually feeling much better now than I did at 4.x cm. Back then I had knee pain on my right side and more nerve pain in my lower left leg.

Makes sense! So you're doing about 3 hours a day?
I was told today I can take 3 gabapentin if I need to, but I'm trying to avoid it as long as I'm not in pain.

Curious to see how sitting in a wheelchair is going to change. My doc really doesn't want me sitting around for too long anyhow so maybe it's a blessing in disguise?

Btw, how's your sleep? and did it change throughout the lengthening? I'm waking up every 3 hours due to tightness. Not super fun

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erenyeager1

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Posted on Feb 1, 2023, 12:10 am

#98

Quote from: hippo60 on January 31, 2023, 09:45:49 PMMakes sense! So you're doing about 3 hours a day?
I was told today I can take 3 gabapentin if I need to, but I'm trying to avoid it as long as I'm not in pain.

Curious to see how sitting in a wheelchair is going to change. My doc really doesn't want me sitting around for too long anyhow so maybe it's a blessing in disguise?

Btw, how's your sleep? and did it change throughout the lengthening? I'm waking up every 3 hours due to tightness. Not super fun

More like 2 hours a day. The stretch at home are quicker because I just do the most important ones, one for quad, one for hamstring and Thomas. I was told gaba is okay. I knew a few patients who were taking more than 5 a day.

I am not recommending sitting for too long for sure. I have to because I need to work, but otherwise I am not sure that it is the reason that my nerve pain and knee pain got better. My PT did tell me that sitting down for a long time is going to give pressure to the nerve and thus the pain. I would recommend laying flat with your legs straight and press down your knees as often as possible.

I never had issue sleeping throughout, probably because I am not super tight. I knew some patients do have trouble sleeping. One patient who is doing both femurs and tibia told me he could only sleep for 3 hours every night and just be sleepy and can’t sleep for the rest of it.

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hippo60

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Posted on Feb 1, 2023, 7:40 pm

#99

Quote from: erenyeager1 on February 01, 2023, 12:10:36 AMMore like 2 hours a day. The stretch at home are quicker because I just do the most important ones, one for quad, one for hamstring and Thomas. I was told gaba is okay. I knew a few patients who were taking more than 5 a day.

I am not recommending sitting for too long for sure. I have to because I need to work, but otherwise I am not sure that it is the reason that my nerve pain and knee pain got better. My PT did tell me that sitting down for a long time is going to give pressure to the nerve and thus the pain. I would recommend laying flat with your legs straight and press down your knees as often as possible.

I never had issue sleeping throughout, probably because I am not super tight. I knew some patients do have trouble sleeping. One patient who is doing both femurs and tibia told me he could only sleep for 3 hours every night and just be sleepy and can’t sleep for the rest of it.

You mean your nerve and knee pain got better because you stopped sitting for a long time?
Laying flat is by far the most comfortable. I'm also getting a foam roller to get a better stretch.

I don't think I'm super tight, that's why it's so weird

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erenyeager1

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Posted on Feb 2, 2023, 5:48 am

#100

I don’t know how my pain got better. My bet would be that I am taking more gaba now versus at 4 cm I was not taking gaba. I inherited a foam roller from another patient and it’s really useful.

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