Quote from: catcat on February 27, 2019, 08:46:35 AMThanks for your daily updates. Can you feel a huge difference after adding almost 5cm? How do the scars look? are they bad or fine?
Hi Cat Cat!
So far I am at a 1.61 inches gain and honestly the difference is huge. I cannot wait until I can go out and enjoy my new height; and I'm not even completed with the procedure yet. In 9 days I will be 2 inches taller and it will be that much better. I'm not sure how much I will go over 2 inches. I want to be safe and we will see what my body can tolerate. Also, will have my PT and doctor assess me and help guide my decision.
Scars are extremely minimal. I have 3 light marks on each leg that look like baby cat scratches. I haven't even cared to do anything to try to lighten them. I kind of liken them as a tattoo to remind me of this incredible sacrifice I made..a true mark of courage. I will take pictures and post them sometime this week. They are barely noticeable. I will say that Dr. Mahboubian gave me a true "Hollywood" scar; which in the entertainment world means you can't really tell anything was done.
Diary - January 2019 - In Full Stryde with Dr. Mahboubian of North Hollywood.
BONUS POST - A Few General Questions Answered regarding CLL! Private message any questions to me and I'll be happy to answer the best I can.
Good day LL'ers!
I receive some great questions from community members regarding the CLL procedure and I have to tell you....I APPRECIATE YOUR QUESTIONS SO MUCH. By submitting questions; it gives me an opportunity to reflect on my experience and there by post my feedback on the forum. It helps others so much. Members, people need so much help...we're all vulnerable and we all NEED and WANT assistance. If we bound together...we can get through anything. Note, we don't have to be related, or even longtime friends to simply say... I'm here to help and be there the best you can afford. Okay, here are a few questions from a member and I wanted to answer them publicly so that we could all benefit from the feedback. The identify of the individual who submits any question to me will be 100% confidential.
How bad are the scars?
I know that this depends on a few factors. One of those factors being on the surgeon abilities to maintain efficient, clean cuts. My Doctor is of North Hollywood and his name is Dr. Mahboubian. Hollywood is probably the most vanity emphasized place in the world... My scars are extremely minimal and I would hope that other doctors follow suit. Here is a picture of my markings below...(only 50 days post op). This level of marking will barely be visible to the eye after several months to a year; especially if you're using a scar reducing ointment. As a "dude", i sorta like scars. lol. I know that females are very concerned about this; so I hope this relaxes you when it comes to the subject. One item to note is that there is one additional marking on my butt, where the nail was put in. It is similar looking to the marking below but a bit longer.
https://imgur.com/LlAWyy3
Will I be able to wear a bathing suit later down the line after having surgery?
Absolutely! Rock those sxxy long legs and those lines will barely be visible after several months/1 year.
Do your legs feel heavy with the nails still in place for consolidation?
You do not feel the nails at all. The nails are surprising light weight and the body supports them extremely well as the nail supports your bone.
Were your It bands loosened during your surgery & if so do you feel you’ve lost any stability?
My IT bands were released/lengthened and it is important to note that the four primary CLL Doctors that are performing this surgery release your IT band; even for the most flexible. I personally do not notice a difference. IT Band released is a surgery that is often performed on top athletes to help increase their flexibility and relieve pressure on these areas. Even with my IT Band cut, I still feel the pulling in that area..so just imagine if I had not released the IT band. I would have been wound very tightly.
Where did you go for your physical therapy & for how many days a week & how long were your sessions?
I will keep this confidential for my privacy however, I simply looked up a 5 star PT clinic that was local to me and I explained my surgery and they got to work. They are very professional and serious. I recommend researching the best local PT in your area and signing up with them. Keep in mind that PT costs will be included for most health insurance. If you live or are staying next to your Doctor's offices, he likely has a dedicated or partner PT that you can work with as well. The LL doctors are orthopedic surgeons who perform services for clients on for many issues outside of CLL and can refer you to their local support. My PT stretches me out well and provides a 10 minute deep tissue massage to help remove restriction in my muscles. Massage is a must. Sessions are about 45 minutes of stretching and 10 minutes of deep tissue massage.
Did you do pool sessions & if so how soon? How long after surgery were you in need of home assistance?
I did not do pool sessions; but that would be interesting! I will say that since the new nails are completely weight bearing; you may not need the pool gravity limitation for your situation. You're able to place full weight on the Stryde nails with no worry.
After surgery, I recommend using a home health PT for up to the first 3 weeks. Keep this in mind...just because the nail can bear your weight; doesn't mean you are going actually be able to stand up and bear your weight for the first few days and it could be up to a couple of weeks. Home PT helps keep you safe during the immediate post surgical time period. They will review your home or place you stay at for accessibility and advise you on what assistive devices you can order. Additionally, they will perform stretches and exercises with you. With the help of home PT, you'll be up and moving by the 2nd or 3rd week and ready for an outpatient clinic. I know that it feels appealing to have a home PT for the entire process; but my opinion is that after the first 2/3 weeks its best to go to a facility with lots of staff, resources, equipment and you get out of the house...which is vital. The CLL process is long and fresh air, people, and activity is a great way to help you push through this process with greater ease.
Do you return home from the hospital or spend a few days in surgical aftercare.
Once the surgery is completed (With great success!), you will stay in the hospital for about 2 or 3 days. The hospital staff wants to monitor you for situations such as Compartment syndrome and any other post surgical complication. It's a nice thing also to just take a few days with rest and special care. This period allows you to focus on your recovery. Let me add that I recommend that you hire a van transport to take you home from the hospital. There are many wheelchair and/or other disability transport services. This helps to ensure your safety during the initial post surgical period.
Gents and Ladies, let me know if you have other questions. If you prefer to ask me questions privately, feel free to send me a message. I may post answers to the community but I will NEVER reveal who asked the question.
Thank you and talk soon,
Day 55 Post Op - 8 more days until 2 inch milestone [4.206 cm or 1.66 inches Taller!]
Greetings LL'ers,
I hope that everyone had a good day today. Well, I must tell ya, One thing that is always promised is that the sun will come up and go down, each and every day. CLL is a process and it takes time...but rest assured that time, filled with your commitment and effort, shall push you through and past this EPIC challenge. It was a tough start to the day; as I woke up with the worst of all tension headaches. My right eye socket was on fire with head pain and I had no idea what to do about it. I took some tylenol for it and told myself, I'm going to get up out of bed right now, at 4:00am, and just begin my day. There was no point in suffering in my bed with a headache. Well, as I began my day and started to get to moving around things started to get better. I worked out, picked up my apartment a bit and had breakfast. By engaging and have focus, my headache subsided and I was able to push through the day well. I'll go into detail on other items below. We're getting closer now to the big milestone and I feel good about that.
Pain: Morning and night - Pain was at about a 4-5 in the early am morning hours and it was aggravated by a tension headache. Barely any pain during the day..maybe 0-1. Tightness in the stretching soft tissues is about the main issue I'm facing right now in terms of discomfort.
Flexibility and movement: For all intents and purposes, I'd say I'm moving pretty well. I get around mainly on crutches these days and when short distances walking around my apartment or physio is required, I go unassisted walking. My flexibility is not good; but I have actually improved in some areas. I'm much stronger than I was a week ago as well; a ways to go; but definitely progress.
Today's' Activities: 8 hour work day via remote connection, 1 self PT Session and 1 Pro PT Session at the Clinic, and 1 upper body work out on my bowflex.
Body Condition: I've lost weight, so I'm trying to eat more and make sure I work my upper body each day on the Bowflex. As I approach the end of distraction, It's time to get strong again in all areas. The worst thing going on with me physically right now are the sudden chronic headaches. I'm okay at the moment, with no headache and i hope it stays that way.
Day 55 is in the books. 8 more days left until I reach the big 2 inches. I can't wait. I'm monitoring my body closely for any issues and I'm feeling pretty confident at the moment that I should safely arrive at the 5cm mark. We'll see and I'll definitely keep you all posted.
Okay Guys, if you have any questions, feel free to let me know. Talk soon and best regards.
Quote from: InFullStryde on February 28, 2019, 02:10:51 AMDay 55 Post Op - 8 more days until 2 inch milestone [4.206 cm or 1.66 inches Taller!]
Greetings LL'ers,
I hope that everyone had a good day today. Well, I must tell ya, One thing that is always promised is that the sun will come up and go down, each and every day. CLL is a process and it takes time...but rest assured that time, filled with your commitment and effort, shall push you through and past this EPIC challenge. It was a tough start to the day; as I woke up with the worst of all tension headaches. My right eye socket was on fire with head pain and I had no idea what to do about it. I took some tylenol for it and told myself, I'm going to get up out of bed right now, at 4:00am, and just begin my day. There was no point in suffering in my bed with a headache. Well, as I began my day and started to get to moving around things started to get better. I worked out, picked up my apartment a bit and had breakfast. By engaging and have focus, my headache subsided and I was able to push through the day well. I'll go into detail on other items below. We're getting closer now to the big milestone and I feel good about that.
Pain: Morning and night - Pain was at about a 4-5 in the early am morning hours and it was aggravated by a tension headache. Barely any pain during the day..maybe 0-1. Tightness in the stretching soft tissues is about the main issue I'm facing right now in terms of discomfort.
Flexibility and movement: For all intents and purposes, I'd say I'm moving pretty well. I get around mainly on crutches these days and when short distances walking around my apartment or physio is required, I go unassisted walking. My flexibility is not good; but I have actually improved in some areas. I'm much stronger than I was a week ago as well; a ways to go; but definitely progress.
Today's' Activities: 8 hour work day via remote connection, 1 self PT Session and 1 Pro PT Session at the Clinic, and 1 upper body work out on my bowflex.
Body Condition: I've lost weight, so I'm trying to eat more and make sure I work my upper body each day on the Bowflex. As I approach the end of distraction, It's time to get strong again in all areas. The worst thing going on with me physically right now are the sudden chronic headaches. I'm okay at the moment, with no headache and i hope it stays that way.
Day 55 is in the books. 8 more days left until I reach the big 2 inches. I can't wait. I'm monitoring my body closely for any issues and I'm feeling pretty confident at the moment that I should safely arrive at the 5cm mark. We'll see and I'll definitely keep you all posted.
Okay Guys, if you have any questions, feel free to let me know. Talk soon and best regards.
Great work IFS!
Now that you're 55 days in - does it still feel as crazy a thing to do as you thought before you began?
By the sounds of things it doesn't sound to taxing when you consider the biggest problem is your headaches.
Also for your tight hamstrings - I'd recommend working out your abdominals and glutes excessively - I've found this to help (in normal everyday life).
Quote from: MichaelJose on February 28, 2019, 03:09:23 PMGreat work IFS!
Now that you're 55 days in - does it still feel as crazy a thing to do as you thought before you began?
By the sounds of things it doesn't sound to taxing when you consider the biggest problem is your headaches.
Also for your tight hamstrings - I'd recommend working out your abdominals and glutes excessively - I've found this to help (in normal everyday life).
Good morning Michael Jose!
Thank you, man!
I would have to say that yes, this entire procedure is still as crazy now as it was then. The two elements that strike me the hardest is the inability to be freely and safetly mobile and the consequential amount of months required to get through the process. With 2 months down, I figure I still have at least 4 more to go.
Having said that, after 4-5 weeks of the consolidation phase is behind me and assuming I have healthy bone growth; I plan to begin getting back to normal every day life as much as I can; meaning, I will will return to work with crutches, start driving and if it's realistic, I'll even begin attending my membership gym (24 hour or LA Fitness vs my home gym). I'll even attempt to go out socially more often and test those ADA policies out there.
Thank you for the tips on the hamstrings. I been puttering along with glute exercises via PT; but I think I'll crank it up a few notches now.
Appreciate your support, man. It helps. Talk soon.
InFullStryde-
Thanks for keeping such a detailed journal of your daily life while lengthening.
A video of you performing everyday activities would be greatly appreciated. No one has ever done this. A couple seconds of video of someone walking can be helpful, but nothing would be more helpful to show the true process of lengthening with STRYDE, than a few very short 15-30 second videos of you performing everyday tasks that we all do in our daily lives without even thinking about it.
Some Examples Include:
* Getting out of a chair or from the couch to go to the refrigerator
* Standing to wash your hands, moving towards the towel to dry, then walking away
* Putting on and/or taking off clothes and shoes, including socks. With your underwear and undershirt on of course!
* Cooking a simple meal, even just moving around the kitchen to make a bowl of cereal
* Getting in and out of a car
Quote from: Leggs on February 28, 2019, 03:59:52 PMInFullStryde-
Thanks for keeping such a detailed journal of your daily life while lengthening.
A video of you performing everyday activities would be greatly appreciated. No one has ever done this. A couple seconds of video of someone walking can be helpful, but nothing would be more helpful to show the true process of lengthening with STRYDE, than a few very short 15-30 second videos of you performing everyday tasks that we all do in our daily lives without even thinking about it.
Some Examples Include:
* Getting out of a chair or from the couch to go to the refrigerator
* Standing to wash your hands, moving towards the towel to dry, then walking away
* Putting on and/or taking off clothes and shoes, including socks. With your underwear and undershirt on of course!
* Cooking a simple meal, even just moving around the kitchen to make a bowl of cereal
* Getting in and out of a car
Hi Leggs, Thank you for this request. I will see what I can do for us.
Quote from: InFullStryde on February 28, 2019, 03:56:36 PMGood morning Michael Jose!
Thank you, man!
I would have to say that yes, this entire procedure is still as crazy now as it was then. The two elements that strike me the hardest is the inability to be freely and safetly mobile and the consequential amount of months required to get through the process. With 2 months down, I figure I still have at least 4 more to go.
Having said that, after 4-5 weeks of the consolidation phase is behind me and assuming I have healthy bone growth; I plan to begin getting back to normal every day life as much as I can; meaning, I will will return to work with crutches, start driving and if it's realistic, I'll even begin attending my membership gym (24 hour or LA Fitness vs my home gym). I'll even attempt to go out socially more often and test those ADA policies out there.
Thank you for the tips on the hamstrings. I been puttering along with glute exercises via PT; but I think I'll crank it up a few notches now.
Appreciate your support, man. It helps. Talk soon.
I understand what you mean. I will say that give it 3 weeks into consolidation you perhaps might be thinking this wasn't too crazy.
I've broken my kneecap before and so I have some previous context as to how long it really takes to get back to physical activity etc.
I think there comes a point where you do go back to real life and all recovery thereafter is just small steps - I believe for you that'll be in the first few weeks of consolidation from my experience and what I've read on the forum.
Quote from: MichaelJose on February 28, 2019, 11:52:03 PMI understand what you mean. I will say that give it 3 weeks into consolidation you perhaps might be thinking this wasn't too crazy.
I've broken my kneecap before and so I have some previous context as to how long it really takes to get back to physical activity etc.
I think there comes a point where you do go back to real life and all recovery thereafter is just small steps - I believe for you that'll be in the first few weeks of consolidation from my experience and what I've read on the forum.
Thank you Michael, this is encouraging to hear. I also have a feeling that my big gains will come post-lengthening and as I dive into consolidation. I have never broken a bone before until now; so your experience about this is enlightening to me.
Thanks again.
Day 56 Post Op - 7 more days until 2 inch milestone [4.306 cm or 1.695 inches Taller!]
Greetings LL'ers,
I hope that everyone had a good day today. Its another day in the books. Time is somewhat flying by. I felt like it was just yesterday that I was posting about day 55...oh wait, i was just posting about day 55, yesterday. Sorry bad jokes to start the evening. he he. All is okay so far today. I'm starting to get excited as I approach the mighty 2 inches; but I have to tell you, it isn't getting any easier. I'll summarize below. :-) The first inch was great, but was just a start. The 2nd inch is really the difference maker. Anywhere above 2 inches is outstanding. Safety first however. 2 inches was my hopeful minimum goal and it will be outstanding to secure this goal.
Pain: Morning and night - Finally, I had a morning and night that was fairly painless. I'd say a 2-3 pain, if that. Primary discomfort remains tightness of my soft tissue.
Flexibility and movement: Tightness in the hamstrings and all the leg muscles generally persist. I'm going to continue to stretch the best I can; however, I do not believe that I will be able to make too much headway until lengthening is over. It's all about management and keeping the legs as loose as possible at this point. We will see. You just never know. Everyday my legs seem to feel a bit different during this process. Sometimes for better and sometimes, for worse.
Today's' Activities: 8 hour work day via remote connection, 2 self PT Session.
Body Condition: Was a bit tired today; but recovered by late in the day. Doing better overall.
That is all I have to report for day 56. 7 more days and I'll be at the 2 inch milestone.
Okay Guys, if you have any questions, feel free to let me know. Talk soon and best regards.
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