Diary: Stryde Femurs with Dr. Paley September 2019

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Thanks a million, Alchemist! Photoshop mockups. I hadn't thought of that. Awesome.

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How is it going Alchemist? I was wondering how things were almost a year out from surgery? Do you still have any lingering pains from LL? When were you able to return back to a normal life (work, driving, etc.)? How far can you push yourself athletically now? Great diary btw.

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Thanks for the diary, TheAlchemist.

I'm also debating doing LL surgery with Dr. Paley, but my biggest concern is scars as I'm in an industry where scarring might negatively impact my career. I'd love to know how you feel about the scars and if they're very noticeable.

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Is it too much to ask for some scar pics?

I know you are deferring laser until hardware removal.

Would like to get an idea.

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Everytime I read your diary Alchemist I just cry inside for you a little bit. One of the best diaries I've read. It's also this diary that made my original stance on "average height people wanting LL is crazy" change to "height neurosis is a thing that can exist for everyone and everyone has their own personalized struggle". Your height neurosis was probably worse than mine despite me at 165 in USA.

Happy for you again Alchemist. I think I'm gonna do what you did, 5x PT at Paley's. I think the hardest part is the mental aspect. Just making yourself get up daily and go out and exercise esp with other people can make the biggest difference.

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Hello TheAlchemist,

Thank you so much for sharing your journey and for all the tips and information! This is very helpful for us who are going to do the surgery. I found a piece of myself in your story.
I will be reading your diary again for tips and other clues to remember. I plan on lengthening femur by 8 cm ideally in September 2021 with Dr. Paley.

I have two questions. Do you think it was a good idea to lengthen femur by 8cm proportion wise or 6-7 cm would be better? And, was it worth it considering the pain and other things?

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Also, how are you doing one year from now?

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Damn man, how did you do this? How were you able to break your legs go thru that process? I mean all of these people here. A person must be very tough to do this. I am shivering as I write this and my legs act as im getting the surgery now. I wish I had your courage.

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Hey everyone - Sorry for being MIA, life's gotten busy with work and life in general. Thanks for reaching out, I appreciate all the great questions - long story short, life is good and everything in relation to LL has overall been great so far. I'll try to carve out some time later this week to respond to all of the questions and give a more detailed update as to my LL recovery, LL next steps, and life in general post LL and post height dysphoria! 

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Thanks Alchemist. I actually have a question on biomechanics and athleticism and I was wondering how your body has been able to adapt to your new legs and if there are any limitations based on sports/activities that you think you might have from LL. Looking forward to your updates!