Quote from: BelowTheMean on January 21, 2021, 01:48:09 AMHey RD, I know it sometimes feels like things are getting worse as you lengthen, but it's also possible for things to get better as well. Overall, I feel so much better right now at 5cm than I did a few weeks ago at 4cm that the difference is like night and day. If anyone asked me right now if I was getting better, I can answer 100% confidently YES. Of course, I still have 3cm to go and a lot can happen, but I currently have an optimistic outlook. I hope things start feeling better for you soon! -BTM
According to your most recent journal entry it looks like you've lengthened 2.33mm over the past 8 days. I guess that's one way to feel better, but i don't think it's a realistic option for most people (pre-consolidation/too much time/etc.).
Femurs with Dr. Assayag in MD
Quote from: RazalDazal on January 21, 2021, 02:47:42 AMHey BTM, nice to hear from you 
I am definitely better than when I was doing 1mm daily. I hope to feel as better as you are. Especially at 5cm (man that will be so cool)
Was there something specific you did that helped you? Like did you stretched more or did some specific stretches?
Thank you for valuable feedback!! I am not in excruciating pain or anything but any increase in comfort is always welcome 
Hey RD, my major issue was nerve pain to the point where it was constantly affecting me. Slowing down/taking a break and taking meds for that greatly helped with it. I actually don't feel very tight right now in my muscles, so I've just been stretching a lot in general and lengthening pretty slowly. If tightness is your issue, then slowing down and stretching even more are probably the best solutions.
Quote from: Stryde2021 on January 21, 2021, 03:39:52 AMAccording to your most recent journal entry it looks like you've lengthened 2.33mm over the past 8 days. I guess that's one way to feel better, but i don't think it's a realistic option for most people (pre-consolidation/too much time/etc.).
Hi Stryde2021, it's true that I took a 3 day break and I'm currently lengthening at 0.52mm/day on average. My doctor says I actually have above average growth in my bone callus. It's only the people who have extreme growth that need to increase past 1mm/day or are unable to slow down and take breaks. Once the bone has been distracted far enough, most people can slow down as needed. In terms of time spent, I would strongly suggest that you set aside more time than the minimum for the distraction phase. If I only let myself lengthen for 3 months, I'm certain that I would only be able to get 6 to 6.5cm. Most people run into some kind of roadblock during lengthening which extends the amount of time spent.
Hey Razal,
Why did you choose Dr. Assayag? How’s the experience?
Also, he said you should always walk with support cause even though the nail is weight-bearing, when you walk there is more force? Did you try climbing up/down stairs?
Hi Azaghul,
I choose Dr. Assayag because I felt most comfortable when I spoke to him. He was personable and available. Moreover, the Sinai hospital has a dedicated department for bone issues. And finally Baltimore is a place I can visit by car. I really really dont want to fly during LL. I fly airplanes as a hobby so I not afraid to fly. Just during lengthening.
I am walking without cane now. Only for stairs I use a crutch. Dr. Assayag had told me to not walk without assistance in the first 3 weeks. I am ok now
Thanks,
RD
Quote from: azaghul on January 21, 2021, 10:45:24 PMHey Razal,
Why did you choose Dr. Assayag? How’s the experience?
Also, he said you should always walk with support cause even though the nail is weight-bearing, when you walk there is more force? Did you try climbing up/down stairs?
Hey, I thought that about Dr. Assayag too so if I do go through with this surgery, it would either be him or the Canadian doctor he highly recommends.
Going into the surgery or just planning to get it, were you nervous or having second thoughts? Idk why I’m feeling that a lot rn. I’m 24 and would have the surgery next year anyways if I do but I’m not sure.
Thanks for the answers RD, good luck lengthening.
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First time going into office
Hah, I totally get leaving that walker in the office. We have no idea how capable we are going to be after surgery. I stocked up on so many cans of vegetables and packs of frozen meat before surgery, but it wasn't necessary since I could have started shopping alone six weeks after surgery.
Continued luck with your process. I appreciate your detailed logs/blogs, as I too am entertaining possibly going with Dr. Assayag, as a viable option, as location wise we are similar, (I live in Pittsburgh, and have relatives that will be soon moving to either Owings Mills or Towson).
It was interesting to see some of your therapy performed as I was surprised to see internal and external rotation of the hip performed, (learn something every day I guess), as a practicing PTA the patients that I've seen that have procedures that would be similar are hip ORIF, (Open Reduction Internal Fixation), patients.
Although I haven't practiced in an outpatient setting in years, and it's technically not a contraindication, (however I have seen certain ortho docs request these patients have total hip precautions, which in those cases External and Internal rotation, along with crossing midline of the body and hip flexion of 90 degrees and greater are contraindications), we usually avoid those motions with patients due to pain as complaints of instability in that area.
Loving the detailed video diaries. They are a huge help for those of us who are still deciding into the day to day life during the process.
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