Hey guys,
I learned so much from all the posts here and couldn't have done this without this forum!
I had both femurs done with Dr. D on November 15. Post-op course was pretty uneventful. Didn't really have any major issues. I did this by myself and didn't really need any help after the first night after being discharged. The home care service only does 3 hour blocks and wasn't exactly cheap. I didn't need someone to sit with me and watch TV for 2 hours. You do have to be prepared though. I stocked my hotel room with food for the whole stay which made things very easy.
I stayed in Nevada for about 3 weeks and returned to Canada where I am lengthening now. I was able to walk in my condo without any aides by about the beginning of the 4th week. I use a cane when I go outside for a bit. It's not like I'm doing a ton of walking. It is slow and exhausting but I can get around with a cane. Drove around a bit recently and it was relatively comfortable. I am doing daily PT.
I'm currently at 2.8 cm distraction. I don't have significant pain. But I am having a lot of tightness at this stage. Like I am stretching every couple of hours or it becomes uncomfortable. It's not uncomfortable when sitting or lying down. Just when I'm walking. I was expecting this but I am disappointed that it started this early. Did you guys sail through this stage? I know everyone gets really tight towards the end. I can't imagine the tightness improving with time. I can only see this getting worse with further lengthening. I am lengthening 3X per day. So I've adjusted my expectations and I'm only going for 5 cm, if possible 6.25 cm. From reading other people's experiences, it seems that most people didn't have a lot of tightness this early.
Thanks for your response Alchemist.
I'm doing stretches every 2 hours. I just came back from PT and the cab ride back got me tight so I quickly stretched my hamstrings. I can't do comprehensive stretches when I'm stretching every 2 hours. I try to stretch what I can.
I did have a decent amount of muscle in my legs from lower body workouts. I used to do a decent amount of barbell squats and deadlifts. I think the muscle mass I had helped me get mobilized and walking independently earlier on but are now punishing me with the tightness.
You're right about prolonged sitting and sleeping. I'm trying to maximize my mobility. Since I'm doing this alone I have to run small errands and such myself.
I think backing down from 1 mm/day may be a potential solution. But I just want to get through this process quickly and get back to normalcy. I don't want to prolong it.
I agree with your post except for where you're suggesting that people who end lengthening earlier have themselves to blame. Or maybe I misunderstood you. I think there are a number of good reasons why people may want to end earlier. Our body types may just not be as accommodating. I'm getting tight at 2.8 cm which is earlier than other people. People also may not think the extra few cm is worth the time and opportunity cost. People may also be concerned about safety and longterm negative outcomes.
But you otherwise make great points! Cheers dude.
You must be logged in to post a reply.