@ten - betz will do surgery supported by Becker. He said wonderful things about Becker.
@thankscience / Thankyou for kind worlds
Further to the above post, here are some questions and discussion points from the consultation with betz (which I spent 5 hours with him)
- betz talked about all the different nails and why betz nail is the superior nail. Eg not made of iron so cannot corrode which there are some nasty cases of, can control clicks exactly so you always know the exact length you have measured, making X-rays less
Important. Lengthening mechanism is obviously challenging with manual but it prevents many problems as magnetism requires iron.
- talked about Becker. Betz spoke so very highly of Becker. He said many heads of departments has applied but he hasn’t found anyone who could control the tools like Becker.
- I asked betz if I could try and bend the nail with my hand. I did full force tried to bend and it did not budge.
- talked about screws, this was a concern for me in terms of breakages as I have heard some people had broken nails and needed to get it replaced. Betz was certain as long as you don’t engage in jumping or risky behaviour like running up 3 stairs at a time you will be fine.
- talked about any long term issues from other cases, he said none.
- talked about IT band release. He said is doing soft release for all
Surgeries and you don’t need to request it. He isn’t super happy about it but he does it for everyone now.
- you can work out as long as you’re sitting down. You can’t pick up weights.
- asked if I could cook in the kitchen he said that’s fine .
- asked if I could walk a dog and bend over and pick up it’s poops. He said it’s fine.
- asked about working from home. He said his best patients are the ones that go back to work almost immediately. This is because the daily stresses like catching a train, walking to meetings etc force you to be on your feet, your muscles adapt faster your bones grow faster. He said sitting down is really bad and you should avoid it. Yes if you work from home you get more time for stretches etc but he said he is worried about peopl just ending up sitting down all day and that’s worse than going into your office. If you have a standing desk at work this is perfect he said.
- I asked about if the crutches were more to prevent falls etc or if needed for weight bearing. He said the nails beat up to 100kg so they can fully support you immediately but for long walks should bring crutches but probably more to prevent falls etc
- talked about if some exercises are better than others eg hydro walking, gym, cycling, walking, stretches. He said they are all good and should try to do multiple not one is better.
- talked about other patient who’s in for clocking under anaesthesia. He said this was less than 6% of cases and rare. Also more of a psychological factor and also this patient left hospital early before they were ready. So this gave me comfort but was still nervous.
- talked about to betz would still be there for my nail removal. He said he will reduce hours but will be there especially if requested.
- no problem to have sxx , part of the healing process if anything.
- can help with shopping , can pick up shopping bags but not more than say 10kg
- bike is dangerous if you fall but some patients do it and they are fine. But if you fall it’s your own risk. Better to sue stationery.
- sleeping position, said side is ok but may be sore from entry wounds. Will hve access to pain meds. Prefers not to give sleeping pills but will give one if requested. Melatonin ok.
- importance of physiotherapist if you are doing all exercises stretches etc. he said difficult question to answer as depends on many things but can be helpful to have a therapist jist looking over what you are doing and correct from a high level, even if you are doing everything.
Growth.Journey - Femur lengthening w Betz - Sep 2022
Good choice, man!
Betz/Becker are exzellent. Try to get beckers mobile after your hospital as he is very quick in his answers. Betz will also reply to your messages but it will take sometimes a couple of hours/days. Nevertheless I have not regret to do this surgery with them and taking the betzbone. His advantages are unique and makes him to the best nail at the Moment and the majority find a workaround with clicking
I can only suggest to follow stricktly Betz advice. For example dont think that 3-4 hours stretching are enough, if they suggest to do 5 hours. It is very likely that you will succeed, if you do what they say. So good luck and stay optimistic!
Congratulations on embarking on your journey and good luck with it all
I am actually in a remarkably similar position to you - from Australia, same exact height, looking to book with Betz so particularly interested to hear your thoughts on how it all goes.
Just wondering what the timeline from initially contacting them to booking a surgery date is, I have prepared for the last year to be in a position to take time off work, financially, stretching etc,. and reached out to their office via email a few days ago, but it seems to be fairly slow replies and the earliest they are even available for a zoom into chat is in November (I was hoping to book surgery in for November)
Was that your experience/what is the usual availability like from the initial consultation to surgery is it weeks or months? I know you said you booked it in 9 months ago just not sure if that's because of planning/timeline on your end and how it panned out or their availability.
Also do you mind if I DM you some questions?
@Taller90: Thankyou for your advice. i agree, we need to listen to exactly what betz/becker say, they are incredibly experienced. Then if you go above this (but not so much you are hurting yourself, just a little abit above your comfort zone) you will do well.
@Vincent: Yes you can DM me, i think it took about 6-9 months booking in advance. I think they are getting more busy as Betzbone is the best option on market and Betz is approaching retirement.
Diary update - 3 days post surgery
It is harder for me to update the diary as i am now in recovery mode but i will try. I get tired easily now and cannot always reach my laptop
Day after my consult with Betz my only task was to speak with anaesthia, as forms need to be filled out day before surgery. It was an admin day. Daniela drove me to hospital and i walked with her to hospital ward where we would stay post operation (same as anaesthia). Whilst waiting, Daniela introduced me to my roommate, who was 3 days ahead of me in the process. He was a really nice guy and he spoke fluent german and english which is incredibly helpful as most of the staff do not speak English. I watched him walk on crutches for the first time since surgery, it was amazing. I had a positive feeling about him and knew we would get along well as roommates already. I waited for a few hours, met the anaesthia doctor then went back to hotel. You cannot drink or eat before anaesthia as it is dangerous, so i read through betz stretching guide, did more stretches then had an early night. It is a good idea to bring some melatonin to help you sleep as well as a stretching band.
Next day was surgery day, i had to check out of my hotel and check into the hospital by 7am. I walked there myself with my luggage as the hotel is only 15 mins walk from the hospital. It was a bit confusing trying to communicate with the hospital staff but i eventually found my room and settled. My roommate was awake so we made small talk and i asked more questions. It was a surreal feeling and a bit scared but i was also mentally resolved as i had come this far. I got dressed into a surgery gown, got into bed and a nurse came in to shave my legs for surgery. I was then wheeled to a hospital room, had a drip put on and talked with doctor. i then had the mask on and went under general anaesthia.
Next minute i was in a room awaking up out of a deep slumber. I had pain 4.5 / 10. I told the nurse and they gave me something in a drip and it felt much better, maybe 1.5. Betz came round and told me the surgery was success and quick, only 2 hours as my bones were very straight, no curvature. He used size 12 nails. I came back to my room though i was in and out of consciousness. They give you very good painkillers and there is an opiate you can press on the side of the bed to get painkillers under your tongue every 20 minutes. i didn't need it too much, i maybe pressed it 3 x per day and per night for the first 1.5 days.
After surgery, same day, betz and daniela came to my room and we started walking immediately. I felt very happy and elevated to be doing this, but it was probably because of the drugs. I was very dizzy from the anaesthesia, your face feels very hot and you get a big dizzry rush. They said not to over do it, so i went back and went to sleep. It is amazing how quickly you can start walking, truly amazing.
The next day i was very tight and sore, i could barely move my legs. There is definitely a step backwards from the first day but everyday you feel some progress. But i could barely move and my legs were inflamed, so i just slept and spoke to my roommate a lot, who is a great guy. We talked about our past, history, jobs, partners, reasons for doing surgery and many other things. The food is typical hospital food, not very good but not terrible either. I brought with my some protein powder from the local supermarket which i have been eating as well to supplement the nutrition. IT is hard to eat this but i think it is helpful.
Day 2 post surgery the physio came and she did some stretching with me. I was very tight. I also tried walking but when i got to the side of my bed i felt very dizzy and nauseous so i had to stop. this was disappointing as i wanted to walk, but it is important not to overdo anything. Instead, i stretched the rest of the day with my stretch band (very important you bring one). Already in one day I feel a lot of difference in my ability to move my leg. They tell you to do a stretching movement like pulling your femur towards your chest (i would ahve practiced this stretch more before i came) as well as using a band to lift up your tibia and move it left and right.
Day 3 - my sleep has been ok. I dont feel too disrupted. my lower back is starting to hurt, i tried sleeping on my side and it was possible. Today i spent all morning stretching, my movement is getting better but i still struggle to move my lower legs by themselves. the phsyio told me to practice trying to sit on the side of the bed in advance of my session today, where i will try and walk on crutches. Wish me luck. Otherwise i am in okay spirits. It is an incredibly difficult journey but it is nothing compared to what our ancestors went through in terms of wars etc. I am also watching netflix and stretching, messaging friends etc. so it is not terrible. Plus i have a great roommate. so my spirits are decent but there is still a long journey ahead of us, including clicking and travelling home, but the best strategy is take it 1 day at a time and it will be easier. Hopefully my walking goes ok.
Day 4
Short update from my phones
My last entry I had just tried walking (probably a bit later than others, probably because of the timing of the weekend as the physio isn’t here). I have probably been a bit conservative and made sure I’ve been stretching for several hours each day.
I finally used the crutches and I actually walked all the way down the hall and went on the bike on my first day. Daniela said my walking was excellent. I think it is because I didn’t try to push myself too hard (I think it’s about finding the point where you are outside your comfort zone but not so far that you hurt yourself the next day) plus always stretching using my bands.
I was soo tired after this walking. I stretched the rest of the day and went for another walk that night but it’s painful. I also tried doing a new stretch in bed, basically a quadriceps stretch using my band, and I had the best sleep I’ve had since coming here. I highly Recommend this stretch.
I did my first as well since coming here as the medication makes you really consitpated. Other posts from people hve said that they needed a drug to clear their stomachs but fortunately I was able to go by myself and felt so much better.
Next day, day 5 (incl surgery)
I woke up feeling great after my deep sleep. Standing is always hard / painful in the morning but goes away by morning after your stretches and painkillers. I had my first shower, it’s kind of challenging but you get there in the end. I did another so sounds like my body is recovering, and I also brushed my teeth.
After my shower I had my bandages replaced and I feel so much fresher. I have been stretching a lot , especially adding in an ITB stretch where you cross your leg over and pull it toward you.
My walking is getting exponentially better, I will try to do a lot of walking today and cycling too.
Glad to hear you're doing well. Do you start clicking on Day 7?
That’s right - clicking starts at day 7.
Does anyone have any tips for clicking? Ie stretches to do in advance that will reduce the pain or any particular movements like focussing on hip rotation first then moving tibia / using a stretch band or chair?
I am Nervous for it
Quote from: Growth.journey on September 25, 2022, 04:52:33 PMThat’s right - clicking starts at day 7.
Does anyone have any tips for clicking? Ie stretches to do in advance that will reduce the pain or any particular movements like focussing on hip rotation first then moving tibia / using a stretch band or chair?
I am Nervous for it
Don‘t worry about clicking they will spent as much time with you as you need. I started clicking on day 4 I had pain on my incision site when I rotated my hips for the first 2 weeks but my tip is, if it‘s hurting too much on the hips, ask for the rope method were you put your foot into a rope/band (your leg dangling in the air) and then move your knee / tibia horizontally instead of letting it drop. It rotates the hip less and is less painful. I still use the same method even back home. In general I wouldn‘t be too anxious about clicking. It‘s going to be alright you will have a good feeling for it.
best of luck !! I am currently 2 months into consolidation . feeling great !
Thanks all
@reallostsoull - thanks for your tips on clicking. Can I ask why you started clicking so early? I understand betz does it on day 7
Day 5
Woke up very stiff. Stretched lots. Biked lots. My walking on crutches has improved dramatically. The physio came today (after weekend break) she said my walking was very impressive (my technique is to lift knee high when walking plus lots of stretching. She showed myself and roommate new stretches. Then she took me to the stairs to practice walking up and down stairs for the first time. It is not that difficult.
Afterwards I went to the gym for the first time. It is a long walk about 200m and I was exhausted walking there, especially after my session in morning and stair climbs. But I made it and I didn’t feel any pain other than soreness in my arms from the long walk with crutches. At the gym we did several machines like leg press, bike, adductors and leg extension. It was fine but tiring. Then we walked back - I was exhausted.
It was my roommates first day clicking, so after Daniela came and showed him the process. We were both nervous as we had heard some bad stories about pain. But he did it like a champ and didn’t really feel pain. His technique was to put bed rest up on back then spread legs to edge of bed (knees raised) then push knee towards inside of bed. There is a loud pop then you reset the Mechanims. I was very happy for him that it was not difficult but seeing it in person made me nervous for my own clicking in 2 days.
Also a patient who had left 1-2 days ago had to return because he could not click at home, this made me even more nervous because maybe you can click okay at the beginning but it can change. We suspect the person who came back did not stretch enough - he walked a lot but I don’t think he stretched as much as we do - stretching is critical and my roommate and I do this a lot.
Any other tips for clicking would be much appreciated and I really hope my clicking is not too painful too. I am practising the motion to stretch the muscle without applying any force in anticipation.
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