Sorry hello, I got mixed up on the post. I thought that was comment made my sweatpants. I am fully aware you are with dr. Rozbruch. He mentioned same thing to me as well. Most of PT can done by yourself. Make sure you do though enough and be discipline about it.
Quote from: HelloThere on March 21, 2014, 07:56:58 PM@sweatypants
Hang in there! Two weeks will go before you know it 
the stretching machine was something I found at a gym I went to. You can see it here on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FH10G6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1395431689&sr=8-3&pi=SX200_QL40. It's about $500, but well worth it for me... As I will not be doing PT with any professionals, just by myself.
Cool machine! 
If you are not going to have a PT at Dr. Rozbruch center, do they at least give you some examples of exercises or any video?
Does Dr. Rozbruch have any PTs that work with his practice? It's a little concerning that he doesn't have a PT specifically for LL.. I'm glad you're committed to do it by yourself at least. Dr. Paley told me that one patient who brought his own physical therapist to Florida breezed by LL and lengthened 8 cm.
Are you mostly in a wheelchair, or can you use the walker at all?
In regards to releases, I meant was there any soft tissue that was cut to make your lengthening easier? Such as the biceps femoris, ITB, etc. Please ask Dr. Rozbruch if you get the chance! (and what his opinion on that is)
I asked about the release on my consultation. He favors that on performs during the surgery. Was not sure if he does on every patient though.
@cooper
Thank you for the good advice, my friend! I definitely plan on being diligent about my PT and whatever exercise I can possibly get in.
@sweatypants
They did give me info regarding PT exercises, no videos, just a booklet. I'll be sharing my stretching routine when I get a chance to look at it and plan things out.
@BilateralDamage
I believe he does have PTs that work with his practice, but I prefer to do it on my own, with the help of my little brother. I kinda see it like a personal trainer at the gym... Your results will usually be a lot better without them if you just know what you're doing. I will be educating myself on various stretches and exercises, so that I'll receive comparable, if not better results.
I'll be renting my own wheelchair and walker from the hospital, spoke with one of their people about it today! Right now I'm just laying in bed, since it's been only 1-day post op.
I had no idea about releases. I'll ask him about that next time I see him and get back to you! I won't see him for another two weeks though.
I'll be removing my dressings tomorrow and I will be able to leave the hospital Sunday. Excited to get started. I was told that with the Precice 2.0, I will be lengthening 1.32mm on the 4th post op day for 4 days and then after that .99mm per day until I reach my goal of 6.5cm.
Thanks for the questions guys! Now for one of my own...
Does anyone know how you could tell if you've bent a nail or put too much weight load on it?
Hey!
Since you say you can contact him only after 2 weeks, I'm wondering if you can get to him in case of any emergencies.
Like you feel this new terrible pain and you want to call him and tell him about it?
(leechlet seems to able to do that under Dr. Guichet)
@short_and_depressed
I meant he'll be checking in on me every two weeks, so I was going to ask him then. I could email him anytime I want and request a call anytime as well. I just didn't feel like I had any urgent reason to contact him, so I thought I'd wait till I saw him.
I took my dressings off today. The pain isn't as bad as the first day, but it definitely spikes to a 7 or 8 out of 10 when I try to adjust my leg. I only just realized how much the epidural helped. It's more of an internal pain now.. Before it was mainly pain from my swollen thighs. I'm constantly sitting at a 0 out of 10 in terms of pain, until I have to move the entire leg. Raising and lowering my feet do not cause any pain. However, straightening out my leg and bringing my feet together do cause minor pains.
Physical therapist just came in to help me walk. Finally hit 10/10 on the pain scale. I had to be put back in my bed because of how pale and sweaty I was. If anything, I think I should just increase my painkiller dosage and everything should be ok. Right now taking 2x 5/325mg Norcos, they're going to up me to 7.5 and then 10. I don't plan on taking painkillers for a long time, just long enough for me to not have to not pass out when trying to stand.
Hello,
Your pain barometer is 1 being the worst and 10 is painless or zero pain correct? The stretching and light PT even on your own definitely helps. When I had ACL surgery I used to wake up middle of the night with excruciating pain and stiffness. I then stretched and the pain went away. The solution of stiffness is light exercise. More PT, better flexibility and manageable pain.
Keep it up buddy!
I'm so grateful for your advice and support, cooper, thank you!
10 is the worst for me. I thought I could tough this out and not take as many pain meds and do stretching to get back to where I was.. But the moment I tried to weightbear even just a bit.. It was a nightmare and unlike everything I've felt before; I've had enough accidents and incidences where I've hurt myself very badly... This definitely takes the cake though, in terms of pain (when trying to stand).
I was about to puke, so they had to set me back on the bed. Only 3rd day post op though, so hopefully I'll be better. My leg swelling has gone down a lot and laying in bed the pain is a 0-1 now, instead of 2-3 like it was the past two days. Hopefully by next week I won't have a problem standing and walking a bit! I still plan on using the exercise bike the moment it arrives though, as I don't feel I'd be really weight bearing. They actually proposed me staying here another day, but I refuse to shell out another $25k-30k just to rest up. I'd rather my little brother carry me out of here haha.
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