I had my LL in 2001-2002

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Hi all, this is my first post in about 10 years but I underwent a limb lengthening in 2001 and 2002 with Dr. Vladimir Dragon in Kiev, Ukraine.   It was quite a process and I did have complications but at this point I am very happy with the results. The one piece of advice I would give is do not under estimate the amount of time it will take and the seriousness of any complications that could happen.

If anyone has questions about my experiences I would be happy to try answer questions.

Some of you might know this but Dr Dragon has passed away since I had my surgery.  He was a great guy.

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Vladimir was only in his mid 40's. He was alone in his apartment and suffered a massive heart attack. He didn't show up for work so they sent someone out and found him. Very sad.

I slipped in the shower and broke the Greater Trochanter on my left femur.  This caused my recovery to take about 2 years.  I had a non-union and had it repaired (thank God) here in the States.

Prices wouldn't be relevant from then to now.

I'll tell you the truth, it changed my life for the better because I ended up marrying a fabulous girl who is taller than I ever would have dated before.  But, I don't think my legs will ever have the strength that they had before.

It's a very difficult process. 

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I went from 5'5" to 5'8".  Life changing for me.  The complications were bad but I'm not sure I would do anything differently.

The best advice I can give is do the rehab and don't put much weight on your legs while you have the fixtures in, or on.

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Alu, I have been a member of this site since about 2001. When I was in Kiev in October 2001 I posted my story on this site. I posted under the name of Steve, which is my middle name.I don't know if the webmasters of this site can make my old posts available but I made them.

You have to tell your family and friends if you decide to do it. I guarantee they will find out. Mine did.   You just can't tell them all that you're going away for three months for some mysterious purpose. Someone asked if I told my girlfriend. Yes, I did, as soon as I met her because I was still on crutches.  She was 100% on board, if the girl you're with doesn't get it, get a new one.

I was 49 when I had it done. Too old? Yeah, probably but they were happy to take my money.

 How am I today? As I said earlier I don't have the strength in my legs that I had before and I probably never will. Part of it is because, I have to admit that I have not exercised like I should have. I'm not that kind a guy. I have have no problem whatsoever getting around but LL did compromise my legs.  Not complaining, everything is a trade off.

Do I think about it?  Yep, every day.  This might be crass but every time I am standing in a group of people, towering over them I think about it.

 There are a lot of potential downsides and complications but if you get through it like I did I think you will be happy. But it's a gamble and you have to think it over .

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 I would like to say that I do not recommend this surgery. I also do not condemn this surgery. It is almost always done in a foreign country and we are totally taking our chances. Their standards, practices and morals are not like ours so don't be surprised at anything. I guess the best way I would put it is that if you have the surgery done you are still a guinea pig. Until it is widely practiced in the United States it is something to think about.

Don't let me talk you out of it because that's not what I am trying to do.

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Read my posts, I'm pretty sure I answered that.

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I want to answer all your questions, but please read the prior posts before asking a new question.  I'll happily give you my best answer.

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Jamal joined Dr Dragon about half way through my treatment.  He assisted Dr Dragon on my second surgery.

And NO,  I never even thought for a second about doing my tibias. I am now what I considered to be a normal height and I am quite happy.

From my experience, if you are a big sports person you may want to reconsider this surgery.  Some people have asked about limitations. I can't cross my legs together any longer. I have a heckuva time getting up off the floor without something to grab onto.   If you do it resolve to do a very serious regimen of rehab and leg exercises once you heal.   Do not put more than a few pounds of weight on your legs while they are healing. My experience is that the devices are not meant to hold your entire weight. One of the patients with me when I was there walked too soon without crutches and actually broke his nail in half.

I am not trying to scare anyone but this is not something that you just figure I'll be done in four months and everything will be great. It doesn't always work that way and I am aware of the number of people that had complications. I did it along time ago and things may be better now but go into this with your eyes wide open.

One last thing, I've seen a number of people say they want to keep it a secret. That's not gonna happen. You are not going to come back from your surgery walking around like you did before. You're going to be gone 3 to 4 months. Your friends and ran family are all going to know about it. I thought I would keep it a secret so I understand how you feel but it's impossible.

Best of luck to all!

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That was misleading on my part,  I can sit and cross my legs just fine sitting in a chair. But I used to be able to sit flat on the floor with my legs crossed. I can't do that anymore in fact I can't even really sit on the floor well at all.

No hip or knee problems at all.

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Thanks to all for the nice comments.

I am able to lead a perfectly normal life, and no, if you walked by me on the street you would have no idea that I have had surgery.

The complications were physically very difficult and emotionally draining but, looking back on it all, I am happy with my choice.

By the way, my right leg lengthened and healed perfectly with no issues. 

Best of luck to all.