Installing height- Programdude's Precice 2 Internal femurs with Dr. Paley

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Exactly two months post op and my right leg is EXACTLY where it should be. I told the PA I should be at 57.25 mm and he came up with 57.33. Left is 2 mm behind. My next appointment will have me past the 7 CM mark, so my new goal I am thinking is 7.5, but we will see how my body is tolerating it all.

Saw Dr. Paley who I was surprised checked in briefly. Said I was doing excellent based off my x rays and range of motion measurements my PT put together.

Anxious to be done with this machine, but it looks like I should be on the last leg of this journey at last.

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Hi PD, glad to hear you're doing fine.
I've been following your diaries for sometime, and I thank you for being so honest and informative about the surgery in general.
I have a few questions if you don't mind answering...

1) How much money have you spent so far? I might consider PRECICE2 with Paley sometime next year, but I have no experience living the USA. I need to know the budget range. I'll probably have to go through the whole process on my own, just like you.

2) You seem to be pretty confident that Paley is the best bet in LL. During your stay in WPB, have you seen anyone who disagrees with your opinion? If so, why would he/she say so?

3) I'm considering tibias, have you seen anyone who's done tibials LL with PRECICE2? How have they fared? Any complications?

Thanks mate. Stay strong.

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1. I would say around 100k- 85k for surgery and ITB release, probably 150-200 for medication(but I have insurance, it will be more costly for your because of xeralto being pricy, so add maybe 600-800. Housing is 63 a night. Then theres food, which will probably be a couple hundred since you will need dinner thurs- sun and will want some food for if you miss the breakfast buffet. Then theres the cost of your flying tickets. If you do tibias you will be spending more on the surgery mind you.

2. I've met many people and even those who don't like Paley as a person respect his skill and knowledge. Everyone I've met so far has been satisfied with their experience. I've even met people messed up by other dr.'s who've come here to get better.

3. I wouldn't do tibias. I've met a guy who did them, but he didn't even do a full inch, though he did recover fast and without issue. I've met one female, and heard of another who did tibias. Both had their screws come out, though this is considered more likely in females. I still wouldn't take any chances personally.

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Is that so?
Do you know why he stopped so short? Complications maybe?
What did he/the two ladies say about tibial lengthening?
I heard that tibia is much less painful...maybe that's not true after all.

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He was nuts. He did an inch on femurs and less than an inch on tibias.

I've been told it is much less painful. But who cares about pain? Extremely expensive complications/longterm issues are the real reasons to avoid it.

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Hi programdude, just read this entire thread and am pleased to hear your experience has been overall going swell. I am in a similar boat as you were. I am 5'6, weigh 160 and am nearly 21 years of age. I beginning to strongly consider this procedure but am curious as to how long it takes before you can be physically active. I play college soccer and have one more year left. I am curious, how long do you think it takes before someone can get back to training/working out daily?

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Keep in mind I am still lengthening not done. However, the past few weeks i have been gaining weight and feeling very strong. Working out should happen fast. Obviously upper body isn't affected, and when bones are consolidated leg press etc. would be easy with lighter weight.

Running etc. I don't know, but I could walk now in theory, just would break my rods lol.

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are those rods permanent? Does bone build around it?

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Rods can be removed, some choose not to though. Yes the bones grow back while they are in.

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Im curious to know how all these people afford this!!! At the age of 20 I don't think I can for quite some time. I doubt my insurance (in Canada) would cover any of it.

I did see people in this forum talking about getting the procedure done in India for like a total of 25k (rough estimation), so back to actually considering it...

I have a question and would like all of you to provide your input if possible. I would like to get around 10cm taller. What would you all recommend? Tibial? Femur?

All input is greatly appreciated.