Quote from: Activatedxx on August 29, 2021, 09:14:30 PMQuick update
It’s been about a few weeks since removal, Buldu said wait 2-3 weeks before full weight bearing, in terms of recovery I’m getting there. I can take like 15-20 steps unassisted but walk like a penguin because my hips are tight it makes my lower back arch and my pelvis tilt forward, my flexion contracture is 75% gone. My PT said my glutes are very weak, and my hip flexors are very tight. So that is the main obstacle for my recovery. Those are essential to walking and more importantly posture from tight hips.
My complication leg/left leg used to be my dominant leg but after removal it’s weaker now. I have slight pain near top pin removal site and one spot by break site when pressing on it with my finger, I think one of the screws are there, and moving it certain angles I get 2/10 pain, but not on other leg. My right leg gave me so much more discomfort/pain during lengthening but now it is the more quickly healed one.
Life is liveable at the moment. I don’t need any meds at all, and sleep somewhat comfortably, but can’t get in many comfortable positions like before because of hip tightness. It’s not close to as enjoyable as before but it’s so much better than the distraction period. I can get around independently with crutches. I drive to work every day. 70% productivity. At the end of the day my legs are done for usually, it does get exhausting especially on PT days after strengthening exercises. I try to be extra careful always, almost tripped a few times with crutches because of a wet spot or someone accidentally bumping into me.
The recovery for 5-6cm is probably 1/3 hard as doing the full 8, unless you do the PT and stretches constantly and daily. However with LON femur I couldn’t because the pinsite infections make PT impossible and even without them, when you pass 5-6cm the pins feel so tight and hurts when you stretch hard or at least for me.
Although this update doesn’t sound great, it is for me. I see so much progress after 2 weeks of PT. Every session has and shows slight progress. Within a week I could barely stand up long enough unassisted in the shower for 5min to being able to stand for 10-15 min without getting more than slightly tired.
I missed my birthday during the end of lengthening! Ended up renting a limo and having some crippled fun. My femurs look pretty long sitting down and I like the look, maybe not in this picture because the pants are baggy and sagging under my waist. I lost weight and am gaining it back. But with slim jeans it looks good especially sitting down.
https://imgur.com/a/VcKLdwc
Also hung out with one of the other lengthening patient I met in turkey a few days ago. He lives about 30min away from me, crazy that we both went at the same time from the same city, I guess at some point we’ve probably met someone with cll without knowing possibly. I meet so many people every day at work etc and they would never even know!
Congrats man, and happy belated birthday. I think you looks great in the photo. Good to see you living your best life not letting this recovery slow you down. And you're pretty lucky to have such a supportive wife and family, that part I lack. How's the guy from your city recovering? Did he hit 8cm as well? What do people at your work think you've done? Coming form an office environment myself, I know co-workers can be very nosey. I'd be surprised if they weren't asking why your walk is different now.
