Quote from: mtall on August 15, 2016, 08:14:42 AMHey unicorn. Hope you're doing well.
I wanted to ask you....are you lengthening continously or are there breaks in between ? If you take breaks, how many days do these breaks last and why did you have to take them?
Hi MTall,
Yes, lengthening is continuous with 6-8hrs in between each clicking session. This is to prevent the bone from fusing. So in a way, you're constantly "stretching" the bone before it can solidify. If you miss a few days of clicking, either it gets too painful to click or the doc will have to click you under general anaesthesia (and doesn't sound very pleasant). So there are cases (myself included) when it's too stressful or painful to click, but I will wait, relax, listen to music, sometimes even middle of the night when muscles are relaxed to ensure I click the day's schedule. It's super important and about 100% of my homework every day.
Hope this helps 
Take care!
UNICORN - Dr. Guichet Internal Femurs 8cm - Summer 2016
Unicorn, if you are willing: tell us about your "next"...what do you keep nearby that we wouldn't have necessarily considered. And you were going to list items/paraphernalia in order of usefulness.
I go in for my femurs on Aug 25 with Dr. Paley. I think that puts you about 2 months ahead of me
Thanks for all updates
Mark
Quote from: mrmayor on August 17, 2016, 01:33:26 PMUnicorn, if you are willing: tell us about your "next"...what do you keep nearby that we wouldn't have necessarily considered. And you were going to list items/paraphernalia in order of usefulness.
I go in for my femurs on Aug 25 with Dr. Paley. I think that puts you about 2 months ahead of me
Thanks for all updates
Mark
Hi Mark,
Congrats for the commitment, it's a major one. I've been radio silent as I suffered from another fracture, so 3 broken parts on 2 legs 
Will tell the story in a different time as I'm recovering from the RAW pain.
This is the TO BUY list I've compiled as they really improved the quality of my life. Then I'll also list what I am surrounded within easy reach. Trust me, it's pure necessity that's furnished my bedside
I've listed below via Amazon as I get almost everything same day or next day. Mandatory is for Guichet's treatment, so might be different for Paley
MANDATORY
DAYS Hi Riser Walking Frame £41.94
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002ECIM5C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Adjustable Elbow Crutches
Deluxe Reusable Hot/Cold Gel Pack £9.99 - The long velcro wrap is sooooo useful!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00G8JT6RK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
PROBUS 2m Exercise Band - You’ll need a long one to stretch your hamstrings on your belly
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01JGHTFL2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
LOCTITE Super Attack Brush-on Glue £4.15 - Guichet's wounds are all waterproof/tamper free
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008BGYBNC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
TEGADERM Waterproof Bandage £18.63
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tegaderm-Transparent-Dressing-Box-20/dp/B0009Q2OMW/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1470944577&sr=8-1&keywords=tegaderm
ANTI-EMBOLISM Compression Socks - Find the ones with open toes, more comfy when your toes can breathe!
HELPFUL
Digital Folding Pedal Exerciser £26.95 - Illegal according to Guichet! Hide! 
but so practical!!! No need to mount an exercise bike on 2 broken legs, just swing legs off bed and pedal away! I exercise more than average because of the convenience, which keeps my blood pumping and soreness/aches away!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00DSKUDB0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
SANITAS Therapy Heat Pad £20.95 - it’s a miracle for your sore back, legs, shoulders, butt bone, tummy ache or even when you feel lonely, just hug it, it's very comforting
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001NJJH38/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
OSSENBERG Neoprene Crutch Handle Pads £12.95 - You’ll be needing this soon enough
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01F58FJ4I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
COMBI-REACHER £8.34 - Yes, you do drop everything and feel so useless! Just today I had to use a toothbrush to fish up my pee funnel from the floor, think about it, very sad existence. Obviously toothbrush now RIP!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/NRS-Healthcare-L61554-Combi-Reacher-Reaching/dp/B0076VM39W/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1471470115&sr=8-1&keywords=pick+up+stick
RDX Gel Workout Gloves £14.74 - It’s ok, am not convinced, I sweat more than I like in these
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004XJ5A18/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
DISPOSABLE UNDERWEAR £9.41 - For men too as you’re swollen, nothing else fits, and this is airy/loose. Also, to remove, just cut it off! Yay!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002Z562PA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
AIDAPT Raised Toilet Seat £28.72 - Less strain not to have to lower yourself too much and seat is softer
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002NPNLN8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Foam Bed Wedge £18.99 - Many uses especially in the beginning to drain blood/fluids from would downwards, and later when you're uncomfortable all over, for propping legs, leaning, multi purpose all over. Lazy me even use it as a slide onto my foot bath or my peddler to minimize the impact on my bones:)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008ESYI9Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
SUDOCREM £3.00 - For the inevitable diaper rash - it will happen!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00OOTO1TE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
HIGHLANDER Outdoor Seat £10.95 - Perfect to support your back when peddling
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002WUJC5U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
ROUND NECK TRAVEL PILLOW - Comes in really handy to relieve your neck from over compensation, anytime, anywhere, even for sleeping
PREMIER SPORTS Medically Approved Muscle Stimulator £56.96 - Can become necessity in my case to release pain or keep muscle from atrophy
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01ASEREVA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
PHYSIO Deep Tissue Massager £69.99 - When particular parts of legs hurt, or your shoulders and back, what a relief! Sooooo powerful! A bit heavy, but one of the best buys ever!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zen-Lifestyles-Physio-Massager-Infrared/dp/B000WE1UIK/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1470946419&sr=8-1&keywords=deep+tissue+massager
PEE paraphernalia - Funnels, bottles, bedpans - when you’re in too much pain/dizzy to race to the toilet (ziplock bags are amazing). Get disposable bedpans just in case, I promise you, when you need it, you need it! Nothing else you can do!
Bananas + Manuka Honey - Easy great energy and pro-biotic staple - soothes your tummy and fuel boost, especially when you wake up in pain and need to take meds. Tummy happier with a banana and honey
OTHER : Roll-on castor oil to massage your legs when sore, massage your liver to detox, dry shampoo, body wipes, anti-bacteria gel
EXTRA COMFORT
PREGNANCY PILLOW £24.50 - U-Shape Body Support Pillow
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00MKYXQAU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
HOMEDICS Heated Shiatsu Shoulder and Back Massager £106.96 - Slice of heaven!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/HoMedics-Shiatsu-Shoulder-Massage-Technogel/dp/B00CV3TDBQ/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1470943184&sr=8-4&keywords=homedics+shiatsu+massager
DRIVE MEDICAL Transit Chair £106 - Illegal according to Guichet! Hide! but honestly helpful to use for trips to clinical tests etc. Sometimes not wise to strain yourself unnecessarily!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01GGFCILQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
SCHOLLS FOOT BATH £82.25 - Sounds prissy but I promise you, there's nothing like dunking your sore legs/feet into hot bubbly water and massaging the bottom of your feet. It is reflexology after all! I usually wrap with warm fluffy towel and rub with argan/castor oil. I have happy legs that let me sleep all night. What a difference a little thing makes!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dr-Scholls-Foot-Bath-Massage/dp/B00518MARW/ref=sr_1_15_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1471471025&sr=8-15&keywords=scholl+foot+bath
BEDSIDE NECESSITIES
Not sorted by importance
01. Entertainment : laptop/kindle/stereo/books...
02. Medication/vitamins
03. Pill organiser (especially with 3 slots per day)
04. Clean spare towels/paper towels - lots of spills and accidents
05. Crystalized ginger candy - helps dispel nausea
06. Peddler cycler - great practical exerciser
07. Deep tissue muscle massager - great for calves, hamstrings, shoulder blades, triceps etc.
08. Lots of pillows (hard and soft) - you'll have different needs and different nests to build
09. Blankets (light/heavy) - variety, as your temperature changes all the time
10. Compex TENS/EMS muscle/nerve stimulator - can keep pain at bay or condition your muscles
11. Large power strip - you'll need ALL 
12. Elastic exercise band - need to stretch all the time, no sitting on laurels here
13. Foam wedge - multi purpose, to raise legs higher than heart for max drainage and comfort back/leg supporter later on
14. Thermometer - for the first 2 weeks, important to check when feverish in case there's infection
15. Bottles of water - Hydrate well, I drink Dandelion Root tea to flush liver from chemical overdose
16. Prunes/pomegranates/Dulcolax - always handy for efficient garbage disposal
17. Bananas - excellent for tummy before popping pill, tummy doesn't get upset
18. Manuka honey - natural pro-biotic, put it in everything, will restore your flora & fauna in your gut
19. Back scratcher - really helpful when you're immobile but itchy
20. Anti-septic wipes
21. Antibiotic hand gel
22. Pee paraphernalia - funnel, bottles, ziplock bags and you're all set!
23. Disposal bedpans - you might never make it to the loo on time / pukeroo too
24. Fan - helpful when exercising in bed
25. Camping straw - I'm the world's laziest person, this 1 metre straw allows me to suck on liquid all day long and pretend it's shisha 
26. Dandelion root tea - I drink this instead of water as a natural liver flusher
27. Dry shampoo/brush/comb - when you need a perk me up, really refreshens your oily scalp ala Clairol orgasmic shampoo
28. Toothbrush / toothpaste - saves the jaunt to the loo again, keeping teeth healthy and gleaming the whole time
29. Hair accessories - even for men to tie hair, head band etc to keep cool when working out
30. Sleep mask/earplugs - to have badly needed uninterrupted sleep
31. Nail clipper/filer/manicure stuff
32. Dental floss - you feel better cleaner
33. Lotion/mosturizer - facial and body, not a time to neglect yourself, keep yourself massaged and oiled at all times
34. Roll-on castor oil - only oil that penetrates skin, I massage my leg/knees all day with it. Massage liver and add heat pad for toxin drainage
35. Ice packs/heat packs
36. Disposable underwear - so convenient, loose, light, airy and easy removal
37. Garbage bag - easy to access for daily disposal, you can't imagine how much waste you produce daily
38. Macadamia nuts - super high in omega 6, soothes tummy before meds or when low energy
39. A tray for meals - no need to be a barbarian
40. Donut pillow for ass - Butt and spine will hurt from continuous sitting, get a donut for some relief or roll on belly
41. Mosquito repellent or itch relief cream - only when you're immobile, everything starts to itch 
42. Your favourite perfume - to keep your spirits up
43. Your favourite masks/cosmetics - no legs don't mean letting go, look nice for yourself 
44. Dry brush - dry brushing towards your heart encourages blood circulation especially when you're immobile
45. Hot water bottle - best for aching spine when heat pad doesn't cut it
46. Fluffy slippers - less presure on hard floor
47. Anti-thrombosis socks - get open toe ones, several clean pairs to encourage wearing
48. Travel neck pillow - so helpful to rest neck from overstrain
49. Dartboard with Guichet face to let off steam / Guichet voodoo doll works equally well
50. Ungrateful cat - helps entertain and distract
That's very helpful for future patients. Thank you
Quote from: jbc on August 10, 2016, 06:12:32 PMI arrive in London on September 11, and meet with Dr. Guichet on September 12 or September 13. Will you still be in the hospital at that time? Would love to meet you and your merry band of financiers .
Hi JBC,
Yes, I should be around. I'd probably meet you at Princess Grace Hospital, the Isokinetic Centre or at the gym. Either way, ask Filippo his physio, he'll connect us. Good luck, work hard now!
J+24
Height Gained : 3.5cm / 162cm
Good news and bad news. Bad news is my right leg suffered a another fracture and LL has to stop. Good news is I've amnesia
Ok, catching up from my previous blog where I boasted about not having clicking pain or complications, I spoke too soon. Sometime late last week, I migrated to crutches and per Doc G's instructions, had to crutch at least an hour a day. I went on crutch laps around my house and by the same evening, my legs were on fire. Struggling at physio the next morning, Filippo kindly said it was a Friday and everyone was fed up and over exhausted by then with all kinds of ailments from the week’s rigid training programme. So we shouldn't be so hard on ourselves.
Thought nothing of it, went home and nursed my legs on fire (nothing worked!). Started overdosing on any painkiller I could get my hands on (tramadol, codeine, paracetemol, aspirin... the weak ass ones we've been prescribed 
). By Saturday morning, I could no longer use my frame walker as my left leg was too tender to the touch, much less stand up. It was puffed up swollen and HURT! Throbbing nonstop. I sent pictures to Guichet and asked him if it's normal for it to swell now, OR was it part of growing up? He said it was part of the distraction process but if I could not click, I should go for an xray asap. True enough, I could no longer find my clicks. I searched into the wee hours of Sunday and managed to finish all in pure agony (it's like a very sadistic version of Pokemon Go!). I was determined not to have click catch-ups! At 15 a day, your homework piles on quick!
There was hell to pay the next day. The sound of the click had changed from a mechanical clack to a wafer crunch. It scared the living daylights out of me. I texted Guichet again on Sunday and he called me right away. I am very touched that this Doc is on call 24/7 7 days a week. He follows up personally and very diligently. He said to add 10 more clicks to see if it was just a matter of fast consolidation of the bone.
By Monday, I could no longer click, and I was a gymnast, I was contorted into pretzel on a head stand and yet no clicks were to be found (I did find 2 Pokemons mooning me). Struggled to the gym and Filippo helped me. We got 1 very weak click (again, different sound). Filippo thought it was just my body getting used to the clicks and since the length is now different, the clicking sweet spot becomes an ever changing goal post.
At this point, everyone else is crutching around like it's Formula 1 and I've regressed back to balancing on a walking frame. I asked Filippo why were my thighs different lengths. He measured and concurred and said, no worries, you'll get your xray now and see Doc G this afternoon. All will be solved.
Xrayed, waited for Doc G. The moment he stepped out of his office and saw me sitting on a wheelchair (I couldn't stand on one leg all the time anymore and the other is too short and swinging in the air like some parody of Captain Hook). He started screaming saying he doesn't have an appointment with me if I showed up in a wheelchair. It will be paralysis forever for me. I told him I didn't know how to walk with a 3cm disparity. He said look at my crotch, I've a 3cm difference in my legs and I use my hips to make up for it. I was a little confused, didn't I just pay a ton of money to get my limbs lengthened EVENLY? I don't care if he's too cheap to operate on himself! He'd probably scrimp on anaesthesia!
Anyway, I struggled to his examination table on my walker, yes, NO WHEELCHAIR enters his sacred lair EVER! And when he saw my xray he said, “Ok, you've a broken bone". It was sad. I expected him to say it was nothing but my paranoia and I’m a pussy for not withstanding pain, and not deserving to be his patient etc etc etc. I didn't want to quit so early. I didn't fall nor did I have any violent accident. He didn't fully explain but showed me how the nail cracked through my femur as mine are unusually curved. So probably related to the eggshell fracture from before. For yet another unfathomable technical reason, I lost ALL the height gained on that nail and regressed to 0 on my left leg 
. Hence, the large disparity of 3cm between left and right.
I was devastated. This is where I was expecting him to tell me to pack up my bags and leave. Not at all discouraged, he put on his engineering cap and mumbled incomprehensively into his beard re different solutions etc etc etc.
Verdict : I continue lengthening my right leg to 7.5cm ish. We wait for my left leg fracture to heal (cannot do anything right now) which would take 6-12 weeks. And go for a second operation (at his charge) to restart the lengthening process again. I don't know how the nail would work but, it wasn't bent and in tip top condition, he could use the same nail but break my femur and elongate somewhere else. He was trying to show me the tension with a mechanical pencil and I started to sway in a fainting spell. Anyway, he was in his usual geek scientific zone. I half understood him, but was grateful that he was filled with solutions about screws, nuts and bolts and didn't give up on me.
For the first time ever, Doc G opened his office door, peeped furtively, and sheepishly whispered, “Bring in the wheelchair quick!”. I asked him if I could take a photo/video and post it on Youtube, and I think he immediately regretted his kind gesture.
I left so disheartened. I was doing so well before. Clicking was no issue, I was flexible and besides my spoilt sore ass syndrome, the process had not been so hard (minus post surgery days when body was in shock). To think that I've to go through the process again and an LL that would last approximately 4 months would now take about 6 months to complete didn't add to my fast sinking heart.
That said, I trudged home one legged, left leg swinging aimlessly, cat on shoulder yelling "Polly Polly". I got a bucket of KFC and sobbed my heart out into it. My glass is neither half empty nor half full, it's broken and spilled across the floor. The good news is the moment I stopped clicking, my broken leg produced not one iota of pain. It just swings uselessly like Captain Hook's. My right leg thank goodness is very well behaved for now. I'm working it hard and giving it lots of spa treats. In a lot of ways, since I don't work, it's NOT SO BAD. I'll be able to better handle the hospital (getting my own stash of heroin/cocaine/LSD!), will ask for 3-day epidural and I'll always have one good leg to lean on instead of the initial 2-broken-leg panic. It might end up beautifully since I'm focused on one at a time.
So there you go, the reason for my MIA... and I get to play truant from physio for a week YAY! Doc G told me to train the right leg at home and leave the left with a muscle stimulator electrode.
Over and out! Not much more to report. Good news is now I can concentrate on movies, books, blogs, talking on the phone, and pain threshold is at aspirin level. Just a bit of soreness. Doc said after Week 3, should be easier. Then the clicking becomes harder and you'll have soft tissue stretching pains. I started putting on make-up, doing bubble foot baths and spa-ing myself. Feeling half human now, since technically one leg is DEAD TO ME!
Unicorn, you're 162cm right now? Did i read that correctly? that's 5'4" ... i have to say (and I have nothing but encouragement for you), maybe you consolidate both legs now? See how you feel about being 5'4" and come back to Dr. G in a year or not at all? Just a thought.
I can only speak for myself, but I'm sure there are loads of other men on this forum reading your posts thinking: "Hmm...ex gymnast, well-read, good-writer, clear English wit...what's she doing this for? " That's one man's opinion anyway.
Mayor Mark
Quote from: mrmayor on August 18, 2016, 02:06:50 PMUnicorn, you're 162cm right now? Did i read that correctly? that's 5'4" ... i have to say (and I have nothing but encouragement for you), maybe you consolidate both legs now? See how you feel about being 5'4" and come back to Dr. G in a year or not at all? Just a thought.
I can only speak for myself, but I'm sure there are loads of other men on this forum reading your posts thinking: "Hmm...ex gymnast, well-read, good-writer, clear English wit...what's she doing this for? " That's one man's opinion anyway.
Mayor Mark
I disagree.
Although I don't get why a 5'2 woman would want this(then again, you're a 5'9 male and you want it too) now that she has spent all that money and put in so much effort, she shouldn't go back with 3.5cms.
Rooting for you, Unicorn.
Maybe i always assumed that height doesn't matter for females ....certainly not as much as it does to men. Perhaps this is a poor assumption.
either way, fully supportive to you both!
And always glad for tips, tricks, and dry humor
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