Diary - January 2019 - In Full Stryde with Dr. Mahboubian of North Hollywood.

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Quote from: InFullStryde on April 23, 2019, 01:47:34 PMHi Canon,

This is a great question and I know that finding the time-off is really one of the biggest challenges of CLL.  Allow me to preface things to say that CLL is very demanding throughout the day and evening... Multiple PT sessions each day + lengthening 3 times a day.  There is a significant amount of time one must spend dedicated to this procedure.   it's a lot of hard work for the patient. 

As for me... At 26 years old; I founded an IT Services business and I'm happy to say that 11 years later (I'm 37 now), the company is flourishing and ranks as one of the fastest growing organizations of it's kind.  As the Founder and CEO, I am able to work remotely as much as I need.  During the distraction, I was 100% remote but as soon as phase 1 was over with; I felt comfortable to come back to work. I am now working full time again inside the office after 3 months of working from home. I am getting around unassisted with only a cane to support my balance here at the office.   I am able to come and go to the office as I need for physical therapy and doctors appointments.   I should mention that at home I invested in a complete/total home office setup include a top of line desktop, high-speed internet, and multiple computers screens.  I completely optimized my home office experience so that I could be efficient at home.   I actually really advanced my business during the CLL procedure because since CLL prevents you from sleeping; I just got up and worked more lol.  I also invested in a bow-flex, total home gym so that I could continue to easily and safely lift perform upper-body training.   One of the really nice things about both of these investments is that they will continue to benefit me long after CLL is completed.

At a young age, despite my height challenges, I had a vision and a funny quote I would always say to myself.  I'd always say i want:

"Freedom of TIME, Freedom of DIME, and Freedom of MIND."   I am very close to having all 3. :-)

This means to create a life where you can do whatever you want; when you want.   A Life where expenses are never an obstacle. A life where you are no longer worried. 

So directly, by being my own boss; I had the flexibility to take the time needed.

Thank you again for the question.  If anyone in the community has any questions regarding CLL; please feel free to reach out.

All the best,

IFS

Love the quote IFS, you're legit one of the most inspiring CLL patients for me personally, thanks

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Hi , Thanks for your post .
I have read it for a while .

before your post , i never think about can do it locally  but now i am thinking Dr. Mahboubian or Dr paley. 

if i do locally , will get more support form my family but still think of possibility of risk . 

Female , late 30s , try to get 6cm femur stryde.

Any advice ? thanks

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Quote from: lax2018 on April 23, 2019, 10:58:17 PMHi , Thanks for your post .
I have read it for a while .

before your post , i never think about can do it locally  but now i am thinking Dr. Mahboubian or Dr paley. 

if i do locally , will get more support form my family but still think of possibility of risk . 

Female , late 30s , try to get 6cm femur stryde.

Any advice ? thanks

Hi LAX,

Both Dr. Paley and Dr. Mahboubian are outstanding surgeons.  You cannot go wrong with either surgeon.  Your success during CLL will be determined by how hard you work in the several months after your surgery.   I was fortunate enough to be local to Dr. Mahboubian and this has been very beneficial to me both physically and mentally.  Dr. M is professional, a perfectionist, and very attentive.  If you have any other questions; please feel free to reach out to me!

All the best,

IFS

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(Tuesday) Day 109 Post Op - Day 17 Consolidation/Recovery Phase - DISTRACTION COMPLETED....[7.5 cm Achieved / 3 inches Taller!]

Good evening CLL'ers,

I continue to just work hard every day at this.  All is well and continuing to improve; but very slowly and gradually.  There has been no a-ha moment of legs suddenly being healed.  This process is gradual and it takes work on the part of the CLL'er to get through it successfully.  As mentioned before, my problem right now is the anterior pelvic tilt, and I'm just doing as many stomach and buttocks works outs I can to go along with stretches of the hip flexors and other quad muscles.  Eventually; this issue will be relieved and at that point I can start to enjoy my new height.  Other note is that for some odd reason my right leg feels sore. I'm not sure why; perhaps I slept on it wrong.  It's almost comical to me how the "Sore" leg has switched from right to left, several times over the past few months.  Make up your mind already?! lol.  Okay guys, I'm going to get going; but feel free to ask me any questions if you got some.

All the best,

IFS

P.S. Another 5000 unassisted steps today; however used cane for balance.

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Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring journey. As a prospective LLer this is one of the most insightful and raw diaries available. Truly amazing. Looking forward to the rest of your journey and excited to see you enjoy your new height soon!

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Quote from: TheAlchemist on April 24, 2019, 04:22:48 AMThank you so much for sharing your inspiring journey. As a prospective LLer this is one of the most insightful and raw diaries available. Truly amazing. Looking forward to the rest of your journey and excited to see you enjoy your new height soon!

Thank you Alchemist! Your positive and encouraging words help to motivate me further through this challenging journey.  I want to be there the same way for future CLL'ers.   I'll continue to report the details and help shed some light on what we can all expect. Thank you, again!

All the best,

IFS

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Quote from: Movie on April 23, 2019, 09:58:44 PMLove the quote IFS, you're legit one of the most inspiring CLL patients for me personally, thanks

We're all connected in some way, buddy.  Glad I can help out even if its subtle.  Reach out if you need anything.  Your journey starts soon!

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Quote from: superusercj1 on January 11, 2019, 03:00:46 AMCongrats man!  The hardest part is that after one month or two months you get tired of the routine and stop stretching.  Whatever you do, do not stop ,not even for a day.  I took a 2 day break and lost about 20-30 degrees on my hamstrings and never really got it back :p

I know the hamstring muscle but what does "losing 20-30 degrees" mean, I'm trying learning the jargon slowly

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Quote from: tallica on April 24, 2019, 07:33:36 PMI know the hamstring muscle but what does "losing 20-30 degrees" mean, I'm trying learning the jargon slowly

Hi Talica! I believe that he was referring to the range of motion he had on stretching the hamstrings prior to taking a break.  No taking a "break" in CLL. Have to stay stretching each day or you will start to get stiff.  He may have been referring to the stretch where you lay on your back and pull your leg back and try to straighten your knee. 

Feel free to ask questions!

All the Best,

IFS

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(Wednesday) Day 110 Post Op - Day 18 Consolidation/Recovery Phase - DISTRACTION COMPLETED....[7.5 cm Achieved / 3 inches Taller!]

Good evening CLL'ers,

I hope all is well. Today was another good day.   I had a pretty challenging session at the PT clinic today. My physical therapist actually told me to not bring the cane next time because I can walk, lol!  I appreciate him pushing me.   The cane is like my security blanket; but he's right. I have to let go of ole' blue.   

18 days after...How do my legs feel?

They are looser, but still pretty tight.  I don't have that tight sensation that was so uncomfortable during the distraction phase; but rather just a tightness when I try to perform various movements.  Sort of feel like I could use some WD-40. ha ha.   With that in mind; it gets a little better each day.  I'm able to perform tasks that I wasn't able to easily; like tie my shoes, pick things off the floor, etc. I'm able to now.  I would say that I have gained a couple of inches on my range of motion through most stretches during the post distraction phase already.  Imagine how flexible I'll be by July 1st; which was my initial goal date to feel "close to normal".   I like the prospects.

What about pain?

I don't really feel any pain.  More like some aches and some soreness since my soft tissues are healing from 90 days of stretching them apart.  I try to be careful as to not ignite heavy inflammation anywhere; yet I'm pushing through any aches, soreness, and stiffness because...well, I know what it is and why it is....and I need to push through in order to resolve it.

How is your Duck Ass doing, IFS?!

ha ha, well - lemme tell ya; its still there and it's no fun.   But....it's getting better as I continue to stretch my hip flexors/quads/hamstrings and work out my abs and glutes.  My APT actually doesn't look bad at all. I'll send a picture this weekend; if I can.  The main issue with APT for me; is that it causes me to sway back enough as to where my lower back is working too hard and causing some soreness.  It's not thaaat bad; but just enough to make me have to work harder if I plan to enjoy my new height by June/July.   

Are your legs weak?

 I am still, of course recovering from phase 1. Sooo, things like getting out of the chair takes a little more effort and my lower back is unfortunately promoted a bit too much and is handling walking to compensate for any leg soreness.  Having said that; My legs are stronger each and every day as I continue to simply walk on them.   I walked nearly 6000 steps today and it helps.  Imagine...I do that every day;  I should see some progress by my July 1 goal. 

Guys, let me know if you have any questions. Like I said, I plan on taking a video of my current gait and uploading this weekend along with my x-rays.  Overall, I feel like things are going real solid.   I don't mind the hard work it takes; so it's only a matter of time.   

Thank you again and all the best!

-IFS