Hi everyone,
I've emailed a couple of doctors requesting some additional information about the procedure and have yet to hear back. For Dr. Guichet, it's been over 2 weeks. Is this normal, and is it indicative of how they treat their patients? Here are my preferred doctors, in order:
Dr. Guichet, due to supposed fast track recovery time, tenure and experience
Dr. Lee (South Korea), given the fact that I really want to visit South Korea and his credentials
Dr. Paley, because he is US based and has the reputation of being a great doctor with significant experience in this area
I am reticent to go to China or India, realizing I am in the fortunate position of being able to afford to spend more for higher quality health care. I would not mind going to any of those countries, or any other, if there was a physician there whose credentials were impeccable and had a great reputation and track record. With a procedure such as this, with the potential for complications and life-altering negative side effects, saving money is the least of my concerns. Definitely open to recommendations about other doctors who fit this criteria.
I have made up my mind that I will go through this procedure and have mentally and physically prepared myself for the hardships it will place me through. I am planning LL in the very near future, an increase of 5-6 cm max with no more than .66mm increase/day. I am looking at femur lengthening with an internal nail. I really want to minimize risk as much as possible. While this won't get me to my ideal height, it will get me two inches closer to the stars (Gattaca quote) and will not distort my proportions.
Appreciate any insight you can provide about additional reputable doctors, response times, and anything else that may help. I plan to keep a detailed, transparent and thorough diary throughout the process, anonymizing identity only. Will also be equally transparent about recovery. I am active in several sports and would like to return to the same level of physical activity.
Many thanks,
--jbc
Email response time from LL doctors, and some other information
I've had email conversations with:
Dr. Paley
Dr. Mahboubian
Dr. Catagni
Dr. Rozbruch
Dr. Birkholtz
Dr. Pili
Dr. Monegal
ALL of them were difficult to get answers and responses from. Most took several weeks to respond, and that was after I sent an additional email showing my seriousness to get LL done, and explanation that I could afford the procedure.
I think they are just busy. Most get lots of emails from people that are interested in LL, but not really serious about ever doing it. One doctor explained to me that the conversion rate of initial email, to consultation, to actual patient is less than 1%
Keep your emails short, but make it known you are serious.
Edit: With the USA doc's, I actually had to call their office and leave my name while stating that I never got a response to my email. Then the doc emailed me back.
Yeah I get many people asking questions from me but I don't even know if they are serious? Some questions can be bizarre or even show a lack of proper research and due diligence man. The worst is they ask a barrage of questions non-stop and without even saying "thanks". That's just some basic courtesy in Australia at least.
Never bombard docs with too many questions. Keep questions short. Emails can be aplenty, but make sure each email is easy to respond!
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your responses. I'm 100% serious and committed, so I suppose phone calls start next 
Regards,
--jbc
sure it's better for muscle and nerves-if lengthening 0.66mm/day-but at a rate that slow you risk pre-mature consolidation (bones fusing while you are in process of lengthening). this would especially be the case if you are a "fast healer" and if on the femur.
what is your starting height and weight?
Hi ortho,
I appreciate your response. I will of course lengthen according to how I heal and what the Dr. recommends. I'm only stating the .66 to say that I intend to take a cautious approach. If I am healing faster, and a faster pace of lengthening is recommended, of course I will follow that protocol.
You will forgive me if I don't state my starting height. I don't want to be judged or castigated for doing the surgery at such and such height. I'm nowhere near 6'0", and I'm not 5'2". I'm very height and weight proportionate, my wingspan equals my exact current height, and my weight is in line with my height according to AMA standards with 7% body fat.
Regards,
--jbc
Quote from: jbc on July 16, 2016, 11:07:01 PMHi ortho,
I appreciate your response. I will of course lengthen according to how I heal and what the Dr. recommends. I'm only stating the .66 to say that I intend to take a cautious approach. If I am healing faster, and a faster pace of lengthening is recommended, of course I will follow that protocol.
You will forgive me if I don't state my starting height. I don't want to be judged or castigated for doing the surgery at such and such height. I'm nowhere near 6'0", and I'm not 5'2". I'm very height and weight proportionate, my wingspan equals my exact current height, and my weight is in line with my height according to AMA standards with 7% body fat.
Regards,
--jbc
Why do you care what people in this forum think about you?
TBike, I just want to avoid the debates and judgment, that's all. This is a very personal decision and something I'm doing for me. I would never judge anyone for doing something like this, whether they were 4'6" or 6'4". But others do. So it's really to minimize noise, that's all.
To update the thread - I've received a response from Dr. Lee's assistant, who seems very nice. I also spoke on the phone with Dr. Guichet, who basically said he is completely overwhelmed by email. I'm making travel arrangements to Florida, Italy and Milan. I will consult with each doctor before deciding, I am hoping to have the procedure done during the later part of this year.
Thanks to everyone who took time to respond to my question!
Regards,
--jbc
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