Quote from: uponly on February 17, 2023, 06:56:50 PMI tried IcyHot and Biofreeze for pain. I can tell you that IcyHot works wonders for temporary pain relief. Biofreeze didn't do much. I'm trying to not be dependent on opioids and muscle relaxers, though my primary care doc yelled at me about that this morning. He told me to take whatever I need to be comfortable for as long as I need it. I took a muscle relaxer today
Yeah man I'm going to yell at you as well. I was also super anxious about getting carried away with the pain meds and oxy in particular. This surgery is freaking hard as it is, don't make it harder by refusing to take meds. I only stopped the pain killers earlier because I felt good, but you're in more pain (possibly because you took less so far) so you have to sort it out. There is no reason for you to be in pain. You have enough intelligence and self awareness to keep yourself in check. Also keep in mind these first weeks are the most painful, most likely you won't need the meds (maybe just Tylenol) afterwards.
Quote from: uponly on February 17, 2023, 06:56:50 PMAmazing, I literally just order it. Thank you!!Haha was expecting you to do some research first but I have a feeling you'll reach a similar conclusion. One of the advantages of the pro is that it comes with the Supersoft attachment which is "ultra-gentle" and that's the only one I'm using. I figured the others will be painful, I'm not even trying. Also remember that I'm further along the process, you might need to wait a few weeks till you're done with the surgery pain. Obviously confirm with Rozbruch.
Quote from: uponly on February 17, 2023, 06:56:50 PMCan't think of a worse day in my entire life.
I stayed in the hospital a night longer than you, but that's only because I couldn't pee lol. I talked about this with Dr. Rozbruch, and given my labs and overall health, he wasn't concerned. I honestly love his philosophy of "go recover where you'll thrive". He did say it would be painful, and my God he wasn't wrong.
Yeah it sounds like pure misery, I'm lucky to be local so that part was much easier for me. I'm really surprised with his approach letting people go back so early. Are you coming back for some follow ups or just going to x-ray locally and send him?
I definitely get the "recover where you'll thrive" and you can easily tell from the diaries here how people are happy to finally get back home, but it's still interesting. It's like he's on one extreme end of the spectrum, with Paley being on the other ("forcing" you to stay there while lengthening). I actually wanted to ask Rozbruch about it, it's probably a matter of philosophy but also patient selection.
Quote from: uponly on February 17, 2023, 06:56:50 PMAny/all PT tips are welcome. In chatting with Erica initially, she told me that Dr. Rozbruch needs to clear my PT person to ensure they strictly adhere to his PT protocol and don't injure me. I was going to engage a PT clinic - there are many excellent ones here - but haven't yet because of this.
I can't do PT in the afternoon. If I do I can't sleep at night. So I do it in the morning and early afternoon. 2 sessions, one hour total. The exercises from the recovery manual. I also stretch. A LOT. This is helping the most. I had LOTS of ROM, could basically do the splits before the surgery. I'd like to get back there again.
Yeah I definitely don't want to do PT with someone not familiar with this surgery. Dr. Marie Gdalevitch shared in her interview with Viktor that her patient broke his nail during PT when he was doing something he shouldn't have done, so need to be really careful here. Just to make sure we're sync'ed here, what do you mean by PT? Because for me PT = stretching 
Quote from: uponly on February 17, 2023, 06:56:50 PMInterestingly my primary care doc told me to look into hydrotherapy also. Erica just cleared me for this as long as it's non weight bearing. There's a great place near me, they have a treadmill inn the pool and film it all underwater and this is supposed to massively help with gait. As soon as I get the stitches removed I'm doing that.OMG I'd love to do hydrotherapy, but not sure there is a place nearby. I talked to my PT about it, and he mentioned the logistics issue of getting in and out of the pool. Check out this video from Dr. Donghoon Lee, they have an actual lift for patients. Hopefully you find something that works.
Quote from: uponly on February 17, 2023, 06:56:50 PMMy night sweats have mostly subsided. Thank God. My primary care doc told me it's my body's response to fighting the inflammation at night. Makes sense!
Quote from: uponly on February 17, 2023, 06:56:50 PMYou too brother. We're both going to make it!!
0.2mm at a time 🫡
Precise 2.2 CLL (femurs) with Dr. Rozbruch - February 2023
Days 9-11, Home
Pain level: 2-5/10
Up until this morning, there was not a lot to note on this diary. The night sweats are mostly gone. The pain is finally "manageable", even without opioids and muscle relaxers (mostly, for the last part, I did take a muscle relaxer this morning as I woke up super stiff and with some pain). My legs are getting stronger. They feel more stable, have more range of motion, do not hurt as much when moving around or transferring from place to place. I do get massive shooting pains in my non-dominant leg, in the upper quad area, during certain movements, that take pain from 0-10 for 1-3 seconds, but these are lessening as well. No fever. Post-anesthesia shakes are gone. Distraction doesn't hurt at all. I can't feel a thing.
(oh - the constant and painful urination did turn out to be a UTI. I got an antibiotics prescription from my PC doctor and two days later, 90% better).
All in all, I'm essentially fine while I'm in bed chilling, I'm making progress on the walker and with my leg strength and mobility, and things are going well. I literally feel as good as I did before surgery most of the time, when I could go outside at any point during the day for my daily 5 mile run (but well, I can't 
).
Before I write anything else, I'm going to post something here that Medium Drink Of Water said in another thread:
QuoteDoing very little physical activity, lying in bed most of the day, and taking a strong sleeping pill at night can make a big difference.
In my very recent experience, this is the best advice I've seen being given on this forum bar none. The days I push myself beyond what my body can naturally handle, I hurt. If I sleep well at night, I have a great day the next day. If I don't sleep well at night, my morning, at the very least, will suck.
If I'm chilling in bed or on the couch or balcony most of the day and don't try to over-exert, and get a great night's sleep, the next day is golden.
What has worked:
Going to bed early. Being consistent about PT and especially stretching. Moving my PT to the morning/early afternoon. Everyone is different, but before the surgery, I was incredibly active and super fit. If I worked out later at night, I couldn't sleep.
I'm stretching lots. Maybe an extra hour a day. Hamstrings, quads, calves. Just consistently. 5 minutes here, 10 there.
Eating well. Aside from the prescribed supplements, I'm eating healthy foods that are very rich in protein and supplementing with protein shakes and collagen protein in the morning.
Icy Hot. Works surprisingly well for short-term pain relief. Smells awful .
Listening to my body. I'm starting to get a sense of when I'm overdoing it. My legs absolutely tell me . As soon as that happens I'm horizontal in my bed, with a movie or a book.
Mental support from friends and family. I've told a fair amount of people I would be doing this surgery. I didn't really care about being judged, the stigma around this is lessening and literally everyone is getting something done. I was surprised and touched at how supportive they were, from my family and friends to my primary care doc to my girlfriend. People text, check in, send you food, prayers, well wishes, etc. It all adds up to having a healthy mental state.
What hasn't worked:
PT at night. Over-exertion. Staying up late. "Walking" around with the walker longer than necessary.
It sucks, because you want to be ambulatory as quickly as possible. But the exhaust factor is real. Your legs and body are actively healing while you're hurting them by distracting. I'm learning that this is a slow game of patience, where you're fighting your body, knowing that you have to do it all over again the next day.
I've normed to the reality that I won't be able to resume working out, not even swimming, for probably another week at least, and that's OK. All in good time.
On deck:
I'm hunting for a radiology clinic that can take x-rays with the magnet ball (no clue what this is, but it's on my prescription from Dr. Rozbruch). I just got it this morning and need to get my first set of post-op x-rays done next week. I also got approved for hydrotherapy (which my primary care doc recommended) and found a great place that films underwater, has a treadmill, and works on range of motion and gait. I'm beyond thrilled.
My doc also recommended hyperbaric chamber treatments. I have zero experience with this. He loves it. The response I got from Dr. Rozbruch's office:
"Hyperbaric therapy is not necessary, but is also not harmful. If it is something you want to do, we can support this."
We'll see how much this helps.
Do you need a helper?
During the first 2 weeks, absolutely. And probably through distraction with Precise 2.2. I haven't hired one because of the support system I have. But I could not manage without one. I can shower, bathe, etc. just fine (I bought special chairs, toilet seats with handles, etc.) but where the helper can be invaluable is "can you please get me this thing?". You will have this request 100 times a day and there are things you won't be able to do yourself. If I didn't have my GF and my friends, I would have absolutely hired a helper and anyone considering this procedure should budget for one.
Dr. Rozbruch and his staff:
Absolutely excellent so far. My emails get answers in minutes. Sometimes Erica or someone else calls to go over things via voice to ensure things get understood to the letter. Dr. Rozbruch responded to at least of my emails himself. I've never felt like I didn't have medical expertise in this area when I needed it, or wasn't getting the best possible care.
*****
One thing to add, which I've said before: obviously what I'm going through is personal to me, and everyone will make their own choices. But from what I can tell, your immediate environment will be critical to your success or failure in this procedure. I now know that doing this with Dr. Rozbruch was the right choice for me because I simply would not have been able to stay in Florida in a random hotel room for 3-4 months during distraction. Obviously lots of people do this - they even prefer it. But as you're weighing your options, I firmly believe that more than anything else
"Be where you're going to thrive during this experience"
Is a massive enabler. So if for you that's at a place that has other patients, regimented PT, etc., by all means you should do that. If you will do better on your own with PT and love the comfort of where you are, do that.
Hopefully this weekend continues to be just as boring. Be well. If you have questions, please ask. The reason I'm going to this level of detail is that I intend this to be the most accurate accounting of a Precice 2.2 femur lengthening in every single aspect, so I'm putting in every detail that could one day be helpful to someone else.
QuoteYeah man I'm going to yell at you as well.
Please yell at me, I apparently need it .
QuoteAre you coming back for some follow ups or just going to x-ray locally and send him?
3 weeks telemed, three weeks in person. X rays locally if I'm not in NYC. I go to New York frequently, and love the city, but now sufficiently terrified of flying
QuoteIt's like he's on one extreme end of the spectrum, with Paley being on the other ("forcing" you to stay there while lengthening). I actually wanted to ask Rozbruch about it, it's probably a matter of philosophy but also patient selection.
You're completely right. I do know now I would not have made it with Paley. I would have fled by now, or had someone kidnap me and break me out . Just not a fit from an environment perspective (honestly if that's all you can complain about these two doctors, there are worse things LOL)
QuoteYeah I definitely don't want to do PT with someone not familiar with this surgery. Dr. Marie Gdalevitch shared in her interview with Viktor that her patient broke his nail during PT when he was doing something he shouldn't have done, so need to be really careful here. Just to make sure we're sync'ed here, what do you mean by PT? Because for me PT = stretching
PT are the exercises in the recovery guide, starting on page 22. Some stretching, some strengthening. Stretching at this point is WAYYYY more beneficial for me as well. Whoever works with me, unless Dr. Rozbruch tells them to deviate from that guide, they absolutely won't.
QuoteOMG I'd love to do hydrotherapy, but not sure there is a place nearby. I talked to my PT about it, and he mentioned the logistics issue of getting in and out of the pool. Check out this video from Dr. Donghoon Lee, they have an actual lift for patients. Hopefully you find something that works.
Yeah, I got really lucky. It's right next to my place. They have a 90+ degree pool, treadmill and underwater cameras. I wasn't going to post any videos, but I may do this - they record the sessions. I am more excited about this than literally anything else.
Quote0.2mm at a time 🫡
We got this!!! Hang in there brother. Really appreciate your support, as well as everyone else's.
Quote from: uponly on February 17, 2023, 09:15:10 PMIf I'm chilling in bed or on the couch or balcony most of the day and don't try to over-exert, and get a great night's sleep, the next day is golden.
Going to play devil's advocate here just to balance it out (for others too). Sure, it's important to listen to your body and if you're tired / in pain etc you should definitely rest. That being said, some people may take this advice "too well" and end up staying in bed most of their day, which is definitely not a good thing. You do want to move around throughout the day and be "active".
Quote from: uponly on February 17, 2023, 09:15:10 PMMental support from friends and family. I've told a fair amount of people I would be doing this surgery. I didn't really care about being judged, the stigma around this is lessening and literally everyone is getting something done. I was surprised and touched at how supportive they were, from my family and friends to my primary care doc to my girlfriend. People text, check in, send you food, prayers, well wishes, etc. It all adds up to having a healthy mental state.That's amazing, glad you're receiving that much support! My experience is somewhat similar as well, been surprised with the level of support from family and friends. I didn't get food and prayers tho, maybe I need better friends? 
Quote from: uponly on February 17, 2023, 09:15:10 PMI've normed to the reality that I won't be able to resume working out, not even swimming, for probably another week at least, and that's OK. All in good time.Seriously? Next week? 
Quote from: uponly on February 17, 2023, 09:26:31 PMYou're completely right. I do know now I would not have made it with Paley. I would have fled by now, or had someone kidnap me and break me out . Just not a fit from an environment perspective (honestly if that's all you can complain about these two doctors, there are worse things LOL)I totally get it but I guess you can find a decent apartment as well. Someone here actually moved there for the lengthening period so he had a pretty good time.
Quote from: uponly on February 17, 2023, 09:26:31 PMPT are the exercises in the recovery guide, starting on page 22. Some stretching, some strengthening. Stretching at this point is WAYYYY more beneficial for me as well. Whoever works with me, unless Dr. Rozbruch tells them to deviate from that guide, they absolutely won't.I'm still slightly confused about the difference but terms aside - you should definitely focus on stretching, and I consider strengthening a bonus. Personally I like to do a "stretching / PT session" (about 30-45m) after every lengthening session, so I do it at least 4 times a day. Also if you didn't get an exercise bike you might want to grab one 
Quote from: uponly on February 17, 2023, 09:26:31 PMYeah, I got really lucky. It's right next to my place. They have a 90+ degree pool, treadmill and underwater cameras. I wasn't going to post any videos, but I may do this - they record the sessions. I am more excited about this than literally anything else.
I'm so jealous 
, looking forward to hear about it
Day 15, Home
Pain level: 2-4/10
First, massive thanks to hippo06 for all the tips! I have a massage gun, exercise bike and a lot of knowledge due to my fellow Rozbruch patient!! Waiting for both to arrive and we'll see how it goes.
I've increased my stretching/PT to about 2 hours a day, and am walking around a bit more with the walker. The pain mostly subsides during the day - stiffness and pain set in to a point where they wake me up at around 6:30 AM. I take a Dilaudid and go back to sleep.
Swelling is almost completely gone. My weight is now below pre-surgery weight, including the Precice nails (which weigh about 2 lbs or so total, I would guess). I weighed in at 148 lbs. this morning.
I'm closing in on 1 cm for lengthening. The lengthening process is still painless, I don't feel anything.
Most of the stiffness/soreness is in my quads and lower hamstrings, right above and immediately behind/below the knees. Legs are getting stronger every day. I can move each leg independently off the bed from 0 to 90 degrees, and hold in the air for 3-5 seconds at 45 degrees. This was flat impossible two weeks ago. Range of motion is almost intact from before, and my aim is to keep it there.
Life is definitely starting to normalize, as much as it can with being partially weight bearing. I'm working throughout the day as well. No complaints.
Eating: I'm eating a lot of protein, supplementing with collagen protein and protein shakes, and vegetables/smoothie in the evening. I'm definitely eating more than I was before, and the weight is still coming off.
On Deck: First set of x-rays today, and waiting to hear back from the hydrotherapy place. The x-rays get released to me immediately and I can't wait to see them. Hopefully they show nothing but good things .
Lots of great signs and progress!
Week 2 feels like a walk in the park compared to week 1
Any updates?
Any update?
Quote from: Yau on April 19, 2023, 01:19:22 AMAny update?
It's been two months. I think it's safe to assume this is an abandoned diary.
Quote from: EndGame on April 19, 2023, 01:01:44 PMIt's been two months. I think it's safe to assume this is an abandoned diary.
It's a safe assumption. To be fair, the forum was down for a month. After it came back, I asked the moderators to delete the diary (I still have yet to hear a response).
I just didn't see the level of interest as other diaries, especially those from overseas. I think people are much more interested in cheaper solutions and weight-bearing nails (as much as Precise 2.2 is better than anything else on the market, and is reversible, which is SO valuable), most people just won't opt into this.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to choose the right Dr. and use the right nail, and lengthen to a safe amount and listen to protocols. I shudder every time I see someone say they're lengthening femurs to 10 cm+, no ITB release, walking on Precise during distraction (!!) - someone I know said in Greece they are bending rods left and right because of this. It boggles my mind how people compromise the principles of 1) being safe and walking again and 2) having an outcome with no complications. But - to each their own.
Rozbruch's quote on my bone growth is "A++ on bone growth. Best I've seen in years, you're growing bone like a teenager". The X-rays look outstanding as well.
I hired a great PT who specializes in orthopedics, and whatever insurance doesn't cover, I pay out of pocket. I have PT every day and stretch on my own for about an hour.
I eat a protein and vegetable heavy diet, including collagen and tons of bone broth. I sleep 10 hours a day easy.
I'm at 5 cm and while I've lost flexibility and ROM, I'm still, according to my PT, more flexible than most normal people. He says that if I work very hard I can get my flexibility and ROM back.
I have a lot of nerve pain in my tibias. I consulted with Dr. Rozbruch, my primary care doc (who prescribed gabapentin), my PT and Moshe Roth (famous leg lengthening PT). All said it's normal and it will go away. Moshe said he sees this in almost all of his patients.
I bike 30 minutes a day and am going to start walking in the pool again. I made a great friend in hippo06, and he and I exchange knowledge and tips every day, and help motivate one another.
To end, I'm doing very well. Choosing Dr. Rozbruch was an excellent decision. Under his protocols, and with the help of my primary care doc, my PT, and just being incredibly consistent, I am thriving. I am doing really great minus the nerve pain, which at its highest is unbearable. But I'll get through that and should have no issues getting to 8 cm and recovering well with zero complications.
Hopefully what I wrote to date will help some folks.
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