Precice 2 with Dr. Dong Hoon Lee (S. Korea) in 2023

I haven’t come across many posts from recent patients who have undergone limb lengthening (LL) with Dr. DH Lee, so I wanted to share my own experience.

Currently in the process of lengthening by approximately 3.5cm. Originally from the U.S.

I had my initial consultation back in 2021. Originally scheduled to have the Stryde procedure in December, but due to its recall, my surgery got pushed to May the following year. While waiting for updates on the recall, I opted to switch to Precice instead of waiting for Stryde to become available again, a decision I am pleased with.

The surgery took place about 1.5 months ago, went smoothly without any complications. I believe I was under anesthesia for less than 1.5 hours. Around noon, the nurses escorted me to the operating room; after meeting the anesthesiologist, I fell asleep about 15-20 minutes later and woke up in my room at around 2:30 pm. Considering the pre and post-surgery procedures, I estimate that I was under anesthesia for a very brief period. I was concerned about waking up feeling nauseous, but fortunately, I did not experience any anesthesia-related side effects.

Experience during the hospital stay post-surgery
Dr. Lee mandates that his patients remain in the hospital for the first 6 days post-surgery. It is compulsory to either hire a helper or have a family member stay with you after the surgery (to monitor you between nurse and doctor visits, assist with tasks such as emptying the urine bag during the initial 3 days, fetching items since you will be bedridden for 3 days, etc.). I opted to hire a helper. I remained bedridden for the first 2.5 days and started using a wheelchair on the third day.

I received comprehensive care from the hospital staff from start to finish. Nurses checked my vital signs every few hours, a member from the rehabilitation center provided cryotherapy each morning to help with swelling and pain, and Dr. Lee visited daily towards the end of the day to inspect his patients and address any inquiries. On the day before the last, I commenced my physical therapy sessions. The hospital assigned me a physical therapist who has been caring for me ever since.

Upon discharge from the hospital, I had daily physical therapy sessions scheduled. My physical therapist, HY Kim, is highly skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate. He took the time to respond to all my queries while tending to my legs based on my condition and pain level. Engaging in physical therapy felt psychologically beneficial as well.

Management of discomfort
They mention that pain levels differ among individuals. In my case, the pain was the most intense I have ever experienced. Specifically, the post-surgery pain was bearable (I could actually work full-time during my hospital stay. Just to note: I have a remote job). However, the pain related to the lengthening process was excruciating. I could barely work 2-3 hours a day. I managed the pain with pain relievers and regular stretching. Thankfully, since I only underwent a 3.5cm lengthening, the process lasted just over a month. I am currently in the consolidation phase, but the pain level remains quite high.

Daily routine post-surgery
My typical day involves rehabilitation at the rehabilitation center and at home. I engage in about an hour of stretching/strength training in the morning before heading to the hospital for my 30-minute appointment with my physical therapist, followed by an additional 2.5 hours to utilize their facilities. Upon returning home, I dedicate another 2.5 hours to stretching. Altogether, that amounts to about 5.5-6 hours of physical therapy daily.

I have follow-up appointments with Dr. Lee every two weeks. During these visits, x-rays are taken, and I consult with Dr. Lee as he reviews my x-ray scans and addresses any questions I may have. So far, he mentioned that my bones are progressing well, hopefully enabling me to stand in the next month or so.

I am approximately 1.5 months post-surgery. I anticipate having about a month and a half of regular physical therapy remaining before I can stand and begin walking somewhat normally.

In conclusion, I am pleased with my decision to undergo the procedure with Dr. Lee. The post-surgery care – particularly the rehabilitation care (physical therapy and hydroptherapy sessions) – is of top quality, surpassing what I believe I could have received even in the U.S. or elsewhere.

One observation I made while viewing some of Dr. Lee’s YouTube videos (on the Korean channel) is his genuine enthusiasm for his work and his commitment to prioritizing his patients above all. I do not make this statement lightly. I am usually sceptical of doctors/surgeons and believe many are primarily motivated by financial gain, but based on my experience over the past 1.5 months with Dr. Lee and his team, I can genuinely attest to the doctor’s dedication to assisting patients – whether in correcting leg deformities or performing cosmetic lengthening to help patients achieve their desired height.

I have yet to encounter a doctor who exhibits such care for the well-being of his patients as Dr. Lee does.

I will provide further updates on my progress. Feel free to ask any questions!