What to Pack for Limb Lengthening
Short answer
Pack for about 3 months, with clothes that are easy to put on over a frame or bandages: loose shorts and wide trousers, slip-on shoes, and comfortable layers. Bring your documents, your regular medication and a laptop or tablet. A wheelchair, transfers and, in hotel packages, your room at the Four Points by Sheraton are already provided.
Clothes
• Loose shorts and wide-leg trousers, ideally with side zips or snaps, that fit over bandages or an external frame (LON).
• Comfortable T-shirts and a few warmer layers, depending on the season.
• Slip-on shoes with a closed heel and good grip, and non-slip socks.
• Easy underwear and sleepwear.
Documents and money
• Passport (and visa if needed; check the official e-visa site, see the travel guide).
• Your medical records, recent X-rays and a list of your medications.
• Payment arrangements: payment is by cash or bank transfer; credit cards are not accepted for the package.
• Travel insurance documents, if you have them.
Health items
• Your regular prescription medication for the whole stay.
• Personal hygiene items; showering can be harder at first, so bring what makes it easier for you.
Things for the long days
• Laptop or tablet, chargers and an adapter for Turkish sockets (type F).
• Headphones, books, games or courses for the lengthening weeks.
• A small bag or backpack you can hang on a walker or wheelchair.
What you do not need to bring
• A wheelchair: it is provided.
• Airport transfers: included.
• A hotel: included in the hotel packages (Four Points by Sheraton, 90 nights).
Read more about daily life during treatment in staying in Istanbul and the recovery timeline.
For the hospital stay
• A small bag with sleepwear, underwear, slip-on shoes and toiletries for 4 nights / 5 days.
• Phone, charger and a long charging cable that reaches the bed.
• Your list of medications and allergies.
For comfort at the hotel
• A pillow you like to support your legs, if you are particular about pillows.
• A reusable water bottle and easy snacks.
• A grabber tool can help you pick things up without bending; ask us if you are unsure what you will need.
For the flight home
• Loose clothes for the flight and slip-on shoes.
• Documents from the clinic about your surgery and implant.
• Remember the anticoagulant injection 2 hours before the flight; you can fly from at least 15 days after surgery.
Season and weather
Istanbul has warm summers and cool, rainy winters. Check the weather for the months of your stay and pack layers. Most of your time is spent between the hotel and the clinic, so comfort matters more than style.
A simple checklist
• Passport, visa if needed, medical records, X-rays.
• Medication for 3 months.
• Loose shorts, wide trousers, T-shirts, layers.
• Slip-on shoes and non-slip socks.
• Laptop or tablet, chargers, type F adapter, headphones.
What to pack for a companion
If someone comes with you, they need their own documents and, depending on their passport, a visa. Comfortable walking shoes help them on the days they accompany you to the clinic. Ask us about arrangements for your companion before you travel.
What to leave at home
• Tight jeans and clothes that are hard to pull over the leg.
• Shoes with laces or high heels.
• Valuables you will not need during a recovery stay.
If you forget something
Istanbul is a large city, and almost everything you might forget can be bought locally or delivered to your hotel. Our team can tell you where to find what you need.
Preparing your home for your return
Before you leave for Istanbul, think about your return: a chair with armrests, a clear path without loose rugs, and things you use every day within easy reach make the first weeks at home easier. If you live upstairs without a lift, plan how you will manage the stairs with crutches.
Questions?
Write to us on WhatsApp (+90 533 016 45 62) and we will help you prepare.
FAQ
How long should I pack for?
About 3 months, the average stay in Istanbul.
What shoes should I bring?
Slip-on shoes with a closed heel and good grip.
Do I need to bring a wheelchair?
No. A wheelchair is provided.
What clothes fit over an external frame?
Loose shorts and wide trousers, ideally with side zips or snaps.
Can I buy things in Istanbul?
Yes. Istanbul is a large city where you can buy almost anything you forget.
Should I bring my own crutches?
No need; ask us what is provided for you before you travel.