My ceiling is too short.

I took my X-Pole down not long ago to stop it from getting all stiff and stuff. I've just spent over an hour trying to put it back up again, and I cannot for the life of me figure out how I did it last time. I've shortened it as much as possible without taking the little extension out, but it won't fit properly. It would if I could put it in all ready-screwed and stuff, but it's literally just a centimetre too long to get under the ceiling. But if I take the extension out, then the pole is too short and I have to extend it loads.    I had this problem before... I just don't remember how I fixed it at all =\ anyone else had this...? I'm about to explode with frustration. All I want is to get on the damn pole, especially before my mum gets home and will be in and out of the lounge -_-