Natalie's Story

I am a 45 year old female who was born with a right club foot, I also have a thin, odd looking right calf. I have been upset about my appearence in the past but now realise that life is too short. My gorgeous husband did not notice my leg until about 6 months into our relationship and that was only when i mentioned it. Mary if you have been approached to do some modelling you must be stunning - emphasise your good points, nobody will be looking at your legs. To everyone feeling bad about their legs remember that most people have good and bad points in their appearence and being human we concentrate on the bad in ourselves thinking they stand out a mile but they do not. Wear nice tops, splash out on handbags, get a good haircut etc and smile.

I feel the same way. I have a left clubbed foot and it affects me everyday. I am ashamed to say I wish I had two normal looking legs and feet because I think of the people who are not able to walk. But I cannot help feeling the way I do. My toes are messed up and its painful for me to walk at times. But the most awkward part for me is the uneven calves. I started seeing an orthopedic surgeon and hoping that I can get a calf implant ASAP. Your story has touched me in so many ways. It feels good to know that I am not the only person that feels this way. Hang in there.

hey girl when i read your story my mouth dropped i feel the same way and cant remember the last time i wore a skirt or shorts out of the house. its really painful and it is hard i totally understand. im alway looking for the closet way to get were i need to go. dont feel alone i can totally relate please keep in touch maybe we could help eachother through

I'm 22 and have was born with a right clubbed foot also. It effects me ever day too. My right leg is slightly shorter than my left, and my right ankle is very skinny. I recently got a calf implant which help a bit, however my ankles and lower calves are still out of proportion. I feel ashamed of what i look like. I live in a very hot part of the world and want nothing more than to wear skirts and shorts like everyone else. I never go to the beach because i dont want anybody to see my leg, and I get scared of being in relationships because i feel nobody will love me once they realise my condition. I know this sounds so selfish of me because there are many people in worse positions, but i feel why me? I was even approached by modeling agencies when i was younger. I feel wasted and depressed all the time. :(

I also was born with a right club foot. I had surgery when I was 6 months old and had at least four more before I was 8 years old. My right leg and foot were stunted by an inch. I wear two different size shoes and my leg is an in shorter than my left leg. I am so proud that I can walk though. I was self conscious in my younger years for most of my life. I am now 49 years old. I have seen so many people that are worse off than I am. Truthfully, I am so glad that it was not any worse. As you get older you will see just how fortunate you are. I do sympathize with you because I have been in the same shoes that you are in. I just pray that you will find peace with yourself. It can happen.

wow, sounds like you have a carbon copy of my situation, only that i am male and it is my left leg. I'd be very interested to hear more from you and how you have handled this. you say "there's never been anyone to comiserate with," feel free to contact me at this email you like.