Sandy's Story

Dear Sandy ,I was born with club foot on both feet I have had operation's and plasters since birth up to the age of 11. My feet are still in pain regularly even when I walk for short distances. I've had 4 operations and been in and out of hospital a lot . Its so hard as it affects your education to, you miss a lot of school by having this condition . I strongly agree that you should let your child have as much surgery as it needs . Believe me I have had experience and your child would be so grateful when he/she is older. I thank my mum so much to let me have surgery and with out it I wouldn't be able to walk now days . Although I had to seek hard for great ormouth street hospital's best top doctors it was worth it . I wish the very best for you and hopefully your child will have a speedy recovery. :)

Dear Sandy, My son was born with bi-lateral club feet. He underwent serial casting until he was 7 months old in which case he needed surgery. He had his heel cord released and pins placed in numerous spots through recovery. The pins were removed by a year old. Through childhood my son played soccer, basketball, swimming and different types of martial arts. By 6th grade he no longer played sports as it bothered his feet to much, his gait is different and the coaches told hom he could be assistant coach that he did not qualify for the team. It was heartbreaking to see this young boy suffer. My boy is now 18, holds a full time job and in college. Since he has been working is has severe chronic pain in both feet. They say he does not need more surgery that its just something he has to deal with. Please... 18 and he is in tears from the pain at the end of the day. There are some days he can hardly walk. He wears orthothcs, elevates and ices daily. He is up to 8 advil and 6 tylenol daily to take the edge off... yes just take the edge off. We are currently waiting for an appointment at the pain clinic to see about therapy, acupuncture... som other alternatives. He did have cortizone shots which were unsucessful... Is there hope that he can live pain free? It breaks my heart to see these poor kids suffer :(

Dear Sandy, I am not sure how long ago this post was written, but I couldn't resist responding after I read. My daughter was also born with bilateral clubfeet. She had the one procedure done (releasing heal cord) and did the ponsetti casting at birth. She is now 5 and her feet are beginning to turn in again and a major surgery is now recommended putting pins, plates, and screws and the breaking of bones to get them straight. After much prayer, tears, and confusion; i have come to realize that I must give this surgery a try. She currently takes dance, plays softball, and soccer (and one of the fastest might I add). I feel in my heart that they deserve a chance to be normal if only for a short while! Our goal is to make them happy. I wish you and your family the best and you guys are in my prayers.