Christopher Durdin's Story
i have club feetHi ,I am 56 years old and was born with both feet deformed.
I was only 3 weeks old when my parents George and Blanche made an a appointment with Dr Douglas McKAY in Adelaide South Australia to see how to treat Club Feet..
I was placed under the care of Physio Helen Blair at the Adelaide Childrens Hospital.
Miss Blair had just returned from the UK with a new way of treating Club Feet.
Treatment started with full length Plasters this continued till I was about 7 years old .Each leg was done for a few months and then the other leg was done.
The next stage was the use of night splints ,steel base with prong hanging out near the small toe.A leather strap was pulled up to a support below my knee .
Both legs had night splints .Bed sheets were cut to pieces Mum had to mend my bedding all of the time.
I was not that rapt with the splints.Many times I undid the straps during sleep ,much to Mums discust.
Mum did exercises on my feet every day for 12 years.
Elephant walks up and down the passage Palms on the carpet and on all fours up and up and back .
Special boots were made for me to wear to junior School
My first pair of real shoes was when I was 13 years old .
I played all sports like every other kid.In fact I was very successful at Tennis ,Cricket and Football .
I owe everything to my wonderful parents and Health professionals .
My Mum is now 86 years old ,I am now helping her in her time of need it feels great to return the love and care she showed me for many years.
All other people that assisted in my treatment have passed on.
At 56 years of age I am unfortunaly having big issues of painful feet on top of both feet.It would be better if I lost a bit of weight but it is a catch 22 if I do a lot of walking to try and burn off some fat I cant walk for days .I suppose I will have to do it with diet .
Anyway I have had a fulfilling life and not let Club Feet take over my life .
Parents with Kids affected need to support with love and firmness to make sure their children are given every oppertunity possible to succeed in their life.
Cheers
Chris Durdin
Added on 25 Nov 2009