CJ's Story
i have club feetHi everyone. My name is cj. Im 23 years old, and I was born w/ bilateral clubbed feet. Im lucky enough to only be able to recall what my mom has told me about my operations. I know I was operated on almost immediately after birth. I wore casts for the first 8 months of my life (most of which I still have). I also had the shoes with the bar across the bottom, forgive me, i have no idea what the name of them are.
Ive been to some of the best doctors all over the country, in Childrens Hospitals, the Shriners, and even a few alternative practices. The best hope it seems I can be given is pain pills, and the last thing I want to do it become reliant on vicodin, when the pain is just going to come back within a couple hours. Ive even had thoughts of having my feet totally removed. I think paperclip feet would be helpful.
Ive gotten somewhat depressed over my condition as of late. I have a wonderful fiancee who is very exercise conscious. She loves going for walks and enjoying the outdoors. I love spending time with her, but the pain in my feet is such a deterrent that I cant bring myself to join her. I fear the day when I have to tell my children that daddy cant come play because hes in too much pain.
I have never let the pain in my feet stop me in the past. I was a two-year letter in high school football, played basketball, wrestled, and even did karate. I would always push past the pain. These days though, it seems like my feet will finally win the fight. I read a lot of the stories on these sites and find a ton of motivation from all the people living with this condition. I know its not fatal, and its not going to kill me. But it sure does make life interesting. Im not sure what im hoping to get out of this, but thanks to everyone for letting me share my story.
Added on 02 Jun 2010