jake gibson's Story

There are days when I wish someone would amputate my feet off, but I don't think I'd ever go through with it. I've had five surgeries on each foot, and I still wear leg braces, and have a lot of pain, some days, when I get the muscle spasms, I have to use my crutches. It is definitely inconvenient, however it's worth it for those days when I'm feeling great and I can run a little bit - even if it's a very slow and 'funny looking' run.

Jake, Hi-I'm interested in the outcome of you proposed amputation. I have a 12 year old daughter who also has bilateral club feet. She has undergone 6 operations on the right foot & leg and 5 in the left. Her right foot/lower leg has been in a frame twice. The most recent op was this Feb and for a number of reasons hasn't really acheived much. She does have a foot that is at 9o degrees to her leg, but the foot is grossly disfigured, 4 sizes larger than her left foot and has no movement at all. As a result she is actually walking worse than pre op. She is going back to see her consultant in 2 weeks to request an amputation-a decision that at he moment looks like the best option. I would really like to know if you have continued with this idea and if so-how do you feel about it now, if not why not! Thanks Angie

hi jake is me ur friend i read ur case and it most be very toughf for you and hope u get better

Hi Jake I hope that you are ok. If you haven't had the 3rd op, please rethink. My son was born with severe talipies of both feet and had numerous operations as a child. As a teenager, he wanted amputation but the doctors wanted to try another op. We then moved abroad and he saw doctors overseas where they operated as well. My son returne to the UK and tak=lked about amputation again. He even had counselling and went to the limb fittin centre but they wanted him to see one more doctor who tried another operation. This one helped a great deal and even though he is stillo registered as diabled he pain is now manageable. He is now in his 20's and works full time, drives his own car, has girlfriends and a social life. He even volunteers for St John's ambulance and does various different duties. I cannot fully understand how you feel but I understand how your parents feel and would just like to say, don't give up. They are finding new treatments all the time and I feel you are too young to have an amputation. You have your whole life ahead of you and that will be too final. Thinking of you Chris

Hey bud, I was in exactly this situation when I was 12, after 2 surgeries my doctors were done, they just wanted to amputate both my legs. You need to get a second opinion. I got a second oppinion and I was so glad I did. I know how hard it is when your doctors are pressuring you to do something this drastic. Contact me, or better yet, have your parents contact me. My e-mail is laceyphipps@rocketmail.com. Hang in there buddy!

Jake, I was exactly where you are right now. I am now 57, had b/l club feet, and continue to have various issues to this day. And I too, like you, once had a doctor reccomend to my parents that I have an amputation. Fortunately, my parents got a second opinion, and chose a different route for me. I certainly hope your parents are doing the same for you. Once you have something amputated, it cannot be put back. And wearing a prosthetic has its own, life-long issues. But whichever choice your parents make, with your view being the final decision, I would hope, I wish you luck and good health. And always know there are many fellow clubbies out here that are more than willing to be your sounding board. Notumbo www.adultclubfeet.blogspot.com

Hi Jake, i read your story & just wanted to know if you had any casting or splints at all before the surgery. Hope you are ok. Many thanks

please dont call me am sorry