Information on ClubFeet in Black and White

Ken's Story

Hello my name is Ken -age:44- Bilateral Club Feet.
Married with 4 children none of which have club feet.
Living in New Zealand.

At present I am waiting for a below the knee amputation of left leg.

Let me give you some background: I had at that time all that medical science could offer; multiple surgeries at early age were successful with right foot, left foot did not respond to treatment which left me with a foot with no heel (club).
As a kid I tried to fit in with everybody else but I was noticeably different than the others and therefore a freak-show and well kids can be cruel.
Years of childhood taunting gave me more resolve (and a terrible anger) but also created a secret side, a dual persona whereupon I created a identity that hid my deformity.

Those that taunted me would soon regret their cruelty as I sort to become a mean son-of-a-bitch in my teenage years with drug and alcohol abuse, violence, gangs and crime.

Until about the age of 24 I wore boots with a sock stuffed into the heal (left only). At age 25 I had a Triple Arthrodesis and was measured and fitted with an orthotic that slipped into my boot, for nearly 20 year I have enjoyed the comfort of an orthotic foot support.

Over the last 5 years I have suffered terribly with pain and have had to regulate my lifestyle which is frustrating to say the least. I am also experiencing a bowing of my left leg which has affected it's length which in turn is affecting my hip. I am also experiencing severe arthritic pain. My orthopaedic surgeon gave me 2 options: More surgery to fuse the entire foot or amputation. I'm opting for the later, I've really had enough of the pain and suffering associated with this condition and I'll be happy to see it go. I'm sure my wife and kids will be happy to see me pain-free as years of pain had turned me into a mean bastard and until recently had no idea.

For 44 years I have limped my way across planet Earth, Climbed mountains, a volcano, hiking, tramping, fishing, diving, sports, would never take no for an answer and have been successful in all that I set out to do although I've had to pay the price (pain!!) I sometimes regret that I have been so hard on my physical body.

I don't see amputation as an end but a new beginning with new challenges. My wife of 18 years is loving, encouraging and supportive and has been my strength! (and also my physio) we are ready to move forward together.

To all the parents of children with club feet don't be disheartened or fearful, I've had a great and fortunate life, I've done many things, As a musician travelled the world and seen many places. My club feet have not been a hindrance but rather a motivating force to reach out and achieve, I am a blessed man.

with much regards to all,

Ken

Comments

Comment added by : name on the 25 May 2009 at 19:55pm
comment1,
Comment added by : kathryn on the 03 Jan 2009 at 06:00am
I was born with club feet and am now trying to get my left leg removed as i can only walk for 30/60 mins before i get pain and then im unable to walk for 2 days its good for me to hear that im not the only one out there that wants this doing.
Comment added by : Gill on the 05 Sep 2008 at 07:26am
i am 56 years old and had numerous surgery during childhood. i now have osteoarthritis which resulted in a hind foot fusion in oct2007.I was the freak at school so i also pushed myself and became low in self esteem.BUT glad to say granson is o.k Finally would recommend aquarobics for flexibility and pain relief. The best of everything to all clubfooters, youre simply the best.
Comment added by : johnny bielawski on the 22 Mar 2008 at 15:36pm
i am 24 and have had to deal with some major issues regarding surgeries galore pain and your story scares the hell out of me cause that is what is going to have to happen to me. Living life completley miserable because of deformity and scrutiny plus living in extreme pain day in and day out all the time really makes it very hard to be in a good mood about yourself let alone anyone around you. If you have any advice for me that you think could be beneficial or uplifting i would greatly appreciate it .....THANK YOU>>
Comment added by : Bonnie on the 06 Nov 2007 at 23:20pm
Ken,
I am 44, left club foot, 8 surgeries. I have partial fusion and have been told to plan for a total fusion when I become unable to walk without pain or unable to walk at all.
I am concerned about your planned amputation. I have recently started seeing an Osteopath and am seeing results.
If you have not had the surgery I would like you to find an Osteopath.
Like you I have always felt the odd need to perform physically and excel in sports. I too wish that I had treated my body kinder, rather with too much zeal.
Please let me know how life is going.
Bonnie


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