Our
Story
Justin was born with severe complex bi-lateral clubfeet. He went through four major surgeries between ages 3 months to 5 months old. After the surgeries there was 4 months of casting. His feet looked good. He started walking by 1 year old.
A few years later, 7 years old, the left foot started turning downward. Justin started walking on his toes. Every doctor we went to wanted to perform another surgery. We didn't feel that was the correct direction to go. We were approved to be seen at Shriner's Hospital in Galveston. This doctor said to wait on the surgeries until he stopped growing. Otherwise, scar tissue would increase causing major arthritis. He also has a bone growth that is preventing him from standing flat on his foot.
Currently, Justin is 19 and we started looking into what needed to happen with his foot. The right foot still looks great but the left one has continually gotten worse. I found a non-profit that is working on getting studies done for more and better procedures for clubfoot conditions. We found out that we should have never waited. Justin should have been put into casts and stayed in the casts for several years after the surgeries. The only doctor that would be able to help with the complexity of his foot is Dr. Dobbs in St. Louis, MO. Our insurance will not cover the costs much less the travel. We need to make sure he is able to walk properly. He also has ADHD. He paces A LOT without noticing he is pacing.
Based on reading other's experiences in the non-profits facebook group, pain becomes overwhelming in the late 20's early 30's. Adults are still getting surgery and wearing braces. Some are even getting amputations to stop the pain. We are worried about his future due to his foot.
