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brachybratt
Member
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Posted: Sat Jun 6th, 2009 02:01 am |
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Hi Hope,
It is an amazing feeling to find this site, isnt it? Feeling like your the only 1 in the world who has this, is such a lonely feeling. Words really dont describe what it feels like to find this site. I had my surgery not to long ago, and I love my new foot. I have to go back and get the other done, and its a very very long process, but its sooooooo worth it! I cant wait until the day that I can wear flip flops, and not have to have the thought of hiding my feet on my mind 24 hours a day. This site is very helpful, in finding great information and for support. We all defiantly know how it feels to have this condition. Glad you found it!
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Hope
Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 5th, 2009 |
| Location: | Denmark |
| Posts: | 37 |
| Mana: |  |
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Posted: Sat Jun 6th, 2009 09:45 am |
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Yeah it is the best feeling in the world! I have seen the pictures of your new foot and it looks amazing!  When are you having the other foot done?
I have spent a lot of time just reading through all the topics in this forum and the fact that I could have written it all myself actually brought tears to my eyes. Such an amazing feeling to know that other people have the exact same feelings as I do. Like you said it... constantly being conscious of the stupid toes and hiding away.
Now I can't wait to find out when I can have the surgery done - and wear flip flops!!
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brachybratt
Member
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Posted: Sat Jun 6th, 2009 06:24 pm |
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Hi Hope,
Aww, thank you, Im very very happy with my results!! Im defiantly having my surgery by the end of this year, (as far as the date, im not exactly sure yet) I have some things I need to sort out first, but I have to get it done by the end of this year, because our winters are pretty bad here, and our fall's are a perfect time to have this surgery, I dont wanna be walking around on crutches in the snow or ice. So my time frames limited. I need to have it before Jan, because if not, then Ill have to have it after the winter and then Ill be into spring, and I want to be done by then because I dont want to be in a cast for 2spring/summers in a row. I couldn't imagine having 2 summers shot by being in a cast! Plus, I just want it over with in general, because like I said, its just a very, very long process. Im into my 5th week, (I think) this Friday, and I have no pain whatsoever, ..just walking on crutches. Do you know when your gonna get your surgery?
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Hope
Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 5th, 2009 |
| Location: | Denmark |
| Posts: | 37 |
| Mana: | |
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Posted: Sun Jun 7th, 2009 12:16 am |
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Hi brachybratt,
I hope that it'll all fall in place so that you can have your surgery done at the best time for you.
I just found this site yesterday so it's all very new to me. I have sent Dr. Lee an e-mail which I'm waiting for him to respond to.
My challenge right now is that I live in Denmark, a little country north of Germany (in case you didn't know) so Arizona is far away from here. No doubt in my mind that I would travel halfway round the earth to get this done. I just have to figure all the practical stuff out 
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brachybratt
Member
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Posted: Mon Jun 8th, 2009 12:07 am |
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Hi Hope!
Wow, no, I didnt know where that was! Wow, well, just make a little vacation out of it!! I may have already asked you this, but is only 1 foot effected with this? (Im hoping that it is, so you wouldn't have to travel here 2xs!!)
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rightandleft
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 2nd, 2009 |
| Location: | New York |
| Posts: | 135 |
| Mana: | |
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Posted: Mon Jun 8th, 2009 12:34 am |
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Hi Brachybratt
Would you happen to know any Drs in New York City thank u
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brachybratt
Member
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Posted: Mon Jun 8th, 2009 01:58 pm |
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Hi rightandleft,
No, Im sorry I don't. I know there was someone on this forum who went to a Dr. in N.y, and they posted on here, but I cant think of who it was off the top of my head. If I come across it, Ill defiantly let you know. Good luck!
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Hope
Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 5th, 2009 |
| Location: | Denmark |
| Posts: | 37 |
| Mana: | |
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Posted: Mon Jun 8th, 2009 11:19 pm |
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Yeah it is pretty far away but of course I want to do it anyway I am now in contact with Dr. Lee and tomorrow (in Denmark it's just past midnight now) I will call my own doctor to have x-rays and all that arranged. If I could have the surgery tomorrow I would!
Fortunately I only have brachy on my left foot so if all goes well I just have to have one surgery.
Hope you and your foot are well
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Hope
Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 5th, 2009 |
| Location: | Denmark |
| Posts: | 37 |
| Mana: | |
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Posted: Mon Jun 8th, 2009 11:21 pm |
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And because of the distance I want to go for the one-stage. Then most of the follow-up can be done by a local doctor
Just wanted to add that...
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cg
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 26th, 2007 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 5 |
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Posted: Tue Jun 9th, 2009 01:06 am |
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| Unfortunately I found this site a little too late. My surgeries began 38 years ago when I was 18 at which time doctors at Duke reversed the tendons in my toes to improve the appearance. Twenty years ago I had my toes shortened and lengthened to improve the appearance. Two years ago I had my short toe on one foot "attached" to the ones on both sides. Lot of pain, lot of expense, lots of tears, and frustrating results. The final blow to my hope came when the specialist chastised me for wasting his time as I should just be glad I could walk. Not sure anyone without this condition can understand the emotional stress. My hope now is for any parent who might have found this site to take your child's concerns seriously and get help before it's too late.
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leepodiatry
Administrator
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Posted: Tue Jun 9th, 2009 04:42 am |
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CG,
I'm sorry to hear that your experience was so bad. There are some docs out their that have absolutely no tact in their comments.
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ddinardo122hotmail.com
Member
| Joined: | Thu Apr 16th, 2009 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 57 |
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Posted: Thu Jun 11th, 2009 06:18 pm |
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CG,
Sorry to hear about your suffering and pain. Maybe you should have Dr. Lee take a look at your feet and see if he can help. If you are in good health you may be able to have corrective surgery. I just had the one stage brachymetartsia surgery with Dr. Lee on 3-20-09 and I am 50 years old.
I also had a bad experience with a doctor while looking for a podiatrist in my area who would take me on as a post-op patient after my surgery with Dr. Lee.
I went in for a free consultation with a podiatrist who was highly recommended by my primary care physician (a friend of his). I showed the podiatrist a diagram and photograph of the one stage surgery I was having with Dr. Lee. He looked at the diagram and then he actually called Dr. Lee a liar (he said that Dr. Lee was lying about how many brachy surgeries he has performed and the lengths he is able to achieve) and then he told me to get out of his office, that I was wasting his time. When I asked him to just take a look at my foot he said "if you take off your sock I am going to charge you for this visit" and then he stormed out of the room leaving me sitting on the examining table.
I can't wait to show my primary care physician the results of my surgery so that he can tell his friend (the ignorant podiatrist) how good the results are. I may even go in to show the ignoramus myself, even if he charges me!!!!!
ddinardo
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happee_feet
Member
| Joined: | Tue Feb 17th, 2009 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 102 |
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Posted: Thu Jun 11th, 2009 06:31 pm |
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 WOW at the lack of professionalism! I can't believe people act that way much less coming from a doctor you go to looking for help! 
I'm really sorry you guys had to go through that.
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ontario1
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 14th, 2009 |
| Location: | Ontario Canada |
| Posts: | 78 |
| Mana: | |
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Posted: Thu Jun 11th, 2009 07:29 pm |
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Oh my goodness what an ignorant rude person.  It's too bad that you couldn't report him for his lack of professionalism - these people are trained to help us!!!!
CG what a terrible experience that you have been through
I just got an info package from Dr. Lee. I have to start the process of going to my family doctor and asking to be referred so I know I will have a bit of a battle too! She poo-pooed it a few years ago when I asked her if anything could be done with my toe. That was before I knew exactly what I had. Any suggestions ddinardo?
I think we are close in age (I am 47) and if I remember correctly you didn't have pain with your brachy foot? Do we need a referral to a podiatrist or a foot and ankle surgeon or what? Thanks in advance!
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ddinardo122hotmail.com
Member
| Joined: | Thu Apr 16th, 2009 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 57 |
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Posted: Thu Jun 11th, 2009 07:48 pm |
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ontario1,
You live in Canada, correct? I don't know anything about the insurance there. In the United States there are different types of insurance, and because I have PPO insurance I didn't need a referral from my family doctor.
I suggest that you give all of you insurance information to Dr. Lee's office and see what they say. In the mean time if your family doctor just poo-poo's this again, tell her you are in pain and as you get older the pain is getting worse. If she still blows you off you may have to find a family doctor who doesn't dismiss this condition.
Best of luck, ddinardo
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rightandleft
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 2nd, 2009 |
| Location: | New York |
| Posts: | 135 |
| Mana: | |
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Posted: Fri Jun 12th, 2009 04:04 am |
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Hi ddinardo
Can you post pictures of your feet that if your cast if off, I am not sure if it is since I didn't read all the quotes. Did you have the brachy on both feet thank you
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ddinardo122hotmail.com
Member
| Joined: | Thu Apr 16th, 2009 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 57 |
| Mana: | |
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Posted: Fri Jun 12th, 2009 04:19 am |
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rightandleft,
I am one of the lucky people who have brachy on one foot only. I am still in a cast but it is removable so I am able to take photos of my progress. However, I have had a very difficult time trying to post the photos to this forum. If you would like to see my before and my after (at 8 weeks post-op) then e-mail me at the address on the left. I can get the photos up on e-mail. I am presently at 11 weeks post-op but haven't taken any photos since 8 weeks. Dr. Lee did an amazing job!!!!
ddinardo
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rightandleft
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 2nd, 2009 |
| Location: | New York |
| Posts: | 135 |
| Mana: | |
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Posted: Fri Jun 12th, 2009 03:01 pm |
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Hi Ddinaro
Thank you will do
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Pearla
Member
| Joined: | Fri Jul 3rd, 2009 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 1 |
| Mana: | |
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Posted: Sat Jul 4th, 2009 12:25 am |
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Hello to all fellow brachymetatarsia sufferers!! (My God it actually has a name!)
I cannot believe I found this forum. I never knew this was an actual condition? I have read through so many posts from people sharing how this has affected them, and can relate to them all so much.
I myself have this condition with my left foot only, so does my father (thanks again dad for being so kind and sharing it with me lol) , and my brother has it on both feet!
My foot has been a huge source of stress to me, especially when I entered the teenage years and began to realise it was different to everyone else! My mother would say to me 'be glad you have feet', that would just make me even more upset! She thinks I am ridiculous wanting to get it fixed. She thinks I want it completley for cosmetic reasons...but its deeper than that! This has affected my self confidence so much, I dont think anyone without the condition can fully understand....and I have a feeling all you people that have it are nodding in agreement right about now!
I dont know when Ill be having this surgery, it wont be for another few years anyway, but I will definately be paying Dr.Lee a visit in the future!!
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Hope
Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 5th, 2009 |
| Location: | Denmark |
| Posts: | 37 |
| Mana: | |
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Posted: Sun Jul 5th, 2009 07:18 pm |
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Welcome Pearla
I just made the same discovery as you about a month ago and it's amazing to find out that you are not all alone.
Here you will absolutely only find understanding of the fact that you want surgery done Like you I have it on my left foot only. I am right now in the middle of getting all the details together to find out when I can have the surgery done. As soon as possible! 
Take care!
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Sharkbite
Member
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Posted: Mon Jul 6th, 2009 01:11 am |
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I have lived with Brachymetatarsia (4th digit on both feet is short) my whole life. As many did, I visited several doctors when I was in my early teens. My mother wanted to know why this happened instead of being supportive. To this day, she says with the technology we have, I should get them fixed (I'm 44 years old).
Today, I have an 8 year old daughter and she definately has the same condition on the same toes. I started wearing flip flops when she was about 4 so to her, I don't hide my toes and never did. Her friends have seen our toes and from day one, we called them our special toes. She hasn't complained about them yet. I'm sure the questions and why's will come soon.
I don't know when the foot stops growing but I will definately talk to Dr Lee first with my daughter if/when she starts to feel insecure about it. I'm afraid that's all the advice I have. We haven't hit those preteen/teen years yet. I just remember mine.
Just continue to be supportive and if your serious about the surgery, this might lift her spirits. I would have had the surgery in a heart beat when I was young.
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xmyheart
Member
| Joined: | Wed Aug 5th, 2009 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 1 |
| Mana: | |
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Posted: Wed Aug 5th, 2009 05:09 pm |
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I'm new to this site. I just happened to get online this morning and do some research on my toe. I do this from time to time, once in a blue moon but I never find anything. I even asked my family doctor about it once and he said he had never seen something like that and if it doesn't hurt, then don't worry about it. But I do! It has caused me years of embarrassment. I have it on one foot and didn't always have this. One day I went walking with my brother, when I was 12, cause I was helping him sell raffle tickets for his school. We went door to door for what must have been hours. When I got home later that night, I started experiencing a weird and painful toe cramp! My toe then shrunk! The 4th toe on my right foot. I thought I was the weirdest person on this planet from that point on. My siblings always made fun of my toe that shrunk! I always just laughed along with them, hiding my true embarrassment and sadness. When I was 18, I decided I wasn't going to care anymore. So I wore sandals. It was awesome! But then later on, my friend told me "You have a little toe!" I felt embarrassed and told her the whole story. She was intrigued which made me feel like a freak. From that point on, I went back to hiding my feet. Whenever I go to the pool or the beach I wear swimming shoes. I hate it because I wish I could just walk around barefoot or with cute sandals. I hate that I can't get a pretty pedicure like so many other girls. It's just embarrassing. Up until today, I thought I was the ONLY ONE with this weird problem. I'm not! I wouldn't wish this on anyone but it is just comforting to know that I'm not the only one. I felt so amazed when I found this website! Now it is my dream to get this surgery. I don't care how much it hurts. I don't care if my foot has to be in a cast for months. I just want to be able to look at my feet and smile!
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ontario1
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 14th, 2009 |
| Location: | Ontario Canada |
| Posts: | 78 |
| Mana: | |
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Posted: Sat Aug 8th, 2009 10:42 pm |
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| Welcome to this site xmyheart! Isn't it just the best thing to find out that you aren't the only one with this darned short toe and that something can actually be done to fix it!!
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caribgem
Member
| Joined: | Thu Sep 3rd, 2009 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 1 |
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Posted: Fri Sep 4th, 2009 05:22 am |
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| I am 24 years old and I have brachymetatarsia on both feet. Its hard having to hide my feet all the time because i'm soooo embarassed by them. I find shoe shopping very depressing. Growing up I avoided pool parties, the beach or any activity where my feet would be exposed. Only immediate family, my boy friend and my doctor know about my condition. I don't think I would ever be brave enough to get a pedicure. A few times a year my co-workers and I would have picnics on the beach and I always make sure that i keep my feet buried in the sand to avoid any embarassment. I just know if they found out they would have a fit laughing at me. There was this other girl in my department who had feet like mine and one day she took her shoe off and when the others realised her feet they all fell on the floor laughing at this girl and called other ppl to laugh at her. Weeks after this event occured they were still laughing and giggling. I felt so bad for her and I don't ever want to be teased like that about my feet. I'm so glad I found this site, it made me feel just a tiny bit better about my feet
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xBeckyx
Member
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Posted: Wed Oct 28th, 2009 03:56 pm |
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Hello,
I am 14 years old and live in England. I never knew of anyone else that had the same problem with my feet as I do. But it makes me feel a little less alone when I know other people are going through the same experience.
I never go bare foot in public, and dread PE lessons at school when we have to take our shoes off. Not many people know about my feet as I have always had them covered. I had surgery a couple of years ago to correct my right foot, now it looks almost normal and I am very happy with the result. So I am having surgery again in a couple of months time to correct the other one. I'm a little nervous about it.. But I know it is worth it in the end.
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xBeckyx
Member
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Posted: Wed Oct 28th, 2009 03:56 pm |
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Hello,
I am 14 years old and live in England. I never knew of anyone else that had the same problem with my feet as I do. But it makes me feel a little less alone when I know other people are going through the same experience.
I never go bare foot in public, and dread PE lessons at school when we have to take our shoes off. Not many people know about my feet as I have always had them covered. I had surgery a couple of years ago to correct my right foot, now it looks almost normal and I am very happy with the result. So I am having surgery again in a couple of months time to correct the other one. I'm a little nervous about it.. But I know it is worth it in the end.
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