Those braces are how I get around and we jokingly refer to them as my “legs”.
The left one is my “Practical Leg”
The middle one is my “Athletic Leg”
The right one is my “Get Funky Leg”
I have mentioned it briefly before, but I have been paralyzed twice in my life and the doctors still can’t figure out why.
The second paralysis was 12 years ago.
It was very severe and I ended up in a wheelchair for a long time, so I am extremely grateful to only have to use my braces to get around.
There are days where I hate my legs and hate the way they look. Sometimes I even have dreams where I can run, jump, and do normal things.
Then, I wake up and realize I can’t, but I am slowly getting used to it. I am coming to terms with my new reality.
Rarely, I show my legs in pictures and I figured that was a step towards being okay with myself.
So, here are my legs.
The right leg is still extremely atrophied and it is permanently paralyzed.
Here I am…
showing off my “athletic leg”.
A few more tidbits about me that you may not know:
*I have to drive the car with my left foot and I have a special gas pedal installed to make it possible.
*While sewing, I also have to use my left foot on the pedal.
*It is very hard for me to find shoes that work with my brace. I also have to buy two different sizes…. My left foot needs a size 6 and my right foot with the brace needs a size 7. Shoe shopping gets VERY expensive.
*I haven’t been able to wear regular flip flops since 1999.
*It is very hard for me to find shoes that work with my brace. I also have to buy two different sizes…. My left foot needs a size 6 and my right foot with the brace needs a size 7. Shoe shopping gets VERY expensive.
*I haven’t been able to wear regular flip flops since 1999.
*I can’t run or climb very well, but I can jump on a trampoline like no one else can.
Hayley
Hayley Crouse is a wife, mother and multifaceted designer. Her love of sewing, crafting, cooking and interior design infuses her daily life and naturally spills over into her online presence. She pushes the envelope of her creativity and hopes that others will be inspired to do the same. She currently authors the Welcome to the Mouse House Blog, is the pattern designer behind Mouse House Creations and is a collaborative designer with Willow & Co. Patterns.
Latest posts by Hayley (see all)
- Music Room: Home Tour - January 11, 2019
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- Susie Halter Top and Shorts: Project Run and Play - July 18, 2018
Way to use your blog as a platform for something others struggle with, as well! I have a friend that was born with a condition that makes her legs looks much like yours (shape and asymmetry) and I love that you posted about your story. Shows others that you just never know what another person has dealt/deals with.
really surprised to know that you are someone who is in any way at a disadvantage, seeing your work on PR&P leaves me even more amazed at you. You should be super proud of yourself cause i’m proud& i’ve never met you! good luck in the contest & with everything.<3
I would have never guessed, but I am new to your blog (and I love your blog, btw! I think I found it on a BBC blog post in the bargain area)… Anyway, those ‘legs’ are very stylish, and you have so many awesome hobbies (decorating, sewing, etc.) that you are someone everyone wants to have a little of in themselves! Way to go, always be proud of yourself!
Hayley you are inspiring and beautiful. I wish for your sake that there was more that could be done so that you could never be in that position-but look at how many amazing things you do on a daily basis! You can do so many things and this is just one small part of what makes you unique. You are so talented and funny and kind. There should be more people like you in the world
I’m so sorry you have to deal with that but I think your legs and braces are awesomesauce! High five and a hug for being so brave and putting it all out there. You’re beautiful inside and out!
KK
Wiggles and I send you love and hugs.
I had severe nerve damage from the birth of my first baby three years ago. I had to wear an AFO brace for the drop foot for over a year. I hated it!! Not being able to wear flip flops sucks. I’m still not fully healed, but I don’t have to wear the brace anymore. I wish I had had cool ones like you. Oh, and my drop foot leg’s calf is still smaller than the other. :/
You’re an inspiration, Hayley! You make me realize I don’t have as many excuses as I’d like to think, the things you’re able to accomplish are incredible. And your legs are as cute as the rest of you.
Like others have said before me you are quite talented, funny and inspirational! And all that much more so knowing that you have these health issues to deal with. I have personal experience with autoimmune disease so I can definitely empathize with you a little in that respect. Anyway, just wanted to say keep on doing what you’re doing! You make me want to get in gear and do more things! haha
I always love this about your blog Hayley!
I love that you put your legs out there! I really think that over the next generation or so we are going to learn a lot more about autoimmune conditions . Was your paralysis Guillaine-Barre related?Good luck on PRP – I loved your celebrity icon pieces!
I am a new follower to your blog through Project Run and Play. I also have a daughter named Ainsley that is almost 6, and I always get so excited when someone else has the same name as it is not very common. I think you are incredibly talented and unusually don’t comment on blogs often at all but had to tell you that if you buy shoes through Norstroms they will let you buy a pair even if they are different sizes without having to buy two pairs of shoes. My sister in laws dad was born with a club foot and wears two different sizes and he always buys his shoes through them because they are so accommodating. You are amazing, thanks for sharing you’re legs!
Hayley,
You are such an inspiration! You are beautiful, strong, and I am so glad I’ve gotten to know you.
You. Are. Amazing!!!
Good Luck with PR&P!
designdreamer