Hi, a big welcome to the new members, it is interesting to hear your
stories.

I know that depression isn't a symptom of sticklers, however as has
been mentioned, the fact that we go through so much, surgeries,
teasing, pain etc will certainly mean that depressions can happen. I
also feel that unfortunately we can often take our frustrations out
on those closest to us, parents and partners etc, leading to them
feeling bad also, it is a vicious circle. It is easy for us to feel
that we are going mad, friends and family can often regard us as
hypochondriacs..... "how are you?" how on earth do you answer
truthfully? how many times have you answered "fine thank you."

On a lighter note i have good news, i have an appointment to see my
surgeon this month to see about having my hips resurfaced, this is
an alternative to total hip replacement and is ideal for young
active patients. I will let you know how i get on. Recently had a
really minor eye op' which went well but i think there is another
(equally minor) on the cards.... how will i fit all these
appointments into my diary... hehe

For the newbies, I was born in 1967 with cleft palate and pierre
robin, i have worn glasses since i was 1 (contact lens from 11 -
life changing!, my retinas have both detached and i also have
strabismus and astigmatism. My sight is -17.5 in my good eye, am
registered as partially sighted and so cannot drive, but i do love
horse riding (especially my pony.) My hearing is pretty good
(hurrah) - very slight loss but nothing to complain about. My joints
are very achey, the hips being worst affected (not good for riding) -
hence why i want the resurfacing. I love walking and riding and
want to get back to my fairly active lifestyle, i feel like life is
on hold at the moment and i am in limbo. But lets hope they will
sort me out. Incidently as a child i was always active and slim yet
absolutely rubbish at sports like running etc... my Dad started me
riding at about 3, i didn't need to see well for that, and i know it
kept me very fit.

Well you are very brave (or bored) if you have managed reading this
far.

Take care and hope to meet some of you soon, perhaps we could meet
in chat sometime?

love
Jane - UK
xxx