I too was born with bilateral tilapes and I am thinking about going back to nursing school. Chronic Foot pain is one of the causes of me leaving the field before. It's inspiring to see that they're other people who have the same problems as I do. Instead of giving in and doing what was "adviseable" you show strength and perseverance and are doing the "Inadvisable" and following your hearts!! Maybe we're hard-headed, or stupid or love pain...or all of the above! I'm soo glad that I'm not alone! By the way, Invest in MION Shoes they are MIRACULOUS I am able to stand longer in them without so much pain as quickly as other brand shoes!