Comments on: What the Guys I Date Don’t Know http://carlasosenko.com/2009/05/31/what-the-guys-i-date-dont-know/ The official site of writer Carla Sosenko Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:44:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Daniela http://carlasosenko.com/2009/05/31/what-the-guys-i-date-dont-know/#comment-515 Daniela Tue, 18 May 2010 11:54:28 +0000 http://carlasosenko.com/?p=301#comment-515 Hello, I too have a KTS. I have 26 years old and when I born I have this problem. Is difficult for me don't wear clothes like other girl. Sometimes I think that this is a horrible disease. But I have a good boyfriend that love me with my problem, you know my red leg and you accept this. I think is difficult for other person don't watch my different leg but sometimes my friends tell me "It's no much different", but I know that is not the truth but I appreciate their loveable opinion. Thanks to write this article, I'm happy to know that other person are in my situation. A big hug to all. Sorry for my English, I'm Italian and I don't write well on English. Hello, I too have a KTS. I have 26 years old and when I born I have this problem.
Is difficult for me don’t wear clothes like other girl. Sometimes I think that this is a horrible disease. But I have a good boyfriend that love me with my problem, you know my red leg and you accept this. I think is difficult for other person don’t watch my different leg but sometimes my friends tell me “It’s no much different”, but I know that is not the truth but I appreciate their loveable opinion.

Thanks to write this article, I’m happy to know that other person are in my situation.

A big hug to all. Sorry for my English, I’m Italian and I don’t write well on English.

]]> By: Karen http://carlasosenko.com/2009/05/31/what-the-guys-i-date-dont-know/#comment-463 Karen Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:11:08 +0000 http://carlasosenko.com/?p=301#comment-463 I too was born with KTS- undiagnosed until age 19. I think your piece was wonderful. I had similar feelings to you when dating but I have grown to accept the body God gave me and I have a gorgeous husband, a job I love, a supportive family and wonderful friends---I sometimes forget I have the syndrome at all!!! I would encourage everyone with KTS to give themselves time and space to accept their own body and work through the negative feelings- especially during those body conscious teenage years. I too was born with KTS- undiagnosed until age 19. I think your piece was wonderful. I had similar feelings to you when dating but I have grown to accept the body God gave me and I have a gorgeous husband, a job I love, a supportive family and wonderful friends—I sometimes forget I have the syndrome at all!!! I would encourage everyone with KTS to give themselves time and space to accept their own body and work through the negative feelings- especially during those body conscious teenage years.

]]> By: Stacey http://carlasosenko.com/2009/05/31/what-the-guys-i-date-dont-know/#comment-232 Stacey Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:07:28 +0000 http://carlasosenko.com/?p=301#comment-232 I was diagnosed with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome when I was 11 months old. At that time there were only approximately 140 cases diagnosed in the world. I always thought I was the only one that had to go through this and of course no one else really understands what it's like. My left leg is bigger than my right, my right arm is bigger than my left, my back is slightly curved to the left and I have many birth marks all over my body. As a child doctors would ask my parents to leave the room so they could ask if they were bruises and the nurse at school always thought I had scoliosis. Those are still questions I get asked today. My mom was at a doctors office and came across your article and couldn't wait to show me. My dad read it and said, "Wow Stace I'm so glad you got over it." He still doesn't understand that everyday starts off with, "Where am I going today and what can I wear so no one stares?" Just like you wrote in your article, I am very lucky because it could absolutely be much worse. As a child the doctors didn't think I'd be able to participate in sports and dancing and they recommended a back brace and potentially removing the growth plate from my leg. I was able to participate in all activities as i grew up with no barriers and I never needed the back brace or the surgery. Sneakers and pants got me through my childhood, although the kilt in private school did a disservice (boys are mean). But I have learned to be honest with my friends and even strangers in the community because the stares and the questions are just curiosity of something that is different. I never really "got over it" like my dad thought, because comments and stares still hurt, but I don't like to live my life hidden every day. It's a part of me and it always will be. I finally introduced myself to flip flops and capri pants about 2 years ago. Dresses and skirts have also become my friends (sometimes) :-) I just want to Thank You for writing this article and showing me that I'm not the only one. I was diagnosed with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome when I was 11 months old. At that time there were only approximately 140 cases diagnosed in the world. I always thought I was the only one that had to go through this and of course no one else really understands what it’s like. My left leg is bigger than my right, my right arm is bigger than my left, my back is slightly curved to the left and I have many birth marks all over my body. As a child doctors would ask my parents to leave the room so they could ask if they were bruises and the nurse at school always thought I had scoliosis. Those are still questions I get asked today. My mom was at a doctors office and came across your article and couldn’t wait to show me. My dad read it and said, “Wow Stace I’m so glad you got over it.” He still doesn’t understand that everyday starts off with, “Where am I going today and what can I wear so no one stares?” Just like you wrote in your article, I am very lucky because it could absolutely be much worse. As a child the doctors didn’t think I’d be able to participate in sports and dancing and they recommended a back brace and potentially removing the growth plate from my leg. I was able to participate in all activities as i grew up with no barriers and I never needed the back brace or the surgery. Sneakers and pants got me through my childhood, although the kilt in private school did a disservice (boys are mean). But I have learned to be honest with my friends and even strangers in the community because the stares and the questions are just curiosity of something that is different. I never really “got over it” like my dad thought, because comments and stares still hurt, but I don’t like to live my life hidden every day. It’s a part of me and it always will be. I finally introduced myself to flip flops and capri pants about 2 years ago. Dresses and skirts have also become my friends (sometimes) :-) I just want to Thank You for writing this article and showing me that I’m not the only one.

]]> By: Maddy http://carlasosenko.com/2009/05/31/what-the-guys-i-date-dont-know/#comment-215 Maddy Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:23:18 +0000 http://carlasosenko.com/?p=301#comment-215 Hi Carla, Like most of the people who have commented on this article, I too have KTS. Life with KTS definitely has its negative aspects and there are so little people who understand what you are going through which can make dating life completely backwards and solitary. As a 19 year old college student who has dealt with the fear of rejection from silly boys and the wonderful ability to hide myself from others with the blessing of pants, it makes life all the harder to raise my head high and let them know that I have this thing that makes me feel like a freak show. Although my KTS is on the very mild spectrum I've been receiving treatments which will make me feel "perfect." Your article has filled me with hope that even laser treatments and schlerotherapy can not provide and I also hope that the treatments leave a little of my KTS behind because with out it I wouldn't be the person I am today. I think you're an amazing person who is beautiful inside and out. Hi Carla,
Like most of the people who have commented on this article, I too have KTS. Life with KTS definitely has its negative aspects and there are so little people who understand what you are going through which can make dating life completely backwards and solitary. As a 19 year old college student who has dealt with the fear of rejection from silly boys and the wonderful ability to hide myself from others with the blessing of pants, it makes life all the harder to raise my head high and let them know that I have this thing that makes me feel like a freak show. Although my KTS is on the very mild spectrum I’ve been receiving treatments which will make me feel “perfect.” Your article has filled me with hope that even laser treatments and schlerotherapy can not provide and I also hope that the treatments leave a little of my KTS behind because with out it I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I think you’re an amazing person who is beautiful inside and out.

]]> By: S http://carlasosenko.com/2009/05/31/what-the-guys-i-date-dont-know/#comment-187 S Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:50:39 +0000 http://carlasosenko.com/?p=301#comment-187 Your article was so familiar. I too have KT and always try to hide the syndrome with clothes. The 'realization' moment eventually occurs and reactions have been crushing. Thanks for the article. Your article was so familiar. I too have KT and always try to hide the syndrome with clothes. The ‘realization’ moment eventually occurs and reactions have been crushing. Thanks for the article.

]]> By: Shauna http://carlasosenko.com/2009/05/31/what-the-guys-i-date-dont-know/#comment-179 Shauna Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:02:19 +0000 http://carlasosenko.com/?p=301#comment-179 What a riveting piece! I admire your confidence and found it refreshing. What a riveting piece! I admire your confidence and found it refreshing.

]]> By: Robin http://carlasosenko.com/2009/05/31/what-the-guys-i-date-dont-know/#comment-173 Robin Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:26:39 +0000 http://carlasosenko.com/?p=301#comment-173 Hi Carla, I don't know if you remember me but I was friends with your friend Daniella in college and we've met before. I was just reading Marie Claire and realized that you were the girl whose article I was reading! I think you are great and that it is a good decision to go public. You are probably going to help a lot of girls out there. Also, when we teens, we want to look just like everyone else. When you become an adult and have a career you love, great friends, a cool apartment, you realize that the shape of your body is not the most defining thing in your life. It doesn't matter if some guys don't like you because there are lots of guys who would love to date you! I think you have come to the same place in your life as me, where you realize you are more than your condition and that you are worthy of love for all of your good qualities. I would say, go date guys, get to know them. If you hook up with them and they don't understand, then just explain it to them. When I read the article I was really happy for you because it sounds like you've found a level of self love and self acceptance that most girls could use! Can't wait for your book to come out :) Hi Carla,

I don’t know if you remember me but I was friends with your friend Daniella in college and we’ve met before. I was just reading Marie Claire and realized that you were the girl whose article I was reading!

I think you are great and that it is a good decision to go public. You are probably going to help a lot of girls out there. Also, when we teens, we want to look just like everyone else. When you become an adult and have a career you love, great friends, a cool apartment, you realize that the shape of your body is not the most defining thing in your life.

It doesn’t matter if some guys don’t like you because there are lots of guys who would love to date you! I think you have come to the same place in your life as me, where you realize you are more than your condition and that you are worthy of love for all of your good qualities.

I would say, go date guys, get to know them. If you hook up with them and they don’t understand, then just explain it to them. When I read the article I was really happy for you because it sounds like you’ve found a level of self love and self acceptance that most girls could use! Can’t wait for your book to come out :)

]]> By: Lisa http://carlasosenko.com/2009/05/31/what-the-guys-i-date-dont-know/#comment-168 Lisa Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:11:50 +0000 http://carlasosenko.com/?p=301#comment-168 I just wanted to let you now how much your article in Marie Claire resonated with me, and how much I appreciated it. Though I don't have KT, the way you expained living with it and how it affects your dating life and relationships, I can totally relate. My very first boyfriend gave me Herpes when I was 18 years old, and for the past 15 years, I feel like I have been trying to "handle" it. What I mean is, explaining it to potential partners, dealing with the possible (and sometimes eventual) rejection, etc. I find too that when I first begin dating someone, and they are pretty much falling all over me, I hold back, because I am thinking in the back of mind..."wait til you hear about this...you'll be changing your tune buddy." So, I just want to say it was nice to hear other women are dealing with similar situations, despite very different circumstances. I just wanted to let you now how much your article in Marie Claire resonated with me, and how much I appreciated it. Though I don’t have KT, the way you expained living with it and how it affects your dating life and relationships, I can totally relate. My very first boyfriend gave me Herpes when I was 18 years old, and for the past 15 years, I feel like I have been trying to “handle” it. What I mean is, explaining it to potential partners, dealing with the possible (and sometimes eventual) rejection, etc. I find too that when I first begin dating someone, and they are pretty much falling all over me, I hold back, because I am thinking in the back of mind…”wait til you hear about this…you’ll be changing your tune buddy.” So, I just want to say it was nice to hear other women are dealing with similar situations, despite very different circumstances.

]]> By: JV http://carlasosenko.com/2009/05/31/what-the-guys-i-date-dont-know/#comment-157 JV Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:58:06 +0000 http://carlasosenko.com/?p=301#comment-157 THIS ONLY BECOMES A PROBLEM when you don’t mention it in advance and try to hide it on your first date. Stop that! What, are you afraid guys are going to fetish your deformities? You have to stop projecting your issues onto the men, most of whom don’t care. But I guess the dating culture in New York, or wherever you live, won’t help. Brr. The main thing that stays with me after reading is a feeling that your whole situation is screwed up (I don’t mean physically) and I’m glad I have a normal social life and meet people in a normal situations. THIS ONLY BECOMES A PROBLEM when you don’t mention it in advance and try to hide it on your first date. Stop that! What, are you afraid guys are going to fetish your deformities? You have to stop projecting your issues onto the men, most of whom don’t care.

But I guess the dating culture in New York, or wherever you live, won’t help. Brr. The main thing that stays with me after reading is a feeling that your whole situation is screwed up (I don’t mean physically) and I’m glad I have a normal social life and meet people in a normal situations.

]]> By: Ryann http://carlasosenko.com/2009/05/31/what-the-guys-i-date-dont-know/#comment-156 Ryann Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:21:18 +0000 http://carlasosenko.com/?p=301#comment-156 Hi all! I also have KT. For those who do not have it, some background facts are helpful. KT is very rare! (Maybe 1,500 cases worldwide.) Most adults with KT grew up being stigmatized and photographed by medical professionals. It's such an unusual childhood. While I've gotten plenty of positive feedback about my looks over the years, having pictures of my deformity taken by doctors really harmed me. I don't think people with KT come to see themselves as sexually desirable in quite the same way that other women do as they go through puberty. Further, puberty causes a lot of pain for people with KT. Those years between 11 and 18 are more painful and scary than they are exciting. I think you see reverbations of that in adult KT patients. Carla- I liked your article! I'm so glad that the internet has made it possible for people with this rare condition to have contact:) Incidentally, I have a great radiologist who has helped me a lot. Please let me know if you would like his contact info! Hi all!

I also have KT. For those who do not have it, some background facts are helpful. KT is very rare! (Maybe 1,500 cases worldwide.) Most adults with KT grew up being stigmatized and photographed by medical professionals. It’s such an unusual childhood.

While I’ve gotten plenty of positive feedback about my looks over the years, having pictures of my deformity taken by doctors really harmed me. I don’t think people with KT come to see themselves as sexually desirable in quite the same way that other women do as they go through puberty. Further, puberty causes a lot of pain for people with KT. Those years between 11 and 18 are more painful and scary than they are exciting. I think you see reverbations of that in adult KT patients.

Carla- I liked your article! I’m so glad that the internet has made it possible for people with this rare condition to have contact:) Incidentally, I have a great radiologist who has helped me a lot. Please let me know if you would like his contact info!

]]>