NO SWEETHEART IT IS NOT EASIER GIVING UP. No the doctor is not crazy you do have to stretch it like that to excruciating pain every day. Best way to do it is to weight bear it or get someone with no mercy to help (I'll send my son over). The good part is the pain is temporary until your muscles stretch back to size. Once they do you'll be able to move your arm and hand pretty easily and if you keep up with your injections they won't shrink so it won't tighten up again. In addition to the painful stretching, as you're sitting watching TV, relaxing, whatever get in the habit of playing with it with your other hand by stretching it open. Before you know it you'll be amazed, you'll be relaxed and you're hand will just stay open.
Now you want to be a real girl Pinochiette ~ shoes hmmm ~ that's a little tougher. but not impossible!
Check out http://www.footsolutions.com/womensshoes.aspx
Here are a few that should be near you: http://stores.footsolutions.com/zip-locate-results.php
They're not Jimmy Choo's, but they have Oh!'s and some other pretty stylish nice ones. They are familiar with these type issues and will fit your very specific needs like if you have claw toes and an AFO.
Acceptance is not necessarily settling and giving up, it is more being happy with and liking who you are.
You are a beautiful, accomplished young woman with great will and spirit admired by many, don't define yourself by an arm and leg. You are so much more.
Love,
Maria :mwah: